This hike has been cancelled due to poor conditions and bridge closures.

Join Michelle and Stan Moody of Thursday Hikers for a morning outing to enjoy the beauty of winter along the Cathance River and learn more about this special preserve.

While enjoying the preserve trails, we can chat about Thursday Hikers, a senior group in the Brunswick/Topsham area (and beyond). As the name implies this group tries to set up outings every week on Thursdays. They not only hike, but they x-c ski, snowshoe, paddle and bike in the summer, and do overnight trips.

We’ll plan on taking the longer trails along the river, keeping an eye out for the wonders of winter. Will we see ice pancakes in the eddies, icicles hanging under  ledges, or intricate bubbles trapped under the ice? What animal tracks might we see? Can we spot any old feldspar quarries?

Michelle and Stan are also Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Chapter leaders. They will share their knowledge of other local trails you might enjoy and maybe some tips on how to be safe in this winter wonderland.

After the outing, you will have an opportunity to visit the Ecology Center and learn more about CREA’s work and their longstanding collaboration with BTLT (Brunswick Topsham Land Trust). We can time it so you can enjoy your lunch inside the warm building.

Pre-registration for this outing is required, so Michelle can gather information about experience level and gear. To sign up for this outing, please email Michelle at . In your email, include info on your current hiking/snowshoeing level, what winter gear you have, and whether you need to borrow gear to participate.  You can also call Michelle at 207-406-5221 for more information. Once registered, you will receive an email with full details and any future communications about weather-related rescheduling, as needed.

As seniors themselves, Michelle and Stan hope that everyone coming on the outing will be up to date on all Covid-19 vaccinations.

Photo credit: Dave Courtemanche