Sowell to lead a hiking trip at South Mountain Reservation

IRVINGTON, NJ — John Sowell, a former Municipal Council president, 2014 mayoral candidate and current assistant to Mayor Tony Vauss, resigned his position in the administration last month, but he isn’t letting that slow him down.

Sowell has invited the public to join him on a 5-mile group hike in the South Mountain Reservation on Saturday, Oct. 28. An accomplished recreational cyclist who has ridden in interstate events, he now has more time on his hands for outdoor activities.

According to Sowell, participants may come to his home at 955 Stuyvesant Ave. in Irvington at 9:30 a.m., for a breakfast before the hike and leave at 10:15 a.m. Or participants may also meet up with the group at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Millburn Public Library, 200 Glen Avenue in Millburn.

“Our goal is to be on the hiking trail at 10:45 a.m. and be finished between noon and 1 p.m., depending on the pace of the group,” Sowell noted. “The hike is about 5 miles, at an easy pace, to stay together over the terrain, which is mostly flat, and the trails are well-worn and marked. We will take breaks to regroup as often as necessary. We will stop to have lunch at the scenic overlook, before heading back to our vehicles.”

Sowell is hoping to get a large turnout for the hike and recommended that participants bring along family and friends, water and snacks.

Sowell also said hikers should bring along a baseball cap, sunglasses, thin gloves, hiking boots or sneakers, a second pair of sneakers, multiple layers and cargo pants.

“The baseball cap is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and keeping your head warm,” said Sowell. “Sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun. You’ll need thin gloves to keep your hands warm and free from being in your pockets. Do not wear construction-type boots, unless you are accustomed to wearing them for long periods, because they are very heavy and will wear you down over a period of time. Also, do not wear any new footwear on the day of the hike. Whatever you wear on your feet should be worn and comfortable.”

The second pair of boots or sneakers is a necessary precaution, he said.

“There may be water/mud on the trails that you may not want to track into your car or home. It is best to just change them and put the soiled ones in a plastic bag and clean them when you get home,” said Sowell. “It’s good to have multiple layers of thin jackets, so that you can unzip the various layers, as you warm up throughout the hike. Cargo pants are really not necessary; however, it will be easier to carry your food and beverages in the side pockets, so that you will not need a backpack or carrying bag.”

To join in the hike or learn more about the expedition and future outings, call or text Sowell at 973-985-0779.

  John Sowell