4.5--5.5 mile hike out of Irene Hernandez Family Picnic Area

We will leave from Irene Hernandez Family Picnic Area, which is on Foster Ave about 4500 west, in Chicago. This is the farthest south point on the North Branch Trail which goes all the way up to the Botanic Gardens. We will leave at 9 AM, I will give 5 minutes leeway for late arrivers, more if I know and like the late arrivers. The walk will be an out and back, 5 to 6 miles. There are a number of possible routes to take from the parking area. The route we take is determined by the general consensus of the hikers and often a function of the ground conditions.

I attempt to cajole others, more able than I, to be my surrogate leaders. I employ a combination of flattery and abuse. Out of my innate sense of politeness I will not mention other elements of that surrogacy that has been eschewed by those good fellows ["fellows" is gender neutral].

While I am an autocrat at home, on my hikes I feign a collegial mien.

Please note: I have instituted a NO POLITICS policy. Please refrain from talking politics, it's not a good idea.

Also, I drive a red VW Jetta and, if anyone is trying to contact me on the internet, my new email address is [email protected]

Everything else is the same and unfortunately I am the same man I was before.

My phone is 773 991 4845.