A new text field has been added to our KHC Event listings – Route Complexity/Navigation.

Hike leaders have several options to choose from – straightforward, moderate, complex/tricky, and na (not applicable).

The reason we add this is to alert hikers that getting ahead of the leader on a complex route may result in problems.   If there are lots of possible turns or hidden side trails on the planned route or no trail at all (off trail), getting ahead may result in going the wrong way, a “headache” for the hike leader and the rest of the group, and a possible safety issue.

On Straightforward routes, hikers can be strung out more since the route is obvious or well-established.   The more complex it gets, the more hikers should stay with or follow the leader.

There will be spots where someone can go off trail to a lookout or on a parallel path, but such forays should also be in view or within earshot, or be agreed upon by the hike leader.

And, we want to retain our hike leaders.   The surest way to discourage our leaders is to have people out in front going the wrong way.   Hike leaders don’t want to have to shout, nor should they have to.  Discouraged leaders don’t post new events.   Help us by staying with the group.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Doug Smith

Retired now, I get into the outdoors most days to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, run, walk, or explore. More information can be found at: KamloopsTrails.net.

Latest posts by Doug Smith (see all)

• Kamloops Hiking Club - September 5, 2021
• March 2021 KHChronicles - March 20, 2021
• February 2021 KHChronicles - February 20, 2021