What we’re about
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Unknown
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost
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Do you love Hiking and Adventures?
Welcome to the Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group. We strive for adventures, fun, and friendships. This group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and meeting new people. We feature hikes for all skill levels, canoeing, camping, biking, social gatherings and other outdoor activities. These events are a great way to get out, meet people, and smell some fresh air. If you have a suggestion, please feel free to contact the Organizer or post them on “ideas for meetup” on the calendar page. Most of the activities are pretty tame, but any participation in this group is at your own risk. If you want to meet fun and adventurous people, this group is for you. Come join us. It will be an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Adventures are closer than you think!
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Get Involved:
We need Assistant Organizers and Event Hosts! If you don't see your preferred activity listed or a hike on your side of town, please volunteer by contacting the Organizer! You might be surprised just how many people are looking to do the same activity that you are. Other ways to volunteer would be a Greeter (Greet new members as they join the group.) or Monthly News Letter Editor (Write articles for a Monthly News Letter to be published on the message board.). We welcome Event & Group Sponsors who need some publicity for a great price!
Why not become a Hike Leader?
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Monthly Photo Contest:
We are having a Monthly Photo Contest. You have 1 month to upload your favorite photo. At the end of the month, the Assist Organizers will pick the top 12. We will then have a poll for voting on these 12. The members will be able to rate each picture from 1 to 10 rating. The photo with the highest ratings at the end of this month will win. This photo will then be used as the open page picture for following month. The only thing you receive are bragging rights.
Upload January Photos Here: http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoHOS/photos/799681/
Please name the photo and leave a comment about the photo.
So why not amaze the rest of the members with you photography skills?
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100 Miles Club and 200 Miles Club:
Are you looking for a Goal to reach? We have two clubs for you. You join the 100 Miles Club when you reach 100 Miles hiking a year with this group only (Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group). You join the 200 Miles Club when you reach 200 Miles hiking a year with any Meetup Groups (Windy City Hikers, this group, etc.). Your Meetup Names will be posted in the About Section in this group.
Let’s start counting those miles!
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Dues and Fees:
There are no membership dues to be part of this group. For prepay events, we will sometimes add up to three dollars, normally 1 to 2, to the payment to help out with the Meetup.com monthly fees.
For other events, example hikes, we suggest a 1 or 2 dollar donation at the start of the event. This is totally voluntary. No records will be kept for who donates and who doesn’t.
If you want to make a voluntary donation. Go to the top of this page and click on "Pay Online". Enter the amount you would like to donate. Donate any amount you like. This will be paid with Paypal.
We would personally prefer if people would donate their time as an Assistant Organizer or Hike Leader versus making a donation of money. Any help is very much appreciated.
Thank you!
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Other Recommended Outdoors Meetup Groups: If events are full on this group, why not see what these groups are up to.
The NW Burbs Camping Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/NWBurbs-Camping/
Southwest Suburbs Sports, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/SWBurbsSOS/
Chicago Camping & Outdoors Adventure Group
http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoCampers/
Please support Outdoors Meetup Groups!
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See you on the trail!
Kevin
PS: Tell a Friend about us!
Come find us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2373072738&gi...
Winter Adventure Weekend - Pokagon State Park (Indoor Group Camp)
Pokagon is Indiana State Parks’ winter wonderland, with cross-country ski rental; sledding, ice fishing, hiking, and a twin-track toboggan run... “What a thrill!”… That's what you'll say once you've experienced the quarter-mile, refrigerated toboggan run at speeds of 35-40 mph
Pokagon State Park is about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.
Angola is on Eastern Standard Time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=APZRYB-u0WQ
Webcam from top of the Toboggan Run: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/7529.htm
We will be staying in the indoor group camp on Lake James. It has 2 bunk houses (North and South), Counselor's Cabin, a kitchen and dining room with a fireplace, a shower building, and a craft room. The cost will be $60 for 2 nights lodging. All of the buildings are heated.
Photos of previous trip:
https://www.meetup.com/chicagohos/photos/25935495/
Payment: I can accept PAYPAL and VENMO.
PAYPAL: Enter my email if using PAYPAL. My email is robmize@comcast.net
Also pick the option of sending it to a friend or family member; that way you wont get charged a fee.
VENMO: My VENMO address is @Robert-Mize-36
**The deadline for full payment is January 8.**
The South Bunk house will be designated as a "Women Only" bunk house. It is the one closest to the shower building and the parking lot.
Campus Map:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/pokagon_group_camp.pdf
MEALS:
You may carry in your own food. The lodge nearby is open for breakfast and lunch.
We can have a potluck on Saturday night if anyone else wants to contribute to the dinner. You can indicate what you are bringing in the comments section.
I will bring snack food and pop. There are utensils and drinking glasses at the site.
All other beverages are BYOB. Please bring a cooler for your drinks.
You will need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag, etc).
REFUND POLICY: Refunds are only available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance, which is December 27. After that, there are no refunds unless the trip is canceled.
Park entrance fees $7.00 in-state vehicles, $9.00 out-of-state vehicles.
In your RSVP please include if you need a ride or you can offer a ride.
Tentative Schedule (You are free to join in on the activities or not.):
Friday: Arrive at Camp - Meet, Greet, and Games (Board Games/Cards/Euchre)
Saturday Morning: Breakfast - Hike
Saturday Afternoon: Cross Country Skiing, Toboggan Run
Saturday Evening: Dinner/Potluck - Games (Board Games/Cards/Euchre)
Sunday Morning: Breakfast - Free Time
Sunday Afternoon: Pack and head for home.
Pokagon State Park
Website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm
Park Map: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/pokagon_trail.pdf
450 Lane 100 Lake James
Angola, IN 46703
Toboggan Run:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/4699.htm
The hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm.
