Text Box: MEANDERTHAL HIKING PROTOCOL Requirements: Hold a current paid-up membership in the Canmore Seniors’ Association. Sign waiver on the Membership & Waiver Sheet, kept on file. Be prepared to volunteer to car pool and contribute towards expenses, as per suggested rate. Sign-up sheets: Hike Sign-up Sheets are posted on the hikers’ bulletin board located at the Canmore Seniors Drop-In Centre. Sheets are posted not later than noon on Thursday mornings. All participants must sign up for the hike they wish to take. As numbers are limited on each hike, if you change plans, please remove your name promptly, or phone the hike leader so that someone else can take your place. Sign-up sheets are collected by the hike leaders at the end of the hike, and placed in the basket provided to the right of the bulletin board. The hikes and leaders are also posted on the internet of the CSA. Hike and Group Ratings: A: For the fast hiker who likes to reach the destination quickly. These hikes are usually longer (10-30 km), with a greater elevation (1000m being typical). Some hikes are more difficult than the other categories. Slow A -hike at slower pace, with elevation gain, distance of a regular “A” B: For the hiker who prefers a more leisurely pace to spend more time on, for example, photography and flower identification, and admiration of the view. Slow B -hike at slower pace, but elevation gain, distance of a regular “B”. C: For the hiker who prefers shorter distances (10-15 km), at a slower pace than the B group, but still able to climb a moderate elevation gain (300-400m). D: For the hiker who prefers a slower easier pace than a C hike, but wants a full day hike. May not be offered on a weekly basis. Special Hikes: Emphasis on special interests such as flowers, photography, birding, hiking/biking combined, or a more difficult scramble. These hikes are not offered on a regular basis, and objectives have to be clearly identified. Make sure hikers do not over-estimate their own abilities. Departures: All hikes leave from the West side of Sobeys’ parking lot, near the recycle bins. Hikers should be at the parking lot at least 10 minutes before departure time to arrange car pools. Leaders: Must be familiar with the leader guidelines. Also, please use pencil, as sometimes changes are made. Leaders complete the hike sign-up sheet and post no later than noon on Thursday prior to the hike. After the hike, Leaders are to place completed lists in the basket provided beside the sign-up board. Safety issues: a hiker should stay behind the leader, and ahead of the sweep. If any hiker decides to go ahead of the leader, he/she will take full responsibility for his/her own safety. Clothing/Food: Dress appropriately considering that weather conditions can and do change rapidly in the mountains. Rain gear and extra clothing are recommended. Adequate footwear is essential. A packed lunch is always required, as also an adequate amount of water. Snacks are recommended. Etiquette: Participants are expected to follow the directions of the leader, and keep the group together. Be respectful of others in the group and be responsible for yourself in joining the appropriate group.