Seniors Outdoors!^SM is an outing and social club providing organized year-round outdoor activities and related educational opportunities. The group consists of active adults (50+), but allows younger folks to join if they can keep up! Members share an interest in exploring the local area, staying healthy and physically fit, and meeting others with similar interests. Our group is very social. Our Club welcomes new members at casual new member coffee gatherings. These events, which occur 2-3 times a year, are coordinated by our Hospitality Chair and hosted by various Board members. You will be contacted soon after becoming a member. We encourage you to attend a new member coffee.

Seniors Outdoors!^SM is an unincorporated non-profit association under Title 7 Article 30 and other applicable statutes of Colorado law. Our Club is governed by Bylaws which can be found on the Club website, www.seniorsoutdoors.org. The Bylaws were approved by membership vote and adopted by the Board in July 2008.

Club meetings are generally held at the Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Avenue, in the “Peak” rooms. To get to the “Peak” rooms, enter the main lobby, turn right, and go to the end of the hall. One can also enter through the east entrance, where you will find the “Peak” rooms on the right. Occasionally we meet at another location, so watch for any changes. Club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.., with a half-hour social time starting at 6:30 p.m. We keep business meetings short and maximize time for programs and socializing. Programs feature local speakers talking on a variety of informative and educational topics. A potluck dinner is held at the same times on every third month (March, June, September and December). The Club is environmentally oriented; members are encouraged to bring their own mugs to meetings and their own mugs and table service to potlucks.

Seniors Outdoors!^SM is a non-political club. We do not schedule speakers at Club meetings who want to recruit us as volunteers, sell us something or get us to support an issue. The Club itself does not write letters for or against issues. However, we have an Information Table at meetings and a website to share information. Organizations or individuals who want to discuss a program or concern with our members are welcome to do so at the Information Table.

Seniors Outdoors!^SM has a very diverse Outing Schedule with at least two outings a week. We have as much diversity in the schedule as possible, e.g., easy, moderate, and hard hiking; interpretive and destination hikes; horseback riding; bicycling; snowshoeing; skiing; overnight trips; etc. The Club has adopted two segments along Highway 550, which we clean up several times a year – a 1.0-mile stretch just north of Hermosa (between mile markers 32 and 33), and a 0.6-mile stretch just south of Rockwood (between mile markers 38 and 39). We sometimes do trail maintenance.

We are a diverse group with different ability levels, so many outings have options to accommodate varied paces and distances. In addition, there are several specialized subgroups within Seniors Outdoors!^SM. One large subgroup is the Seniors Outdoors Singles (SOS), which provides a calendar of social activities for single members of the club. Other subgroups vary and may include such activities as downhill skiing, biking, or photography. For a list of current subgroups see the list in this document and on the Club website.

Seniors Outdoors!^SM has grown into a large and very active Club. As an organization, we strive to do all we can to educate our members to recognize the problems and hazards associated with outdoor/backcountry trips and to be prepared for adverse conditions or situations. This Member Information was prepared for that purpose. It contains guidelines for participating in and leading Club outings so they go smoothly and safely. By using this information, you can do your part to ensure safe and enjoyable outings, for yourself and others. Happy Trails!

CLUB COMMUNICATIONS

Website: The Club’s website address is: www.seniorsoutdoors.org. The site is full of information and is updated frequently. Some of the things you will find on the site include:

Outings Schedule and the Seniors Outdoors Singles Schedule
Membership Roster in a password-protected section. When your membership application is processed, the user name and password for entering the roster will be given to you. If you cannot find the instructions or they weren’t given to you, contact the Membership Chair.
Photos from Club outings
Classified Ads where you can list, without charge, items that you would like to sell
Google Groups—SO Outdoors, an online chat group for members
Helpful Links to other relevant and important outdoors websites
Lost and Found section where you can locate items left behind
Volunteer Opportunities listing outdoors organizations looking for volunteers

Information that you might like posted on the website should be sent to the Club’s Webmaster.

