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This trip is now full.
Put you name in the comments section below and you will be added on first come first served basis until Sep 27th if anyone drops out.

Join us for an introduction to backpacking. This trip aims to help those who are new and/or uncomfortable with self-supported backcountry travel.

If you are already a capable backpacker, then please be considerate and make room for people who are new to backpacking, as this trip has limited space.

We will focus on gaining the skills for backcountry living and travel. There will be more instruction and learning than kilometers traveled. Although this is a backpacking trip, these skills are transferable to any other trip that requires you to carry your needs for multiple days in a backcountry setting.

This trip will take place along a section of the Bruce Trail near Lions Head. The trail is well marked and includes features such as forests, several small lakes, limestone rocks and tree root trails. There are a few steep pitches, but overall the level of difficulty for this trail is considered moderate. There may be some muddy patches, the fall weather can be a bit unpredictable, and it could be warm or cool. Given the distance it is important that you ensure your pack is not too heavy and that your footwear is well fitted.

It is highly recommended you attend the "Introduction to backpacking - Learn what to pack" (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/events/264633832/) workshop on September 18th.

Participants need to be in good physical condition. Backpacking is a strenuous activity involving carrying weight on one's back over uneven and unpredictable terrain. Participants are required to respond to the email address they have registered with Meetup.com in a timely manner.

The packing list for this trip can be found on the MeetUp site or at this link.

http://files.meetup.com/1606190/Backpackers%20Bootcamp%20Packing%20listv2.pdf

Participants who are not packed properly may be asked to remain at the cars for their own safety.

You are responsible for providing or arranging for all your gear needs. Tim and Richard have a fairly wide range of equipment to loan, so please consider borrowing before buying. Additionally we encourage you to share tents and stoves in order to lessen the amount you will have to carry.
In the spreadsheet below you can indicate items you need to borrow, and/or that you have available to loan. Also indicate your car pool details.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fhJfODb1Clz6j7-pZAhQ7YK8qB5vlK2K4aJSvUO6g8A/edit?usp=sharing

To RSVP we are collecting a $10.00 deposit. It will refunded to all who attend this trip.

Participants are expected to evenly share with their fellow passengers the fuel expense for whichever vehicle they come in.

Friday October 4th @ 6PM:
Carpools will head out the the following campground near the trailhead.
> Maple Ridge Family Camp
> 4510 Highway 6
> Miller Lake, ON N0H 1Z0
> https://goo.gl/maps/FsPoNtViXzE1TzzJ8
Camping will cost $10 per person.

Saturday morning:
There will be a review of everyone's gear and introduction to some of the basic skills needed for backpacking.

Saturday around noon:
We will drive to the trailhead/parking lot at Cape Chin and from there we will hike along the Bruce Trail for about 7KM to the Reed's Dump campground (dump here refers to where loggers used to "dump" logs into the lake). The hike will be a learning hike with short breaks along the way covering various topics. In camp there are some other smaller topics to cover.

Sunday:
We will return the same way we came in, a little wiser. This will be a fun learning experience covering all your questions and content from the 'Introduction to Backpacking' workshop.