July 2026 Newsletter
Happy Birthday America
Sunday hikes start at 2:30 pm, go approx. 5 miles, last 1 1⁄2 – 2 hrs.
Tuesday hikes start at 07:00 pm, 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.
Watermelon has so many health benefits, Starting with hydration. It's 92% water, and since
food provides about 20% of your fluid intake, eating water-packed snacks like watermelon can
help you avoid subtle, headache-spurring dehydration.
HAPPY July BIRTHDAYS TO...
7/2 Larry Drumm, 7/7 Amy Peterson, 7/10 Vic Fickling, 7/14 Dave Baker, 7/14 Viv Fickling, 7/17 Martha Moore, 7/18 Marlys Donaldson, 7/19 Bob Tholkes, 7/25 Wendy Chen, 7/28 Lyle Mowery, 7/30, Terese Almquist, 7/30 Patty Peterson
SPHC mileage through May 2026 = 3312
(Members 3237, Guests 75)
3312 miles is the approximate driving distance from Seattle to Miami
Starting point of hikes:
Farthest north: Vicky Beutel’s hike from the transit center in Forest Lake on May 5th (45.23947 degrees N) Farthest south: Aaron Erickson’s hike from Whitetail Woods Regional Park on May 24th (44.68529 degrees N) Farthest east: Bernie Wildes and Sharon Heaton’s hike from Oak Park Crossing Park on April 28th (92.80116 degrees W) Farthest west: Gloria Larson’s hike from General Dynamics in Bloomington on March 3rd (93.31281 degrees W)
Average Sunday hike attendance 23, Average Tuesday 20.
ANNUAL POTLUCK PICNIC...will be held Sunday, July 12th 1:00 PM at Keller Regional Park Shelter #3. The shelter is just north of Roselawn off Hwy 61. From Hwy 36 go South on 61 to the 3rd (last) driveway on the West side of the highway and left to the shelter. Bring food to share. Paper plates, napkins and utensils will be provided. BYOD. Picnic begins at 1pm, 3 mile hike to follow at 2:30. Contact: Terese: 651.261.2123.
To the SPHC Bibliophiles:
One of my favorite historical fiction books: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post. It chronicles the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heir to the CW Post breakfast fortune.
All Stats are through May
Top 25 hikers with mileage:
Sharon Heaton 152, Vicky Beutel 130, Patty Peterson 130, Viv Fickling 125, Bernie Wildes 117, Shirley Lee 112, Scott Lee 110, Jane Boyer 109, Vic Fickling 109, Don Crawford 105, Rick Nelson 105, Judy Nelson 104, Cheryl Osborne 99, Rose Nelson 97, Sandy Herlick 95, Bryana Garcia 90, Brock Herlick 90, Sue Crawford 89, Aaron Erickson 84, Jean Diekmann 83, Dave Van Wyk 83, Gloria Larson 80, Bonnie Wold 76, Jean Boyd 75, Martha Moore 71
The July “bird of the month”
Is commonly the eagle symbolizing strength, courage, and freedom.
Other lists highlight sparrows for their community symbolism.