Around the Vineyard in Eight Hours

Finishers of the Cross-Island Hike get a snazzy certificate of completion, but it’s really bragging rights and beauty that get folks to strap on their sneakers or sturdy boots. This year’s walk begins at 8 a.m. Saturday from the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank’s new Quammox Preserve on Chappy and wraps up about 3:30 p.m. at the new Quansoo Preserve in Chilmark. It’s one of the longest in a while — almost 20 miles — but you can hop on and off at set points (see online mvlandbank.com/annualhike.html).

Bring sunscreen (or rain gear), insect repellant and lots of water.