Email Sent To 2010 Course Participants

Welcome to the Conditioning Hiking Series for 2010!

This email confirms your participation in the course and lays out some information that you need to know. We are glad to have you along for the fun this summer—both those who are new to the course and those who are returning from past years. I hope you are prepared to make new friends and push your day hiking limits!

If you are new to the Mountaineers and new to hiking then you would be well advised to attend the Beginning Hiking Seminar held on Thursday, March 18^th at the Seattle Clubhouse at Sandpoint. It covers introductory issues such as boots, packs, clothing and the Ten Essentials (which must be carried in all hikers’ packs). This type of information is not covered at the CHS classes on March 25^th and April 1^st. It is assumed that all hikers already know this information. The class runs from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and the cost is free. You can register on The Mountaineers web site.

CHS Class Dates/Times:

The two classes for CHS are held on Thursday, March 25^th and Monday, April 1^st, and run from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Seattle clubhouse at Sandpoint. Only the class on March 25^th is mandatory. On March 25^th, prior to the class, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, there will be a potluck social event before the class. If you can make it, please bring a food item to share. The clubhouse will provide coffee, tea, water, and eating utensils. Hike leaders are invited as well. If you have not been to the clubhouse at Sandpoint, directions are provided at this link: http://www.mountaineers.org//scriptcontent/default.cfm?insert=contact

Here are the agendas for the two classes:

March 25, 2010, 5:30-9:00 PM

• Optional potluck from 5:30 to 6:30 PM
• Orientation/Slide Show/Introductions starting at 6:30 PM
• WTA Presentation on Trail Maintenance
• Discussions about course expectations
• Open Time for Questions

Participants who have participated in the course in previous years must attend the March 25^th class, but may leave after introductions and any changes in the course for the current year are discussed.

April 1, 2010, 6:30-9:00 PM—This evening is held in conjunction with the Basic Wilderness Travel course and is optional for those participants needing more information on the following subjects:

• Nutrition & Conditioning for Longer Hikes
• Pacing Yourself/Footwear/How to decide if you’re a moderate or fast-paced hiker
• Navigation Basics
• Light Hiking Tips/Sample Pack

If you are unable to make it to the March 25^th class, please let me know. All hike leaders are invited to come to the March 25^th potluck and class as well.

Materials Review Prior to March 25^th Class:

You will find materials you will need to review prior to the March 25^th class on the CHS web site (http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/chs/) on the Course Documents tab. Come with any questions you may have about the information given. If you desire, bring along a copy of these documents to the March 25^th class, as I will not be providing copies there.

• CHS Class Information 2010.doc
• CHS Way.doc
• Setting a Pace.doc
• CougarFlatCampout2010.doc (this is an optional trip available during the summer, so reserve the dates on your calendar now if you want to come along)

Please familiarize yourself with the CHS web site as well. Most of your course information will reside on this web site. We will discuss it more at the March 25^th class.

April Hike Signup:

Initially, we will be offering hikes on most weekend days to choose from in April. At least two hikes per month (April - August) and one finale-level hike (September) are mandatory for each person in the course. Please reserve at least two weekend dates on your calendar for April. Sign-up and destination information will be coming on Monday March 22^nd. Registration for April hikes will begin on Wednesday, March 24^th.

I look forward to meeting you all at the March 25^th class.