Tue, Jan 17 2017 - Leita Thompson Morning Hike (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Trish Participants: Trish, Laura, Dan R, Larry S, Sharon, Linda H, Shirley N, Lisa, Jeff, Suzanne, Milt K, Jeff Gimpel, Bob R, LindseyW, Bette, Carol, JoanneR

The night before crackles with anticipation, as visions of walking in big circles dances in the heads of loyal Leita Thompson Morning (LTM) hikers. As dawn arrives, excitement builds until it's finally time to make the weekly trek to the hallowed grounds of Miss Thompson.

While performing the pre-hike ritual of huddling in the middle of the satellite parking lot, a special celebration: the birthday of LTM regular Linda H, marked by the presentation of a handmade crown and chants of "Hail to the Queen."

Then quick introductions, and our leader sets off in brisk fashion for the first waypoint: the twin porta potties nestled by the lake. We barely have time to pull-up our britches, and we're off again! A fast loop around the lake, then a quick right up a crumbling road. Is this even on the map? Past the Leita ruins and the sideway glances of a lone maintenance worker, we power through the interior. But now the fields; an incline through grass that, with the humidity rising, begins to take its toll on the weakest among us. And then even more uphill, with some of the group beginning to fade just a little as the conga line through the forest stretches longer and longer like a rubber band. And snap -- we're back at the parking lot, 6.25 miles in 2 hours, and all accounted for. And counting the hours until the next LTM hike.  ~Jeff W.