Kid's hike -- The boulder field on Little Lougheed

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/f/0/a/event_119453002.jpeg

Please read the entire trip description.

This hike is targeted for 6- to 12-year-olds. Because much of this hike will be off trail, the minimum age is 6. However, if you have one child older than six and one younger, please contact me and we may be able to make an exception.

We scrambled to the top of Little Lougheed on May 13 (https://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Outdoor-Recreation-Association-CORA/events/63927972/), and on the way down we came across a boulder field that looked like it'd be fun for kids. While I lingered at the back of the group, the two big horn sheep in the photo came to check us out. To get to the boulder field, much of the hike will be off-trail through the trees. Once we reach the boulder field, we'll go as far up as the kids want and have lunch. There's still a bit of snow in the boulder field, but the forest is dry.

If it's raining or snowing in the area of the hike, the hike may be canceled or the destination http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/5/c/e/event_119585582.jpegchanged to an area without rain or snow if possible.

You must be with a kid to come on this hike. All kids must have an adult with them. My kid's hikes are intended to get kids out with other kids in an effort to trick them into having fun in the mountains. Most trails lead to a place where there's something fun for the kids, like climbing on rocks or building dams. Note the emphasis on fun. If the kids all stop a couple hundred meters from the parking lot and start building dams across a creek for an hour or so, that's as far as we go. My philosophy is that if you don't push the kids too hard and make it fun for them, they'll eventually push themselves to see what's over the next hill. Also, expect the kids to get dirty and wet. Extra footwear to change into for the way home is recommended. There's nothing in the wild as ornery as a kid with wet feet in the back seat of a car.

RSVP: Update your RSVP as early as possible, at least 12 hours before the meeting time. If you are unable to attend for any reason whatsoever, LET ME KNOW as soon as possible. My cell phone is 403.554.3474 .

TRIP WAIVER AND CONDITIONS: You must sign a trip waiver to attend this event. You must also sign a waiver for your child(ren). Adult participants must have a paid CORA membership, or pay the non-member fee of $5. There is no charge for children 17 and under.

Difficulty level: This hike is targeted for 6- to 12-year-olds. Because much of this hike will be off trail, the minimum age is 6. However, if you have one child older than six and one younger, please contact me and we may be able to make an exception.

Distance: About 4 km round trip
Elevation gain: About 200 m
Hiking/Exploring Time: About 4 hours.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this trip as long as they are on a leash.

Driving and Directions: Click here for a driving map. (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Home+Rd+NW&daddr=Smith+Dorrien+Trail%2FHwy+742&hl=en&ll=51.027576,-114.721985&spn=0.998474,2.469177&sll=51.076594,-114.164772&sspn=0.015585,0.038581&geocode=FchICwMdNv0x-Q%3BFaN7CQMdZWkg-Q&t=h&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=15&z=9)

Costs: Members are free. Non-member fee is $5. Kids 17-years and under are free.

Transport: CORA trips start at the trailhead. We meet at the meeting point in Calgary to make organizing trips easier and help ensure we know who's showing up. On kid's hikes, be prepared to drive rather than car pool. Sometimes kids have to make quick exits, which can make car pooling inconvenient. Please be on time. You may choose to meet us at the trailhead, but please advise us ahead of time.

EQUIPMENT: Weather can change quickly in the mountains -- rain, snow, wind, warm, or cold -- BE PREPARED. Dress for fall/winter.

Be sure to bring gloves/mitts and toques for everyone.

Footwear--hiking boots are best but runners are okay if the trail is dry. If the trail isn't dry, best to bring rubber boots or winter boots for the kids if they don't have hiking boots.

Mandatory - sense of humor, inner child, real child, lunch and snacks, at least 1-2 litres of water per person, hard shell/rain coat, fleece or similar warm coat to put under hard shell, sunscreen, extra footwear for the kids (leave in the car to change into after).