What we’re about
After a change in my life I made a move from Langley to Abbotsford. Changes are difficult and I found that being out in the fresh air and socializing with people while enjoying nature very therapeutic. While enjoying nature and people we all get fit as well.
There are a lot of people out there who would like to get active but find there is no regular postings on the calendar. That is my aim. We all have different abilities, likes and dislikes not to mention available time differences.
This group calendar is well established now. It was started in August 2010!! Hard to believe how many fun years have passed already!! We have biking on Mondays but we do not bike in strong winds or rain so sometimes we bike on a better day. Tuesdays we have easy to moderate hikes although YOU DO NEED TO BE FIT TO PARTICIPATE. To help you get into shape we have a Saturday outing which is less kms and an easier pace and little elevation. On Fridays we have Kayaking/canoeing for experienced paddlers. EXPECT TO BE SENT HOME IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR YOUR OUTINGS. It is very important to read and understand the day's outing. All outings are described and it is mentioned what is required for the trip. FOR YOUR SAFETY AND OTHERS PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION POSTED ON ANY SCHEDULED EVENT!!!
Now the fun part is when your fitness level has improved from a 2 hour + walk or hike on a Saturday you will be able to join us on a Tuesday for a 4-6 hour or more easy to moderate hike or an endurance walk of 17-20kms. ON SOME HIKES/WALKS THERE ARE TURN-AROUNDS IF ANYONE IS UNABLE TO DO THE FULL TRIP. RESEARCH OF YOUR TRIP IS A WISE OPTION....BRINGING A MAP IS ALSO WISE. The list goes on so check the calendar. So much to do and so little time so the sooner you start, the faster you get fit to enjoy some really beautiful scenic places!!!!
You need to know how to kayak/canoe, have enough experience to join us and to be able to transport your own kayak/canoe. IT IS ADVISED TO SEEK OUT SOME LESSONS FOR AT LEAST THE BASICS FOR SAFETY. Kayaks/canoes can be rented from Western Canoe/Kayak on Salton in Abbotsford. They are very good and will outfit you with everything you need and are very reasonable. Again, read all about the event so you know and understand what is needed and what we are doing. OUR TRIPS ARE SLOW, ENJOYABLE, GO AT YOUR OWN PACE AND RELAXING. We paddle in quiet waters most of the time. Sometimes we paddle the ocean so you need your strength and strong arms/core are definitely required if a wind comes up on a lake.
**********A FULL FACIAL PHOTO IS REQUIRED ON OUR PROFILE . IF AN EMERGENCY ARISES DUE TO AN ACCIDENT OR A HIKER HAS GONE OFF THE TRAIL IT IS A REQUIREMENT TO HELP THE SEARCH AND RESCUE CREW TO IDENTIFY YOU. EXPECT TO BE TAKEN OFF THE LIST OR REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE UPON ARRIVAL IF YOU HAVE COME UNPREPARED OR DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED PHOTO.***************
Check out the sites photos and you can see all the great places that you can walk/hike, bike or kayak/canoe to. The majority of the walks/hikes and other events are around the Abbotsford/Chiilliwack/Maple Ridge area.
Lets get moving, enjoy each other's company and make new friends as well as appreciate where we live!
******It's very important to know your own level, We try to stress for your own safety the needs for each posted event. To really enjoy your walk/hike MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD PAIR OF SOLID AND COMFORTABLE FITTING SHOES OR HIKING BOOTS AND POLES ARE AN ASSET FOR HILLS OR LONG WALKS/HIKES. THEY ARE VERY HELPFUL IN SUPPORTING YOUR WEIGHT AS WELL AS YOUR BALANCE.********
Check the internet to see what is required for a "day trip". Bare necessities such as bandaids, hand sanitizer, bell for warning animals when we are on the trail, compass, whistle etc.....Lunch/drink/snack and common sense. TO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY PLEASE BE PREPARED!! Check online for the "10 essentials".
*****Please note that the organizers are not liable for your personal safety. The organizers are only there to arrange a meetup for your pleasure and enjoyment. We do not claim to be professional hikers and we do not have any medical training, basic first aid only. By attending the hikes or walks you are stating that you take full responsibility for yourself but it's a good call to look out for each other. You should also be aware of your own level of fitness and health. Common sense is a big plus. WE ARE VOLUNTEERS ONLY WHO POST AND LEAD OUTDOOR ACTIVITES FOR YOUR PLEASURE.*****
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- JANUARY 14-17 GETAWAY - MANNING PARKManning Park Resort, Manning Park, BC
Bev's cell 778-552-6860
Check road conditions before leaving and make sure you have the correct tires for the conditions and chains if required.
https://www.manningpark.com/
Manning Park Resort has new owners and they have done a lot of upgrading so their prices have changed. This is a great place to go Winter and/or Spring as it is an enjoyable gem so close to home and it doesn't matter if there is snow or not as there is so much to do. With snow you have cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with no snow you have hiking or a nice walk. Sometimes there is ice skating depending on the temperature.
There is a pool and a hot tub across from the lodge for guests so bring your swim suits if you like. They also have a games room in the lodge.
You can call them at there toll free number below to get information regarding skating/skiing/cross country skiing etc..... Also, there is a link above.
The rooms USED to have a coffee machine, refrigerator and a microwave but confirm when booking. There is also a restaurant and pub. I usually take up prepared food in an ice box and re-heat in the microwave.
I am sharing a cabin with some people where we can play games/talk after dinner. Meet at 7pm at the cabin. # unknown until day of arrival but you can ask the desk...under my name.
MANNING PARK RESORT - PHONE # 1-800-330-3321 or 1-604-668-5922 and press 1 for the reservations.
YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN ACCOMMODATIONS BUT YOU CAN SIGN UP HERE SO WE KNOW WHO TO EXPECT.
There is no cell reception in this park area. Free wifi for an hour each day. They have a computer to use in the lounge sitting area as well.
I plan to arrive early (12-1pm) so I can get a hike or snowshoe trip in before dark!!!!! Your room isn't usually ready until around 4pm but sometimes one can be lucky. We just leave our stuff in the vehicle and get our walk in.
Hope to see you there!!! Don't forget your snowshoes, skates, skis & spikes etc...