Moderate/Difficult Hike D4 Mt Lipsett Sun Jun 23 9:00 a.m.

Description: This trail follows an old road through trees much of the way, then opens out into great views. Elevation gain of about 700 m and about 12 km return. Max elevation about 2580 m. Expect dry, muddy, marshy, and snow patches, but we should be able to go around most of them. For that reason I recommend gaiters and poles. Rated D4 for distance and elevation, mostly on-trail (following the COC scale). May be steep sections but no scrambling. This trip is weather permitting. Bring lots of food and water for a longer day. Not for beginners.

No meetup fees. Gas money for drivers.

A strong level of fitness is required. About 6-7 hours on the trail including lunch and lazing and photos and play and general slow-poking around depending on conditions and contingencies.

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. You'll also find Tips and Safety, and FAQ there.

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.

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 the north end of the Anderson C-Train station parking lot, 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.

Please don't leave valuables in the car at the train station or trailhead.

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. At Longview head west on highway 541 to Highwood House. From Highwood House take Highway 40 west 25.2 km to a grassy area on the north side of Highway 40, 150 m west of where Highway 40 passes over the unnamed tributary of Storm Creek in the drainage between Mt. Lipsett and Mist Mountain (there is a dirt pull off on the grassy area). Be sure to get an idea of where you're going if you're thinking of driving. Includes lots of gravel road. There are no outhouses at the trail head - we will probably stop at Highwood House. Total driving time ~2 h each way.

Weather: Forecast for Longview as of Jun 18: 19 with chance of a shower. Usually cooler, and subject to change quickly, in the mountains. Be prepared for any conditions - cold, hot, snow, rain, hail, sun, wind. :-)

Trail conditions: Dry, mud, marshy, 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. Stay on the trail and watch what you step on.

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 $60. 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, gaiters, poles.

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

minimum 2 litres of water, lunch, snacks, extra snacks, 2-3 layers including tops and bottoms that are wind/waterproof (no denim/jeans), warm socks, sun hat, toque/scarf/gloves/mitts, sunscreen, spare socks, a plastic bag for muddy boots, 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, spikes/yaktrax, sunglasses, camera, kleenex, lip balm, moleskin, mosquito repellent, waterproof sit-upon (a jacket in a garbage bag works), water purifier, a change of clothes/shoes for the car, hot drink, hand/toe warmers, pack cover, etc.