The Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club 2013

The Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club started 2013 with it's 22nd Annual New Years Day hike on Jan 1 in the Blue Hills Reservation starting at Houghton's Pond. The Walking Club meets every weekend on either Saturday or Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for recreational walks. Walks average 2 - 5 miles and are open for people over 16 years of age and older. There is no fee to join. New walkers are always welcome.

On Saturday, Jan 5, meet over at the Donovan School, 123 Reed Street in Randolph for a moderate walk with some hilly terrain, 3.5 miles from Meadow Road to Three Pines Trail to Non Name Trail.

Sunday, Jan 13, meet at the Shea Rink Parking Lot, 651 Willard Street in Quincy. This will be a moderate walk along the St. Moritz green dot loopfor 3.5 miles.

Sunday, Jan 20, head over to Mattapoisett. You'll meet at the Nantasket Bay State Reservation parking lot near 1 Brant Beach Ave. This is an easy walk with a slow pace and many stops. This will include a discussion on wildlife. You will stop to identify and discuss winter trees, shrubs and ground cover.

Saturday, Jan 26, meet in Canton at the Ponkapoag Golf Course, 2173 Washington Street for a 4 mile walk with some hilly terrain around Ponkapoag Pond.

Sunday, Feb 3, meet at the Houghton Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street for a 3.5 mile green dot loop in the Great Blue Hill section via Wolcott Path.

Sunday, Feb 10, meet at Myles Standish State Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth for a difficult 4.5 mile hike on a trail which is quite often very sandy. You will go along fire roads and single track through Pine Barrens. Call (508)866-2580 ext. 165 one week before if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Sturday, Feb 16, meet at Houghtons Pond parkng lot at 840 Hillside Street for a 3 mile moderate walk with hilly terrain. Start at Headquarters Path to Doe Hollow Path and reurn via Bugbee Path.

Things to know before you go.

All walks begin at 1:00 p.m.

Wear sturdy foot gear and bring along a water bottle.

Contact the reservation headquarters for more information (508)866-2580 ext. 165.

The DCR also offers a 'Healthy Heart Trail' program and has designated over 70 trails across the state. Why not make them part of your daily or weekly exercise routine. You can record you rmileage and download it here to track your progress.  www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/hht