Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Time: Leave promptly at 6:00 pm (Please be there earlier to sign in)
Trailhead: Houghton's Pond Visitor Center (exit 3) [PARK OUTSIDE THE GATE]
Tonight's Co-leader: Sui-wen
Tonight's Volunteers: Maureen Kelly (cartographer), Ellen Correia (sign-in, attendance), Linda Glynn (registrar, screening), Sue Salmon (Social Coordinator), Jerry Yos (sweep)
Tonight's Official AMC Leaders: Cheryl Lathrop, Joe Keogh
Tonight's Hike: The north/south skyline loop (see map below). The Skyline Trail is steep and rocky, but we will go slow. Wear sturdy tie shoes and bring your poles -- plus enough water and snacks to get you through. Also do not forget your flashlight as we may finish close to dark.
Directions to Trailhead: I93/128 to Exit 3, Blue Hill River Rd. Turn right onto
PLEASE NOTE THAT NOW THAT THE SUN IS SETTING LATER IN THE EVENING, OUR HIKES ARE ALSO GOING TO ALSO EXTEND BEYOND 8 PM
NOTE: If you are interested in becoming a leader, please let us know and we will train you as a co-leader!
What to Bring:
REQUIRED ITEMS
- Hiking Boots or sturdy tie shoes Required.
- Rain Coat/Jacket Required: Please bring it every week, if only to appease the sun gods
- Water Required: At least one Quart. Hiking works up a thirst, and dehydration is a major source of hiking problems. Staying hydrated during hikes helps you feel better the next day.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Required: The end of the hikes are frequently in the dark.
RECOMMENDED ITEMS
- Insect repellent: Recommended. Ticks, mosquitos, etc.
- Hiking poles Recommended. Saves your knees, better balance for stream crossings, etc.
- First Aid Kit: Leaders carry a group first aid kit in case of injury, however all hikers should always bring Band-Aids, moleskin, personal medication that may be needed during a hike.
- Toilet paper: There are no rest areas in the woods.
- Snacks for during the hike.
Risks: Rattlesnakes, ticks, EEE, West Nile, breaking your ankle, poking a stick in your eye, heart attacks, etc. There are also balancing benefits, like exercise and the fellowship of other hikers. That's not to mention the simple pleasure of walking in the woods! The balance point varies for each person. It is your choice.
General Notes:
- No dogs are permitted on these trips.
- Cell phones: May be brought but must be turned off during the hikes
- We will hike 'together'. Please plan to complete the hike with us. Light rain will not cancel the hikes. Under severe weather conditions ( if it starts pouring) we, as a group, will decide to continue or head back. We will take a "separation break" at 7:00 pm.
- Thunderstorms/ Lightning will cancel or shorten the trips! As will Tornadoes!!
- Anyone with a medical condition (asthma inhaler, epipen, etc.) please inform the leader.
- Non-AMC members are permitted and encouraged to attend our hikes. ( hopefully having fun with us will encourage them/you to join.
- If you would like to bring a friend, whom you know to have experience, the proper equipment, etc., please have them register with our registrar, Linda. This is a show-n-go hike, but only after you are screened and registered.
- There are rattlesnakes and copperheads within the Blue Hills. Rare, but they do exist. If you are concerned about this, please ask now, not when we meet one on the trail!
Leader: Cheryl Lathrop: 508-254-0709 (cell), cheryl4698@verizon.net
Leader: Joe Keogh : 508-542-0665 (cell), jpkeo24@gmail.com
Registrar: Linda Glynn; 508-496-4009, lg1710@110.net (screens & signs up new people)
