Monika Taki

December 2021 Newsletter

KHC would like to say a big thank you to all its volunteers!  The club would not be possible without the countless hours that they dedicate to organizing and leading events.  Thank you to all our hike leaders and co-leaders for your countless hours, your energy, and the joy you spread!

Hike Leader Training: KHC is happy to train members who are interested in becoming hike leaders. 

Hike Leaders & KHC Volunteers Recognition Event:

In appreciation of all the hard work volunteered by leaders and club volunteers, a Hike/Snowshoe & Fire Roast Event has been planned.  The event will be on January 29, 2022, at Lodgepole Lake, where KHC hike leaders and volunteers will gather and reconnect after a long duration of PHO-mandated separation.  We will meet at 10 am for those who wish to snowshoe before the Fire Roast Event which will begin at noon.  This will enable the opportunity to trade hike information and ideas, as well as organize co-leading events to open up more spaces on hikes.  KHC also wants to recognize so many “behind the scenes” volunteer hours that are given with no compensation.  KHC’s heartbeat is its volunteers!  Any spouses of leaders and volunteers who are club members are also welcome to attend. The anticipated attendance is approximately 50 people. Food will be provided, however, we ask that attendees bring their own beverages, chairs, etc. 

KHC Winners

Congratulations to hike leader Helen Gendron who won this month’s Atmosphere gift card. Our members thank you Helen for all the hikes you’ve been leading!  

Upcoming Backcountry/Basecamp 2022 Events:

Keep an eye out for multi-day backpack trips and basecamp trips on the KHC website.  Events will be posted as a draft form first showing available spaces and enough lead time for all members to have a fair opportunity to participate.  Some events may be posted as “requires hike leader’s registration”.  Hike leaders may refuse any person who, in his/her opinion, is not well-equipped and/or sufficiently fit. The safety of all participants is KHC’s top priority.  

KHC guidelines and expectations to be aware of are:

• Participants must choose trips that suit, but do not exceed their capabilities. The trip leader can refuse or turn back any person who, in his/her opinion, is not well-equipped and sufficiently fit.
• Make sure you are fit and experienced enough for the event. If you are not sure, contact the event leader to learn more about the proposed outing.   Be honest with yourself about your abilities. If you overestimate your abilities or underestimate the difficulty of the trip, you put your own safety and the safety of the group at risk.
• Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, that your equipment is in good working order, and that you know how to use it. We expect that each participant will carry his/her own first aid kit and any needed emergency materials in the event of a problem or adverse conditions. Note – The volunteer hike leader can refuse a participant if the leader feels the person is not adequately equipped.
• Participants with a medical condition must bring medications (or equipment) with them on scheduled club activities.  If a condition or disability is serious or potentially serious, the participant is expected to disclose the details to the hike leader in private prior to the event.  The volunteer hike leader can refuse to include a participant if the outing is too remote/difficult.

Snowshoeing:   

Sam Chow

• Winter routes on snow may be on trail, off-trail, or in steep terrain.   Under the snow, hazards may be present on any route.
• Very cold weather will make snowshoeing more difficult.
• In cold conditions, any participant who falls behind the group will be at risk so the leader may choose to restrict registration/participation to prevent this situation.
• For alpine routes, the upper areas may be more exposed, will likely have deeper snow, and there may be avalanche risks off-trail.   Hike leaders will restrict these outings to smaller groups of prepared snowshoers.

Some tips for cold weather hiking:

• layer your clothing (avoid cotton), extra gloves
• bring your ten essentials
• stay hydrated, consider packing warm drinks, insulated water bottles

Some more helpful tips can be found here at REI: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/cold-weather-hiking.html

Membership renewals will begin on February 1,  2022. New Membership registration will open on February 15, 2022. AGM will be held in March 2022. 

Happy Hiking,

Paulette Gendron ~ KHC President

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Paulette

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