Hike to the John Murphy Memorial and Eagle Nest in Russell

#hikethehilltowns
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike
John Murphy Memorial and Eagles Nest
Saturday March 27th at 10:00 am
GPS Location:  42.164811  -72.824295 Parking      Hike Rating: Moderate     3.4 miles in and back

John E. Murphy 64, a 30-year volunteer Assistant Chief with the Russell Fire Department died on April 8th 1999 of a heart attack while battling a massive mountain fire.  That was Tekoa Mountain.  Deputy Chief Murphy was engaged in fighting the Tekoa fire for four hours. He collapsed and was down for ten to fifteen minutes prior to being discovered by another firefighter. CPR was begun immediately thereafter and continued as Deputy Chief Murphy was transported to a waiting ambulance in the bed of the Fire Chief’s pickup.

We hike in on old Russell Road alongside the Westfield River, past an Eagle’s Nest, past the old Savage Farmstead to a beautiful memorial for this man.  This hike is relatively flat with some rolling hills with mountain views across the river. Be prepared for ice, mud and water. Crampons may be necessary.

Park and meet at the trailhead parking area behind Strathmore Mill #2 on Pochassic Street off Valley View Avenue.  The trail starts here across the tracks.   Plan for three hours hike time. We will hike in to the memorial and back.  Maps and bottle water will be provided.  Please be aware that there are no facilities at the trail.    More details are on Facebook and the website. Friendly dogs are welcome! Register on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com hike is free, donations are appreciated!   Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. Tees, hoodies and hats will be for sale at the hike. I will have my complete catalog of printed hiking maps there too.

For more hike information email  westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter.  #westernmasshilltownhikers.  Events, maps and photos located at www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com
Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
We head up the trail at 10:00 am sharp!  See you all there!  Liz

You must register for this event using ticket leap, you will receive a confirmation number. This event as of today is limited to 25 people.  Masks/face coverings are required as well as 6 feet distance between hikers.  All will sign a covid waiver.  Hand sanitizer and disposable pencils will be provided.

“NOTE: Due to Current Massachusetts COVID-19 mandates: registration, signing a COVID-19 waiver, masks if you cannot social distance and whatever other mandates are ordered by Governor Baker will be required to participate in this event. The number of participants may be restricted. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT ONLY IF YOU INTEND TO ATTEND this will be a small group.  THERE IS NO WAITING LIST.

COVID-19 WAIVER and Sign In Sheet

Due to the 2019-2020 outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), our business is taking extra precautions with the care of every client to include health history review and enhanced sanitation/disinfecting procedures in compliance with CDC guidance. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: • Fever • Fatigue • Cough • Difficulty Breathing

I agree to the following: • I understand the above symptoms and affirm that I, as well as all household members, do not currently have, nor have experienced the symptoms listed above within the last 14 days. • I affirm that I, as well as all household members, have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 30 days. • I affirm that I, as well as all household members, have not knowingly been exposed to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 30 days. • I affirm that I, as well as all household members, have not traveled outside of the country or to any city considered to be a “hot spot” for COVID-19 infections within the past 30-days. • I understand that Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Elizabeth Massa or any other volunteer/Board Member associated with WMHH cannot be held liable for any exposure to the COVID-19 virus caused by misinformation on this form or the health history provided by each attendee. Our business is following theses enhanced procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19: • Wearing a mask/face covering is required.  Pre-registration for this event.  Hand Sanitizer provided for all participants.

Liability Waiver: As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity, you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com;.the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself,
your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death -including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.

By signing below, I agree to each statement above and release that Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Elizabeth Massa or any other volunteer/Board Member associated with WMHH from any and all liability for unintentional exposure or harm due to COVID-19.

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