E-mail list: The Club sends e-mail messages regarding outing changes, impromptu outings or special club announcements to members who have e-mail. We request that members honor the purpose of the club’s e-mail list and not request posting of personal messages.

Outings Schedule: The Seniors Outdoors!^SM Outings Committee produces a quarterly schedule of a diverse number of outings for SO! members. This schedule lists a description of the outing, the date and location of the outing, the level of difficulty expected, the trip leader name and contact information. There is also a Seniors Outdoors Singles Schedule of activities. These schedules are provided on the website and are the primary sources of information regarding Club activities.

Newsletter (Note: Our newsletter is currently suspended from production. Anyone wishing to volunteer to serve as Editor should contact any Board member.) A Club newsletter—The Highpoint—is published monthly and posted on the Seniors Outdoors!^SM website. For those without internet access, the newsletter is distributed at the Club meeting, which is the second Tuesday of the month. The newsletter includes items of Club news only. A benefit of Club membership is free ads to advertise outdoor gear for sale. There is no newsletter in January.

Meeting Announcements: To keep our meetings short, few announcements are made. The President, or his/her designee, makes all announcements. If you have an announcement, present it ahead of time to the President. Provide the message in writing and keep it limited in length.

Information Table: An information table is available at each meeting for members to present or discuss items of interest to other members. Items presented may or may not relate directly to Club affairs. Be sure to put your name and phone number on the items in case members want to contact you to ask questions. Some examples of Information Table items are the following:

· Travel opportunities, local and foreign

· Current issues (local, environmental) for members to become involved in as individuals

· Volunteer opportunities

· Equipment information

· Services available

· Items for sale (actual items or “For Sale” posters/notices)

Seniors Outdoors!^SM Board: The Board meets regularly and Board Meetings are open to all members. If you have a concern or topic of interest, either bring it to the attention of a Board member or come to a Board Meeting. Also, the SO! website has a “Contact Us” section where you can give feedback to the Club.

Distribution Policy: The Board of Directors adopted a policy of only mailing communication materials (outings schedule, SOS schedules, newsletter, etc) when a Club member does not have access to the Web or is unable to print documents from the Web. The exception to this is the annual membership renewal packet which is mailed to each member.

Acknowledgment of Personal Responsibility and Liability

Each member is asked to read and sign the following statement and fill out emergency contact information. You should not list your spouse as an emergency contact, if you and your spouse sometimes attend outings together. You will be asked to sign the waiver and provide emergency contact information each year.

I understand and acknowledge that participation in hiking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and other activities planned by Seniors Outdoors!^SM can result in death, injury, (especially if I am not properly equipped or physically or medically prepared) and/or loss or damage to property. I understand and acknowledge that these activities take place under a variety of weather conditions, difficult and changing terrain, and other hazards of outdoor activities.

I understand and acknowledge that Seniors Outdoors!^SM, its volunteer officers, directors, trip leader(s) and members are responsible only for trip planning, organization, and leading, and are not responsible or liable for my personal welfare and safety. I am solely and completely responsible for choosing outings that are within my physical and medical ability level, for taking proper clothing, provisions, and equipment along on outings to provide for my personal comfort and safety, and for making appropriate decisions in response to terrain, elevation, and weather conditions and their inherent hazards (such as falling, falling objects, lightning, avalanche, hypothermia and injuries caused by others) to ensure my safety.

On behalf of myself and my heirs, successors, assigns, guardian or other representative, I assume all risks for my personal safety, death or any injury I may suffer and/or the loss of or damage to my property, or the property of others caused by me, while participating in any Seniors Outdoors!^SM activity. I hereby agree that I, my heirs, successors, assigns, guardian or other representative shall not make a claim against or sue Seniors Outdoors!^SM and/or any of its members for death, injury or damage I may suffer that results from the negligence or other act or omission, however caused, of any member of Seniors Outdoors!^SM in connection with my participation in any Seniors Outdoors!^SM activity. I hereby release Seniors Outdoors!^SM and its members from all actions, claims or demands that I, my heirs, successors, assigns, guardian or other representative may have or may hereafter have for my death, injury or damage I may incur as a result of my participation in any Seniors Outdoors!^SM activity and release them from any liability for any such death, injury or damage. It is my intent to extinguish any liability on the part of Seniors Outdoors!^SM and its members for my death, injury or damage I may suffer as a result of my participation in any Seniors Outdoors!^SM activity.

