Cold Weather Exercise

In the beginning of the month I was doing my daily walks indoors but I'm about ready to throw on my goofy woolen hat and head outdoors again, how about you? Check out a few upcoming walks. Maybe you'll find one for you.

Tree-Mendous Winter Tree ID Trek
Sunday, February 18 starting at 2 p.m.
Meet near the Sweet Arrow Lake clubhouse and head on a search for deciduous trees with forester Frank Snyder.

Cabin Fever Hike
Saturday, February 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meet at the Waterfall Road parking lot for a 3 mile hike rated moderate to enjoy winter weeds, birds and scenery with Porcupine Pat McKinney.
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Country View Walk
Sunday, February 25 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meet behind Mt. Pleasant Hose Company in Buck Run on Route 901. This 8.4 mile hike rated moderate will be led by "Hiker Jim" to see a diversion canal, "The Old Jerk" and spectacular views.

Winter hiking not enough of a challenge for you? Why not go crazy with polar plunge! The Mad Hatters Softball Team will be holding their 8th annual polar plunge to benefit Make-a-Wish on March 3 at the Deer Lake Fire Company. Registration starts a 11 a.m. and the plunge is at 1 p.m. The cost is $35 the day of the plunge, $30 for advance registrations and $25 for students (for advanced registration contact Becky at 570-516-4405, Janie at 570-292-6225 or Jackie at 570-527-6759). Grab a few friends and you could qualify for a special group rate (groups of 5 or more). All participants receive a t-shirt.

There will also be an auction, basket of cheer raffle and 50/50 raffles. Food and beverages will be on sale. I hope warm beverages! Coffee, tea, hot chocolate! An after-party will be held at Goodfellas with musical entertainment by Sapphire. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m.

Of course, if both plunging and hiking seem like too much for you (if like me you aren't a fan of cold weather) why not try some indoor exercise? Research has shown that when you exercise with a buddy you're more likely to stick to your exercise routine. Several communities have established indoors walking clubs -- built in exercise buddies! -- that meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Schuylkill Haven's club meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Schuylkill Haven Center, 340 Haven Street while Frackville's meets  at the  Frackville Borough Building gymnasium from 10 to 11 a.m. Not from Schuylkill Haven or Frackville? I bet if you stopped by you could get some ideas about initiating a walking club in your community!