Trail Talk – August 2020
An Interview with Paulette Gendron,
As Interviewed by Lori Rilkoff,
August, 2020
I got to know Paulette when she unexpectedly phoned to ask if I’d like to serve as Vice President for the KHC
Board, having met me when she was elected as President and I became a Member at Large this year. Paulette had
previously served as Vice President herself and is one of KHC’s most active hike leaders. As an avid backpacker
and photographer, Paulette has inspired many KHC members to explore beyond local hills (as seen in her photo
taken on the Iceline Trail in Yoho NP) and to tackle new challenges on the trail. She definitely has a fan base
among the KHC membership!
LR: How did you hear about KHC? What was your previous hiking experience?
PG: I discovered KHC through Facebook a number of years ago. My previous hiking experience was extensive,
with multi-day backpacks and day hiking. I was looking for more people to hike with and do excursions, so I was
glad to have stumbled across KHC because they sure looked like they were having fun!
LR: We are glad you stumbled across it too! Do you recall one of the first hikes you did with KHC?
PG: One of the first hikes I did with KHC was a local hike. I recall that I felt everyone was very friendly,
inclusive, and supportive. I really enjoyed myself and was happy to discover some great people to hike with. I was
excited to sign up for more!
LR: You’ve been a hiker for a long time. What was one of the best moments you’ve ever had on a KHC hike?
PG: There are many, but one of the best was this summer on the backpack I led in Tonquin Valley. We had a
treacherous river crossing. It was one of those moments that test your ability to focus and stay calm so that you
can keep your wits. What I love about this moment is that I never doubted we would not be successful because I
was hiking with an amazing group of women. We were a team that got down to business and supported one
another. We each had our strengths and everyone stepped up to make the crossing happen. After the adrenaline
rush, we high-fived and cheered. In the end, friendships and trust are built on those experiences.
LR: How has your life changed since you began hiking with KHC?
PG: I have made some wonderful amazing friends through KHC. It has also boosted my confidence as a hiker and
I’ve explored places I may not have known about or had the opportunity to explore without guidance and someone’s
knowledge. I’ve learnt a lot about hiking responsibly and safely outdoors, as well as a lot about gear through
trading tips and such.
LR: You’ve been able to put a lot of that knowledge to good use as one of KHC’s most popular hike leaders.
What inspired you to become a hike leader?
PG: The camaraderie, love for the outdoors, and confidence-building led me to become a hike leader. I felt
supported by the hikers I’ve met in KHC and wanted to give back in some way and inspire others to love hiking and
backpacking.
LR: What would you say to a new KHC member who may be hesitant to come out for a first hike with KHC or
maybe the first hike they’ve ever done?
PG: To new members who may be hesitant about a hike, I would say to definitely contact the hike leader. Our hike
leaders are very approachable and will walk you through any questions or concerns you might have. They can also
help you decide if the hike is a good fit for you if you’re just starting out and if not they can recommend a different
hike leader. That’s the beauty of our hike leaders within KHC – they all have different levels of difficulty,
experience, and interests for hiking. Therefore, once you get out there and start hiking you’ll find a hike leader or
two that will best fit your style and interests for hiking. The first step is getting your boots dirty and making some
tracks and you’ll soon find yourself signing up for more and then saying you’d like to become a hike leader too!
LR: What is it about hiking that appeals to you the most?
PG: What I love about hiking the most is getting lost. Not literally of course, but when I’m out hiking I leave
behind the messiness of day to day life. Hiking can be meditative. It takes me about a kilometre and then all of a
sudden I realize that I hadn’t been thinking about anything in particular or nothing at all. I also really love the
friendships I’ve made with people in the club. We’re out there to enjoy ourselves, support one another, and have fun.
LR
- Trail Talk – March 2021 - March 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – Carole and John Moslin - February 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – January, 2021 - January 9, 2021