Wednesday Hike: Whitemud Nature Area - Wed, Mar 31 2021

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Wednesday Hike: Whitemud Nature Area (3/31/2021)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Snow Valley Ski Hill area
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Mar 31 2021  6:30 PM
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Mar 31 2021 5:45:00 PM
Event Duration:2 hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Mark G
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:1
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 8 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

***To register for our events, you must first add your name to the event waiting list, and then answer the health and safety questionnaire sent by the coordinator before being added to the event.
Please read all details in red below and and event details, including all Covid-19 group precautions before signing up! All activities are being offered in full compliance with current provincial and federal COVID standards (links below for more information).
We will be hiking in staggered groups of four. At times we will be two abreast (box shape with 6 feet or more apart), and other times we will need to be distanced while in single file and step off the trail or pathway briefly to let others pass safely.

We will meet at 6:20 PM to check in, and leave at 6:30 PM sharp. From the far North end of Snow Valley Parking Lot The route will be a circuit that follows along some gravel path and some rough track trails, for a total round trip of about 9 to 10 km at a brisk pace over >5km/hr (above average hiking pace).TBD based on conditions.
**Please be aware the trail could be wet, icy, or muddy in some sections.


***We are open to having dogs on the hike, however they must be leashed***

We are limiting the number of participants including the coordinator on our events at this time.

Also please note that this is a group hike - therefore "superfast hikers" (>5.4 km/hr and above) should be prepared to wait for the group as a whole throughout the whole hike.
If you're not prepared to do this, then this will not be the event for you.

Similarily - "less than regular hikers" (<5.1 km/hr) - please find the time to get some training hikes in before this one, so that you are not "caught cold" doing this high moderate intermediate pace hike!

Look for Mark with a blue EOC baseball cap.

Bring walking aids (walking stick, hiking poles, etc) as desired as there could be slippery sections.
We are only allowing a maximum of ten participants including the coordinator on our events at this time.

**There are important ways to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus, the most essential being to sanitize your hands frequently. We request that you **bring your own hand sanitizer** with you on the event. For all who choose to enjoy an EOC activity we require participants to follow all Federal and Provincial rules in regards to Covid- 19, and the 2 meters/ 6 feet of social distancing from all club members and the public while on the trails and in public spaces. ** Our activities are outdoors in uncrowded spaces where cross-contamination is considered lower risk, but strict precautions still need to be followed. click for more information and to learn more.

Additional requirements:

1. Create social space. Avoid greeting each other where there is the potential for skin-to- skin contact, such as hugs or handshakes or high- fives. . When in doubt, share a friendly wave and 'hello'. Blow your nose, cough, sneeze, or clear your airway at least 2 metres away from others. Don't use clothing to wipe. Wear a mask in public places to help limit the risk of spread to others if you will be within 2 metres of people other than members of your own household.
  • **The government has indicated that masks may help, but the evidence is inconclusive. Therefore, we are leaving it to the discretion of participants to choose whether you'd like to wear masks. Be aware that this is not a requirement so you must be comfortable with others potentially not wearing masks.

    2. Are you in a high- risk category? Consider self- isolating if you are in a category with an immunocompromised system. Consultations with respiratory therapists indicate that individuals who suffer from asthma should exercise the same level of care they would exercise with other viruses. Alberta's Chief Medical Officer has stated individuals over 60, or anybody with pre- existing medical conditions are at increased risk of complications from Coronvirus (COVID-19).

    3. Are you feeling unwell? Are you feeling unwell? If you have a cough or flu-like symptoms, you must stay home, and should consider getting yourself tested by calling 8-1-1. Also the Alberta government states if you have symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat or runny nose, you MUST self-isolate for 10 days after the onset of symptoms and until your symptoms have resolved (whichever is longer). *If you are in mandatory self-isolation you can not legally go outside for a walk through your neighbourhood or park.

    4. Your EOC event hosts are volunteers. Participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, their current physical condition, current trail conditions, and are responsible for their own safety and well-being.

    5. Please no sharing of food and drinks; as well no carpooling.

    6. Further important considerations:

  • The province has encouraged outdoor activities with physical distancing. Studies have shown the benefits of outdoor activity for staying healthy. Therefore, we are offering organized activities to support your best health and well-being.
  • The province is permitting groups of up to 10 participants to gather with physical distancing.
  • The province requires that you be healthy to attend events. Therefore, the event organizer will exercise their discretion to send a participant home if they display symptoms of illness.
  • The government continues to recommend six feet of physical distancing. Therefore, the lead will be enforcing this distancing throughout the hike. Anyone who is not acting in accordance with this requirement will be warned once. If non- compliance continues, they will be asked to leave the activity.
  • **Please respect each other’s space. We all have our own opinions on COVID-19 and need to understand that we may not agree but must respect each other’s space with the required social distancing of all people in public spaces.


    Self test and Covid-19 FAQs here: click for more FAQ information, testing, and links for Alberta Health Covid-19.


    Meet in the parking lot at 6:20 PM for a prompt departure at 6:30 PM (or earlier if the group's all there). Look for Mark wearing (or holding) a blue EOC ball cap, or look up his profile picture on the volunteer page.

    (*Note we are not accepting cash donations at this time on our events. Please feel free to send donations to our Treasurer or event organizer electronically).


    • Required Items to Bring:
  • Your own food and water
    - Water
    - Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Mask
  • - Hiking poles

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:Take the Whitemud Drive
    Turn South onto 119 St. Then turn west (first right off 119 St).
    Rainbow Valley Road has a sign labeled Whitemud Park. Take this road to the Snow Valley Ski Hill Parking lot. We will meet at the far North end of Snow Valley ski hill parking Lot. This is the start of the event.


    Notes:

    - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in EOC events.
    - Please scroll through and read the entire online waiver when you sign up.
    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.

     
    Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
    Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!