What we’re about
The southwest suburbs are full of wonderful forest preserves, parks and natural areas. I spend a lot of time walking/hiking in them, and I'm sure there are others of you who are retired, working part-time, between jobs or whatever who like to get some outdoor exercise during the week. Let's get together and do some walking!
We usually hike on Tuesday mornings for 1-2 hours, usually between 3 and 5 miles, at a moderate pace. Coffee or lunch afterwards is often an option. Hikes may also be scheduled on other days of the week, along with occasional longer outings to places further away. We may or may not hike year-round, depending on the severity of the weather.
Dogs are not permitted on this group's hikes, unless a special exception is requested and granted or a special "dog-friendly" hike is announced. Several of the places we frequently hike are nature preserves that don't allow dogs. Also, I think it might slow down the group or cause problems if several people bring dogs. Thanks for your cooperation.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Annual Holiday Brunch and Messenger Marsh hikeMessenger Marsh Dog park, Homer Glen, IL
Join us once again for our annual holiday brunch! Weather permitting, we'll take an easy hike starting promptly at 10 a.m. around the two crushed limestone loop trails in Messenger Marsh east of Bell Rd., about 3 miles. This hike is weather-dependent, watch here for comments if it needs to be canceled due to snow, sleet etc.
Note: this is Messenger MARSH, NOT Messenger Woods! See info and links to directions and trail map at:
Messenger Marsh | Forest Preserve District of Will County (reconnectwithnature.org)If you'd like to extend the hike portion by an extra couple miles, you can come early and go out-and-back on the section of trail west of Bell Road. This would be on your own (unless someone wants to volunteer to lead it), just make sure you're back in the parking lot at 10:00 to join the rest of the group.
Then, let's celebrate the holidays and another year of woods walking! At 11:15 we'll meet for brunch up the street at Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe, 14355 S. Bell Rd, Homer Glen (on Bell just south of 143rd St.). Brunch will happen whether or not we hike so if you'd rather just eat, meet us at the restaurant at 11:15. www.blueberrybreakfastcafe.com
NOTE: I won't be collecting the $1 donation at the hike, but at brunch I plan to "pass the hat" to collect donations toward the deficit from the November annual Meetup payment (now $299/yr - I paid it but didn't have quite enough in the envelope to cover it) and to get a jumpstart on next year's payment. And obviously brunch is on your own. Also, no attendance limit, the more the merrier.
I need to let Blueberry Hill know a couple days ahead how many are coming, so when you rsvp for this meetup, please specify if you are just hiking and NOT attending brunch - otherwise I'll count you in for brunch. I won't "take attendance" at the hike, feel free to just meet at the restaurant if you prefer. Also, rsvp's will close on Sunday evening 12/15.
