Following The Leader––

Newtown Hikers Hit The Trails And Waterways

By Dottie Evans

From mountains to oceans, walking, kayaking, bicycling, or bushwhacking, every Saturday the Newtown Hikers go where they want to go.

Anyone is welcome and almost any outdoor venture is fair game, as long as the participants are   willing and able to use their own muscle power. These sturdy souls explore trails, bike paths, or waterways that are within reasonable driving distance of their starting point –– the Edmond Town Hall lower parking lot –– and despite the physical challenges, the emphasis is on fun.

Start time is always Saturday at 9 am, unless an earlier start has been announced for longer excursions.

“The best part about being involved, aside from taking part in the activities, is that no one person is in charge,” said longtime member Ester Nichols.

Ms Nichols is a resident of Pilgrim Lane in Newtown, and she has been a Newtown Hikers member and group spokesman for at least 20 years.

“Every hike is individual. We take turns suggesting and leading the hikes, and that makes it much more interesting,” she added.

Each week’s leader is responsible for scouting out the trails ahead of time, for taking calls from members with questions, for providing directions, and for keeping an eye on the weather in case of last minute changes.

“Sometimes we go places where we’ve never been before. Other times we return to familiar places but at different times of the year, so the experience is always new.”

The level of difficulty is “moderate to strenuous,” Ms Nichols said, so one should not embark without having gained a certain amount of fitness.

“It’s a hike, not a walk,” she cautioned, “but there are levels within levels. Some people may forge ahead while others stay further back. We try to accommodate all paces,” she added.

There are more than 125 people on the Newtown Hikers mailing list, and the membership is drawn from Danbury, Southbury, Newtown, Monroe, or any of several surrounding towns.

“It’s a nice social group. We have a good time.”

Bring An Adventuresome Spirit

Another advantage to belonging to this close-knit but relaxed group is that “you’re not committed to showing up,” Ms Nichols said.

If for some reason on the day of the hike, you just cannot make it, that’s OK.

“You won’t be inconveniencing anyone. We can carpool with the people who are there. We always have from 15 to 30 on any given day,” Ms Nichols said.

Besides the weekly Saturday hikes, the group has three informal get-togethers a year and one full weekend trip at the end of June. The group does not meet in July or August because, as Ms Nichols said, “it’s just too hot.”

The group is open to all comers and there is no membership fee. To receive mailings of hiking schedules throughout the year, one should sent $3 to Claire Sivacek, 114 Stadley Rough Road, Danbury, CT 06811.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department.

The hikes are moderate unless otherwise stated, and they last from three to five hours plus driving time. Children are welcome, if accompanied by adults.

For further information, call Ester Nichols at 426-2897 or 788-1398, or the Parks and Recreation Department at 270-4340.