Take a hike good advice first day of 2013
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Beverly Kenmuth (left) and Sally Kimbrell pore over a newsletter and other collaterol material prior to the annual New Year's Day walk at Circle Bar B Reserve. Neither were aware of the event because they were participating in the Ten Trails Geo Cache, an event in which hikers tour different parks.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Jeff Spence (left), Myrtice Young and George Lindsey confer shortly before Spence announces the start of the annual New Year's Day "Here's to Your Health" hike.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Jeff Spence, Polk County's Parks and Natural Resources Division director, holds aloft a calendar available for purchase. It was one of several announcements he made prior to the start of the annual New Year's day hike.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Marian Ryan, who was recently recognized by Polk County Commissioners for her years of dedication to the county's parks and recreation system, explains the Tek Ten Trails program. After participants complete a certain number, they earn a free admission to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
And the hike begins.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
This year's annual "Here's to Your Health" hike on New Year's day was the first one for Jada Perez, 10, a student at Jewett School for the Arts.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, was a nice day for a walk, mostly sunny and comfortable temperatures, and by 9 a.m., more than 150 people — 152 to be exact — awaited the start of the annual “Here’s to Your Health” hike held at Circle B Bar Reserve. Originally helmed by now-former District 1 County Commissioner Bob English, who began the tradition, his successor, George Lindsey, now was in charge of the brigade, along with Jeff Spence, director of Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division.
It was a mix of the new and old, people who had never hiked the park, as well as people who have hiked the park but not on New Year’s day.
