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 Senior Hiking Schedule
Winter 2010
Description: The Tuesday hikes began in 1988 as an “easy walks in the woods”. These 1 to 3 mile, relaxed -pace hikes are geared for folks 50 years and over, and the current median age of the group is probably
closer to 70 or 75, with a respectable number of octogenarian participants. We anticipate someday
soon that a 90 or even 100 year old hiker may show up to walk with the group - some of whom are still
just “kids” in their 60's. We all enjoy the outings, and always welcome guests of all ages.
Schedule: For the winter months, we meet Tuesday mornings at 10:00 AM at the Westerly Parkway Shopping Center (behind First National
Bank) and carpool to the hiking area. We suggest you dress in layers for the weather, and wear sturdy
shoes and an orange vest now that it’s hunting season. Bring drinking water and a snack. We generally
return between 12 noon and 1:00 PM; some hikes are farther away so our return time may vary.
Transportation: Driving is voluntary & car pooling is encouraged: riders are requested to pay the driver a
donation of $1 - $4 depending on the distance.
Sorry, no destinations/ routes were provided for the winter hikes.
For more information, call the Centre Region Senior Center 231-3076.
Many pages have been written about safety in the woods, and tips for leaders. Our short, easy, Senior Hikes don’t
need all of those rules - but letting any group get too lax about safety could lead to trouble someday. With that in
mind, here are some brief rules for keeping our outings ENJOYABLE.
• CARRY. Every hiker should carry his/ her own drinking water, clothing items, and snacks or lunch if
called for. The leader will have a First Aid kit with band-Aids, aspirin, Benadryl, etc. in case of minor
injuries, or problems. Other useful items are bandanas, whistles, and maps. If you have a cell phone,
CARRY IT, and keep it turned on while we are hiking. Share the # with other cell’s in the group.
• TELL the leader or someone if you are making a privacy stop, or leaving the group early. If we don’t know
you are gone, we could lose you or spend time looking for you needlessly.
• TELL. The leader should brief the group about the hike, the planned route, and distance, or difficulty, so
each hiker knows what to expect.
• WAIT. At the trail head, the group should not begin hiking until everyone is READY, with boots and
water, and walking sticks if needed, or bug repellant. Spending a few more seconds at the beginning can
often make the whole hike more comfortable. Those of us who are perpetually last should also make an
effort to prepare ahead and be ready as soon as possible, so we don’t keep the group waiting too long.
• WAIT. The leader should wait at any trail junction or turn. Make sure that everyone in the group is still
following the right path. A group of 10 or more should have an appointed “sweep” to lead from the rear.
A group of 20 or more should have an additional “middle sweep” hiking somewhere between the forefront
and the tail end.
• STOP. A non-stop hike is a march. Stops are what hiking is all about. Look at the flowers. See the view.
Spot the frog. Enjoy the butterfly. Rest your feet. Drink some water. THAT’s a RULE!
• WAIT. Especially in a remote area, when the hike is finished, the leader or one other car will wait to make
sure that the last car has started its engine, and is ready to leave. Even a new car, or one of the passengers,
could have some trouble.
• LEAD. EVERYONE IS A LEADER. You are each responsible for the person behind you. This goes for
the car caravan as well as for the hike. We take care of each other. Enjoy!
c/o J A
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