Trail Talk – April 19, 2020
An Interview with Sam Chow (KHC member since October 2011), as Interviewed by Lori Rilkoff – April 2020
This is the first in a series of interviews with long term KHC members sharing their experiences and tips with new
members.
I first met Sam on a KHC hike up Embleton Mountain shortly after he joined the club and found out quickly he had
a great sense of humour. Over the years he has become an experienced hiker, both on day hikes and backpacking
trips. He has been a KHC Hike Leader since 2015 and mostly enjoys leading moderate local hikes. Anyone who
hikes with Sam knows that he loves taking photos and be forewarned – he will be quick to do so if you find yourself
in an awkward moment on the trail, such as falling down on snowshoes (as I have learned from personal
experience!).
LR: What was your hiking experience previous to joining KHC?
SC: Prior to joining the club, my hiking consisted of casually roaming local trails with friends.
LR: I recall our first hike together at Embleton Mountain but when did you start hiking with KHC?
SC: My first hike with KHC was to Savona Caves on October 2, 2011. After my first hike, I was excited and
looking forward to the next one. The club exceeded my expectations. I already learnt a new trail and it was so
close to town.
LR: That first KHC hike must have left an impression on you to remember the exact date! How did you hear
about KHC?
SC: I learnt of it at a friend’s house party on Saturday, October 1, 2011 and the next day I was on the trail hiking
with the club.
LR: It sounds like you were eager to get involved but was it a hard decision to take that step to join the club?
SC: It wasn’t a hard decision; I wanted more out of hiking than casual short hikes with friends. I met up with the
club Sunday morning at the Kamloops Travel Center on Versatile Drive. The nervousness of meeting a group of
strangers dissipated once we were on the way to the trail head and the excitement of seeing a new trail emerged.
LR: How has your life changed since you began hiking with KHC?
SC: The club has had a positive impact on me. I made more friends. My overall heath is better. I gained more
confidence outdoors as well. KHC took me out of my comfort zone and took me to some amazing places with
spectacular views. I started camping in 2017, which I had never done before. I went on my first backing packing
trip in 2018, and then followed that by doing two more in 2019.
LR: What is one of the best moments you’ve ever had on a KHC hike?
SC: My first backpacking trip to Berg Lake at Mount Robson has to be the most memorable moment with KHC.
The Berg Lake trail just surrounds you with an amazing 360 degrees of spectacular views on the whole way up. I
repeated the trip the year after and I will do it again.
LR: What is it about hiking that appeals to you the most?
SC: It is about getting outside, creating an adventure and making memories with like-minded people. Some of the
views I have seen are amazing. I am just as happy with local hikes as I am with the multi-day out-of-town ones. The local hikes get me to do the big hikes.
LR: What would you say to a new KHC member who may be hesitant to come out for a first hike?
SC: Just be yourself. Come explore some new trails and enjoy the outdoors. Create memories to look back on and
hopefully you will make some friends along the way. Think of KHC as your trail head – where you want to go is up to you.
Robson
- Trail Talk – March 2021 - March 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – Carole and John Moslin - February 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – January, 2021 - January 9, 2021