Hidden Gem Series: Mill Woods/ Mill Creek Ravine South Hike - Wed, Sep 2 2020

Hidden Gem Series: Mill Woods/ Mill Creek Ravine South Hike (9/2/2020)

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:Urban Hike
Event Location: Jackie Parker Recreation Area in Mill Woods Community, 44th Ave just West of 50th Street
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Sep 2 2020  6:30 PM
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Sep 2 2020 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:14
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 17 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
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.


The Mill Woods Mill Creek Ravine Park is located near the Jackie Parker Recreational Area in Mill Woods. I walk all the River Valley parks and this section of the Mill Creek Ravine in Mill Woods one is my favourites; even though it’s not connected with the more well know sections near the River Valley. These dirt trails are quite isolated and it is hard to believe that you are in the middle of a residential area in the City. There are nice wooden bridges crisscrossing the creek and you could see a fair amount of wildlife there too. I often see squirrels and chipmunks, lots of birds; the occasional deer and owl too".

We will be hiking at a brisk pace East along Mill Creek on dirt and gravel trails for approximately 1 hour (each direction) and returning West on the same trails. Some sections of the trail are steep and can be slippery when wet. Footwear with a good tread is essential. We will meet for check in and introductions at 6:20 PM, and leave at 6:30 PM sharp. Dogs are permitted, but must be on leash when out of off- leash area.

**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 15 participants to gather with physical distancing. Therefore, we have capped all events to help reduce overall group size.
  • 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.



    (*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:
  • *Hand sanitizer*
  • Your own food, water, bug spray, and suncreen (don't share items)
    - Sturdy footwear with good traction
    - Clothes for the weather
    - Appropriate hiking footwear tread with good grip
  • Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
    - Mask
    - Hiking poles (optional)

    How to Get There:
    Event Directions:44th Ave just off 50th Street. From Whitemud Drive head South on 50th Street. Turn right (West) on 44th Ave and follow the road into Jackie Parker Recreation Area. We will meet a the first parking lot on the right.


    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!