March 2022
Kamloops Hiking Club (KHC) Newsletter

Hello and welcome to the club all new members and welcome back to our returning members! We have started the 2022/23 KHC membership year.  For new members, be sure to check out the New Members Info Page which can be found on the website.  The information contained here will help you learn to sign up for an event, provide contact information and has other club-related topics that will help you to become more familiar with the club.  

The KHC also has a number of guidelines and expectations that each hiker should familiarize themselves with.  Check them out here.  If you are a new member and have questions or need assistance, please reach out via email to info@kamloopshikingclub.net.

With Spring upon us and the days getting longer, the trails may still be muddy but will quickly start to dry up.  Make sure you consider this when choosing your hikes and always make sure you are prepared for the weather.  The conditions at this time of year can often change quickly and you will need to be ready.  Get out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather!  

 

KHC Winners 

Congratulations to this month’s hike leader winner Chris Becker!

New Hike Leader

Our newest Hike Leader is Erica Herndier, congratulations! 

Membership Renewal & New Member Sign Up 

Registration is still open for new members for the 2022/23 KHC membership year.  Only 13 spots left, with 187/200 already being filled!   

KHC Board Nominations

Nominations for Board Positions are still open!  Nominations are as follows.  If you would like to nominate someone please contact an existing board member to make your nomination.  A vote will be held at the Annual General Meeting coming soon on April 23rd,2022.

Full Name	Position
Paulette Gendron	President
Nicole Yanko	Vice President
Sheila Powell	Hike Leader Liaison
Margo Mercier	Treasurer
Lisa Boutry	Secretary
Gerry MacDougall	Director at Large
Sasha Lees	Director at Large
Deanna Rice	Director at Large New Member Liaison

KHC Annual General Meeting

The Kamloops Hiking Club will host its Annual General Meeting, along with a hike and a picnic, on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  This will be from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Paul Lake Provincial Park Group Site Shelter.

The club will provide hot dogs for attending members. Please bring a chair and refreshments of your choice.  The Annual General Meeting will start at 11:30 am, following a hike to the Gibraltar bluff and back.  Look for a posting under the Upcoming Events in the near future to confirm your attendance.

KHC Thank yous

Thank you to Doug and Frith who managed the website for registration. Everything went very smoothly.  The board appreciates your labour!

Monika Taki and Erika Herndier are retired IT professionals and have agreed to take on the role of Computer/Website/Member Help.  The club couldn’t operate without people like you, thank you for taking on this important job!

Always be Prepared – The 10 Essentials (plus 1)

(courtesy of MEC – https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)

All hikers need to be prepared when venturing out.  Make sure you have these 10+1 essentials in your backpack at all times and you should have what you need to survive.

1. Navigation

Bring a topographic map and a compass. If you also carry a GPS, it’s still important that you know how to navigate by map and compass. An altimeter is optional but useful since it gives your approximate elevation to help you figure out your location on the map. Make sure maps are in a waterproof case.

2. Nutrition

Ever get hangry? It’s not fun – especially if you’re delayed or are dealing with an outdoor emergency. Bring extra food, like high-energy bars and dry food that could get you through one extra day. (And if someone forgets their lunch, you’ll be the food hero.)

3. Hydration

Carry water and additional water (about 1–2L more as a general guideline, though this varies greatly depending on weather and scenario) to cover you for extra time outside. Some people bring water bottles while others prefer a hydration bladder. A way to treat water – like tablets or filters – is also a good idea. Electrolyte drink crystals are highly recommended.

4. Sun protection

Sunscreen is a good start – also remember sunglasses, lip balm, a hat with a nice wide brim, and clothing that provides protection from the sun’s rays. Even if there’s snow on the ground, you can still get sunburned.

5. Insulation

Even if it seems warm at the trailhead, you should always carry extra clothing. Weather can change quickly and unpredictably, especially in the mountains or if you end up out longer than planned. Dry clothes can be the difference between a few laughs and hypothermia. Think jacket, gloves, hat, extra socks and waterproof outer layers.

Tip: Learn about clothing layers for being active outside.

6. Illumination

Each person in your group should have their own LED headlamp (or flashlight), along with spare batteries. Even on a day hike, a delay might keep you out until sunset and beyond. Note: the flashlight on your smartphone is not an acceptable substitute – plus it uses precious battery life in an emergency.

7. First-aid supplies

The size of the first-aid kit you bring depends on the number of people, the length of the trip, how far you’re going, and the level of risk for your trip. Before you go, make sure you’ve restocked all items and that nothing has expired. Items to always include in your first-aid kit are protective gloves, bandage, scissors, blister dressings, pocket mask and SAM splint. Bug spray is also recommended.

8. Firestarter

Matches (waterproof or in a waterproof container) or a lighter along with a commercial fire starter and/or a candle. A small folding saw is invaluable for fire and shelter-building situations.

9. Repair kit and tools

Bring items like a multi-tool, scissors, knife, duct tape, cable ties, screwdriver, pliers and little shovel/trowel. Yes, you can use tools to slice apples for lunch, but they’re also handy for first-aid, minor repairs, building fires and shelters, and other random things that come up.

10. Emergency shelter

If you’re on an overnight trip, you likely already have a tent and sleeping bag. But even if you’re on a day hike, it’s still important to bring something for emergencies. You can use a large orange plastic bag combined with an emergency blanket or use a pre-made emergency bivy bag. Crawl inside to stay warm and dry; the orange colour attracts attention and is highly visible.

11. Communication device

Finally, bring your fully-charged phone and keep it turned off in a waterproof case or bag to save batteries. Also, carry a whistle – if you need to call out, it lasts longer than your voice.

For remote terrain beyond cell phone coverage, you may also want to carry satellite communication devices that allow you to send messages or summon help in an emergency.

Happy Hiking,

Nicole Yanko ~ KHC Member at Large