LOCATION CHANGE - MOUNT LIPSETT - Slow to Relaxed Pace

LOCATION CHANGE:

MOUNT LIPSETT

DUE TO THE CHANGE OF LOCATION, I WILL COME BACK INTO WIFI (VISITOR CENTRE) AT 7PM THIS EVENING TO SEE WHO IS ATTENDING AND TO MOVE NEW PEOPLE FROM THE WAITLIST TO GOING. AT 8PM THIS EVENING, ALL RSVP'S ARE FINAL.

Little Lawson has a wash out and is closed with construction vehicles for the next month, so we have moved the hike.

We are now doing Mount Lipsett. This is a beautiful hike through the trees and flowers, to some switch backs in the sub alpine, and then a good climb up to a gorgeous 360 mountain view. After lunch, we return the same way. There may be some mud and water at the beginning due to recent rains.

This is a wonderful hike, but not suited for beginners. There is quite a bit of elevation gain and it is a long day out. We will be going at a slow pace on the steep uphill, and a relaxed pace the rest of the time.

Please note, I lead group hikes and no one is left behind. If you are a strong hiker, you must still stay with the group, in sight of me at all times. The fast hikers can always slow down, the hikers at the back may not be able to hike faster. If you are too fast, you will be asked to hike at the back and help the other hikers. We are out for the day to enjoy nature. It is not a race. Positive attitude and willingness to work wit a group is required.

Distance: 14.5km return
Elevation: 719m

We will meet in the Mount Lipsett paved parking lot at 9:00am. Then, we will drive together to the unmarked, gravel trailhead. I will be camping in Kananaskis, so you will have to arrange your own carpooling from Calgary. Please don't be late, without cell service, it is frustrating for everyone to be waiting at the trailhead.

Due to bears, a minimum of four participants is mandatory for the hike to go ahead. We will hike with light occassional rain and light smoke. Hike will be cancelled by 6pm the evening before if it will rain all day, severe thunderstorms with lightning, heavy smoke (over 9), there is a new bear closure, or in event of the organizer illness or family emergency. I will have my friendly, well trained, German Shepherd on a leash at all times. No other dogs, guests, or children please.

It is very important to me that everyone hikes together as a group, you can always see the leader, and no one runs ahead, even for the last few km's. No exceptions. If you run ahead, you will not hike with me again. We are out for a group hike. This gives us safety in numbers and a chance to hike with other likeminded individuals. If you like to hike solo, or run far ahead, please don't join a group hike. Strong hikers, do not pressure the slower hikers to go faster than they are comfortable.

On my hikes, we take 4-12 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.

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. Please plan your pickup times accordingly to arrive by 9am.

Bear spray, good hiking boots, backpack, lunch, and 2L of water are mandatory. Poles are optional, but recommended. Lunch, snacks, poles, changes of clothes, medications, strongly recommended. First aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket, and headlamp with new batteries 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.

You will sign in on paper at the hike showing you agree to the waiver. Please have an emergency contact name and number ready to add to the sign in sheet.

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.