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GENERAL HIKING INFORMATION (MUST READING!)
Rules
You must receive permission from the leader prior to the outing to bring children or a pet on an outing.
Never get in front of the leader or behind the sweep. If you do so, you are leaving the group, and may get separated from it. Anything that happens after this is the consequence of your own decision, and is your own responsibility. You are no longer part of the group, and a participant in the outing.
Always pay attention to any instructions the leader gives before or during the hike, and always obey the leader. A leader may ask an individual to leave the outing if he finds them disruptive or a risk to their health or anyone else.
Schedule
The Wanderings newsletter contains trip descriptions for each outing with relevant information such as time and place to meet, any special equipment needed, transportation details and expenses, mileage, terrain, bring water and lunch etc. Please be sure and read the description carefully.
Some leaders do not publish their phone number, and feel that the description contains all the necessary information. However, if a leader does publish a phone number, please call only if it is absolutely necessary, and only at a reasonable hour, unless otherwise specified in the write-up.
Reservations/Confirmations
Reservations and confirmations are not necessary unless otherwise specified in the hike description.
Changes
In the event of an uncontrollable circumstance, the leader may not be able to do the hike as scheduled. Please be tolerant of changes in the hike route, and of substitute leaders.
Leaders
The leaders of these activities are volunteers, and are not paid professional licensed guides or leaders. Since they are unpaid volunteers, please do not rely on them to have any special skills or training. Even though the Outdoors Club does not provide training we do have an experienced leader attend the new leader's first outing.
Liability
The Outdoors Club Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) (3) volunteer organization open to all adults 18 & over. Participant is voluntarily participating with knowledge of the risks. Individual participants are expected to engage in activities suitable to their ability, experience and physical condition. You must decide whether you are physically fit to engage in the activity, and whether you have the proper food, clothing and equipment. All hikers assume the responsibilities and risks of hiking and release the Club, its officers, leaders or substitute leaders from any liability whatsoever for any loss, damage to personal property, and injury however caused of any kind, nature and description. If you have any questions discuss them with the leader before the trip.
Hiking Hazards
Protect yourself against Lyme Disease by walking in the center of trails and avoiding grass and bush. The best protection is afforded by wearing light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, hats, pants (not shorts) tucked into socks, and shoes or sneakers that leave no part of the feet exposed. Check yourself carefully and thoroughly for ticks as soon as possible following the hike. The insecticide Permethrin or any insect repellent containing DEET can be sprayed on clothing to repel ticks.
Leaves of three BEWARE! Protect yourself against pretty poison ivy by identifying it growing on trees and fences. Walk in the center of trails, and wear long-sleeves and pants not shorts.
Equipment and Supplies
Be prepared for rain by bringing suitable rain gear.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellant in the hot weather.
Winter walking may involve icy paths and extreme cold. You must dress appropriately to avoid frostbite and falls - wear hiking boots, face protection, a hat, gloves, use a cane, layer clothing, and bring a hot beverage.
Bring plenty of liquids, and more in the hot weather.
Carry a backpack that contains your lunch, water, sunscreen, band-aids, antibiotic cream, and insect repellent. You may also want to bring an umbrella, jacket or sweater, camera, binoculars, lip balm, and a map of the area.
Wear proper footwear. The outing description will specify if you need hiking boots or if sneakers are okay. Thin-soled dress or casual shoes are usually inadequate even for city walks. Always wear a shoe with treads that will be able to grip a wet steep sidewalk or trail. Don't wait until you're on a hike to realize that your shoes are inadequate for the rough terrain and wet ground. |
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