HIKE RATINGS
Our hikes are rated for a person in reasonably good physical condition who has some experience hiking in the outdoors. If you are not sure of your ability to do a certain hike please contact the hike leader. The ratings are based on normal water and weather conditions. Excessive heat, rain, snow and/or wind could make the hike more difficult than planned. Be aware of the weather forecast and, as always, contact the hike leader if you have questions. Due to the various ages of those in our club, many, thought no all hikes that are longer than 5 miles in length are rated as strenuous even if just for distance. We have hikers of all ages and all capabilities. We have many elders in the club that the youngsters have a hard time keeping up with! ALL are Welcome!!!

EASY-Short distance, mostly level or rolling with good footing and if there are creek crossing they will be easily rock hopped under normal water levels.

MODERATE-Longer distances, some climbing and/or creek crossings involving rock hopping. The trail may be rocky.

STRENUOUS-Long and/or steep hikes. May have very poor footing. Creek crossings may require difficult rock hopping or wading.

VERY STRENUOUS-Very long and/or steep hikes that may require rock scrambling, crawling through rhododendron and  continuous wading or rock-hopping. These hikes may be offtrail or on unmaintained trails with many blowdowns and an exposed footpath. Do not attempt a very strenuous hike unless you feel you are in top condition.

"Mike" Hikes - Just for fun...we have a new classification! Hikes led by our club leaders with the name "Mike" are often longer than anticipated and stated and may be quite challenging...but I can attest to the fact that they are some of the best, with the most awesome views, and dining outings! SO if you are up to it these are highly suggested!!!

NOTICE 1
Safety Issue - Club Stays Update June 2020
“Club Members, in consideration of the following:

1. We are a club of primarily older aged individuals and as often does accompany age, there tends to come the addition of factors that put many of our members into a high risk category!
2. Only a very few number of members have expressed interest in re-opening the club at this time. Even fewer in leading and or being responsible for leading an event.
3. We are not a for-profit business and thus our economic survival does not rest on taking an inappropriate risk to reopen at this time, to put our members at increased risk, or to assume increased liability for that risk.
4. The numbers of infectious and hospitalized with Covid-19 continue to be on a rising trend in our region, our state and most certainly in the states that surround us and where people often travel to and from here, and from there to our regions trails, parks and forests in this area. Not a single state in our region has met the CDC criteria for re-opening in spite of having done so and we are beginning to see the results of that in the data that is being reported.
5. Some people are refusing to follow safe and reasonable guidelines to protect themselves and others.
6. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic. There is still no available definitive treatment, or vaccine available.

In consideration of these factors, member discussion and other available data, I believe that the executive board is in agreement that the club continues in a holding pattern with NO club sanctioned events at this time. We will re-evaluate at a later date. In appreciation of and consideration of the many years most of the club leadership and event leaders have diligently worked to keep the club going, I would also say that this break is well deserved for them! Without their ongoing efforts there would be no club, unless others step into those roles. Something to think about over this break period, that I have been communicating, that must be addressed for the future continuation of this club. Please use this break to focus on the health and safety of you and your family at this time.”

If a few members of our club still want to meet for a hike or bike ride, it can be coordinated on our Facebook Page by the people who want to do it; with the understanding and the following posted disclosure that “the event is not sanctioned by the club and people do it at their own risk, CDC guidelines are highly recommended.”

As far as October meeting, let’s review that in September.

I believe this new normal will have to be reviewed on regular basis, potential monthly based as the situation evolves and with club input.

Jeannine - Club President
​
NOTICE 2
Safety Issue
(Expires TBA)
​Both the USA Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have advised that we are in one of the worst flu and respiratory virus seasons in almost 50 years. Please prepare yourself to stay healthy and take steps to help keep others from infection by following good hygiene and frequent quality hand washing techniques, cover your coughs and sneezes, wipe touched items with sanitizers, and when sick stay out of the public or wear an appropriate N95 facemask. There are some deadly and easy transmitted infections that are also drug resistant, emerging. Stay safe! Stay Informed. For more information please go to the cdc.gov website and/or the who.int and search viral and infectious diseases. If your a real researcher do a general google
​of virology and epidemiology too!