HARFORD HOUNDS HEAD SOUTH
ON THREE DAY SPRING RUN

Members of Harford Region gathered in Forest Hill, Maryland early on the morning of Friday, June 1 to begin the 2001 Spring Run.  Each couple received a goodie packet filled with information, goodies, and Hunt Cup questions.  A bevy of drinks and breakfast goodies were spread out for the participants as they arrived. The group left Forest Hill and traveled across the back roads of Harford, Baltimore, and Carroll Counties to Mt. Airy where they stopped for a break at a 50s decorated Burger King.  Also in the parking lot was a group of cars from the Classic Chevy Club on its way to a show in Ocean City. Md. 

Break Stop at 50's Decorated Burger King in Mt. Airy, Md.

The hounds then headed west through Frederick and turned south for Brunswick where they stopped at the Brunswick Railroad Museum.  Here they saw displays on the C&O Canal and Brunswick's history as a major railroad town.  Included is one of the largest railroad layouts on the East Coast that represents the B&O line from Union Station to Brunswick.  The interactive layout utilizes many moving scenery pieces,  including 97 locomotives, 138 passenger cars, and over 500 freight cars.  Leaving Brunswick, the group crossed the Potomac River and headed west for lunch at the Battletown Inn in Berryville, Virginia.   Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch in the historic building that was built in 1809.

Following lunch, the group headed south towards Front Royal and stopped at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Center.   Although most of the fish were already gone for the Spring, members of the hatchery described the job of the facility and the types of fish remaining at the facility.   It was then time to head west to Strasburg where the group checked into the Hotel Strasburg.  Built in the late 1890s, this three story building was first used as a private hospital before becoming a hotel in 1915.  Today it is a wonderful bed and breakfast adorned with antiques and artwork in each room.

After a chance to rest and refresh, the group headed south to Edinburg for a benefit Pig Roast at the Edinburg Mill.   Members feasted on delicious roast pork and barbecued chicken plus bountiful side dishes and desserts.  A talented blue grass band provided entertainment.  The group then headed back to Strasburg for the night.

Saturday morning started with a hearty and delicious breakfast at the hotel.  The group left after breakfast for a scenic tour up the Valley.  The group stopped at the Shenville Creamery in Timberville where they enjoyed homemade ice cream and baked goods.  They then traveled through the beautiful Fort Valley on its return to Strasburg for lunch at the hotel.

Following lunch, the group walked to the Museum of American Presidents to observe one man's collection of authentic artifacts on each American president. Most of the group then walked next door to the Strasburg Antique Emporium on another of the nearby shops.  A delicious dinner was held in an annex building of the hotel.  This was followed by fun and games that included  a woman's and men's raffle.  Later, several members worked off dinner with a walk around town and a gathering on the hotel porch before bedtime.

Sunday started with another outstanding breakfast with time to pack and enjoy the beginning of a beautiful day before starting out on the road.  Around mid-morning, the group began its trek northward.  The first stop was at the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, Va.  The group got to hear the history and see the operation of this historic mill built in the late 1700s as a large scale commercial milling operation.   Rebuilding and restoration of the mill's gear works that operate the 23 foot diameter water wheel and two grinding wheels had finished only two weeks before Harford Region's visit.  Exiting the mill, the group was treated to cold drinks and homemade treats that the Head Hounds had laid out near the parking lot.

Stoney Stonesifer and his 1966 Thunderbird

Intricate Wooden Drive Gears at Burwell-Morgan Mill

The group continued into Maryland with a rest stop in Mt. Airy.  They then made their way to Friendly Farms Restaurant near Hampstead for a family style dinner.  The group gathered outside after dessert for the weekend's closing ceremonies which included presentation of the Early Bird Award, Harford Hunt Cup, and the Hard Luck Award. After the meeting, the members traveled back to Harford County in groups until each turned off towards their homes, thus ending another successful Spring Run.

See more pictures from the 2001 Spring Run here!

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