RED ------ the BLUE ^^^^’s

RED LINING the BLUE HILLs

DATE: Thursday, April 16 , 2009

TIME: 6:00 PM (Please be there earlier to sign in)

TRAILHEAD: Brookwood Farm (just west of where we parked last week)

TONIGHT'S LEADERS: Cheryl Lathrop, Joe Keogh

TONIGHT'S VOLUNTEERS: Maureen Kelly (cartographer), Ellen Correia (sign-in), Linda Glynn (registrar)

TONIGHT'S CO-LEADER(S):

TONIGHT's HIKE: We will be hiking the E-shaped trails at the farm (which is part of the Blue Hills Reservation). Then we'll go across the street and do the Accord Trail out to the Blue Hill Ski Area. No, we won't be climbing Great Blue — not this week anyway. But, get your hiking legs on cuz after a couple weeks warm up, we'll be adding some hills! (Yes, we'll again be going slow and easy as folks get used to hiking again., and as newbies learn to hike.)

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: EXIT 3. BROOKWOOD FARM. PARK IN LOT JUST INSIDE ENTRANCE.

From the South and North:

Take route 93 to exist 2B/138N, Milton. Take a right at the 1st light onto Blue Hill River Rd. Go 1/4 of a mile and Brookwood Farm will be on your right, just before an old red house. Turn into the driveway and park in the lot on the right.

From Boston:

Take route 28 South (Blue Hill Ave.) through Mattapan Square. Continue on Rt. 28 South (Blue Hill Parkway) for approximately 3.5 miles. Pass Houghton's Pond on your left. Go through the stop sign and continue for approximately 1/3 mile. The entrance to the farm will be on your left just after an old red house. Turn into the driveway and park in the lot on the right.

JUST DOWN THE STREET FROM LAST WEEK'S PARKING. SEE PARKING MAP BELOW.

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In the Blue Hills, it's not mandatory to have 'official' hiking clothing and equipment. 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.

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: www.amcsem.org/RLBHWS/index.htm

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Any questions, please call or email.

Leader, Cheryl Lathrop: 508-254-0709 (cell), cheryl4698@verizon.net

Leader, Joe Keogh: 508-542-0665 (cell), jpkeo24@gmail.com

REGISTRAR: Linda Glynn, lg1710@110.net, 508-496-4009

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What to bring:

Hiking boots or sturdy tie shoes

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.

Trash bag: to pick up trash. Hook to outside of your pack.

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