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Boy, what a difference a week makes.  We finally got some snow and it was nice and cold(31F) to keep the snow crisp and dry. There was not enough snow to break out the snow-shoes but definitely enough to have to wear micro-spikes. The thing that amazes me the most is the Chipper attitude of the participants.  We are not called Crazy New-Englanders (or the Crazy Yanks) for nothing!!!  Yes, there is Covid and yes we all have our own problems but we are always willing to head out into the woods for a good walk with friends, in-spite of the frigid weather. 

 

  We split the group into a fast and faster group.  We took a different route than the last class. The participants were asking for a more challenging hike than the usual wide and level paths we take (See the route map at this link...). This is one of the reasons we chose The Harold Parker State Forest as our venue for Nordic Walking Hikes.  There is a terrain for every mood and every skill level.  Even though it was icy in many places, we all did very well on some challenging back-country terrain.  The fast group did 1.67mi in 58mins whereas the faster group did 1.74mi in 1hr8mins.  Given the challenging terrain and icy conditions in many spots the group maintained a great pace of 41min/mi.  Excellent work!!

 

  As always the scenes and views at various points along the hike were gorgeous.  The conversations were robust and with such a diverse group, there is always some good ol'fashioned New England Ribbing :)...

 

Update 1/15/2022:

  On 1/13, I was only able to capture the Track for the group I was in. So Denise and I braved the -29F Windchill to hike the path taken by the second group.  I was a lot more icy than on the 13th. But with the microspikes it was a piece of cake.  The one attribute of Harold Parker one can always count on is that it is a beautiful reservation. There is something for everyone.

 

  See you all in the next class...

 

Update 1/17/2022:

  One of the participants shared the following Track, measured by the device they used.  I am putting it up here for comparison purposes. I will try and get more details about their device and post it here.

 

  In case you were wondering, here is what we use to guage the local weather.  Yes, this weather station is owned by our very own, one and only Richard Davis... 

 

Girish.

 

First 2022 Hike, Second Class!!! <<< This was the route taken by the fast group...

First 2022 Hike, Second Class, Route 2!!!  <<< This was the route taken by the faster group...

First 2022 Hike, Second Class, Route 2 as measured by another device!!!  <<< Same as route taken by the faster group...

RAD's Weather Station for Local Weather forecasts