GTA Hiking & Stuff

I know you all love waterfall hikes, so here's another one in Hamilton! This meetup will be capped at 10 spots. This is an inclusive hiking group where care and attention is given to each hiker.

Here is what to expect:
-11.5km hike suitable for intermediate-level hikers

• A beginner option to hike 6km (share an Uber from the Waterfalls parking lot back to Walmart parking lot)
  - 329 m elevation gain (some up and down, some inclines)
  - forested paths with some technical hiking over tree roots and rocks
  - 30 min lunch break (bring your own lunch) at Smokey Hallow Falls
  - public washroom at the Walmart (free parking, huge lot)
  - hike will finish by 5:30pm

Hike Benefits:
* 2 distance options (choose your own adventure!)
* free parking
* yoga stretches to warm up before we start the hike and again at the end of the hike
* relaxed pace (we are NOT a fast hiking group). We wait for everyone and slow down when needed/stop and take breaks as needed.
* mindful meditation includes forest bathing (still, quiet time in the forest). We will find a spot in the forest to practise for a minimum of 10 minutes of silent meditation.
* lunch break at the half-way point (bring your own lunch) - we will sit at the falls to eat lunch.

What you need to bring:

• wear hiking shoes/hiking boots/waterproof shoes (check the weather before you leave) .
• pack at least 8 cups of water or beverage
• lunch/snacks
• optional: hiking poles, mosquito repellant - I have an extra set of hiking poles if anyone needs a set.

Be prepared for all conditions on trail including mud.

MEETING SPOT:
Park for free - Waterdown Walmart 90 Dundas St E
Park in the Walmart Supercentre lot (free large parking lot) and meet in front of Walmart

MEETING TIME:
We start at 11:30am. Please aim to arrive by 11:20am. I will guide everyone through a warmup and then we will start the hike.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 10 SPOTS
This meetup will be capped at 10 spots. To join, please reserve a spot by sending the meetup fee as outlined below:
Meetup fee: $25 for this 5-hour inclusive hike event with beginner-friendly yoga and meditation.
Please e-transfer to Event.Booking@hotmail.com and I will add you to the list! Include your NAME + "Smokey Hallow Hike" in the message.*

Hike includes:

• free parking
• easy and beginner-friendly yoga stretches and mobility movements to warm up before we start the hike and again at the end of the hike
• relaxed pace (we are NOT a fast hiking group). We wait for everyone and slow down when needed/stop and take breaks as needed.
• mindful meditation includes forest bathing (still, quiet time in the forest). We will find a spot in the forest to practise for a minimum of 10 minutes of silent meditation.
• 30-min lunch break at the half-way point (bring your own lunch)
• approx. 4 hours of moving time with 5 hours of total time

Please arrive early and ready to start the yoga warm-up at 11:30am.

CARPOOL REQUESTS:
Post your request for a carpool in the event. It is up to the hiker to find their own transportation, either by asking for a ride and arranging with another member, offering to rent a vehicle, or inviting a friend who drives.

Meetup fees help support in the work involved in planning, organizing, coordinating and leading safe and inclusive events for the group. Hikes are led by a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor also certified in emergency first aid and CPR training.

Cancelation policy:
Meetup fees are final (no refunds). If the organizer needs to reschedule an event, credit will be applied to a future event.

Hike Rules:

• no smoking on trails
• be kind and respectful
• arrive on time
• no blasting loud music
• no littering trails with garbage.

See you there!

Christine Salib, M.Ed
Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, PTS, FIS, NWS, MBS
Hike Leader

Hike leaves promptly at 11:40AM

***YOU MUST UPDATE YOUR RSVP to NOT Going if you can not attend. If your RSVP remains going and you do not attend, you will be marked as a no show. You will not be added to future hikes with 3 no-shows.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND LIABILITY INFORMATION:
By RSVP'ing and paying the event fee (if applicable), you are confirming that you have read, understand and accept the following:

1. GTA Hiking Meetup is a private group. Attending events is voluntary by you as a member. Participation in any activity with us is at your own risk.
2. By joining this event as a member you agree to indemnify and hold harmless its organizers, co-organizers, assistant organizers, event hosts, and other members from all claims or liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property, loss of personal property or any other wrongful act arising out of or relating to your participation as a member**.** This agreement applies to you and to other persons (as your guests) who may accompany you in these endeavors.
3. You also agree to hold the organizers as well as other group members harmless. By participating voluntarily in the group, you expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer, co-organizers, assistant organizers, and event hosts.