I remember when you met Lisa and Deb, TE outings are always a lot of fun - that's been my experience over the years.

I've not been able to hike since Jan 1, and I'm itching to get out. The trails are very muddy however, that's the downside of such warm winter temps. Your conditions sound perfect Crankin, much easier to hike on frozen trails

I really want to get out solo however. I do have hiking friends, but there is a small downside to that. It almost makes me feel bad to admit it to myself, but my local hiking friends do not seem to be capable to have one second of a hike pass in silence. I love these women, they are very good friends, but I need to make certain I do more solo hiking this year. I enjoy hiking with them, don't get me wrong, but when 2 or three involved conversations are happening throughout the entire hike it gets tiresome. Part of why I like to hike is to reconnect with the world around me, and I can't do that with constant chatter. Am I the only one like this? So my goal this year is to attempt to alternate solo and group hikes. I also would like to hike in every state park in Indiana - though there are two that may be overly technical for my knee.