A good way to start the new year ... take a hike

The 25 folks who arrived for an early morning hike New Year's Day at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles were bundled in scarves, hoods, mittens, coats and hats of all colors. But none could match the uniqueness of the head gear of their leader, Valerie Blaine, naturalist with the Kane County Forest Preserves.

"It's a local skunk," she said of her round, striped, fur hat with the tail.

Or, it was.

A veteran at hiking any day of the year, Blaine begins her traditional New Year's hike with offers of hot coffee and a brief discussion in the cold of traditions around the world.

"In Scotland, they talk about the first stepper," she told the group huddled around her. "If the first person in your home on New Year's Day is tall, dark and handsome, it's considered good luck. I'd consider it good luck anyway."

She also hands out chemical hand warmers to those who share their New Year's resolutions, and passes out lentils.

"Don't some of the lentils look like coins?" she asks the children in the group. "You can cook them and expand your finances, probably a good idea for this new year."

Blaine leads the group through the pine trees in order to afford some protection from the blustery wind and temperatures in the 20s. She stops to point out coyote tracks and berries.

Some of the hikers carry binoculars to catch sight of the winter birds.

For some participants, a hike on New Year's Day confirms a resolution for a better 2009.

Kathy Kimsey of Hampshire was on her first New Year's hike.

"In thinking about this past year, and into 2009, I knew I wanted my life to be simple," she said. "I love nature, God speaks to me through nature. I want things to be more relaxed this year. We have so much to be thankful for. Each bird is different just like each person is different."

Andrew Gibson of St. Charles came with his wife, four children and au pair.

"It seems like a great way to start the New Year," he said "When you have little kids, you're not out late the night before."

It was also the first time hiking on the holiday for Tom and Pat Jones of St. Charles.

"We wanted to start the new year off with a bang," Pat said. "Then we'll go have breakfast and take a nap."

For information on nature events, visit kaneforest.com.