HIKE DIFFICULTY RATINGS

All hikes organized by Seniors Outdoors!^SM have a difficulty rating. Sometimes trips are designed with optional hikes to accommodate a range of hiking abilities. However, not all hikes will accommodate all hiking abilities. For example, a hike rated moderate (with no options) is for moderate hikers only who intend to do the whole trip. It is your responsibility to choose trips that are within your ability. Following is a description of the trip ratings used by Seniors Outdoors!^SM.

Very Easy: Short hikes, often close to town, planned for those wanting a short (less than 2 miles round trip), relatively flat trip on a smooth, well-defined trail. Elevation gain is up to 250'.

Easy: Hikes may vary in length, but are usually less than 4 miles round trip. Easy hikes are on well-defined trails that are relatively smooth and gentle, although short stretches may be steep and rough. Elevation gain is up to 500'.

Moderate: Hikes are up to 8 miles round trip. Moderate hikes are generally on established trails that can be rocky and steep in places. Elevation gain is up to 2000'.

Hard: This category covers hikes that are longer than 8 miles and/or greater than 2000' of elevation gain. Hikes may be on poorly defined trails or include off-trail sections, be unusually rough or dangerous, or encounter unexpected obstacles. This category is for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Because of poorly defined trails or off-trail situations, it is important that hikers on hard hikes stay together for safety reasons, so those attending must be capable of keeping up with the group and going the whole distance.

Most Challenging: Hike may be especially long, have a large elevation gain, or is over difficult and/or exposed terrain.

The Primary rating for all hikes will assume the participant completes the entire hike. Some hikes may have an easier option than the main rating. If this is the case, then this option will be mentioned in the hike description. One example might be a hike on a good trail that is 10 miles and thus rated hard, but with an option to turn back early, so there would be an easy option. An example of this might be the Upper Hermosa Creek Trail. Another example is the Grizzly Peak Hike. The peak climb is rated Most Challenging, but if a participant just hikes to the meadow below the peak, then the rating is moderate. Thus, the rating for this hike would be “Most Challenging with a Moderate option”.

Guidelines for Outing Participants

Before Outing:

Choose outings that are within your ability. Read the Hike Difficulty Ratings, the distance, and elevation gain. If you are not sure, contact the trip leader and discuss the specifics of the outing so you can make a safe judgment.

Note the meeting place for the outing. The meeting place for outings varies, so you need to pay close attention to the meeting place for each outing. Each outing’s meeting place is listed on the Outings Schedule.

Inform the trip leader if you have special needs or requests. If you want to meet the group at a different location, or desire to do a modified version of the outing, contact the trip leader before the outing.

RSVP on time and show up on time. If you indicated that you will attend, but need to cancel, call the trip leader. ALL outings require an RSVP except Downhill Skiing and Wednesday Wanderers or unless noted otherwise.

Read guidebooks and maps regarding the outing. Be informed of where you are going.

Have a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card. Strongly advised! (See “Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card.”)

Have any necessary permits, such as the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp needed in all Colorado Division of Wildlife areas.

Pack your day pack with all the items you may need. Don’t get caught unprepared! Bring adequate food and water, and be prepared for wet or cold weather. Take plastic grocery bags for trail trash and to put your wet/muddy boots into after the trip, so you don’t get someone else’s vehicle dirty. (See “Packing List for Day Outings.”)

Wear orange clothing during hunting season, or use one of the Club’s orange vests.

Check to see if dogs are permitted. (See “Guidelines for Taking Dogs on Outings.”)

If you need to get back early, make plans for transportation.

Be ready for car pooling. If you will be a passenger, take along the correct amount of money for the car pooling fee (specified in the Outing Schedule). As you may be a driver, make sure you have enough gas and room for passengers, and take along an extra vehicle key.

