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: