Those looking to celebrate Winter Solstice outdoors have two hiking options to choose from this Saturday.
From 3-5 p.m., hikers can gather at Lyme Pinnacle for a hike to the top followed by a bonfire. This will be the first time the annual event is being held at Lyme Pinnacle.
In previous years it has been held at Lyme Hill, said Alison Marchione, programs director at the Upper Valley Land Trust.
“I really love the idea of doing something outside on the darkest day of the year,” Marchione said. “This time of year can be a real struggle for people because of the lack of the sunlight. I think it’s really nice to encourage people to go outside and enjoy the sunlight that we do have.”
Participants are asked to bring flashlights or headlamps. Snowshoes or spikes may also be appropriate depending on weather conditions.
In Orford, head over to Rivendell Academy at 5 p.m. for a Solstice lantern walk led by the Rivendell Trails Association. The family friendly event features stories by a fire, toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate, followed by a lantern-lit walk on a short section of the Cross Rivendell Trail. Separate outings are at 5 and 6 p.m. and participants are asked to RSVP to rivendelltrail@rivendellstudent.org to indicate the time they wish to attend and the number of people they’ll be bringing.
— Liz Sauchelli