At Meeting Place:

Sign the Outing Attendance List.

Welcome guests and new members, and help inform them of procedures.

Alert the trip leader of any medical conditions that could create complications on the outing.

Pay attention when the trip leader is reviewing the travel route. Participate in the process of setting up car pooling arrangements.

Carpooling:

Understand the route if driving and keep track of the vehicle behind you.

Pay the driver if a passenger.

At Trailhead:

Pay attention when the trip leader is making announcements. Make sure you understand the route and ask questions as necessary. Know who is carrying the radios, first-aid kit(s), and satellite or cell phone.

Choose the appropriate group to go with (hard, moderate or easy option; faster or slower pace).

During Outing:

Assist with two-way radios. The trip leader will distribute the club’s 2-way radios to be taken on the trip. If you carry a radio, turn the power on. It should already be set on channel 4.1. Do a radio check. Use radios for necessary communications only. Carry it where you can access it quickly.

Help with trip coordination.

Stay with your group and keep track of others in your group. This is especially important on trails that are not clearly marked.
Never walk off on your own or head back to the trailhead without letting someone know where you are going.
If you leave the trail for a potty break, leave your pack next to the trail, so the trail sweep doesn’t pass you and leave you behind.
If the group comes to a fork in the trail, wait for the person behind you and make sure that person takes the correct trail.
If you are the designated sweep, stay in the sweep position. If you need to move up, assign another sweep and give him/her your radio and first-aid kit and inform the trip leader of the change.

Educate yourself on hypothermia, lightning, altitude, and avalanche and know what to do. (See “General Safety Tips” and the “Lightning in the Mountains” brochure.)

Take breaks as necessary to drink plenty of water and eat snacks to maintain your energy.

Control your dog. (See “Guidelines for Taking Dogs on Outings.”)

Practice “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. Don’t tarnish our reputation. (See “Leave No Trace Principles for Day Hiking.”) Pick up trash along the trail.

After Outing:

Return equipment to the trip leader.

Help the trip leader with a head count to make sure everyone has returned safely.

Take the trip duffel(s) at the end of the trip if you will be the next trip leader.

Respect the vehicle you are carpooling in. Do all you can to prevent getting the vehicle dirty by putting your wet/dirty items in plastic bags.

A Sample of a SENIORS OUTDOORS!^SM OUTING ATTENDANCE LIST Outing:__________________________________ Date:__________________
One name per line Please Print!	Do you have a signed waiver on file? Yes/No	Are you a current member? Yes/No	Would you be willing to lead this outing in the future? Yes/No
1. Leader –
2. Co-leader–
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

“LEAVE NO TRACE” PRINCIPLES FOR DAY OUTINGS

1. Plan ahead and prepare

· Know your route and destination.

· Check area regulations, including group size limits in designated wilderness areas.

· Tell someone where you are going.

· Pack proper equipment, clothing, and enough food and water.

2. Travel on durable surfaces

· Stay on existing trails and travel single file.

· Avoid shortcutting switchbacks.

· Travel on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, sand, etc. in areas without trails.

· On vegetated surfaces, if there is no trail, spread out so as not to create a trail.

3. Properly dispose of refuse and bodily wastes

· Dispose of feces in a 4” to 6" deep cat hole, at least 200' (about 70 paces) from campsites, trails, and water.

· Pack out any toilet paper and used personal hygiene products in a plastic bag.

· For women – Consider ways to avoid using toilet paper after urination, such as using mini pads or drip-drying.

· Pack out any trash you create or see along the trail.

4. Leave cultural and natural objects as found

· Do not take pottery shards, spear or arrow points, or petrified wood.

· Do not disturb historical or archeological sites.

· Do not pick wildflowers or other plants.

5. Minimize use and impact of fires for picnics

· Use an established fire ring, fire pan or fire blanket.

· Use dead and downed wood no larger than wrist size.

· Burn wood to ash and make sure the fire is out.

· Clean up and naturalize the site.

