Happy New Year Hike! Mount Beacon

Happy New Year to all!! (Yes, it's not too far off!!) I hope your holidays go well and find you happy and healthy. It's time to think about welcoming in the New Year and getting off the couch, let's make fitness a resolution you can keep in 2010!! Let's burn off all those holiday yummies!!! I am thinking again about Mount Beacon, it's great for views and a good workout, but there's a catch....you will need Stabilicers or Micro Spikes if there is snow and ice. Maybe you can include them on your Holiday Wish List!! Our friends at Mountain Tops in Beacon will give you a 10% discount on Micro Spikes, just call ahead and make sure they are in stock before making a trip. You'll need to mention our group to get the discount. Mountain Tops Autumn Hours: Sun-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, 2nd Sats 10am-9pm, 144 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508, 845-831-1997. They also carry them at Campmor in Paramus, NJ, a great store if you don't know it. Mt. Beacon is just below Beacon on 9D, there is a well signed parking lot at the base of the mountain. The initial terrain is a metal staircase, then we are off into the woods, the path is very steep and strenuous, not for non-hikers......especially in the winter. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind, ice, and cold. Snowpants, long johns, hat, scarf, waterproof gloves, wool or fleece socks are excellent ideas....Bring lunch and lots of water. Winter hiking is different and harder than regular hiking, you may want to get your winter hiking practice on an easier trip, stay tuned for more winter adventures!! I hope to get to the Fire Tower. Trip will be several hours and strenuous, not for beginners or the unprepared. Horrible weather may cancel, check your computer beforehand. We will most likely dine afterwards. I will update this as we get closer. Carpool from John J. Lease by the bridge entrance in Newburgh, put 'Carpool' in your RSVP. Happy Holidays!!! $1 Meetup fee.