What We Do
Stressed out? Want to get fit? Enjoy an invigorating walk/hike in Morgan Hill, California. The pace is moderate and includes hills! People of all ages are welcome. Dogs on a leash are also welcome. We walk rain or shine, and under street lights on winter evenings. On occasion, we organize special weekend trips to interesting places in the San Francisco Bay region. If you're thinking of training for a backcountry hike or would like to stay in shape between backpacking trips, this is a fun and easy way to do it!
Who We Are
The Morgan Hill Walking Group is a loose-knit group of residents of Morgan Hill, California, and the surrounding area, who like to walk for fitness and fun. Some of us have been regularly walking the neighborhoods in our town since 1985!
Meeting Location and Walking Times
Meet by the large red and white "Morgan Hill Center" sign in the shopping center parking lot at the corner of West Main Avenue and Hale Avenue. See map. Regular walkers often like to sit in their cars nearby and listen to the radio while waiting, so you may not see anybody standing around. Just stand next to the sign 5-10 minutes before the start time, and if anyone else is there for the walk, they'll gather at the sign.
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Click on the thumbnail at left or get the PDF to see our usual weekday evening walking route. We leave the parking lot at 6:05 p.m. sharp and walk the route in a clockwise fashion, ending at the starting point about 7 p.m. If you arrive late, you may be able to join the group somewhere along the route. |
Newcomer Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots, and layered outerwear
appropriate for the weather. An umbrella or rain gear are suggested for wet
weather. You may also want to carry a small water bottle and wear a hat and
sunglasses on warm, sunny days. A flashlight and reflective strips on clothing
are recommended for evening walks in the dark when we're on Pacific Standard
Time, although we usually make do with available street lights.
Walking shoes should fit snugly and provide adequate padding and protection for
your feet on pavement and uneven ground. Shoes that may feel comfortable in your
living room or walking across the parking lot to the supermarket may be
unsuitable for walking several miles outdoors, so choose accordingly.
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The weekday evening walks are easier and are recommended for beginners. Our Saturday walks are generally more strenuous: The usual routine takes us from the Morgan Hill Center parking lot to the water tank on El Toro, an elevation gain of about 630 ft. Total distance covered per day is about 3 miles. If you are out of shape and haven't walked for a while, consider joining the group on weekday evenings and walk regularly for a couple of weeks before attempting the Saturday walk. Then you'll say, "That was easy," instead of becoming discouraged and quitting before you really started! If you've been a couch potato for a long time, figure on sticking with it for at least six weeks until you build up stamina.
Members may elect to skip walking on some holidays, or if the weather is very nasty. If no one else shows up at the appointed place and time, try again on the next walking day!
Spread the Word
Help spread the word about the group's activities with a
printable PDF flyer that
you can post in your workplace or give to friends.
Photo Archive
Contact
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Email us
or call Marie at (408) 779-7592. |
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Updated 2012-05-06