Hello Fellow Walking and Hiking Enthusiasts!

11 Things You Should Know...

1. Email Preferences
Members who signed up for the email list will recieve emails each time a group member on the email list sends one out AND when any other member sends a reply. This can prove to be overwhelming for some but it is the way the email list is designed. You can change your email preferences by clicking on "Account" (upper right corner), then click on "Email and Notifications". From the email and notifications settings you can choose to receive emails individually (as they are sent out), in daily digest (you will receive one email each day that contains all emails sent) or you can choose to not receive emails at all.

I strongly suggest you modify your email preferences.

2. Event Descriptions
When an event is posted, please read the entire event description. You decide which is the right event for you. Some of the hikes will require climbing and the level of difficulty can be moderate or a bit strenuous for some. If you ever have questions about an event, email the organizer who posted the event for clarification.

3. Event Locations
At times, there may be more than one event scheduled on the same day, at the same time but at different locations. This is an attempt to have more localized walks so members won't have to travel so far for an event, especially during weekday evenings. This is a big group.... our members live all over San Diego county so one location does not fit all. Eventually, there may be organizers in each county...... if you're interested in being an assistant organizer, let me know.

4. Group History
When you have a moment, you might consider reading archived emails and messages to learn more about the group.

5. This is Your Group
We all signed up for this group for different reasons, so it's up to you to make it be what you need it to be. Feel free to make suggestions about how the group functions, to suggest meetup events or to organize an event. If you want an event posted but you don't care to be an organizer, simply email me as much info as possible and I will post the event for you.

6. Soliciting
Soliciting is not allowed under any circumstance. There is no place to advertise your service or product here. Please be advised that many people find unwanted solicitation annoying. If you signed up to this group for the purpose of soliciting, you will be removed from the group without notice. HOWEVER, if you are interested in being a sponsor....please email me through the meetup site.

7. Photos
From time to time, different members will take pictures during events and post them on the meetup site. If you see yourself in a picture and would prefer that it not be posted, please email me and I will remove it at your request.

8. EVENT DESCRIPTIONS - This is so important that it's noted twice.

Before you RSVP "Yes" for an event, PLEASE make sure you read the description....most importantly, read the level of difficulty of the hike and make sure it is within your capabilities..... and make sure any guests you bring are also able to complete the hike. Many of the hikes posted are not "strolls".

Here's an example of what can happen when the event description is not read:
In the past, someone was unable to hike back up a steep hill. The event description was precise..."there will be steep hills, need to be able to climb up and down, hand and foot action and --- use of a rope." Long story short, it was not the right hike for that person....and it's not the first time someone chose the wrong hike to go on. Dangerous situations have been avoided over time, so please make sure you choose a hike that's a fit for you. Sometimes people drive up to an hour (or more) to go on these hikes and they don't want it ruined by someone who simply didn't make a good decision. Becoming distressed happens from time to time for various reasons...but that's quite a different scenario from someone who has not hiked any significant elevation trying to hike Mt Woodson as their first hike. You know your hiking history better than we do, so it's up to you to make a good decision. However, the organizer reserves the right to ask you not to participate if they deem it necessary, so, don't be offended if organizers ask you questions about your hiking history, or if you're asked not to participate.....it's a safety issue- for you and others.

9. If you RSVP for an event please only submit a "YES" RSVP to indicate that you are going. You must RSVP "YES" in order to attend the event.
Please DO NOT submit a "NO" RSVP. By the fact that you did not RSVP "YES", the organizers know you will not attend.

10. No Shows - The three strike rule applies.

11. OK. Enough. No more rules and things to know!

Now, let's get outside and enjoy San Diego by Foot!

Tracey