We'll meet at the parking area just beyond Lake Bray at the main entrance of Mt. Tom Reservation (directions below) at 10:00 am.  With 2,161 acres and 22 miles of hiking and walking trails, Mt. Tom boasts unparalleled views of the Connecticut River Valley North and South, the Berkshires to the West and Pelham Hills to the East.  And some of the premier hawk watching in all of New England.

Pack a lunch. Wear layers for chilly weather. Bring water and good footwear. After a leisurely hike we will head to Jim's place at about 1:30. We'll fire up the sauna and alternate heating up in the sauna and cooling off in an adjacent spring fed pond. Buzzed, blissed and blanched, we will gather in Jim's post and beam home (he built it) by the wood stove and share a meal. Home cooked food is encouraged, but don't let that keep you away. Seems there's always plenty to eat. We'll aim to be done by 8:00. This is a repeat of a similiar outing last Fall, except we hiked in the DAR State Forest. Severe weather will cancel.

The entrance is at 125 Reservation Road, Holyoke, MA. From the East, take I-90 (Mass Pike) to exit 4, I-91 toward Springfield/Holyoke, .2 miles. Left at the fork onto I-91 heading North, 3.9 miles to exit 17A. Merge onto Easthampton Rd toward Holyoke, .5 miles. Go left at Northampton St/US 5 N, 4 miles. Turn left at Reservation Rd, .7 miles to the parking area.