Activity Guidelines
Phoning the Coordinator
If you have not recently completed a similar hike or are concerned about the suitability, you should discuss your ability to participate with the coordinator. Do not call before 9:00 a.m., after 9:00 p.m. or on the morning of the hike.
Car Pooling
Please remember to reimburse your driver for gas and wear and tear at the end of a club trip. The suggested rate is $5.00 per person per hour of driving time on paved roads, and up to $8.00 per hour on rough logging roads or adverse conditions, at the discretion of the driver. Please put your muddy hiking boots in a clean plastic bag and change into runners after the hike. It is not the coordinator's responsibility to arrange for your transportation to or from the meeting place. Drivers are reminded of their additional responsibilities and should drive defensively.
Group Hiking
Members are reminded that the club is primarily a group hiking club and does not encourage break-away groups. The club does not foster competitive hiking (fastest, longest, highest etc.) with all the associated risks. Members who wish to challenge themselves in this way should do so outside the club. People wishing to leave the group must strike their names from the sign-up sheet, and initial the right-hand column as acknowledgement. At his or her discretion, the coordinator is at liberty to allow people who know the terrain to go ahead of the group, but people so doing are on their own regarding navigation, safety and recovery.
Mountain Etiquette
We do our best to keep our forests and trails unspoiled for everyone to enjoy. We ask that hikers carry home all litter (including biodegradable stuff like orange and banana peels) and leave plants and rocks where they are (except on trail clearing parties).
Dogs are not permitted on hikes. If you wish to smoke, please consider the majority who do not and ensure that you are well downwind. Please do not wear colognes or perfumes on trips. Some of our members are extremely sensitive to these chemicals. As well, scents attract bears!
Please note that hyper-sensitive individuals can be allergic to even the slightest hint of chemicals, including fragrance present in many cosmetic and hygiene products, such as lotion, face powder, shampoo, anti-perspirant, deodorant, etc.
The wearer may be so used to the scent as to be totally unaware of its effect on the poor sensitive sufferers. Please do not take offence if somebody politely mentions his or her allergy to you. Simply agree to maintain enough distance between you two throughout the hike; and try not to use the same culprit product for future hikes. Let us all enjoy the great outdoors in harmony.