Hikes restart June 7
So this “edition” of our weekly newsletter is brought to you by your friendly administrators with some tips, suggestions and (a few) rules for hiking again. I don’t know how to attach a file to a MailChimp message, so will send out the medical form separately (later).
Monday Hiker Guidelines for Goats, Hikers & Walkers
COVID 19 Protocol
Until we reach herd immunity and infection rates drop precipitously, we ask that you only join an organized hike once you have been fully vaccinated. Also, please be sure to bring a mask with you to the hike. You may not need to wear it while hiking or in a carpool of fully vaccinated people, but you should always mask up if asked.
Carpooling
Departure time is 8 am unless otherwise stated in the announcement. Arrive at the Poulsbo P&R lot 10 to 15 minutes to form carpools. Match yourself with drivers/passengers that are planning to hike about the same distance as you. If you are faster or slower, arrange a turn around time with your driver. Most hikes start from the Poulsbo P&R lot but occasionally for south end hikes, the meeting point will be elsewhere as stated in the announcement. Walkers: Meet at 9:30 at the Poulsbo P&R or the Mall parking lot in Silverdale depending which trails we are walking.
Carpooling is a little more complicated with COVID. Please let people know your vaccine status before carpooling and don’t feel obligated to share a ride or a seat in your car if you aren’t comfortable. We are all learning how to hike together in these circumstances. Respect is compassion.
Cost of ride is set by driver. Usually $10 to the Olympics, more to trails farther in, less $ for local hikes. Bring $10’s & $5’s. Walkers: check with driver, usually $5 or less.
Bring dry, clean shoes to change into after the hike before getting into car & a bag for your dirty hiking boots.
Safety
The next to last car must wait for last car, in order to assure that all hikers are safely off the trail. Put a blue “Monday Hiker” card on your dashboard at every hike so we can distinguish our group (Hikers do this).
If the hikers in your car plan to hike a long distance, let the hiking group at the P&R lot know so we can plan for it. Nobody wants to wait for an extra hour if it can be helped. It’s critical that we don’t leave hikers in the mountains by themselves.
Being Prepared
Every hiker must carry a pack, wear hiking boots, have sufficient food, water & clothing for the day plus extra supplies in case of emergency (ex: injury requiring overnight stay in mountains). Hiking poles are very helpful. Walkers: appropriate clothing, hiking boots or sturdy shoes, water and maybe poles.
·There is no leader or sweep. There are times when you will hike by yourself or other times with people, depending on your pace. If you are a fast hiker & expect to go further than the rest of the group, please arrange to have someone hike with you. Each hiker is responsible for his/her own safety by being prepared to hike & knowing your limits. All hikers are also responsible for the safety of the group.
Two Way Radios
We strongly recommend that you purchase & use a two way radio to keep in touch with others in the group. If you are a strong hiker & plan to hike farther than most of the group or a slow hiker who will likely hike behind others, it is a requirement. Walkers: radios are not required.
Radios must have privacy channels as our radio call #’s are 2.38 (the last 2 numbers are the privacy codes). They should have a 30 mile or more range. They come in packs of 2 so you can share the cost with someone else. Two options from Amazon are:
Motorola Talkabout T402 for $63.83 or Midland GMRS for $69.99.
Sign Up Genius
We are using Sign Up Genius as we restart. You should receive an email for upcoming hikes by Thursday. If you don’t, send an email to Mark. We are trying to manage the volume of hikers and cars at the trailheads. Things will change with time. But for now, please sign up if you plan to hike on a Monday and cancel if you have signed up and change your mind.
Medical Information Form
We ask that you complete the attached form & put it in the top part of your pack. This info is confidential and will only be accessed if you are injured & cannot communicate with us.
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