Ramp picking near Lost Lands, Potomac State Forest

A Garrett County tradition is born. For the last two years, we have had started a tradition of picking ramps, which is basically a (really) smelly wild onion. My late grandfather LOVED them, and I always heard the stories of how he wouldn't be allowed back in the house for at least 2 days after he ate them. They stick with you, basically. Bad. The smell is so strong, that you will even sweat ramps. He used to love to pick a mess of ramps and fry them with potatoes. When he passed away last year, we decided to take some of his beloved ramps to his grave and plant them there. What we planted last year didn't make it through the elements (too much sun, perhaps) and winter weather, so we decided to pick some more. He has a special spot that he showed us near Lost Lands in the Potomac State Forest (family secret) and we went to look for ramps. It was Noah's first ramp trip, and he liked everything about being in the woods and playing in the dirt with a mini shovel. He did not, however, enjoy about the smell. "P-U!" He wouldn't even hold them for picture. So, here are a few shots of the next 3 generations of Ferguson's left to carry on our new ramp picking tradition...until next spring! Also, enjoy some pf the pics of Lost Land Run in the Potomac State Forest:

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

From Mount Zion, Backbone Mountain, Lost Land Run, Ramps!

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

GCSO Responds To Hostage Situation In Pot. State Forest

courtesy Republican News


Sep. 4, 2008

Garrett County sheriff's deputies arrested a Charles County man yesterday after receiving a report of a person in the area of Lost Land Run Road, Potomac State Forest, who had taken multiple persons hostage. The report stated that the suspect had threatened to kill the hostages, while brandishing several pistols and assault-style rifles.
Garrett County Sheriff’s Office deputies received the call at approximately 4:40 p.m. When they arrived near the scene, they learned that the suspect, identified as Christopher Conrad Slough, 38, Indian Head, had fired numerous shots at a vehicle that had fled from the area. Members of the GCSO Special Response Team, in addition to a GCSO hostage negotiator, responded to the immediate scene and located an armed individual threatening himself as well as responding deputies.

Sheriff’s office personnel secured the scene to prevent Potomac State Forest visitors from unknowingly entering the proximity of the armed suspect, as well as to keep the suspect from escaping the area and taking other visitors hostage. The hostage negotiator was able to open an avenue of communications with the suspect, and after nearly two hours of negotiation, the suspect surrendered without further incident.

Deputies recovered a total of 13 weapons and over several hundred rounds of ammunition at the scene. The weapons seized included four semi-automatic assault weapons, one 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, one pump-action rifle, one bolt-action weapon, one large caliber revolver, and five large caliber semi-automatic handguns. A number of these weapons have been identified as having been reported stolen.

Slough was charged with four counts of first degree assault, four counts of reckless endangerment, four counts of second degree assault, and two counts of false imprisonment. The investigation is continuing, and additional charges may be filed.

Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad and Maryland State Police Trooper 3 also responded to the scene.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350