KHC Connections
Even though we can’t be out together on the trails, we can still be a close community virtually. As a new member and possibly new to hiking we realize that it can be intimidating getting out on the trail alone. We are here to support you! We also realize that for experienced hikers we may miss the camaraderie of hiking with others. During these extraordinary times, we are here to support and encourage one another. Thank you for continuing to respect the expectations of our social distancing in order to protect those we love and those in our community.
It is our hope that this summer we will be hiking together again. In the meantime, we hope you find inspiration in our hike leaders’ bios, perhaps reminisce about past hikes, and put new ones on your bucket list. Get outside with your household, social distance with a friend on the trail, always let someone know your itinerary, carry the ten essentials, bear spray, and watch for hitchhikers (ticks).
Hiker Leader Name: Lori Rilkoff
How long have you been leading hikes: I officially started last year as a hike leader but have been helping out with hikes for a number of years now.
Why do you hike: I used to walk in my neighbourhood on the sidewalk for exercise (I live in Aberdeen where there are hills) but one day my husband introduced me to the trails in Kenna Cartwright Park and I was hooked! The scenery kept me entertained and the uneven ground proved to be a better workout, as well as being easier on my joints.
Advice you would give new hikers: Don’t be intimidated by other hikers who have been at it for a long time! Start off easy and build up to it. And get poles! My husband says they turned me into a mountain goat!
Favourite Hike: Any trail in Glacier National Park, BC, my favourite national park in North America. The Abbott Ridge trail there is mindblowing.
Favourite hiking gear: My hiking poles! I never go without them, even on flat terrain. They are great for steep slopes and uneven ground.
My hike recommendation is Dogwood Marshes – it’s a wonderful snowshoe area but the off-season is nice too. It’s a very easy trail so great for beginners and you can explore as long and as far as you like. Snow lingers up there so be prepared for slushy snow in the spring.
Approximately 4 km, the trail difficult – easy, time – 1 hour
Map:https://kamloopstrails.net/dogwood-marshes/
- Membership Registration for 2023/2024 - January 16, 2023
- Some Adventures Outside the Hiking Club - January 7, 2023
- Happy Holidays - December 22, 2022