RED ------ the BLUE ^^^^’s

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

DATE: Sunday, October 5, 2008

TIME: 10:00 am (bring lunch)

TRAILHEAD: End of Royal Street (park head in)

TONIGHT'S LEADERS: Cheryl Lathrop, Joe Keogh

TONIGHT'S CO-LEADER(S): Walt Granda (508-971-6444)

TODAY's HIKE: Fowl Meadow (all).

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: END OF ROYAL ST. Take exit 2, rt. 138 North from Rt. 128. At the second set of lights (just after the interchange with 128), turn left onto Royal St. and follow to the end. Park at the cul de sac. (Please park head in, or head out, to allow room for all the cars.) (See your Blue Hills map if in doubt.).

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SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR TODAY:

No registration; just show up as on Thursday nights.

Bring your lunch!

We'll be doing light/minimal trail work this time so we can do all the trails! Attach a trash bag(s) to the back of your pack (so your neighbors can fill it and so you don't have to carry it.) We'll pick up trash along the way. Bring work gloves as we'll throw sticks outta the way (or just kick them outta the way). And, if you have some, toss your clippers or folding saw in your pocket, and we'll remove any offending branches. But, nothing heavy or dirty. And, if you don't wanna work, you can just hike!

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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