Greetings all.

Thank you to most of you for waiting patiently as I was planning the inaugural hike of the 2009 Hiking Season!!!

So as not to delay any more, here are the long anticipated details:

What: Moshe's Get Yourself in Shape - First Hike of the Season

Date: Sunday May 10, 2009

Where: The Wyanokies, in beautiful Passaic County, NJ (not far from Norvin Green State Park)

New Jersey?: Yes. I am planning a hike in the state of New Jersey. As a new New Jersey resident, I feel that I should do my part to promote my new state…and the NJ Department of Tourism is arranging for me a sweet tax break for every hike I lead I the state ;-)

Length of the hike: Approximately 4 miles

Duration of hike: Approximately 3 hours

Difficulty of hike: 6.5 out of 10 – it is not a very difficult hike, but we will be moving at a quick pace to get the blood pumping. Hey – we are trying to get in shape here. There will be plenty of ups and downs with some scrambling/climbing possible. This hike is not for people who have knee problems or can’t lift themselves up a ledge.

Cost of hike: $3 – In this economy, it is about the best deal you can get out there.

Driver Fee - $12 for driver reimbursement – Please bring exact cash.

Main Meeting Location: In front of The Westmont - 730 Columbus Ave (between 95th St & 96th St)..

Meeting Time: 8:50 AM. I would like the cars to depart at 9:00 AM, so please be there on time.

Distance to Trailhead: Approximately 35 miles – about 50 minutes from the Westmont

Directions to Trailhead: Will be sent to registered attendees at the end of the week.

Clothes to wear: Please wear clothing that 1) afford you the mobility required to hike comfortably, 2) are appropriate for the weather and 3) you don’t mind getting dirty or possible damaged. Don’t wear designer fashion unless you plan on attending one of Governor Corzine’s cocktail parties.

Footwear: Please wear footwear appropriate for hiking and overall outdoor activity. Appropriate: Hiking boots, trail shoes or sneakers. Not appropriate: Open toed or backed shoes and sandals, flip-flops, Crocks or anything with a heel (i.e. if you come in Jimmy Choos, please send our best to the Governor. Tell him more funding for the outdoors organizations).

Food to bring: Please bring whatever food you will require to survive a day of outdoor physical activity. This will include lunch and snacks (preferably something with carbs for energy and salt/minerals to replace lost electrolytes). Do not rely on other people having enough to share.

Drinks to bring: Please bring a minimum of 2 liters of water for the hike – this does not include whatever you may drink on the way to the trailhead. Additionally, you may wish to ALSO bring sports drinks to help replenish those electrolytes (this is in addition to the 2 liters of water). If you feel that you will need more water, please bring more. DO NOT BRING LESS THAN 2 LITERS OF WATER. If you do, you will not be allowed to come on the hike. There may be no option of buying drinks at the trail head.

Necessary Gear: Backpack to put your stuff in. If you come with your stuff in a shopping bag or some other bag you have to carry in your hand, you will not be allowed to hike with us.

Other Gear to bring: Aside from the appropriate clothes, footwear and backpack, recommended items include – hat, sunglasses, rain gear/windbreaker, hiking poles, camera, binoculars, first aid kit (if you are trained in its use), sun screen, insect repellant, lightening rod…

Warning: You will be turned away if you come inappropriately equipped. Not having the proper gear, food and water will be putting your own safety and the safety of the group in jeopardy and will not be tolerated. So dress properly, with proper footwear, and bring the requested food and water.

REGISTRATION NOTE #1: Unfortunately, I may not have the time this week to arrange the rides with the detail as I have done in the past. Therefore, I *may* have to send out a spreadsheet to some or all attendees with your contact information and it will be up to you to arrange your own ride. To this end, if you register, you understand and agree that your contact information may be sent to other people registered for the hike.

REGISTRATION NOTE #2: Sending me your registration does not mean you will necessarily be accepted on the hike. Attendance will be on a first-come basis and based on available rides. I will only accept passengers if I have the required rides for them.

***You are only registered if you receive an e-mail from me stating that you are registered. ***

REGISTRATION WARNING: If you register and then cancel at the last minute or don’t show up, especially if I am relying on you to be a driver, you will be added to a new list being compiled of unreliable attendees. Membership on this list may affect your attendance on future events – especially repeat offenders. So please – only register if you are sure you are planning to attend.

How to register: Please go to http://getinshapehike2009.eventbrite.com/ and fill out the registration there.

If you do not provide the requested information, I will not process your registration.

Return time: While I cannot guarantee our return time, you will probably be back in the city by the latest 5:00 PM (but most probably much earlier).

Number of hikers: I will be accepting registration for up to 30 hikers on a first come-first served basis. Priority will be given to people who can provide transportation.

Rain cancellation: Steady rain will cancel the hike; light rain/drizzle/mist may also as cancel the hike as exposed rock gets slippery in the rain. Please check back later in week and on the morning of the hike.

Questions?: If you didn’t understand something above then please re-read the announcement.

Questions?: Did you really re-read the above content? .

Still have questions: E-mail me at joc_hike AT mlehmann DOT com. Please note – I may publish silly questions.

To review: I’m too busy to write one. If you want a review, start from the top and read it again.

Hope to see you on the 10^th to experience that new hiking season smell.