This hike was billed as an exploratory. We went to the Oyster River trails that our group has hiked many times before. This time we were looking for a way up to Smugglers Ridge that wasn't as steep as the hill that we have climbed the last few times. We were sucessful, finding a pleasant trail between the river and the ridge that led us to an easier ascent. As we started our descent back down to the river we were unnerved by the sound of gun shots that we seemed to be getting closer to. Wearing all available bright jackets and talking more loudly we carried on. We were relieved to see people in a field on the other side of the river apparently shooting at targets.
So we now have a route similar in length to what we have hiked before, but with an easier climb up to the ridge.
Photos by Andrew and Bill.
So we now have a route similar in length to what we have hiked before, but with an easier climb up to the ridge.
Photos by Andrew and Bill.