T.S. Eliot said that April is the cruelest month, but mightn’t it actually be February? To help area residents fight the February blues, the Friends of Brushy Hills have brought back a favorite tradition: the Hike for the Hardy.
The Hike for the Hardy takes place this Saturday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. at Brushy Hills Preserve, with an extreme weather makeup date of Feb. 22. Hikers will be able to enjoy the winter woods, where mostly bare trees allow for lovely views. Led by members of the Friends of Brushy Hills, hikers can take the 2-mile route or stay on for 5 miles.
The Hike for the Hardy began roughly 20 years ago and ran annually for many years. Alexia Smith, coordinator of the Friends of Brushy Hills Steering Committee, was among the original hardy hikers. She said that the point was to brave the February weather. “We had the idea that we’d do this hike even if there were a few flurries — we’d take on the winter weather and just enjoy it,” she said.
Hikers will meet this Saturday at the parking lot by the springhouse, 1010 Union Run, before heading out on the trails. The Preserve parking lot is small, so participants are asked to consider carpooling if possible. Participants should also wear shoes with good tread and bring a walking stick if they have one.
The Friends of Brushy Hills is a volunteer organization whose mission is to protect the natural integrity of Brushy Hills for the benefit of the public. By agreement with the city of Lexington, the Friends serve as stewards of the Preserve. For more information about the Friends or the hike, send an email to [email protected].
