FARMINGTON — From time to time people at Gold LEAF’s Senior Institute at the University at Maine in Farmington submit plans to the curriculum committee for hikes. Most such “classes” are adopted and well attended. But most are short, strolls really: a quarter mile in, a quarter mile out; a half hour walk around a pond; a brief foray with a ranger in a forest.

Recently, two members proposed something more ambitious, a hike to the Poplar Stream Hut along the Maine Huts and Trails system at Carrabassett near Flagstaff Lake, two and a half miles in, same out, with lunch and a tour provided at the hut.

A hike of that length in Maine’s western mountains can be a bit challenging and cautionary flyers were issued to members, all of whom are over 50 years of age: wear hiking boots, bring water, insect repellent and walking sticks, be sure you can do the distance. Seventeen people signed up.

The day went well. One member noted that, if the average age of participants was figured at 65 – one person was 82, another 79, and the youngest 58 – the group collectively represented more than 1,000 years of age.

The hikers walked along Poplar Stream, visited a waterfall, climbed a crudely constructed stone stairway, and almost everyone said they’d do it again.

One fact was clear: while many of the participants had some previous experience in the woods, several as lone hikers in younger days, more than one said they felt they could come because of the support and companionship they knew they’d have.

For more information about Gold LEAF and its programs, call 778-7063 or visit www.goldleaf.wikispaces.com.