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

START TIME AND MEETING PLACES: This week, August 23, 2007, we will be meeting at 6:00PM at the parking area across from the State Police Barracks. We will be carpooling over to the starting point further down the road since there are not that many spaces where we will be beginning. Remember, there are rattlesnakes in the Blue Hills and some have been seen recently, albeit not in the area we are going to be in. So, please keep an eye about you. Jim Plouffe

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 ;-)