Short Hikes Hiking Group

Updated 10/30/2022 - PLEASE READ - TO ALL MEMBERS: For safety reasons, your profile should have a current photo of your human face/self so that I can recognize you when you arrive at an event.  If it does not, I will ask you to replace it. I understand there may be circumstances where you may be unable to post a photo. If so, let me know. Before you take photos of anyone in the group, please ask their permission.

This is a group for anyone interested in hikes, walking, bicycling, and any other activities that the organizers may offer. Hikes are typically under 5 miles in length. All skill levels are welcome. I like to meander and explore and while I try to plan ahead, due to my schedule, some of the activities may be at new destinations for all of us. I want to explore many beautiful places in Massachusetts (and beyond) that offer fun activities with a driving distance typically one hour or two hours from Central Massachusetts.

Also note that if your profile indicates that you have remained inactive (meaning, not attending an event) for a period of one year, your profile will be removed from this group. So sign up and attend an event soon!
No shows for three activities within three months will be removed from the group.

Weather is obviously a major factor in any of the hikes. I try not to cancel meet-ups for light rain - we are outdoors after all. However, in the case of heavy rain and/or lightning, or hazardous winter weather, I'll try to cancel at least 24 hours ahead of time. The best advice is to check your email the morning of a meet-up for any cancellations.

A note about conduct: We are a group of like-minded people who enjoy getting together (for hiking mostly). Although members often develop friendships (and sometimes relationships) outside of the group, Meetup.com and the Short Hikes Hiking Group are not designed primarily to encourage dating or unwanted romantic attention. It's very important that all members of the group feel welcome on all of our events (not just the hikes). So please, respect the boundaries of your fellow adventurers. It's appropriate to contact someone through the Meetup site, or through email or phone, information that the member has given you, but encroaching beyond a person's comfort level is inappropriate. People who cross the line after being warned will be excluded from the group.

You do not need to RSVP "no" to an event unless you are changing your RSVP from a "yes" to a "no."

Anyone soliciting products or services through this group without the organizer's permission will be removed from the group immediately. To discourage this kind of behavior, I ask that group members do not buy any products or services from anyone trying to sell them through this group or this website.

If you have any questions or concerns about this MeetUp group, please contact one of the organizers.

Thank you,
Nancy

== Legal Stuff ===

While event hosts attempt to plan events that will work for everyone and will try to anticipate and head off problems, you should not participate in hiking events if you would not be able to safely complete the described hike on your own. For all group hikes, think of your meetup organizer as fulfilling a social function in getting like minded people together. Please always review the event descriptions carefully. Learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start is your responsibility. Any attempts to increase the comfort and safety of events should not lead you to believe that event hosts are taking responsibility for your safety. By signing up for events, you are indicating that you are an adult who has the skills and ability to safely complete the described hike. Do not RSVP yes if this is not the case, as we will be relying on your judgment of your skills and ability. To read more about hiking safety, check out hikeSafe.com.

By RSVPing "yes" to one of the events, Short Hikes Hiking Group members and their guests agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the event organizer(s) and all members participating in the event from any and all claims for property damage, injury, and/or death while attending events. In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Short Hikes Hiking Group for and related to any event which I attend. I attest and verify that I (and any guest(s) I bring) are physically fit to participate, and that I assume all risks associated with the events I or my guest(s) voluntary attend. I grant Short Hikes Hiking Group permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of all events for any purpose.

As always, be safe and have fun.

Looking forward to exploring new territory!!