IRVINGTON, NJ — John Sowell the current aide to Mayor Tony Vauss wants people in Irvington to go take a hike on Saturday, Oct. 24. Specifically, Sowell said he is inviting the public to take a hike in South Mountain reservation, along with him and a few friends on Saturday, Oct. 24, saying he has “been fortunate to expose people to the beauties and wonders of hiking right in our own community.”
Sowell said anyone who would like to take a hike with him should meet him at the Millburn Library at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.
“We had so much fun with our hike on (Oct.) 10, that we are doing it again,” Sowell said Tuesday, Oct. 20. “The woods are beautiful. I’ve been an avid hiker for about 15 years. And in the fall, in order to enjoy the fall foliage, 10 to 15 people show up to hike with us. It’s about 5 to 6 miles through South Mountain Reservation to enjoy the fall foliage.”
Sowell said there are two options and that it is important for hikers to contact him with their preferences so that he can plan accordingly.
“Option A is: Come to my home at 955 Stuyvesant Ave. in Irvington at 9 a.m. for breakfast before the hike, which will consist of bagels, oatmeal, fruit and tea. We will leave my home at 9:45 a.m.,” Sowell said.
“Option B is: Meet us in the parking lot of the Millburn Public Library, 200 Glen Ave., Millburn, at 10 a.m. and then follow us to the start of the hike. Our goal is to be on the hiking trail at 10:15 a.m. and be finished between noon and 1 p.m.”
Sowell said, “We should all take time out to enjoy the beauty around us. Anyone of any fitness level can come.”
“It’s nothing extreme; it’s just a walk through the woods,” Sowell said. “We will be hiking for about 5 miles at an easy pace, to keep the group together over the terrain, which is mostly flat, and the trails are well worn and marked. We will take breaks to regroup as often as necessary. We will stop to have lunch at the scenic overlook before heading back to our vehicles.”
Sowell said potential walkers should “feel free to invite family and friends, bring water and snacks.” He said the weather is predicted to be in the mid-60s and sunny, “another beautiful fall day.”
Sowell said anyone who comes out for the hike should bring the following items, based on their experience with group hikes: a baseball cap; sunglasses; thin gloves to keep your hands warm and free from being in your pockets; hiking boots or sneakers; a second pair of sneakers/footwear; and multiple layers clothing that can be removed as hikers warm up during the hike.
“Do not wear construction-type boots, unless you are accustomed to wearing them for long periods, because they are very heavy and will wear you down over a period of time,” Sowell said. “Also, do not wear any new footwear on the day of the hike.
Whatever you wear on your feet should be worn and comfortable. There may be water/mud on the trails that you may not want to track into your car/home. It is best to just change them and put the soiled ones in a plastic bag and clean them when you get home. Cargo pants are really not necessary; however, it will be easier to carry your food and beverages in the side pockets, so that you will not need a backpack or carrying bag.”
To learn more about the South Mountain Reservation hike, call Sowell at 973-985-0779.