WHY WE WAIT AT TRAIL INTERSECTIONS
1. To make sure everyone is doing well and feeling good. If anyone is having a problem, we may need several people to help. This might include discussing who has a vehicle, radios, cell phones, flashlights, etc. Someone would be chosen to lead most of the group out, so everyone is not delayed, put at risk of hiking in the dark, etc. At least two experienced hikers would remain to assist the person having difficulty.
2. To make sure that no one gets lost. This happens much more easily than most people think. How many people carry a map and compass, and know how to use them? How many people carry a trail description? We recognize everyone is an adult, but you may be hiking in an unfamiliar area. The Hike Leader should know the hike and keep you on the proper trail. Often there are trails where the blazes or pathway are faint. (In wilderness areas, there are seldom any blazes.) Not re-grouping and waiting for your Hike Leader or Sweep at all intersections, could result in a serious situation, with someone missing. In addition to club members worried and trying to find the missing person(s), emergency search & rescue crews may have to be called out. No one should hike ahead of the Hike Leader or behind the Sweep without specific permission. No one should ever take a side trail or leave the main trail for personal reasons without leaving their daypack on the main trail so that the Sweep will know to wait.
3. We are often hiking in the mountains or areas where we expect and hope to be safe. However, accidents, wildlife, weather, etc. can cause problems. We need to look out for each other.
4. Our outings are club (group) events. Consequently there is a lot of social camaraderie. Although we are a hiking club first, people return to hike with us because they do not wish to hike by themselves. The socialization that goes on is one of the benefits enjoyed by the group. Our outings can also be great learning experiences due to information passed on from those that are more experienced in various aspects of the outdoors.
5. Often the Hike Leader (or any member) might like to change his or her pace for a while during the hike. Additionally the leader might need to change his or her hiking position during a hike. Re-grouping allows people to vary their pace throughout the day.
6. Re-grouping allows new members to get to know more people and to feel they are really part of the group. Sometimes they may find themselves hiking by themselves – not really with any part of the group. This obviously can be an uncomfortable feeling and sometimes downright frightening. Even if they are not afraid to be alone on the trail, they certainly will not feel welcome.
This material was adapted from an article by the Chattanooga Hiking Club.
back to "Let's Hike"
2. To make sure that no one gets lost. This happens much more easily than most people think. How many people carry a map and compass, and know how to use them? How many people carry a trail description? We recognize everyone is an adult, but you may be hiking in an unfamiliar area. The Hike Leader should know the hike and keep you on the proper trail. Often there are trails where the blazes or pathway are faint. (In wilderness areas, there are seldom any blazes.) Not re-grouping and waiting for your Hike Leader or Sweep at all intersections, could result in a serious situation, with someone missing. In addition to club members worried and trying to find the missing person(s), emergency search & rescue crews may have to be called out. No one should hike ahead of the Hike Leader or behind the Sweep without specific permission. No one should ever take a side trail or leave the main trail for personal reasons without leaving their daypack on the main trail so that the Sweep will know to wait.
3. We are often hiking in the mountains or areas where we expect and hope to be safe. However, accidents, wildlife, weather, etc. can cause problems. We need to look out for each other.
4. Our outings are club (group) events. Consequently there is a lot of social camaraderie. Although we are a hiking club first, people return to hike with us because they do not wish to hike by themselves. The socialization that goes on is one of the benefits enjoyed by the group. Our outings can also be great learning experiences due to information passed on from those that are more experienced in various aspects of the outdoors.
5. Often the Hike Leader (or any member) might like to change his or her pace for a while during the hike. Additionally the leader might need to change his or her hiking position during a hike. Re-grouping allows people to vary their pace throughout the day.
6. Re-grouping allows new members to get to know more people and to feel they are really part of the group. Sometimes they may find themselves hiking by themselves – not really with any part of the group. This obviously can be an uncomfortable feeling and sometimes downright frightening. Even if they are not afraid to be alone on the trail, they certainly will not feel welcome.
This material was adapted from an article by the Chattanooga Hiking Club.
back to "Let's Hike"
