FUTURE EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2025 AND BEYOND WINTER BANQUET - Saturday, January 10, 2026 Like last year, this year's Winter Banquet will be held on a Saturday January 10 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Therese - Little Flower Catholic School, 4720 E. 13th St, Indianapolis, IN 36201. For details about the catered dinner, please see the reservation form that was mailed to everyone with your annual dues notice (or see Forms on the Club website). After the meal, we will announce winners of the 2025 Achievement Awards and new 25-year members. As we traditionally have done in past years, please bring canned and packaged food donations to feed needy Indianapolis families. If you have any questions, contact Annie Falvey, Social Committee Chairperson (614-596-2020 or indygypsygirl@gmail.com) GULF SHORES, ALABAMA - February 8-13, 2026 Karen LeClerc will once again lead a week of slow & easy hikes in Gulf Shores, AL and surrounding areas. New this year will be a visit to Fort Pickens with a hike starting at the Northern terminus of the Florida trail. Everyone will be making their own reservations for lodging. Look for more details in the next schedule. If you would like more details or suggestions for lodging or have any other questions, please call/email Karen at 920-883-9477 or kmleclerc58@gmail.com. WINTER WEEKEND AT BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK: MARCH 6-8, 2026 Mark your calendar for the Indianapolis Hiking Club's 2026 Winter Weekend at Brown County State Park. (We are returning to Brown County State Park, as the trails at McCormick's Creek are not yet fully restored.) Hikes will be on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, with a block of rooms reserved for Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7. It's not too early to call 812-988-4418 to reserve your room. Regular and deluxe rooms both come with 2 queen beds. Don't forget to mention the Hiking Club room block. Day hikers are also encouraged to attend the hikes. Mary Ann Layman has been transferring Winter Weekend responsibility over the past couple of years, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude for her wonderful leadership. Any questions, please contact John Schlechte at 317-294-2021. More details in the next newsletter. 29TH ANNUAL SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - April 14-16, 2026 (Tue-Thu) Mark your calendar for the Annual Club Trip to Smoky Mountains National Park. If you haven't already booked your room reservations in Gatlinburg, TN, do so now. Most members stay at Riverhouse at the Park (865-436-2070). Bearskin Lodge on the River (865-430-4330) is another good choice. This year we will repeat the Monday evening pool-side social hour at Riverhouse. There will be a range of traditional and new morning and afternoon moderate hikes, and more challenging full-day hikes. The hike leaders will include Tim Braun, John Lyghtel, Konnie and John Schlechte. Contact: John Schlechte 317-294-2021 cell or jschlechte@fastmail.com.