Wind Ridge Loop (Last Minute Weather Beater)

Wind Ridge OT4.

With rain forecast for Sat this is a last minute trip. An entertaining hike in a beautiful valley leading to hill climb and a short scramble before a scenic ridge walk. One of my faves and would like to share the great views with you.

Participants: 12 or less (Note there is no 10% loss on these trips)

Distance: < 15 km round trip

Elevation Gain: <1000 m (summit @ 2179m)

Time: <8 hours + driving time (suggest leaving PetroCan @ 08:05am (or earlier); leaving trailhead @ 09:00 am))

Technical Difficulty: OT4. One bit of scrambling that you can be bypassed. OT4 info: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/Trail_Rating_System/

Physical Difficulty: Suitable for Intermediates. No beginners

Trip Description: http://www.on-top.ca/Outings/2015/Wind-Ridge-May-2015.html

Weather: Wind Tower Forecast (http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Windtower/forecasts/2000)

Event Pace: Moderate to fast on flat terrain, moderate to slow on inclines and slow to fast on declines. Probably overall a little faster than a photographer's pace; however, there will be bio breaks and time to enjoy the scenery and your trail mates.

Restrictions: NO SMOKERS, NO Dogs, No Guests.

Required Gear: Hiking boots, Rain gear, appropriate layered clothing (no cotton) necessary for the sudden changes in weather; i.e. named Wind Ridge for a reason. Lunch, snacks and at least 2 liters of water. Personal first aid kit.

Suggested Gear: Sunscreen lotion, hat, sunglasses, bear spray, camera, hiking poles.

Gas Fee: $20 per passenger.

Car Pooling: Arrange ahead of time. Leaving PetroCan @ 08:05 am or earlier.

WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. Organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group. Organizers have the authority to decide who participates on their Posted Events based on your profile, hiking history and group dynamics to ensure an cohesive environment and camaraderie. Therefore, the "want a spot" category in the RSVP section is not to be interpreted as first come first serve.

Now for a totally different and realistic disclaimer that presents hiking conditions and is adapted from one found on Will Gadd's site:

Disclaimer:

I am not the leader and am merely advising of an opportunity to participate with others who may or may not be serious hikers in the above noted "hike". Although I am familiar with this trail that means nothing. It may be dark, cold, wet, muddy, hot, freezing and windy during the hike and the only fun may be in seeing others suffer.
Any photos taken during the run may be published or shared with others regardless of how they make you appear.

I am not insured nor do I carry any insurance for losses, injuries or deaths that may occur as a result of or while you are participating in this hike. While can read maps and my own navigation gizmos like others I can get confused as to where I am. As I work out so that these hikes are enjoyable I am not strong enough or brave enough to defend or protect myself or anyone else from potential attack from wild or domesticated animals. Although I carry bear spray, you may inadvertently get sprayed if the wind or panic sets in. I can only and will only carry enough food, water, clothing, or lighting for my own needs. The people who will be hiking with you may be hazardous to your health. The trails we will be on may be hazardous to you. You may be exposed to other hazards - natural, unnatural, supernatural or any combination thereof, and your participation in this hike is wholly voluntary and at your own discretion and risk. You are responsible for your own health and well-being. You are over the age of 18 and of sound mind and body. You are a superbly conditioned athlete capable of feats that most mortals would not consider. The location, distances, times, directions, elevations, trail conditions, water crossings and any pertinent details about the hike are estimates only and may or may not be real, factual or in any way correct. Your having read this disclaimer and still showing up for the hike will be taken as your consent, acknowledgement and acceptance of all of the above risks, terms and conditions.

It was my understanding that the original was by a Hugh Magill.

"WG Note--should go on the bottom of all outing invitations, nice one... "