Slow and Steady Hikers

Picklejar is one of my favourite, longer hikes. After a beautiful drive down hwy 40 watching the scenery and sometimes bears, coyotes, always big horn sheep, we arrive at the trailhead. Then we hike 5km to the first lake, and continue along, higher into the alpine, with different flowers, plants, and often pikas and marmots. There is a possibility of bears. After the first lake, we quickly reach the second, third, and fourth beautiful lakes. We will stop for a leisurely lunch between the 3rd and 4th lakes. Then, we will return the same way for a total of:

10.9km and 682m elevation gain

If it is hot out, the brave souls have a tradition of bringing a swim suit, towel, hand warmers, and water shoes, and we take a quick swim in the third lake!

We meet at the Lantern Day Use trailhead, see map, at 9:45am, to be ready to hike at 10am sharp. This will be a long day, please don't make evening plans.

On my hikes, we take 8-12 experienced hikers. We do not run ahead or leave people behind. We are out to enjoy nature together, get to know each other better, and keep each other safe. If you run ahead of the group, we will feed you to the bears.

That being said, this hike is for experienced hikers who want to hike at a relaxed pace. To be accepted on this hike, YOU MUST HAVE HIKED WITH ME BEFORE. No beginners, no guests, no children. I may bring my friendly, experienced hiking dog, on a leash, if there
is room in my Jeep. Her name is Jasmine.

You choose to make your own carpooling plans once you are accepted on the hike. Recommended $25 gas fee. I recommend meeting at Shouldice Park and Ride or Petro Canada at hwy 22 and 1. I can take 3 (max 4) passengers from Petro, on the north end of the gravel road, on the hwy 22 side. The time to get there will depend on whether you take the south route through Longview or north through Kananaskis. Please plan your pickup times accordingly to arrive by 9:45am.

For those interested, we will stop for supper at the Black Diamond Hotel on our way home. You need to take the Longview route to get there. Please coordinate with your drivers/passengers to decide if your car will stop for supper. My Jeep, leaving from Petro (or Bragg Creek if there is more interest), will stop for supper. Drivers must have a Kananaskis Park Pass.

Bear spray and cameras recommended. Lunch, snacks, 2-3 litres of water plus electrolytes, poles, changes of clothes, medications, waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, required. Water purification tablets, a headlamp with new batteries, first aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket are recommended in case things don't go to plan. Extra socks and plastic bags for your boots are also useful. A water bladder you can drink while you hike, plus a backup water bottle is ideal.

Please read the slow and steady waiver and code of conduct in advance. You will sign in agreeing to the conditions of the waiver at the trailhead and leave an emergency contact name and number. You agree to follow slow and steady policies, listen to the organizer, treat everyone with respect, do your own research on the hikes, come prepared, and recognize that your organizers are volunteers who put in a lot of their own time to plan and lead these hikes for you.

What we'll do
This is an invitation to Slow and Steady members to join me on Tuesday evenings for a 5-8 km urban walk exploring the Okotoks Trail system. The riverside trails are beautiful and deer are frequently sighted during our evening walks. The walks start at 6:00 pm. We will wait up to 5 minutes at the meet up location in case of traffic. Please call me at 780-237-5933 if you are lost or have a last minute cancellation. Please do not send a meetup message - I don't get notifications off wifi.

Attendance can be at the organizer's discretion.

Please note that we all walk at different paces, however we strive to stay together and enjoy each others company. If you wish to walk very quickly this walk may not be for you. We love to stop for "Kodak" moments periodically as the ever changing weather/seasons provide memorable moments.

Summary:
Event host will pick the route each week dependent on weather and trail conditions. In the past we have taken different routes (i.e. walked the River trails; through town; around the dog park and Drake Landing pond etc.....) Occasionally ice cream may be part of our evening.

Distance: approx. 5-8 km on asphalt or dirt trails

Elevation Gain: minimal

Physical Difficulty: Good walking / trekking shoes are recommended. Street shoes (i.e. flats / any boot with a heel) will not be acceptable.

Pace: Relaxed

• What to bring
You must have water and a headlamp with you
For winter you must have city spikes with you
Appropriate footwear, appropriate layers for the temperature, and snacks if you wish

• Important to know
CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct. https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/19453923/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/

WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver at the meetup location before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this event with the group.
Your participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. If you have stated "no" in your profile you will not be accepted to participate.i