RED ------ the BLUE ^^^^’s

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

DATE: Thursday, October 2, 2008

TIME: 5:30 PM

TRAILHEAD: Chickatawbut Bottom of Hill (not the Overlook!)

TONIGHT'S LEADERS: Cheryl Lathrop, Joe Keogh

TONIGHT'S CO-LEADER(S): Maureen Kelly (617-943-4288 cell)

TONIGHT's HIKE: We will be hiking trails around: 3092, 3122, 3121 (Any tricky/narrow trails will be done in daylight; all twilight/dark trails will be wide, safe, and/or marked well — at least that's the plan!)

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: EXIT 5, CHICKATAWBUT BOTTOM-OF-HILL. Route 93. Take exit 5, Route 28 north. This is a small parking lot at the intersection of 28 and Chickatawbut Road (at the light). It is NOT the large one at the top of the hill. (This intersection can also be reached by coming east or west over Chickatawbut Road.) We can park small cars double deep. Beware of the no parking fire lane signs! If there is not enough parking, stop by and tell us you are here, then proceed up the hill to the large Overlook parking lot. We will drive up and fetch everyone and bring them down.

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In the Blue Hills, it's not mandatory to have 'official' hiking clothing and equipment, unless you're training for White Mountains hikes. However, headlamps/flashlights are mandatory, as we frequently complete hikes in the dark. Water and raincoats are mandatory as well. Please pay attention to the *1 Quart Minimum* of water. Some don’t drink much, but it's best to carry more and not need it, than not carry enough and need it.

NOTE: If you're interested in becoming a leader, please let us know and we’ll train you as a co-leader! Also, if you just want to take on a little more responsibility, without becoming a leader, please let us know when you'd like to plan a hike loop!

COMPLETION MAPS ARE ON OUR 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 or sturdy tie shoes required

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

Water required: At least 1 quart. Hiking works up a thirst. And dehydration is a major source of hiking problems. Staying hydrated during the hikes helps you feel better the next day.

Headlamp or flashlight required: The end of the hikes are sometimes in the dark. You'll need one!

First Aid kit: Leaders carry a group first aid kit in case of injury, however participants should always bring Band-Aids, moleskin, Advil/Motrin, etc. that may be needed during a hike.

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

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

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’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! As will tornadoes!

5) Anyone with medical conditions (asthma inhaler, epipen, etc.) please inform the leader.

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 us know a few days before the hike.

8) 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! J