New Years Day Hike 1-1-11

All the 'ones' in the date for this outing reflect the fact that this outing was #1 to those who attend! Temperatures in the 50s and rain marked this 5 mile hike at Chestnut Ridge Park. Normally we can expect a few hearty people to show up for a hike in the rain. This day 20, yes TWENTY cheery people showed up eager to get moving and get some exercise. We hiked along a mix-match of marked and unmarked trails with a few surprise turns thrown in for those who have hiked the park before. Afterward, we enjoyed a picnic in January at one of the park shelters. The wind was a little brisk at the shelter but one of our members was prepared and she hammered up a blanket and tarp to protect us from the wind. Another person had the great idea to park the SUVs close around the shelter too to act as a windbreak. Geniuses! We had grilled hot dogs over charcoal, kielbasa/sauerkraut, cowboy beans heated on a burner, potato salad, cheese and crackers, grape, etc. There was a LOT of talking and it was very cool that we all became friends when we hardly knew each other before! Got to love it!