Indy Hiker

Hey! Im Avalon! Ill be hosting May 3rd
We'll hike 4 miles around Monon Trail and Carmel Central Park. The flat trail goes through woodland, prairie and wetland. There'll be plenty of opportunities for nature observation.

Bring as much coffee as you like, there are good restrooms along the way.

We'll meet in the parking lot (39.92746, -86.13607) at the intersection of 96th St and Monon Trail. Please arrive earlier and get ready by 10:00.
* Dogs are always welcome in our events.
* The attendee limit is 40, due to the limited parking space.

If you have any issues about directions please post a comment and we will help! The hike will start around 10:15.

PURPOSE: whatever you want.
► Running, ambling, nursing a nagging hip, testing new boots/rain gear/snow cleats, heart-rate training, pack questions, hiking questions, running questions, Indiana trail(s) questions, dealing with rain -- OR!!! Simply gliding along in the woods with the fellowship of fellow humans... IT'S ALL GOOD.
► Also, Existential Questions, limited Herpetology, and Small Engine Repair.

RAIN OR SHINE. SLEET & SNOW. LIGHTNESS, DARKNESS, WHATEVER.
► These are all-weather events: we take the trail as it comes.
► We take to the trail at the same time, every week, throughout the year.
► OFF-TRAIL hikes will increase while the foliage is leaf-less.
► Hikes generally run 2mph and 2 HOURS, but are circumstance-responsive.
► A pint/hour of WATER is always a good idea.
► FLASHLIGHTS may be helpful in the winter months.

Ft. Ben Trails (including the asphalt circuit and the sledding hill on those occasions when trails are soaked) are a marvelous training resource. If the trails are gooey, we may hike off-trail or hit the asphalt or the sledding hill. Test your rain gear in inclement weather; test your hydration strategies when it's broiling; test your layering when it's cold.

MEET NEAR THE REDDICK SHELTER at 4:10pm; departure 10 mins later.

HEATED/AC RESTROOMS NEARBY.

PARK ENTRY FEE/PERMIT REQUIRED. If you'd like to arrange a carpool from near the gate (or Jockamo Pizza), saving the $7 State Park fee, post a Comment.

PRE/POST BEER/WINE/PICNICing/PIZZAing: Refueling is just so wonderful! (And for those in the habit, a fine pre-fueling beverage/snack may be shared/enjoyed earlier than 4pm...) in nearby shade, up the sledding hill, and/or perhaps less commonly (as rain or heat suggest) at Jockamo Pizza (or other nearby venue).
► Bring a chair!
► Bring what you have; come as you are.
► Wonderful wines, beers, cheeses and cheeses, fruits and nuts and buttery crackers!!! Specialty salsas, fun breads, pesto(s) -- you get the idea. Perhaps a small grill might appear!
► POST-HIKE almost always, PRE-HIKE mostly On Demand. (Thus, if you wish for this and don't see it in the Event's Comment section, do post a Comment on the Event page!)

RSVPs: Open/Close 9:30am Sundays. Your "Going" RSVP means people will rely upon your presence. As well, Bad Ju-Ju (and a "No Show" flag) befalls those who take up a limited-supply slot after 9:30. Be considerate to your trail companions. Keep your RSVP up-to-date, always.

I've decided to start a series exploring the trails and forests of Hickory Ridge in the HoosierNF. With all the rain and the freeze thaw cycle going on, and all the plants taking a nap, now's a great time to head off trail and explore some areas. We'll meet at the Hickory Ridge Trail 18 parking area located west of Maumee and head off into the woods to go explore some valleys and ridges off the beaten path. This hike will be a rugged one, with climbs up steep hills, down into narrow valleys with creek crossings, and plenty of what did I get myself into thoughts... bring some hiking poles or find a good sturdy stick, plenty of snacks and water or a filter, and gear for the weather.
Pace on these is usually pretty slow, under 2 mph, and usually around 1.5 mph. Depending on conditions, it might only be 6 or 7 miles in length, but possibly around 11 or 12 miles as well. The group will dictate what we do, but leaving early won't really be a good option as the group will need to stay somewhat together since we won't be on actual trails. I will be using some old roads, hitting up the occasional wildlife ponds and some other areas of value along the hike.

PURPOSE: whatever you want.
► Running, ambling, nursing a nagging hip, testing new boots/rain gear/snow cleats, heart-rate training, pack questions, hiking questions, running questions, Indiana trail(s) questions, dealing with rain -- OR!!! Simply gliding along in the woods with the fellowship of fellow humans... IT'S ALL GOOD.
► Also, Existential Questions, limited Herpetology, and Small Engine Repair.

RAIN OR SHINE. SLEET & SNOW. LIGHTNESS, DARKNESS, WHATEVER.
► These are all-weather events: we take the trail as it comes.
► We take to the trail at the same time, every week, throughout the year.
► OFF-TRAIL hikes will increase while the foliage is leaf-less.
► Hikes generally run 2mph and 2 HOURS, but are circumstance-responsive.
► A pint/hour of WATER is always a good idea.
► FLASHLIGHTS may be helpful in the winter months.

Ft. Ben Trails (including the asphalt circuit and the sledding hill on those occasions when trails are soaked) are a marvelous training resource. If the trails are gooey, we may hike off-trail or hit the asphalt or the sledding hill. Test your rain gear in inclement weather; test your hydration strategies when it's broiling; test your layering when it's cold.

MEET NEAR THE REDDICK SHELTER at 4:10pm; departure 10 mins later.

HEATED/AC RESTROOMS NEARBY.

PARK ENTRY FEE/PERMIT REQUIRED. If you'd like to arrange a carpool from near the gate (or Jockamo Pizza), saving the $7 State Park fee, post a Comment.

PRE/POST BEER/WINE/PICNICing/PIZZAing: Refueling is just so wonderful! (And for those in the habit, a fine pre-fueling beverage/snack may be shared/enjoyed earlier than 4pm...) in nearby shade, up the sledding hill, and/or perhaps less commonly (as rain or heat suggest) at Jockamo Pizza (or other nearby venue).
► Bring a chair!
► Bring what you have; come as you are.
► Wonderful wines, beers, cheeses and cheeses, fruits and nuts and buttery crackers!!! Specialty salsas, fun breads, pesto(s) -- you get the idea. Perhaps a small grill might appear!
► POST-HIKE almost always, PRE-HIKE mostly On Demand. (Thus, if you wish for this and don't see it in the Event's Comment section, do post a Comment on the Event page!)

RSVPs: Open/Close 9:30am Sundays. Your "Going" RSVP means people will rely upon your presence. As well, Bad Ju-Ju (and a "No Show" flag) befalls those who take up a limited-supply slot after 9:30. Be considerate to your trail companions. Keep your RSVP up-to-date, always.