Division C Toastmasters Take a Hike!

BY CHARNAIE GORDON, ACB, CL

left to right:  Charnaie Gordon with her dog Gucci (dog), Rose Zolnik, Barakah White, Mary Talbot, Tom Alvord, Erik Jarboe, baby Nora and their dog Macy.

Hiking is a treat during the autumn season, especially in New England.  Hikers have the opportunity to enjoy the physical benefits of hiking along with the fresh, crisp, air.

There are many picturesque hiking trails that you can explore sometimes right in your own backyard.  Finding the right group to hike with can be daunting.  Today, there are clubs for just about every interest, whether you want to meet avid outdoors people, singles, families, single parents or older adults. Some clubs even offer dog-friendly hikes.  But what if you wanted to go on a hike with a few fellow Toastmasters?  Is there a club for that?  The answer may surprise you.

On Sunday, September 12th, five fellow Toastmasters, one potential Toastmaster, a one-year old future Toastmaster and two dogs dusted off their hiking boots, grabbed their water bottles and hiked one of the scenic trails at Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown, Connecticut.  Wadsworth Falls State Park has a series of marked trails covering 285 acres.

The hike was organized and led by Tom Alvord, a member of the Middlesex County and Cromwell Community Toastmasters clubs.  Toastmasters from three local clubs participated:  Middlesex, Wallingford and Cromwell.

The group hiked the 3.3 mile ‘Big Falls’ trail which led to a beautiful waterfall located along the Coginchaug River. The elevation gain was approximately 100 feet. 

The trekkers took several pictures and even managed to conduct a brief Table Topics session before making their way back to the beginning of the trail.  All of the table topics questions were related to hiking.  It was very enlightening!

Tom has been interested in hiking for many years.  Towards the end of the hike Tom expressed an interest in starting a Toastmasters hiking club and everyone agreed it was a novel idea.  Tom agreed to be the coordinator of the club and he even managed to form a committee before everyone departed!

The group is preparing to organize the next hike scheduled to take place on October 10th.  Toastmasters from all walks of life are invited to attend along with their family and friends.  Won’t you consider joining us?  Children and leashed dogs are welcome, but parents should be mindful of each hike’s distance and difficulty.

For more information about the District 53 Toastmasters Hiking Club please contact Tom Alvord.  Tom can be reached via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it