Trail Talk – September 2020
TRAIL TALK
An Interview with Helen Gendron
(KHC member since 2012)
As Interviewed by Lori Rilkoff
September 2020
If you are involved with KHC for any length of time, you will at some point have Helen Gendron as a companion on
a hike. Helen is a long term KHC member (and mother of current KHC President Paulette Gendron featured in
last month’s Trail Talk) and was on several of my first hikes with the club. Friendly, welcoming, and energetic,
Helen makes for great company on the trail. In her photo, she poses at Helen Lake in Banff National Park.
LR: What was your hiking experience prior to joining KHC?
HG: My previous hiking experience had just been in local parks, but KHC took me to new places with a great
group of people who have extensive knowledge of trails beyond the local area.
LR: How did you first become involved with KHC? Do you recall your first KHC hike?
HG: In early 2012, I came across the KHC website and that spring I became a member. My first hike was to
Wheeler Mountain. It was a very good experience, doing something I enjoyed with like-minded people. One of my
favourite hikes is Mara Northeast.
LR: What is it about hiking that appeals to you the most?
HG: I enjoy the grasslands area with its rolling hills, where early settlers tried to eke out a life on their
homesteads. I like the stories behind the areas where I am hiking.
LR: What would you say to a new KHC member who may be hesitant to come out for a first hike with KHC?
HG: What I would say to a new hiker is first read the posting carefully looking for difficulty, distance, and pace. If
you are unsure if the hike is for you, contact the hike leader who will gladly help. All the hike leaders have different
styles of leading which you will learn over time. Just get started!
LR: How has your life changed since you began hiking with KHC?
HG: I started backpacking! It was something I dreamt about but never thought I would have a chance to do. It is
amazing, being close to and in the mountains. One of my favourite backpacks is the Rockwall. Some experiences
just have to be done on foot away from roads and crowds.
D. Smith – Bonaparte
- Trail Talk – March 2021 - March 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – Carole and John Moslin - February 10, 2021
- Trail Talk – January, 2021 - January 9, 2021