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.*****
