WHO CAN GO?

If you consider yourself a pagan or are pagan-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. I personally do not like to bring kids under 10 along, because I am a poop, but since this is an open event, as long as they are with responsible parents and they can handle the hike, they are welcome.

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.

The hike is free, but you need to take care of your transportation and food/drinks.

Parking is available but you can also take the Metro North Railroad. (We always meet at or neat a train stop)

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. Wear comfortable footwear that has some traction. Don't wear anything you don't mind getting dirty and never try out new shoes/boots on a hike.. break them in first.

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 walk into 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 since I will make such a decision by 8:00am..

WHAT ABOUT PAGAN CAMPOUTS?

Hey, I'm game.. if enough people show interest, but keep in mind LakeCircle has camping events from time to time and are more experienced at them if you are looking or a weekend event.

WHAT ABOUT THAT ENCEPHALITIS SCARE?

The problem is centered around the NYC area, particularly Queens. There have been no large number cases of either humans or animals with the virus up where we hike and in 2001 it seems to not have been as bad as the year before. As a precaution anyone venturing outdoors should wear bug repellent.