Happy Hikers Members
Handout
How We Hike
Member Responsibilities
Trip participants have the obligation to acquaint themselves
with the nature of the trip and to verify that it is within their
capability and experience. They are solely responsible for assuring that their physical conditioning, skills, and equipment are adequate to participate in Happy Hikers activities. They must be willing to accept the
authority of the trip leaders, cooperate with them and other participants
to make the trip safe and enjoyable. Trip participants are solely responsible for their own safety and for taking every precaution to provide for their own safety and well-being while participating in Happy Hikers activities. Remember at all times, trails and
surrounding areas will be left in as good or better condition than found.
Hikers should stay on the established trail. Flowers, plants, shrubs
and tree will be enjoyed and not destroyed. Litter and refuse will
be carried out. "Pack it in, pack it out." U.S. Forest Service, National
Park Service, and any other state and federal land use regulations will
be adhered to and private property will be respected at all times. No
"tigers"... All trips will be conducted in a "conservative spirit" so
that reserves are available for emergencies. If circumstances suggest
undue danger or the objective appears beyond the capability of the party,
the trip will be abandoned. Every effort will be made to follow sound
principles of safe hiking as presented in textbooks and schools of recognized
merit. Members cannot take dogs on the hikes.
If you have a friend who would like Happy Hikers, you
can sponsor a new member. Tell the person about the gear he/she will need,
member responsibilities, and come with the person on his/her first hike. Provide a copy of the current hiking schedule. Alternatively, if you are
unable to come with a first timer, call the leader of that hike,
explain to the leader the new member’s knowledge and experience
of hiking, if any, let the leader know you have discussed what to
bring and do on a hike, and ask the leader to allow the person to go
on the hike without you. All new members must sign a release form. The
leader will ask new members to fill out this form prior to the beginning
of the hike and retain it for Happy Hiker records. We keep members on the mailing list as long as they hike with us occasionally. We periodically review the list and remove those that we haven't seen in a while. Since we do not charge dues, this practice is how we try to keep the membership list current.
A few important reminders for a pleasant outing are
listed below:
- Individuals must be physically able and mentally
prepared for the trip.
- Have the proper clothing and equipment and carry
food and water appropriate for the trip.
- Let the leader lead-do not go ahead of the front
leader or drop behind the rear leader unless the leader allows you to do so.
- Any participant leaving the party is no longer
considered part of the group.
- Do not leave the trip/parking area until all the
party members have safely returned and the vehicles have started
(unless permission is given by the leader).
- Pay your car pool driver five cents per mile..
- Call the scheduled trip leader by Thursday evening
to register for the hike.
- Notify the leader privately of any medical conditions
that might conceivably arise during a hike.
- Please be welcoming to new and current members and make a point of being friendly to everyone on a hike and talking to someone you don't know.
- Take this opportunity to get to know new people
with similar interests.
Leader's Rights and Responsibilities
- The trip leader has complete authority on the
trip.
- A minimum of four persons is required. In
case of an accident, one person stays with the injured while the
other two go for help; safeguarding one another. If four people
have not registered by Thursday evening, the trip can be cancelled
due to lack of interest.
- The leader is responsible for planning a safe
trip; leader is not responsible for the safety of the participants.
- The leader has the right to examine participant's
qualifications, clothing, equipment, and food and to refuse participation
to those he/she judges are unqualified or improperly equipped for
the trip.
- The leader has the right to set and maintain the
pace, vary the route as needed, and to turn back short of the objective
if conditions warrant so doing.
- Depending on the nature of the hike, the leader
may limit the size of the group; therefore,
members are encouraged to sign up early (between Sunday and Thursday before the hike).
- At the park n ride meeting location, the leader
will determine who wants to stop to eat after the hike and who
wants to come back to the park n' ride and assure there are cars for
both.
- Leaders will check with hikers during each hike
whether the pace is okay and if more or less rest breaks are needed.
The pace will be adjusted accordingly. At rest breaks, the leader
will ask all hikers if they are ready to move on before resuming the
hike. Members should feel free to politely remind the leaders if they
forget to do these things. Rear leaders will be identified for all
hikes unless the leader determines the size and experience of the group
does not necessitate a rear leader in order to keep track of all hikers.
- The leader may briefly review gear and water
requirements and key features of the hike before the start of the
hike.
Regular Day Hike Equipment
FOOD AND DRINK:
- Water- (minimum of two quarts recommended, in a leak proof,
unbreakable container)
- Lunch items & quick energy snacks; hot drink
in thermos during cold weather is a good idea
CLOTHING AND GEAR:
- BOOTS: heavy construction, comfortably snug, broken
in, weatherproofed
- HIKING BOOTS: It's a good idea to wear different shoes
to and from the trailhead than what you hike in. It keeps the drivers'
cars clean plus it's great to have sandals or other shoes to put
on after a hike. Bring a bag to put your hiking boots in to avoid getting
mud or moisture in drivers' cars.
- SOCKS: one pair each of lightweight and heavy wool
or comparable
- PANTS: constructed to be loose, comfortable, quick
drying. Preferably no jeans!!
- GAITERS: Good ankle and leg protection in snow, mud, heavy
brush
- THERMAL UNDERWEAR (winter): polypropylene, thermax,
duofold
- SHIRTS: manmade fabrics, insulating
quality, quick drying, bunting/nylon pile)
- SWEATERS: wool or fleece is recommended
- JACKET: mountain styled hooded; large-sized
- HAT: to retain body heat and to provide shade
- MITTENS/GLOVES: wool, fleece or waterproof
- RAINGEAR: lightweight poncho, rain parka/pants (zipper
at foot is a nice feature)
- BACKPACK: should be large enough to hold your necessary
items
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, sunscreen chapstick, sunglasses
- Note: Avoid clothing made out of cotton. Cotton
retains moisture and loses its insulation, a dangerous combination
in the mountains.
Items Listed Below Are Suggestions For Safety and
Comfort:
- Hiking stick
- Ensolite pad (to sit on)
- Space blanket
- Large plastic trash bags (can be used to reinforce
your shelter, as additional raingear, etc.)
- Nylon cord (to help set up temporary shelter)
- Fire starting kits: candle, wind & water proof
matches or lighter
- Pocketknife, small scissors
- Tick/mosquito spray
- Toilet paper, tissue (only if you take it out in a plastic bag;
don't leave behind; don't bury)
- First aid kit: moleskin, band aides, gauze, ace
wrap, 2 triangular bandages, needles, tweezers, and disinfectant
- Extra Clothing: wool sweater, or shirt, extra
socks, wool gloves - all year
- Handkerchief/scarf; extra bootlaces
- Flashlight/headlamp (extra bulb & batteries)
- Metal sierra cup, tea bags/bouillon
- Energy snacks/survival food (avoid needing to
mix with water)
- Whistle (plastic for winter use)
- Compass, map of hike area, GPS
- Low temp electrician tape (to help repair equipment)
- Coins for phone calls; name & phone number
of person to contact in an emergency situation
- Personal ID; medical insurance card, hiking certificate
- Extra plastic bags for trash along the trail
- Ice walkers for boots when trail may be icy/snowcovered in fall or spring
Prepare for the Worst...Plan for the Best!!!
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