6. Minimize impacts to wildlife

· Pack out leftover food scraps so wildlife do not become habituated to human food.

· Avoid approaching wildlife when they are aware of your presence.

· Keep pets under control so they don’t chase wildlife.

7. Be considerate of other visitors

· Travel in small groups.

· Keep noise to a minimum; don’t disturb other visitors.

· Yield to other visitors on the trail.

· When you encounter horses on the trail, step off the trail on the downhill side and talk softly so the horses recognize you are a person. We look strange to them with packs, sticks, etc.

PACKING LIST FOR DAY OUTINGS Following is a general list of items needed or desired for day outings. The actual items to be taken on each outing will depend on the type of outing, season of the year, and elevation. Don’t get caught unprepared for wet or cold weather, or other unexpected conditions!
Day pack with pack cover Water, 2 quarts Lunch and snacks Emergency food Hiking boots and socks Hiking stick or trekking poles Hat with visor Rain gear Vest, sweater, or jacket Windbreaker Warm hat or head band Gloves Extra socks Sunglasses Sunscreen Lip balm with sunscreen Insect repellent Handkerchief or tissue Toilet paper Money for car pooling Extra vehicle key Health Insurance card Compass Signal mirror Whistle Change of shoes and socks for after trip Watch		Personal first-aid kit, moleskin Repair tape Matches or butane lighter Candle or fire starter (Steel wool works great.) Pocket knife Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and bulb Space blanket Wading shoes, if crossing streams Maps Guide or reference books Camera Plastic bags · For trash pick up · For wet and dirty clothing and boots · For used toilet paper · To “scoop” your dog’s poop Small trowel for digging cat holes for human waste Pad to sit on Medications Cell phone 2-way radio Water treatment tablets or filter Avalanche equipment If biking, tool kit, spare tubes and pump, and telephone change
	DISCOUNTS ON GEAR SO! members receive a 10% discount on regularly priced merchandise at: Backcountry Experience Brown’s Shoe Fit – on hiking products Brown’s Sport Shoe – on hiking and athletic products Gardenswartz Pine Needle - All Seniors Outdoors!^SM members get a free membership in Pine Needle’s frequent buyer program. Similar to REI, every regularly priced sale is eligible for a 10% rebate, given as a store credit at the beginning of the next year. GENERAL SAFETY TIPS · Carry a pack with first-aid supplies, compass, food, water, warm clothing and rain gear. Always carry these items, even if you’re just out for a half-day hike. · Wear sturdy boots or shoes with soles that grip. · Over-exposure to the sun is a concern in the Southwest, especially at high elevations. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. · Guard against hypothermia. Getting wet can dangerously lower your core body temperature. Dress in layers so you can add or shed clothing as temperatures change. See the hypothermia handout in the front pocket of this folder. · Plan to reach your highest elevation and begin descent by noon to avoid the threat of lightning. Count on summer afternoon thunderstorms–including hail or snow. See “Lightning in the Mountains” brochure in the front pocket of this folder. · Beware of acute mountain sickness, marked by headache, lack of energy, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. If you have these symptoms, get to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Drink plenty of water. See “Mountain Air” handout in the front pocket of this folder. · Even though high-country water looks crystal clear, it can contain giardia, a naturally occurring organism that can make you very sick. Carry drinking water or use a purification filter or chemical treatment. · Never cross rivers or streams during high runoff. Don’t camp along creeks because steep drainages can channel flash floods. · Be aware of avalanche danger–when and where---by visiting: www.geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche · Don’t take chances. Help is a long way off. If someone in your party gets in trouble, reach a phone as quickly as possible and call 911. COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION SEARCH AND RESCUE CARD The high cost associated with backcountry search and rescue operations cannot be overstated. It is with this in mind that members are strongly advised of the wisdom of purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card (CORSAR). Cost is $3 per year or $12 for 5 years. You can purchase a card at Club meetings. Holders of a current card will not be billed for the cost of a legitimate search and rescue effort on their behalf. Any related medical expenses are the individual’s responsibility. Purchasing a card is a very simple way to be prepared. Don’t take a chance. If you already have a Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp; Colorado fishing or hunting license; or a valid Colorado registration for a snowmobile, boat, or ATV, you do not need this card as you are already covered.

