Madison Hiking Enthusiasts

COVID RULES - MUST READ: PLEASE do not sign up for this event unless you are SURE that you are attending as the amount of RSVPs may deter others that want to hike but are taking a pass due to COVID-19 concerns. We 100% respect an individual’s choice about attending a group event. If you want to wear a mask and gloves, please do so. For those individuals who are not ready to attend, that's fine but PLEASE do not use the comment board to air your displeasure, feel free to message me personally. I am willing to hear your thoughts but any inappropriate or hostile comments will be an automatic removal from the group. We’ll explore the UW Madison Arboretum, doing about 4-5 miles. Though we do stop periodically to allow everyone to catch up, the group tends to average about 3 mph, so please take that into account when signing up. This hike will take place in the part of the Arboretum on the south side of the belt line. Trail has gentle hills, but if you’ve hiked Indian Lake, this will be nothing. Trail surface is mostly dirt/mud depending on rain. Wear comfy footwear. Bring camera and water if desired. PARKING: Free—in small lot on southeast corner of Seminole Hwy at the Beltline Frontage Road. It’s easy to miss—it’s not paved, but has a gravel surface. There is also street parking in the residential neighborhood on the west side of Seminole Hwy. There is the possibility of going to the main part of the arboretum after for an optional safe picnic for those who desire. Please post in comments if you want to do this. No shared food, please. No facilities at this location. Event may be cross-posted in another group. Please RSVP only once. WINTER: Yak Trax/snow boots maybe necessary; consider wool socks if your feet will get wet, and toe warmers. Conditions may be snow/ice/mud/or normal, depending on recent weather. Hike may take longer. Be prepared! Hike will start promptly 5 minutes after stated time. SAFETY REMINDER: You are responsible for your own safety at all times, including travel to and from the hike. DISCLAIMER: My flip phone does talk and text only[masked]. That means I don’t have internet, and that means I can’t see your comments on this page after I leave home. Looking forward to seeing you!

MAMMOTH HIKE CHALLENGE The Ice Age National Scenic Trail Turns 40! Hike 40 miles on the Ice Age Trail during the month of October 2020 and visit three of our Trail Communities to earn a hiking certificate and a limited-edition patch celebrating the 40th anniversary. https://www.iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hike-challenge/ My heart wants to schedule a 10'ish mile hike on the weekends of the 3rd, 10th, 24th and the 31st, only I have a backpacking trip to the Smokey's scheduled from October 16th - 20th, I'm not sure if I can schedule all group hikes to complete the 40 miles or if I will have to hit the IAT after work some days to personally complete this. To keep the group hikes as safe as practical (in this very interesting 2020). These hikes will be scheduled as out and back - yes, this does count towards the 40 challenge. “...These miles may also include any of the white-blazed loop trails you find along the way. You may count the miles accumulated both ways if you choose to hike out and back on a stretch of Trail.” I will focus primarily on the Southern Kettle Moraine segments of the Ice Age Trail. HIKE #3 DISTANCE: 8.8 miles TIME: 9:00am MEETING LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/zyVMQvDDTqqgQTow8 (this will require a state parks sticker) TURN AROUND POINT: https://goo.gl/maps/znQUepDh7eVX4pkC8 WHAT TO EXPECT: hills, hardwoods, pine plantations, lake and more hills. WHAT TO BRING: your usual hiking kit with plenty of water to reflect the conditions of the day. PLEASE NOTE: You are responsible for your own safety while on this hike. Each participant must know his/her own capabilities and is solely responsible for his/her own safety. Please be courteous of all hikers - both in our group and towards others on the trail. Respect others' on the trail by practicing social distancing. And please respect the start by showing up on time. I will be driving a Grey Subaru Outback and my phone number is[masked]