**YOU HAVE TO USE THE FACILITIES' TOBOGGANS. YOU CANNOT BRING YOUR OWN.**
-$20.00 per toboggan per hour
-Warming Center Concession (carry-in food prohibited)
-Maximum of 4 people per toboggan
-No cameras or video equipment allowed on ride
-A driver’s license is required as a deposit
-Refrigerated track (snow is not needed to operate)
Cross-Country Skiing:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Pokagon_CCSkiMap.pdf
Cross Country ski trails at Pokagon are designed to provide a variety in lengths & skill levels. Despite your stature or level of physical fitness, Cross Country Skiing is a great activity for an individual, friends or family.
Description of Trails
Beginner/Novice Trail: This trail is approximately 1 mile in length, with gradual slopes and curves for the beginner. This easy to moderate trail offers a variety of terrain.
Intermediate/Advanced Trail: With an approximate 4-mile length, this advanced trail is for the experienced skier. Steep hills and sharp curves are prevalent terrain on this advanced path.
-Ski cost is $8.00 per set per hour (includes skis, boot, & poles) for adults. For groups of 8 or more, all ski sets are $5.00/hour per person, for any age.
-A driver’s license is required as a deposit.
-There must be a 6” snow base on the trails for the rental to be open.
-The ski rental will stop renting equipment at 4:15 p.m. All skiers must be off trail ½ hour before sunset. Rental skis must be returned by 4:45 p.m.
Any questions ask in the comments or message me. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun.
This is a great trip. We hope you can make it.
Rob and Denise
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Winter Adventure Weekend - Pokagon State Park (Indoor Group Camp)Pokagon State Park, Angola, IN 46703, IN
Winter Adventure Weekend - Pokagon State Park (Indoor Group Camp)
Pokagon is Indiana State Parks’ winter wonderland, with cross-country ski rental; sledding, ice fishing, hiking, and a twin-track toboggan run... “What a thrill!”… That's what you'll say once you've experienced the quarter-mile, refrigerated toboggan run at speeds of 35-40 mph
Pokagon State Park is about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.
Angola is on Eastern Standard Time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=APZRYB-u0WQ
Webcam from top of the Toboggan Run: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/7529.htmWe will be staying in the indoor group camp on Lake James. It has 2 bunk houses (North and South), Counselor's Cabin, a kitchen and dining room with a fireplace, a shower building, and a craft room. The cost will be $60 for 2 nights lodging. All of the buildings are heated.
Photos of previous trip:
https://www.meetup.com/chicagohos/photos/25935495/Payment: I can accept PAYPAL and VENMO.
PAYPAL: Enter my email if using PAYPAL. My email is robmize@comcast.net
Also pick the option of sending it to a friend or family member; that way you wont get charged a fee.
VENMO: My VENMO address is @Robert-Mize-36**The deadline for full payment is January 8.**
The South Bunk house will be designated as a "Women Only" bunk house. It is the one closest to the shower building and the parking lot.
Campus Map:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/pokagon_group_camp.pdfMEALS:
You may carry in your own food. The lodge nearby is open for breakfast and lunch.We can have a potluck on Saturday night if anyone else wants to contribute to the dinner. You can indicate what you are bringing in the comments section.
I will bring snack food and pop. There are utensils and drinking glasses at the site.
All other beverages are BYOB. Please bring a cooler for your drinks.
You will need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag, etc).REFUND POLICY: Refunds are only available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance, which is December 27. After that, there are no refunds unless the trip is canceled.
Park entrance fees $7.00 in-state vehicles, $9.00 out-of-state vehicles.
In your RSVP please include if you need a ride or you can offer a ride.Tentative Schedule (You are free to join in on the activities or not.):
Friday: Arrive at Camp - Meet, Greet, and Games (Board Games/Cards/Euchre)
Saturday Morning: Breakfast - Hike
Saturday Afternoon: Cross Country Skiing, Toboggan Run
Saturday Evening: Dinner/Potluck - Games (Board Games/Cards/Euchre)
Sunday Morning: Breakfast - Free Time
Sunday Afternoon: Pack and head for home.
Pokagon State Park
Website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm
Park Map: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/pokagon_trail.pdf
450 Lane 100 Lake James
Angola, IN 46703Toboggan Run:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/4699.htmThe hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm.
**YOU HAVE TO USE THE FACILITIES' TOBOGGANS. YOU CANNOT BRING YOUR OWN.**-$20.00 per toboggan per hour
-Warming Center Concession (carry-in food prohibited)
-Maximum of 4 people per toboggan
-No cameras or video equipment allowed on ride
-A driver’s license is required as a deposit
-Refrigerated track (snow is not needed to operate)Cross-Country Skiing:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Pokagon_CCSkiMap.pdfCross Country ski trails at Pokagon are designed to provide a variety in lengths & skill levels. Despite your stature or level of physical fitness, Cross Country Skiing is a great activity for an individual, friends or family.
Description of Trails
Beginner/Novice Trail: This trail is approximately 1 mile in length, with gradual slopes and curves for the beginner. This easy to moderate trail offers a variety of terrain.
Intermediate/Advanced Trail: With an approximate 4-mile length, this advanced trail is for the experienced skier. Steep hills and sharp curves are prevalent terrain on this advanced path.
-Ski cost is $8.00 per set per hour (includes skis, boot, & poles) for adults. For groups of 8 or more, all ski sets are $5.00/hour per person, for any age.
-A driver’s license is required as a deposit.
-There must be a 6” snow base on the trails for the rental to be open.
-The ski rental will stop renting equipment at 4:15 p.m. All skiers must be off trail ½ hour before sunset. Rental skis must be returned by 4:45 p.m.Any questions ask in the comments or message me. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun.
This is a great trip. We hope you can make it.
Rob and Denise