GUIDELINES FOR TAKING DOGS ON OUTINGS

Dogs are permitted on many of our outings; however, before bringing your dog on an outing, you need to first look at the outing description to see if it states “no dogs.” If it doesn’t, then you still must call the trip leader and give an RSVP for your dog. Dogs always need an RSVP. Reasons for dogs not being allowed on an outing include:

· Protecting desert country cryptobiotic soil crust

· Skiing on groomed cross-country ski trails

· Difficult trail conditions, i.e. drop-offs, unstable surfaces, etc.

· Hiking in National Parks, such as Canyonlands, where dogs aren’t allowed on trails

· Doing one-way hikes with shuttles, where your dog would need to be transported in someone else’s vehicle

· The emphasis of the outing is educational...or

· The outing leader simply prefers not to have dogs along on the outing.

Hiking with a dog can be a positive and rewarding experience, but it can also result in a less than satisfactory experience for other people. The difference is primarily due to the behavior of the specific dog.

Desirable Behavior:

Friendly

Quiet

Stays with owner

Obedient–obeys voice commands

Not protective or aggressive

Unacceptable Behavior:

Intimidating hikers

Barking excessively

Jumping up on other people

Begging food from people

Chasing wildlife or livestock

Bumping people

Shaking water or mud on people

Dog Owner Responsibilities:

· Bring a leash and water for your dog (if adequate water is not available on the trail).

· Put your dog on a leash if it starts to chase wildlife, creates unsafe conditions on the trail or disturbs others while hiking or taking a break.

· Keep your dog under control at all times.

· During lunch, tie your dog up so it doesn’t disturb others.

· Drive your own vehicle.

· “Scoop the poop” when it’s on the trail. Remember to take along a plastic bag for this purpose.

If you see any behavior of someone’s dog on any outing that is contributing negatively to your enjoyment of the outing, bring it to the attention of the dog owner (or the trip leader if you prefer to have it mentioned anonymously). The dog owner needs to know, and will hopefully welcome the information. If these guidelines are conscientiously observed, no further action or more rigid policy should be required.

GUIDELINES FOR TRIP LEADERS

Note to Trip Leaders: Proper planning and preparations are very important so outings go smoothly and safely. For smaller groups (<10), logistics are simpler and the group can often function as a unit. The challenge arises with larger groups and less distinct trails. Then your pre-trip preparation and logistics, and communications during the outing are critical for the trip to go smoothly and safely.

PLANNING OUTING

Complete an Outing Description Form, which can be obtained from the Outings Committee and return to Outings Committee when completed.

Decide if you want a trip limit. The decision would be based on your assessment of the particular trail, parking situation, “Leave No Trace” principles, and how many people you are willing to accommodate. If the outing goes into the Weminuche Wilderness, remember that group size limit is 15. Other designated wilderness areas also have limits on group size.

Choose a Co-leader to help with designated responsibilities: sign-in, car pool, equipment.

Research the outing. Scout it out and carefully plan the route and logistics.

Determine if a DOW permit is required. DOW permits are required for all hikers who are under 65 in all state wildlife areas (i.e. – Perins Peak State Wildlife Area). They can be obtained at the DOW office at the fish hatchery.

BEFORE OUTING

Provide information on the outing, so participants can determine if it’s within their ability.

Take RSVP calls. Make a list and a “wait list” of who is going, and plan accordingly. Members are accepted first on outings with limits.

Review hike difficulty level with hikers. Tell hikers when they sign up and/or at the trail head they should read the hike description and Hike Difficulty Rating to determine if the hike is within their capabilities as per the Acknowledgement of Personal Responsibility and Liability waiver. Answer any questions about the hike based on your knowledge of the hike/trail. Do not make a judgment that a participant is suitable to go on the hike. This is especially applicable to non-members.

