January 2026 Newsletter
“Wishing the SPHC peace, love and
laughter in the new year”.
Sunday hikes start at 2:30 pm, go approx. 5 miles, last 1 1⁄2 – 2 hrs.
Tuesday hikes start at 11:30 am, go approx. 3 miles, last about 1 hour.
The SPHC walks at a moderate speed of 2.5 -3.5 mph. (17-24 min. mile)
Hikers are expected to maintain that pace. Hikes start on time.
2026 SPHC MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS...
Annual membership dues are due March 1st. $20.00 gets you an e-mailed copy of the Trailblazer and $25.00 a mailed copy. Make checks payable to: St. Paul Hiking Club and mail to: Rose Nelson, 2393 Eldridge Ave E., North St Paul, MN 55109.
Welcome new members: Debbie Peterson, Scott Zieman,
HAPPY January BIRTHDAYS TO...
01/02 Liz Miller, 1/6 D J Bergeron, 1/10 Chris Bergeron, 01/10 Scott Lee, 01/15 Rick Currie, 01/25 Susan Brink, 1/31 Scott Zieman.
Benefits of volunteering…
It’s good for you, can reduce stress, increase happiness & provide a sense of purpose.
Supports what you enjoy.
Makes a positive difference to people’s lives.
Provides a chance to give back.
Keeps our Hiking Club strong!
Woodpeckers symbolize persistence, rhythm, and divine timing. The Downy and Hairy, the Pileated and the Red-bellied Woodpecker can be seen at suet feeders on the coldest of winter days.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS...
Will be Saturday, February 14th in a reserved room at the White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St., White Bear Lake. Pot luck begins at 1 pm followed by the annual meeting, election of officers & proposed programs for 2026. This is your opportunity to vote for or against proposed changes. Bring a salad, hot dish or dessert to share and your beverage. Plates, utensils provided. A leisurely stroll will follow the meeting. (about 2:30) Contact: Vicky 651.335.8079
Hiking stats from mileage director/statistician Rick Nelson…
Top 20 Hikers: Patty Peterson 338, Sharon Heaton 329, Brock Herlick 303, Don Crawford 288, Sue Crawford 283, Sandy Herlick 282, Rick Nelson 274, Bernie Wildes 266, Viv Fickling 250, Vicky Beutel 247, Rose Nelson 240, Jane Boyer 238, Vic Fickling 234, Doug Carlson 233, Bryana Garcia 233, Shirley Lee 230, Judy Nelson 228, Scott Lee 197, Wendy Chen 192, Bob Tholkes 178
All statistics are through November ...
7127 miles hiked with the club
65 club members with 6994 miles
30 guests with 133 miles
89 hikes completed 5 canceled
Average Sunday hike had 23 people
Average Tuesday hike had 19 peopleIt would cost $855.24 to drive that distance if gas is $3 per gallon and your vehicle get 25 miles per gallon.
There were no hikes on a full moon. ( but close to full moon yes )
Terese Almquist and Teresa Buhl’s hike from downtown Stillwater on November 16th had the largest attendance with 30 people.
Average Sunday hike had 23 people
Average Tuesday hike had 19 people
Patty Peterson, Brock Herlick, Sandy Herlick, Jane Boyer, Shirley Lee and Scott Lee made all of the November hikes
FIVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS (FOR A BETTER SOCIAL LIFE):
Have more conversations (Pay attention),
Go with the flow (Appreciate differences),
Resolve conflicts (Compromise, Apologize),
Be Yourself (Trust),
Get involved (Lead a hike!)
“All you need is love, But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
-Charles M Schulz
