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Please consider coming out for a frigid hike that will go through the beautiful Spears Woods Area of The Palos Forest Preserve. The hike will be a mix of single and double track and is non-technical. Since it may be snowing and the terrain is hilly, we would recommend hiking poles if you have them. We have several pair to loan out on a first come basis if anyone needs a set. Don’t be shy about asking! The area is a mix of prairie, sedge meadow, freshwater marshes small streams, savannas and oak woodlands. There are many sloughs in the area including Boomerang, Hogwash, and Pollywog. A Slough is a wetland, swamp or shallow lake. Please dress for the weather. Pussanee will sweep, so no one will be left behind. The trails here can be confusing and as it will be very cold, no one will be allowed to try to turn around alone, if going back early is an absolute necessity, I will assign someone that knows the way to accompany that person or the whole group will turn around with them. Safety of all is the number one priority. Trails could be very icy so robust Ice Spikes like Kathoola’s are required. Please don't consider this event unless you and your gear have held up in minus 20 wind chills without any problems as this cold is definitely dangerous for the unprepared. Pussanee and I have been in out in actual temps down to minus 40 many times and both ourselves and our gear are battle tested, so make sure yours is as well, Self-assess your current medical situation to assure you are healthy enough right now to do this. No easy turnaround.