Idaho Hikers & Backpackers - Where Friends and Nature Meet

We have so many great hikers and backpackers in our group but I never get to meet your children and significant others. I would like to welcome families with children for a hike at Hull’s Gulch in the Boise foothills. However, hikers of all ages are welcomed.

This is a Christmas themed hike so wear something festive such as an Santa hat or ugly sweater (children encouraged as well). Meet Scottie-Claus ho ho ho. I will be giving out egg nog and candy canes.

After the hike, we will have lunch at the Warehouse Food Hall. lots of food options including Vegan and vegetarian. If you plan to attend lunch and gift giving (20 dollars or less) sign up here (limit 10 people).

Otherwise, you can just come for the hike.

Children must be must be able hike 4 miles round trip and walk 20 minute each way from Lulu’s parking lot to the trailhead; or parents should be able to carry them in a child carrying backpack these distances. The pace will be leisurely/casual (how fast can I go in a Santa suit anyway?). While I am leading the event, you are asked to watch your children during the hike.

I will give a short talk about backpacking, and show the kids some of my gear. Hopefully, they can become future backpackers!

Where to meet:
Meet in front of Lulu Fine Pizza and Sushi:
2594 N Bogus Basin Rd
There is ample parking here and a coffee shop. I don't like to clog up trailheads so we will do a short walk over to the trailhead from here.
We will return to Lulu's after the hike.

The hike: Hull’s Gulch and Camel Back Loop:
Camel's Back & Hulls Gulch Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/camel-s-back-hulls-gulch-loop--3?sh=oelgkd&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Send me any questions you have.

Last minute sign-ups/cancellations:
I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations 3 pm before the meet up. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of people joining the event.

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.

To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability

We had a good meeting this month - Reviewed the survey results, discussed the group's preferences for next year, and concurred on grading backpacking trips based on levels incorporating physical ability and experience rather than labels like "Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced". You can see the slide set from this meeting here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wjq4pAS2yHrHhjlOc2jSB1N01mKKZxItygapPDCIsn8/edit?usp=sharing

However, we didn't get to plan next year's events - the fun part!

The objective of this meeting would be at least to plan January- March events, and possibly more as I know some folks have great ideas for the summer as well.
So come with some ideas. If you don't know, then listen in and help us decide. After all, we want you to come to the events YOU want to go to.
An event calendar will be sent prior to the meeting to populate.

V/R
Scottie and team

Come join me and my wife Samantha; celebrate my birthday with our first snowshoe of the year in Idaho City. We will stop at Trudy's Kitchen for breakfast - famous for their huckleberry cheese cake. After some good eats at Trudy's we will hit the trails at the Whoop Um Up Park.
There are two loops we can do at the ski park, each about 2.5 miles on groomed trails. I plan to bring my snowshoes and Ski Pulk made in Minnesota-- you can try it out if you want!

Note that you must have a permit to enter the snow park ($7.50 for the day) or $25 for the year. It is not a bad idea to get a year permit as we plan to have more snowshoeing events. Permits can be obtained here:
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/registration-permits/

Here are a few links if you want more information on Whoop Um Up Park:

• https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/whoop-em-up-loop
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/boise/recreation/whoop-um-trailhead
• https://boisewithkids.com/snowshoe-and-hot-springs-spots-near-idaho-city-id/

January can be a cold month in Idaho City (18-32). I general do not cancel events due "bad weather" unless it is unsafe. So come prepared with proper gear. Hear are some suggestions:

• Snowshoes and ski or trekking poles with snow baskets
• Buff or balaclava
• Midweight gloves. If you run cold, consider bringing mittens. My favorite are cold work original.
• Sun glasses or ski googles .
• Top and bottom layers. No cotton or jeans
• 2 Nalgene bottles . No bladders , even with a liner- these can freeze (club policy). Alternatively, you can bring one Nalgene and 1 thermos.
• Day backpack
• Snacks
• Sun screen and chap stick
• Hand warmers
• Full tank of gas
• Snow chains
• Change of clothing for after the snowshoe

Send me any questions you have.

Last minute sign-ups/cancellations:
I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations 3 pm before the meet up. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of people joining the event.

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.

To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability

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