Trail Talk (May, 2020)
TRAIL TALK
An Interview with Peter Frew
(KHC member since April 2012)
As Interviewed by Lori Rilkoff, May 2020
This is the second in a series of interviews with long term KHC members sharing their experiences and tips with new members.
Peter is one of those KHC members who gets out on the trails all year round, either with the club or out on his own. If you are on a hike or snowshoe with Peter, be prepared to pick up your pace to keep up with him! He’s the man you want breaking trail through the snow as he makes it appear effortless even on long climbs and through deep drifts. Fellow KHC hikers can also rely on Peter’s calm and good-natured approach in dealing with the sometimes unpredictable challenges encountered in the outdoors, developed over the many years he has logged on trails in Kamloops and beyond (including Sedona, Arizona which is where the photo of Peter and his grandchildren was taken).
LR: What was your hiking experience previous to joining KHC?
PF: I had many years of hiking experience as I lived in Revelstoke for 30 years and worked with the Ministry of Forests. My first position there was managing the recreation programs (site and trails) and spent many days each year hiking trails to assess conditions for maintenance and/or doing repairs.
LR: You’ve been involved with KHC for a long time – how did you initially learn about the club way back then?
PF: In 2011 I found and joined the KHC Facebook group. As I was planning a move to Kamloops, I thought this would be a good way to meet like minded people and to experience the hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. I started hiking with KHC in April 2012 a week after moving to Kamloops from Revelstoke.
LR: Where was your first hike with the club? Was it what you expected?
PF: The first hike I attended was on April 1, 2012 at Kenna Cartwright Park. There were eight women and myself! The experience was good as being a new member I was well received; however, I must admit that the pace was somewhat slower than I was used to.
LR: It seems that people remember the exact date for the first KHC hike they did! How has your involvement with the club impacted you and your hiking?
PF: Joining the club has allowed me to meet members who are like minded and enjoy the outdoors. It exposed me to the many local hiking areas around Kamloops that I would never have considered going to on my own. It also opened up opportunities for me to attend camping and hiking events far from Kamloops, such as in Kananaskis, the Lake Louise area, and Manning Park.
LR: What is one of the best moments you’ve ever had on a KHC hike? Do you have a favourite hike?
PF: I’ve been on so many hikes that it would be hard to pinpoint one of the best moments – there have been lots! I must say I enjoy going to the Marble Range west of Clinton (on the Jesmond Road) as it is a special place. What I like about that hike are the views – at the summit you can look west to see the tops of the coastal range covered with snow, and turning east you can see the Bonaparte plateau with its many lakes gently fading away to the horizon.
LR: What would you say to a new KHC member who may be hesitant to come out for a first hike?
PF: Good advice for new members is to be prepared for the hike as doing so will improve the quality of the experience. Bring essentials, clothing, food, water, bug repellent, sunscreen, and be prepared to stay longer than planned as hikes do not always end on time. Try a ‘beginner-only’ hike offered by an experienced leader. It will take a few hikes before you get it right so don’t get discouraged!
LR: You’ve been hiking a long time. What is it about the activity that keeps you on the trails?
PF: Hiking or snowshoeing provides the opportunity to see and experience new areas. Even when I visit areas many times, I see new things that I never noticed in the past. The landscape changes as the years go by. I especially enjoy going where there are no trails – some days I may have a destination in mind and I find the best route to get there. Other times I just wander and explore the area, always wondering what is over the next hill or across the next creek. It provides an outlet for my energy and even though I may come home tired, I feel rejuvenated and look forward to my next outing. There is also a peaceful calm when snowshoeing alone. The blue sky, sparkling snow and cold air on your cheeks makes me wonder: how could it get any better than this? I’m in my happy place when alone in the forest with my snowshoes and making those first tracks in the snow.
- Trail Talk – March 2021 - March 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – Carole and John Moslin - February 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – January, 2021 - January 9, 2021
Great interview Peter and Lori.
An excellent interview with a fine gentleman.