May 2026 Newsletter
Staying Fit, Sociably
Happy May Day SPHC!!
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.
The hummingbird is the bird that symbolizes
May, representing joy, beauty, and living in the
moment. It is seen as a symbol of hope, peace,
and good fortune, embodying the ability to
navigate life with swiftness and grace
HAPPY May BIRTHDAYS TO...
5/4 Nancy Ensley, 5/26 Sara Backlund, 5/26 Barbara Hagan, 5/31 Pat Hustings
Happy May Day SPHC!!
Make someone a May basket.
These are small baskets usually filled with flowers
or treats and left on someone’s doorstep.
The giver rings the bell and runs away.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS: Annual membership dues were due March 1st. $20.00 gets you a E-mailed copy of the Trailblazer and $25.00 a mailed copy. You will not receive the June Trailblazer if dues are not paid. Make checks payable to: St Paul Hiking Club and mail to: Rose Nelson, 2393 Eldridge Ave. E., North St Paul, MN 55109
Welcome new member:
Jenna Jones and Anna Clarke
SPHC stats through through March....
Top 20 hikers with mileage...Sharon Heaton 93, Vic Fickling 80, Viv Fickling 80, Vicky Beutel 79, Patty Peterson 78, Sandy Herlick 73, Brock Herlick 67, Scott Lee 67, Bernie Wildes 67, Shirley Lee 66, Jane Boyer 63, Jean Diekmann 63, Dave Van Wyk 55, Aaron Erickson 54, Rick Nelson 54, Judy Nelson 53, Don Crawford 51, Bryana Garcia 49, Cheryl Osborne 48, Rose Nelson 46
Total miles with the club = 1892. (Members 1853, Guests 39)
That mileage is the approximate driving distance to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
The largest hike with 37 participants was on Sunday March 29th. The hike was along the Mississippi River from the Temple of Aaron in St Paul.
This was followed 2 days later with the largest Tuesday hike which had 26 participants led by V + V Fickling’s in south Minneapolis.
Last names that start with A -M 1258 miles
Last names that start with N-Z 595 miles
The women of the club have hiked 73 percent of the mileage. The men 27 percent.
Average hike temperature 31 F. Coldest 4 F on January 25th, warmest 67 F on March 29th.
Random fact: Octopuses have three hearts. Two pump blood, the third circulates the blood.
The Sole of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery explores their surprising intelligence, complex emotions and unique personalities.
Enjoy a fun read!
May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
“We don’t know them all, but we owe them all”. -Tracy Bringhurst
Remembering our Hero’s.