Hike, Sauna, Potluck

 Ten wonderful men gathered on time at DAR State Forest in the foothills of the Berkshire mountains for a 2 1/2 hour shuffle through crisp fallend leaves, culminating at the fire tower where we enjoyed lunch  before climbing to the top for awesome view.  The brisk and windy conditions on top were forgiven when we saw that the sun was indeed shining over the valley.

Among the ten were two virgins to GO, including the host OmOmOm aka Jim.  He graciously shared his sauna situated 100 yards into the woods behind his home. Hot sweaty naked bodies filled the sauna to capacity, Yelps and squeals filled the night air as one by one we plunged into the spring fed pond ajacent to the sauna.

We then made our way to the house and enjoyed a  sumptious feast including chicken tetrazinni, turkey loaf, Italian sausages, Ethiopian lentils and vegetables, green tomato bread and Putney Vineyard apple wine. Gathering around a wood stove encouraged warm sharing including the usual gay banter and deep heartful ideas.

This event should be repeated!

We will gather at the entrance to DAR State Forest at 11:00, hike for a couple of hours on wooded paths and little used unpaved roads, and finish by climbing to the top of a fire tower to enjoy 360 degree views of Western Massachusetts, NH, VT and CT, including Mt. Greylock.  Bring water and something for lunch on the hike.

After hiking,  we will pile into cars and travel about 20 minutes to my friend's house in Haydenville on the edge of Northhampton where we will start a wood fired sauna situated beside a small spring fed pond in the woods behind his house.  When it's hot enough, we will alternate "cooking" and dipping in the pond.

By this time we will have a developed a hearty appetite. We'll head to the house and gather around the wood stove and enjoy a potuck dinner. Please bring a dish to share that you (or someonelse...don't stress) prepared, a bottle of wine, etc. We will probably  finish about 8:00 p.m.