By Shepard P. Collins/Daily News correspondent
Daily News Tribune
Posted Jan 02, 2009 @ 01:03 AM
WALTHAM —

Twenty residents braved yesterday's single-digit temperatures to participate in the Waltham Land Trust's fourth annual New Year's Day Hike.

Inge Uhlir, one of the trust's five remaining founding board members, led the hike.

"We had twice the turnout last year," Inge noted, "but it was warmer with a mix of rain, snow and fog that offered no view from Boston Rock."

This year's cloudless New Year's Day allowed for a clear view of Waltham, Boston and the Blue Hills to the south.

The afternoon hike started at the south entrance to Prospect Hill Park, off Prospect Hill Road. From there, it followed the Boston Rock Trail to the highest point in the park.

"Many Waltham residents don't realize what an incredible view this park offers," said David Kehs, clerk for the trust.

Kehs joined the trust in 2001, two years after its incorporation, and said he has participated in all four of the New Year's Day hikes.

Lesya Struz, also on the trust's board as well as a Conservation Commission member, suggested a New Year's hike four years ago, and it has become a tradition.

When asked why she had braved the elements to join the hike, she said, "The hike was my idea, so I'm just holding up my end of the bargain."

At 485 feet, Prospect Hill is the second tallest in greater Boston, eclipsed only by the Great Blue Hill, at 635 feet.

Maureen and Daniel Keleher, who live near the park's south entrance, bundled up Mary, their 1-year-old daughter, and Sebastian, their 3-year-old son, for the hike.

"What a great way to start the new year," Daniel said while adding snow to the steaming cider brought along by the hike's sponsors. Trust members toted homemade gingerbread cookies, poppy seed bread, hot cider and cocoa to the top.

"'I look at it as a way to celebrate nature while welcoming the new year," said David Grinstein, a trust member and longtime Waltham resident.

Melinda Bruno Smith, a photographer and yoga instructor who moved to Waltham in 2008, said she thought the hike was "a good way to meet other members of the community while enjoying the fresh air and exercise."

"The most important role of the (trust) is to increase awareness of and, more importantly, appreciation for, the open spaces in the city of Waltham," said Diana Young, the trust's vice president, who also participated in the hike. She said the trust helps create and maintain trails on the city's conservation lands.

"Weather always plays a part in the hike's turnout, but between the 20 participants and the amazing view, I think today's hike was a success," Young said after the hourlong hike.

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