Consider special arrangements: If it is not convenient for you to meet the group in town, arrange for someone to meet the group for you. If there is an option for the outing, coordinate with the person leading the option. Be sure that person knows the route.

Make vehicle arrangements if 4WD vehicles are needed and/or if a car shuttle is needed for a one-way hike.

Obtain trip duffel from the Trip Equipment Coordinator or the person who had it/them before you. Check to make sure all items are there, they are ready for use, and you are familiar with their use. (See “Contents of Trip Duffel” and “Trip Equipment Distribution, Maintenance, and Use.”) Check Outing Schedule to determine who gets the trip duffel next.

Take orange vests during hunting season. If they aren’t already in the duffel, obtain them from the Trip Equipment Coordinator.

Bring an extra vehicle key. Someone may return to the vehicles early and need shelter, or someone may need to leave a club radio in your vehicle.

Familiarize yourself with the use of the Satellite Phone. Read the instructions included with the phone, and make sure the county that you are hiking in is either listed in the speed dial list, or you know the number to call. Note that you must call the county search and rescue and not 911 with a Satellite phone.

Check weather conditions. If conditions are marginal, obtain information.

· Local Weather–http://www.noaa.gov/

· Colorado Highway Conditions–877-315-7623

· Avalanche Hotline–247-8187

· Road and Weather Conditions–http://www.dot.state.co.us/

· In Winter: Mountain weather and avalanche conditions: www.geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche

Substitute rather than cancel the outing. When conditions are not favorable for the planned outing, Club policy is to substitute a different outing, rather than cancel. The outing could be moved to a lower elevation to avoid snow (for hiking) or moved to a higher elevation to obtain snow (for snowshoeing).

AT MEETING PLACE

Take attendance: Have all participants, including yourself, sign the Outing Attendance List. Make sure all members and visitors have signed an “Acknowledgment of Personal Responsibility and Liability” form.

Review carpool arrangements:

· What’s the driving route and destination?

· Are 4WD vehicles needed?

· Who will drive?

· Does anyone need to leave the group early (drive his/her own vehicle)?

· If the outing has a shorter option, are there are enough vehicles for both options?

· Is a bathroom stop needed?

· Will stops be made along the way to pick up people or meet other vehicles?

· What are the road conditions, especially back roads?

· Do drivers know to keep track of and not lose the vehicle behind them?

· What’s the car pool cost?

AT TRAILHEAD

Recheck attendance list: Make sure every participant signs the Outing Attendance List. Also, have any non-members sign the “Acknowledgment of Personal Responsibility and Liability” form.

Make a head count. Make sure the number matches the number of people on the list. Let others know the head count.

Make necessary announcements.

· Review options for the outing and divide people into appropriate groups, based on trip option or pace.

· If not previously done, assign a Co-leader and sweep(s)

· Inform others where hidden vehicle key is located.

· Review the route, preferably on a map, so all participants know where they are going.

· Review coordination guidelines. (See “Guidelines for Outing Participants,” “During the Outing” section.)

Distribute trip equipment. Distribute four radios, SO satellite phone, and a first-aid kit, all of which should be taken on the trail. All are in the trip duffel. (See “Trip Equipment: Maintenance, Distribution, and Use.”) Ensure participants understand how to operate radios and the satellite phone. Also check to see which participants have cell phones and if they have coverage.

Take special precautions during hunting season. Distribute orange vests.

Register the group if there is a trailhead registration box.

DURING OUTING

Check radios.

· Make sure radios and/or satellite phone are on and set to the appropriate channel.

· Do a radio check as you start down the trail.

Brief the group regarding trail junctions. If there are any forks in the trail, make sure that all participants know where to turn. It may be necessary to put up flagging. When flagging is used it must be removed.

Be alert for hazardous weather changes that might yield lightning, blowing snow, or hypothermia hazards.

Periodically do a headcount check. Make sure you have not “lost” someone.

Take necessary steps in an emergency.

· First, try to use a cell phone to call 911.

· If no cell coverage, then use the Satellite phone to call the Search and Rescue for the county that you are in. It is important to know which county you are in, so that the proper agency can be called. There is a list of speed dial numbers with the Satellite phone.

