RED ------ the BLUE ^^^^’s

RED (Or Blue Lining for some people) ------ the BLUE ^^^^’s

DATE: Thursday, July 3, 2008

TIME: 6:00 PM

WHERE: Shea Rink

TONIGHT'S LEADERS: Cheryl Lathrop, Jerry Yos (Jim's away on vacation)

TONIGHT'S CO-LEADERS: Holly Makowsky, Walt Granda

TONIGHT's HIKE: We'll be doing the well-marked green dot trail loop from Shea Rink. Hiking time will be 2 hrs. Some of us have Night-Before-Fourth fireworks to go to at 9:00, and can't get lost or bushwhack tonight! [Night-Before-Fourth fireworks at 9:00 in Walpole center, 1A&27, if you're interested.]

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: From Rt. 93 take exit 6 (The South Shore Mall exit) north on Willard Street (away from the mall.) Proceed 3/4 mile to Shea (indoor ice skating) Rink on the left. (There is a set of lights, and large parking lot.) The trail starts at the left front corner of the parking lot. This is the eastern extreme of the Blue Hills. (Upper right part of your maps)

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In the Blue Hills, it is not mandatory to have every type of hiking clothing and equipment in the world unless you would like to train for the White Mountains overnight hikes, however, headlamps are a must. The regulars know why. Water and rain coats are a must as well. Please make sure you have these items and please pay attention to the *1 Quart Minimum* of water. I know some of us don’t drink that much, but I would rather you carry more and not drink it than not having enough and needing it.

NOTE: I’m interested in getting some of you, who are interested in becoming leaders, into a more pro-active roll. Please let me know if this is you and I’ll sign you up as a co-leader.

COMPLETION MAPS ARE ON THE WEBSITE: http://home.comcast.net/~hike_with_bob_v/

(This website works best with Internet Explorer.)

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What to bring:

- Hiking boots

- Rain Coat required (Please bring it every week, if only to appease the sun gods)

- Water. At least 1 quart. Hiking will work up a thirst. Dehydration is a major source of hiking problems. Staying hydrated during the hikes will also help you feel better the next day.

- Headlamp or flashlight. The nights will be getting longer, but we still sometimes get out in the dark. It’ll be necessary to have one.

- ‘First Aid kit’ I will be carrying a group first aid kit in case of injury, however participants should always bring Band-Aids, moleskin, Motrin and any other such small items as they may typically need during a hike.

- Toilet paper: There are no rest areas in the woods. J

- Cancellation Policy: I plan to hike every Thursday, rain or shine. Fun is where and when you make it! However thunderstorms will cancel, or shorten, the hikes!

- Risks: As discussed previously, there are risks, from rattlesnakes and poison parsnip to deer ticks, EEE, West Nile virus and breaking your ankle, from poking your eye with a branch to heart attacks. 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’s your choice.

- General notes:

1) No dogs are permitted on these trips.

2) Cell phones may be brought, but must be kept turned off during the hikes.

3) 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.

4) Thunderstorms will cancel, or shorten, the trips!

5) Anyone with any medical conditions (asthma and use an inhaler, allergies and carry an Epipen, etc.) please inform me. )

6) Non-AMC members are permitted (encouraged!) to attend. (Hopefully having fun with us will encourage them/you to join. J)

7) If you wish to bring a friend, whom you know to have experience, the proper equipment, etc, just let me know a few days before the hike.

8) There are rattlesnakes and copperheads within the Blue Hills. (They are rare, but they do exist) If you are concerned about this ask me now, not if we meet one on the trail ;-)