WHO CAN GO?

If you consider yourself part of the gothic/indistrial scene or are freak-friendly you are welcome to come.

"Children" under 16 should only attend after clearing it with me and require written permission from parent or guardian.

WHO ELSE IS GOING?

Depends.. sometimes we get 10 people, sometimes 2.. I never really know until we meet since people tend to change their mind when they attempt to wake up early, etc.

We meet at a designated area, introduce ourselves and start walking the trail. We may take a few quick breaks for water/snacks and finally stop for lunch before turning back. Most of the trails are near the quaint town of Cold Spring along the hudson river so we have the option of sticking around for some drinks, food, window shopping, etc.

Expect to be back in town by 3:00pm at the latest. Each trail is different but I always find myself back in town by 3.

Let comfort come before fashion.. I tend to wear black jeans, an old t-shirt, old boots and a small jacket incase I get chilly during a break.

It may be better to say what not to wear: good boots that you don't want scuffed, leather/PCV since you will over heat. Chains and other accessories may weigh you down. Makeup will drip down your face.. you will break a sweat!! I know it is a GOTH hike but you should also know looks alone are meaningless. So dress to hike!

Here's a checklist of things to bring:

Essential	Water	At least two 20oz bottles of water. Juice is ok too, but for hiking water is best.
Essential	Lunch	Bring a sandwich or any food easy to carry and clean up after.
Essential	Snacks	Some fruit, nuts or trailmix to hold you over during the hike or for an energy boost.
Essential	Sunscreen	I like to choose shady trails when I can but sunscreen should always be used.
Essential	Knapsack	You'll want to carry your stuff on your back.. trust me!
Essential	Medications	If you are on medication bring it along and make sure I am aware of it in case of emergencies. If you are allergic to bee-stings, etc take along an eppi-pen (how do you spell that??).
Optional	Bug Repelent	I don't get many bug problems unless it has been a wet season.. if bugs annoy you, bring some repelent just incase.
Optional	Extra Shirt/Socks	Some people like to change after the hike so they feel fresh as they walkinto town.
Optional	First Aid Kit	It never hurts to have a few bandages, etc along just incase.

Please Do NOT bring: weapons, drugs or alcolohol... I don't want to have to deal with it.

Smokers probably won't want to hike anyway, but if they do, please keep smoking breaks to a minimum.

Dogs are allowed on most trails but are not recommended during these groups - please discuss with me.

We haven't lost one yet! Of course I take no responsibility if something does happen, but as your host I will stick around to make sure things are taken care of. A little common sense will go a long way.. don't play around on rocks, don't go on an intense hike if you are not in decent shape, etc. I only use trails I am familiar with and since these are day hikes we are not in the woods THAT long.. but accidents can happen so we should all try to be prepared to deal with them.

HOW INTENSIVE IS THIS HIKE?

By default I choose trails that are not too difficult but not boring... expect to break a sweat. If you never hike, you may be a bit sore the next day. For the more adventurous we can also have more intensive hikes as well, but they would be held separate from the more generic goth hikes.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Check website or email l since I will make such a decision by 8:00am..

WHAT ABOUT GOTHIC CAMPOUTS?

Hey, I'm game.. if enough people show interest I can plan for it too!

WHAT ABOUT THAT ENCEPHALITIS SCARE?

The problem is centered around the NYC area, particularly Queens. There have been no cases of either humans or animals with the virus up where we hike. As a precaution anyone venturing outdoors should wear bug repellent.