· If you need the emergency contact number of a club member, that should be listed on the list of current members in the duffel bag.

AFTER OUTING

Recheck attendance list to make sure all participants have returned.

Make sure all trip equipment is returned to the trip duffel and the power has been turned off on all the radios.

Pass the trip duffel on to the club’s Trip Equipment Coordinator or the next trip leader. Inform the Trip Equipment Coordinator if any items need to be restocked (such as first-aid items or attendance sheets), repaired, or replaced.

TRIP EQUIPMENT: MAINTENANCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND USE

Pre-trip Maintenance:

1. Radios need to be charged 10 hours or overnight after each use.

2. Check the status of the satellite phone battery.

Equipment Distribution During Outing:

1. Hikes without option: The leader carries one radio, Satellite phone, and flagging (if needed). The sweep carries the second radio and first-aid kit. The two other radios can be distributed among the group or carried by the sweep so they can be given to participants who head back early.

2. Hikes with option: The two leaders carry radios and first-aid kits. The long option leader carries the satellite phone. The sweeps carry the other radios.

Use of Trip Equipment:

1. Radios:

· Make sure that radios are turned on and set to Channel 4.1, and that people know how to use them.

· Do a radio check at the start of the outing.

· Use radios only for necessary communications.

2. Satellite phone:

· Use to call county search and rescue only. Do not call 911; you will get someone in Dallas or Chicago. With the Iridium Satellite phone, you have at least a 90% chance of making a connection. With the Global star satellite phone, the odds are much poorer.

· If you can’t make contact with the cell phone or the satellite phone, hike out to the point where the vehicles are parked and try again.

3. At the end of the trip, make sure all equipment is turned off and is returned to the trip duffel.

4. Pass the duffel on to the next trip leader or the Trip Equipment Coordinator as appropriate.

CONTENTS OF TRIP DUFFELS

There are two trip duffel bags, and they should have identical contents, except for the type of satellite phone. The trip duffels should include the following items:

Four 2-way radios
Satellite phone (Iridium or Global star)
One first-aid kit, with a list of contents
Flagging – Use only when absolutely necessary. When used it must be removed.
Folders that include the following items:

Outing Attendance Lists

“Acknowledgment of Personal Responsibility and Liability” forms

Checklist for Trip Leaders

Guidelines for Trip Leaders and for Trip Participants

Instruction booklets for radios and satellite phone

Membership forms

List of current SO! Members, which should include the emergency contact number for each member

Pencil/pen

Battery chargers for 2-way radios and satellite phone

Seasonal items:

Orange vests for use during hunting season
Shovel for snow outings

CONTENTS OF ROADSIDE CLEANUP DUFFELS

· Orange trash bags (obtained from DOT) and twist ties

· Supply of plastic grocery bags

· Orange vests

· Paper towels and/or wet wipes

· Disposable gloves

· Hand sanitizer

Outings Committee Co-Chairs

Downhill Skiing:

John Montle – 259-9469 – mntnlvr@frontier.net

Other Positions

Carroll Groeger - 375-2395 – cgroeger@durango.net

CLUB OVERVIEW

WELCOME TO SENIORS OUTDOORS!SM

CLUB COMMUNICATIONS

HIKE DIFFICULTY RATINGS

At Meeting Place:

SENIORS OUTDOORS!SM OUTING ATTENDANCE LIST

“LEAVE NO TRACE” PRINCIPLES FOR DAY OUTINGS

PACKING LIST FOR DAY OUTINGS

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION SEARCH AND RESCUE CARD

GUIDELINES FOR TAKING DOGS ON OUTINGS

GUIDELINES FOR TRIP LEADERS

TRIP EQUIPMENT: MAINTENANCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND USE

CONTENTS OF TRIP DUFFELS

CONTENTS OF ROADSIDE CLEANUP DUFFELS

WELCOME TO SENIORS OUTDOORS!^SM

SENIORS OUTDOORS!^SM OUTING ATTENDANCE LIST