Hike Blue River Parkway
February 18 - 11 AM

This is a beautiful, wooded, rugged and hilly loop in southern Jackson County. Meet at the shelter a quarter-mile east of Holmes Road on Blue Ridge Blvd (which is about 131st Street). Wear boots and be ready to hike for 2 to 2.5 hours.

Questions? Call Mike at 816.942.0711

Day Hike at Parkville Nature Sanctuary
February 25 - 11 AM

Woods, wetlands and waterfalls! What more could we ask for? Expect some hills too. We'll hike on woodchip and gravel trails for at least one hour. Boots are appropriate, but athletic shoes are fine too. There is no water available, so come prepared with water and snacks.

Directions: Located in Parkville, Missouri, the Nature Sanctuary is south of Hwy 45 on Hwy 9 at 12th street. Follow Hwy 9 and turn east on 12th street at the clinic and proceed downhill to the parking area. It is also north of the Park University Soccer fields.

Questions? Email kathykuhlman@att.net

Perry Lake Trail Clearing
March 3 - 9:15 AM

Saturday March 3 is our day to return to Perry for what should be the traditional trail clearing of lopping and sawing, etc. We should be with the Sierra Club that day as we likely work on section three. We have one report of an abundance of small brush and trees to cut. Anticipate leaving KC about 8 am and returning in late afternoon. Carpools can be arranged since Perry is about 15 miles northwest of Lawrence. I have most tools, but if you have a lopper you are attached to, you can bring it. Bring water and lunch.

I expect to have the usual mega-calorie breakfast at 7 AM at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) located in the northwest corner of the Shawnee Mission Parkway and Lackman Road interchange, 15350 Shawnee Mission Pkwy – about one mile east of I-435; please join me. Should you, instead, wish to meet us at Perry Lake, we will meet at the boat ramp parking lot located just north of the long bridge over Big Slough Creek about 9:15 or so (Google Earth location 5425 County Road 1029, Fairview, Ks.).

Questions or signup: contact me at dbrackey@att.net or 913-424-5538.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION: Rock Climbing Skills!
March 11 - 1 PM (RSVP by March 7)

The Ibex climbing gym teaches basic skills for safe rock climbing and repelling. We'll learn to use a harness, knot-tying and proper climbing techniques. All the equipment is provided for the lesson. This is a really fun way to get exercise and learn about rock climbing -- whether you use the skills or not. The IBEX Climbing Gym is located at 801 NW South Outer Road, Blue Springs, MO.

Wear athletic shoes and gym attire (stretch fabrics; yoga pants, sweats or track suits) Participants must arrive at 12:40 PM to fill out a release form and take the class, which begins at 1 PM. Allow an hour and a half to two hours.

COST: The cost of this class is $25, but if we have five students, there is a group discount. You can pay at the lesson, but please e-mail me to sign up by March 7. I must phone them in advance with a headcount. The class may be canceled if there is not enough interest so email juliecirlin@kc.rr.com to reserve your place today.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Bicycle Dreams: a film by Stephen Auerback
February 18 - 7 PM, Screenland Crossroads; $10

They are seekers, madmen, and angels hell-bent on riding across America on a bicycle in less than ten days. But what begins as the adventure of a lifetime is transformed in an instant when tragedy strikes the race. These voyagers discover what is truly at stake as they pedal on, praying for the deliverance only the finish line can bring. The Race Across America is an epic, 3000-mile bicycle race from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
See bicycledreamsmovie.com for details. Filmmaker Stephen Auerbach and his crew worked around the clock to capture the highs and lows of the Race Across America.
www.imathlete.com/events/bicycle dreams to benefit BikeWalkKC