Leaders: Ron Altemus& Joan Oppel
Members: Denny Miller, Walt Roscello, Joan Oppel, Darrell Meyer, Chapman family descendant, Janell Saunders, Harry Kidd, Steve Palincsar, Steve Perakis on the front steps of Mt Aventine
Route: from Indian Head Village Green, we used Strauss, Lower Wharf, MD-210, and Chapman's Landing to journey to Mt Aventine. Retracing to Lower Wharf, Hawthorne and Chicamuxen took us over to Smallwood Park. Final leg retraced on Chicamuxen/Hawthorne to the IHRT and then back to the start.
Weather: another "not as advertised" kind of day - dense fog finally lifting to full overcast, temp range of only 50-52, slight breezes from some direction.
AMS: low 11s
Mechanicals/Mishaps: Darrell incurred two (2) punctures riding across a field at Smallwood's Retreat. As he was using tubeless tires, the sealant worked and he was able to complete the ride without any problem.
Report: the aforementioned dense fog was exceptionally bad on the drive down to the Village Green. Just south of Bryan's Road on MD-210, visibility was practically nothing. Though it hadn't lifted by the time we started riding, we encountered little traffic on Strauss, and the crossover of 210 to Chapman's was accomplished without incident.
The open house at Mt Aventine was graced with the presence of a descendant of the Chapman family. His great grandfather was the last family member to own the property. We were able to tour the house, parts of which reflect the various years of construction and previous owners. In 1954, a Hungarian princess purchased the property and the kitchen was outfitted with metal cabinets and a GE "Automatic Dishwasher." Other areas of the house retained their colonial charm. Refreshments included coffee and hot chocolate, fruit, muffins, and plenty of cookies.
The fog had mostly lifted by the time we headed over to Smallwood's Retreat and our travels were uneventful. The "Colonial Christmas" events included a Revolutionary War encampment with demonstrations, candle and wreath making opportunities, caroling, and tours of the house. We were treated to hot (really hot) apple cider and more cookies.
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Darrell participates in the candle making process
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Walt and Janell receive instruction in flintlock muskets (Harry in the background)
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Steve Palincsar ponders getting a shave 18th Century style
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Steve Perakis visits the grave site of General Smallwood
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When entering Smallwood Park, we noticed signage indicating that the Mattawoman Art Center was also hosting a holiday celebration. A number of us added a visit there to our itinerary while Harry led those with time constraints back to the Village Green. The Art Center had a juried exhibit of local middle school artists, all showing artistic talent. And of course there were more cookies and apple cider.
It was most enjoyable having a ride that was planned for extended stops to enjoy and participate in the festivities being offered. Everyone had a good time.
