What we’re about
Hello!
My goal and hope for this group are to bring the LGBTQ+ community together with folx who want to enjoy our beautiful outdoors here in Western CT and to meet and build fun connections. This will be a safe space where folx from all walks of life, shapes and sizes, and fitness levels come together to explore the amazing trails right in our back yards. The pace of these hikes will be set by the slowest hiker (and that will probably be me) with a group that is supportive and encouraging. This group will offer opportunities for folx who want to get in better physical shape, build confidence and do so amongst an inclusive community.
I moved to CT having lived in the Boston area for over 30+ years in November 2019 and landed in Litchfield in October 2020. I have been able to explore this amazing trail-filled area a bit but need more motivation. I know if I coordinate and organize regular trips it will force me to get out there and do what I love to do. I will strive and commit to setting up regular trips. In full transparency, I have lost my previous fitness level and want to spend 2022 building and strengthening it back. So, these hikes will start out easy and move to more moderate level hikes. The hikes will be within a 3–4-hour time frame and longer over time.
If you are an advanced and fast hiker this may not be the group for you. At the same time, if you want to spend time with good company and can go at the set pace, absolutely, please join us.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Leatherman Cave Trail to Branch Brook Trail LoopBlack Rock State Park, Watertown, CT
Hello!
Come join us on Sunday November 10th, 2024. We will be blazing Leatherman Cave to Branch Brook Trail to explore this 4.60 mile, loop trail near Thomaston, Connecticut. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 20 min to complete. Please make sure you allocate enough time just in case it takes us longer.
This is considered a lightly traveled loop that goes right through one of Leatherman Caves. The climb up to the cave is difficult in some areas with huge sheer boulders. We will pace ourselves and take our time. Please meet us at trailhead parking: Black Rock State Park 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795
Remember that this group's pace will be set by our slowest hiker (which will probably be me). The goal is to get out in nature, build our confidence, increase our fitness, and make new connections.
The group will meet at 10 am sharp at Black Rock State Park. The group will plan to head out no later than 10:10 am.
What to Bring:
A former colleague once said to me, "Jackie, there is no such thing as bad weather, there is only inappropriate clothing." You know they were right. So please make sure that you are dressed appropriately for this activity and the weather. Here are some things you should bring:Hiking shoes
Tick spray/bug repellent
Microspikes
Food, snacks, and water
Jacket, gloves, hat
Extra clothing (rain gear, extra pair of socks)
Whistle
Tissues
Medical insurance card
Photo IDCOVID Guidelines
Please make sure that you bring a mask. We do not need to wear them outside however it is always a good practice to have one on us just in case.Pets
Please feel free to bring your dogs as long as they are friendly, are on a leash and you take full responsibility for them. I will likely bring Lucy, who is friendly and a joy! She usually leads the pack.Most Importantly
Please bring your good energy and positive attitude. I am confident that we all work hard and need time to decompress and forest bath. I have always had just one rule when either running or hiking. My one rule is "no complaining until I am done". Once I finish I can B** and complain all I want! And here is the greatest thing, I am usually so glad to be done that there is nothing to complain about! So if you could adopt that same rule that would be FabUlous!!
