For some of us it makes sense to do something physical IN ADVANCE of eating as though there is no tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day.  For that reason the Saddle Tramps will do an Urban bike n' hike ride that morning, Thursday, November 24th, from my house to the LaChua Trailhead on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail (about four miles), park our bikes there (bring a bike lock if you have one), hike the three mile round trip to the Observation Tower on Paynes Prairie, and back again.  There is a slight possibility of sighting the pair of Whooping Cranes who wintered over last year, as well as many other possible birds--from black faced ibis to little blue herons.

We will depart from my house--516 N.E. 2nd Street*--at 8:30 a.m., and there will be ample space to park your car nearby.  Be here by 8:15 a.m. and we should be back with ample time (by approximately 11:00 a.m.) to prepare the turkey (or the tofu), and to feel self-righteous for having exercised FIRST before proceeding to stuff ourselves with way too much food later.

(*Second Street is one-way going south, so approach it from North Main or 1st Street by turning east on 6th Avenue, then right {south} on 2nd Street.  It can also be accessed from N.E. 8th Avenue at a blinking yellow light.)

Questions, call Melinda (352, 373-1023) @ home.   For late calls cell is 373-1026.