- Walking In The Woods

While many folks are dreding the last few weeks (or days) of warm weather, I find the cooler mornings and evenings quite invigorating! The leaves are starting to change, and grabbing a light jacket or sweater before heading out the door will soon become a necessity. Walking on a regular basis in the cooler weather can be a pleasure, so read on and take notes!

The fall is an ideal time to grab your camera to take along for a refreshing walk. The changing colors of the leaves, the crispness in the air and the welcome scent of cozy fireplaces going strong. Want to shake things up a bit? Why not partake in a locally organized hike or walk?

Some exquisite carriage roads and footpaths await you right here in Poughkeepsie at Locust Grove, The Samuel Morse Historic Site: http://www.morsehistoricsite.org
Click on About the Trails. The grounds and gardens of Locust Grove guarantee that you’ll enjoy the visit, and trial maps guarantee that you can be adventurous with out getting lost!

If you would rather have someone to show you the way while in the woods, why not take a hike with the ADK's Mid-Hudson Chapter? The Adirondack Mountain Club hosts hikes that are open to the public, check out: http://www.midhudsonadk.org/OutingsSchedule.htm. Just scroll down to the Hiking Schedule.

Another group you might enjoy learning more about is the local AMC's New York Chapter. The Appalachian Mountain Club also invites the public to attend hikes that are lead by experienced and trained Hike Leaders: http://trips.outdoors.org/index.cfm/method/public.publicsearch.

You may have a strong urge to become a member of the ADK or AMC after reading about the wonderful things both of these groups are doing to support nature and wildlife! Either group will often charge a few dollars per hike, just contact the Hike Leader for more details. Be sure to ask about how difficult the hike will be, and double check as to what comfort items you should bring for yourself for the hike.

Whatever you decide to do as the cooler weather approaches, please don’t hibernate! It’s tempting to come home from work and cuddle up to the fireplace, but think of all the time and effort you've already put in to becoming more fit! Developing a lifestyle of being fit and eating well means taking things one day at a time. Today? Walk for an hour, then come home and make plans to get into the woods with the ADK, AMC and/or pay a visit to Locust Grove! Get walking!