Slow and Steady Hikers

PLEASE READ ALL DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP!!!
I will take 12 snowshoers max. Snowshoes are mandatory. All participants will be waitlisted. I will only add those who have walked with me or hiked with me previously.

How Do I Know This Hike Is For Me?
Are you a Slow to Very Slow Beginner or Intermediate hiker? Do you typically avoid signing up for hikes because their slow is not your slow? We have fun, laughs and really honestly go slow.... We "get there" 99% of the time (weather and trail conditions are the no-go's) but at our pace. So feel good about joining us if you are slow. If you like the destination but not a slow pace please wait for another organizer to put this one together. Thank you.

We will meet at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre at 9 am and travel (convoy style) to the Burstall Pass Parking (across from Chester Lake) where we will gear up and head out on the trail.

It is a 4.4 km loop and there is minimal elevation gain (~100 m cumulative) and LOTS of snow (well over hip deep in areas - hence the snowshoes). We will have lunch on the trail so please bring one. The road out (Smith Dorrien) is rough and bumpy so if you need to carpool from the Visitor Info Centre please do!

Research on hike:
https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports/peter-lougheed/hogarth-lakes-loop-snowshoe/
https://hikebiketravel.com/the-easy-hogarth-lakes-loop-snowshoe-trail/

Please be on time. Do NOT Meetup Message me (Tracy) the day of the hike. Please text me at 780-237-5933 at any time or if you have any concerns about location. Please identify yourself in the text. :)

There will be NO hiking ahead and speed demons are not welcome. The enjoyment of hiking is enjoying being in the moment. Kodak moments are encouraged. The leader does reserve the right to change the hike for weather or safety reasons as needed.

What MUST You Bring? I will check gear.

• Minimum 1.5 litres of water preferably in double walled metal bottles
• Lunch and snacks
• Appropriately layered clothing for the weather (NO COTTON) including a toque and mittens are best!
• winter boots and snowshoes

What should you have with you?

• gaiters
• Poles if you want them - I use mine every hike.
• mini personal first aid kit
• bear spray
• gatorade or electrolyte replacement drink or warm drink (i.e. tea)

WAIVER:
As per the new policy for waivers, I will bring the group waiver form with me to the Meet-up location and the trailhead. You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this event. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.
You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this event with the group
Waivers are svailable at the meetup

"Getting back in shape after Huge Consumption of Chocolates and all other Xmas goodies :) "

- Sulphur Springs and Elbow Valley Trail Loop.
It is a Nice hike with Good mix of hills and flats, woodlands and views.

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• Please do NOT sign up if you CAN'T stay with the group!!!
• Previous Hiking experience is a Must.
• Please Answer question(s) if you decide to sign up.
• Moderate pace. We will take brakes if needed: D-layering, Water/Snacks, Pictures, Bio-breaks or to enjoy the views.
• A waiting list has automatically been created. This is NOT a first come, first serve event & at the discretion of the organizer!!!!
• NO SPEEDY GONZALES!!!!!
  NO TURTLES!!!!

***

References:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/sulphur-springs-and-elbow-valley-trail-loop

***

Location: Station Flats Parking Lot
Distance: ~12 loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 484m
Time: ~4 hours
Pace: moderate
No dogs, No children
NO SPEEDY GONZALES!
NO TURTLES!
Time: This is ALL day event!!
Kananaskis Park Pass is required.

Carpooling: Organize on your own. Suggested Gas fee: $15

***

It is a requirement to read the following trip posting carefully and to make the proper and responsible preparations for it. Failure to do so, will result in participant not allowed on this trip.

If the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it, otherwise, you will be moved to the waiting list. As a potential participant, you must check this trip posting for additional directions from the organizer, including up to trip cancellation.

Gears:
• Good Hiking boots are required!
• Spikes - MANDATORY!!!!
• Wind/water resistant jacket, gloves, toque, hat, layers. BE prepared for all weather!!
• Hiking poles if you use them
• Gaiters
• Water - Lots of it/lunch/snacks
• Hot soup/tea/coffee (good to have if its cold)
• BEAR Spray - MANDATORY!!!!!!!
• Smiles :) :) Lots of them :)

CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct. https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/19453923/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/

WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver prior to arriving: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are VOLUNTEERS and NOT Trained Guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group