Moderate Hike Whaleback D3/4 Sat May 18 8:00 a.m.

No meetup fees. Gas money for drivers.

Description: A moderate D3/4 hike, partly off-trail in the less visited Whaleback area in the higher foothills with views east to the Livingstone Range and hopefully west to the Continental Divide. We will start on the Ridge Creek trail then go off trail to wander up the small ridge to the north. Elevation gain of about 300-400 m and about 10-12 km return. Max elevation about 2000 m. Should be mostly dry. There may be a small creek crossing.

A good level of fitness is required. About 5-6 hours on the trail including lunch and lazing and photos and play and general slow-poking around depending on conditions and contingencies.

This is a bit of an exploration - I haven't done it, and we will be off-trail.

We are a group - we try to hike together, be sociable, have fun, enjoy the scenery, take pictures, bask in the sun, and our pace is usually slow. If you don't want to wait to allow the slowest members to catch up and have a breather, this meetup group is not for you.

These are not guided trips - organizers are not trained guides and do not accept any responsibility or liability. There is a waiver of liability form to sign at the carpool location. Please read the waiver in advance. It's found under the More drop-down list, Files section.

Attendance: Please respond early - there may be a trip minimum - 3 or 4 depending on the trip. Update your response as soon as possible, especially if you've responded that you can drive. Use the waiting list responsibly - it is automatic: if you are next on the list you will automatically be added, and informed. Please cancel as soon as possible if you can't make it. After 3 no-shows you may be asked to leave the group.

Late/Cancellation: If there is a last minute update, call or text (as well as meetup update) the organizer (in this case Nitin at 403 612 7129) as soon as you know you can't make it or are running late. We'd like to not wait, nor worry.

Transport:
We'll carpool at Anderson C-Train station parking lot (NORTH end - toward the car dealership), where you'll need to sign a waiver.

Indicate in your RSVP comments if you can drive or need a ride. If you respond that you can drive, we're counting on you, so be sure to update as soon as possible if you can't make it.

Directions: Drive south on Hwy 2 10 min, then on 2A 15 min through Okotoks to Hwy 7. 15 min west to Black Diamond. Left at the 4 way stop in the centre of town. 15 min south to Longview, and another 15 min further south to hwy 532. West 45+ min to Hwy 940, and about 12 km/ 15 min south to the trail head just before the road crosses a bridge over the Livingstone River. Total one way driving time 2.25 hours. Be sure the get an idea of where you're going if you're thinking of driving. Includes lots of gravel road. I don't think there are outhouses at the trail head so we will have to find what we can along the way.

Weather: Forecast for Longview as of May 17: low 6, high 16, 5-10 mm rain chance of thundershowers. Subject to change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared for any conditions - cold, hot, snow, rain, hail, sun, wind. :-)

Trail conditions: Dry, mud, patches of snow and ice, all are fair game.

Etiquette: Radios, ipods, etc, with speakers are not welcome. Texting, cell calls, and other electronics are discouraged beyond the trailhead. Leave no trace except footprints, take nothing but pictures. Pack out all garbage including organics.

Photo and Video: You should expect that you will be in pictures and short videos, and that these may be shared on the Meetup website or in other ways. Ongoing video (e.g., helmet cam) of lengthy (>1 minute) parts of the trip is NOT welcome to preserve privacy and group atmosphere. Please do share SOME highlight photos (NOT your whole collection) on the website. I reserve the right to delete duplicate, blurry, and excess photos to provide participants with a viewable album.

Costs: Gas $$ for drivers depending on # of passengers - max vehicle expense for this trip is $70. Be prepared to spend up to 50% of the max expense in the event you are in a vehicle of only 2 people. NA: Park entrance fees $20/vehicle or bring a pass.

Pets/Kids under 16: Fit kids over 12; no pets.

Equipment: Boots, water/windproof layers.

Are you prepared to survive an unexpected night in the mountains?

about ~1-2 litres water, lunch, snacks, extra snacks, 2-3 layers including tops and bottoms that are wind/waterproof (no denim/jeans), warm socks, toque/scarf/gloves/mitts, sunscreen, spare socks, cash, toilet paper and a ziplock bag to carry it out, patience, a sense of humour, group-mindedness, medium sized daypack preferably with padded hip strap to carry all that stuff

Optional/suggested equipment, depending on trip and terrain and conditions and season and preference: Trekking poles, road map, trail map, compass, gaiters, flashlight/head lamp, whistle, bear spray (NO bear bells), pocket knife, first aid kit, yaktrax, sunglasses, camera, kleenex, lip balm, moleskin, mosquito repellent, waterproof sit-upon (a jacket in a garbage bag works), wind or rain pants, a change of clothes/shoes for the car, hot drink, hand/toe warmers, etc.