Relaxed Tombstone Backpacking – 4 nights

Slow and Steady Hikers
This is an expression of interest for a four night backpacking trip.

Minimum 2; maximum 8 participants.

PLEASE NOTE; YOU MUST HAVE HIKED WITH ME MULTIPLE TIMES, AT LEAST ONE HIKE OVER 15KM, AT A SIMILAR PACE, HAVE BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE AND GEAR, GET ALONG WELL WITH OTHERS, AND WANT TO HIKE AT A RELAXED, HAVE FUN IN THE MOUNTAINS, GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER PACE. THERE WILL BE ONE WELL TRAINED DOG ON LEASH.

This is a four night backpacking trip leaving from Little Elbow out near Forget Me Not Pond on Sunday, August 30th. On day one, we will start at 10am and hike at a relaxed pace to Romulus backcountry where we will spend the night. On Monday, August 31st, we will get up at 8am, have a relaxed breakfast, pack up at 9am, and be ready to hike at 10am to Tombstone backcountry campground. We will spend two nights (Monday, August 31st, and Tuesday, September 1st) at Tombstone, with a relaxed pace day hike to Tombstone Lakes on Tuesday. On Wednesday, September 2nd, we will pack up and head to Big Elbow backcountry campground for the night. On Thursday, September 3rd, we will hike out to the Little Elbow and return to our cars.

IMPORTANT: PACE, PERSONALITY, AND SCHEDULE:

I have lead and taught backpacking trips for kids and adults for many decades and I have learned a few things. The best way to have a fun, relaxed, and successful trip is to bring like minded people who hike at a similar pace and to set out the expectations ahead, so here they are;

– We hike as a group, all together for safety and fun, we don’t leave anyone behind or push them to go faster. That’s selfish and unsafe.
– We hike at a relaxed pace, not slow, not fast, not to get to the destination as fast as possible, but to enjoy the trip, nature, and friends.
– I am not a morning person. I have Autism, Anxiety, and ADHD. Asking me to change the schedule mid-trip causes me tremendous stress. I have put a lot of time into planning all aspects of the trip. It is firm. If this is not for you, that is fine. Please do not come on this trip.
– Our schedule is a little flexible, but generally, we wake up slowly at 8am, have coffee and a real breakfast, laugh, chat. At 9am, we take down tents, packup, leave the site spotless. At 10am, we leave site and hike to the next site at a relaxed pace, even on the hot days. We will stop for water breaks in the shade. You can choose to relax first or set up your tent first when we arrive, but you must put ALL scented/food products in the bear locker ASAP, for safety. We tend to eat supper around 6pm and go to bed around 10-11pm.
– On day hike days, a similar schedule, wake up 8-9am, start day hike at 10-11am. Please do not wake me up at 6-7am and ask me to move the schedule earlier or change the location of the day hike. If you want to request minor changes, please do so politely, after supper, when I am at my most relaxed. Changes are not guaranteed and will consider the well-being of the entire group.
– I am a firm believer in leave no trace. We follow Slow and Steady, Alberta Parks, and commonly accepted backpacking rules.

Distance and Elevation Gain:

Day 1: Little Elbow to Romulus 11.9km 175m
Day 2: Romulus to Tombstone 10km 442m
Day 3: Tombstone Lakes day hike 5km 250m Day 4: Tombstone to Big Elbow 12.7km 334m
Day 5: Big Elbow to Little Elbow 8.3km 170m

Once you are accepted on the trip, you will have to book your own campsite and send me a screenshot of your permit.

My well behaved, experienced, German Shepherd will be on this trip (on a leash, in my tent).

Please no side or partial trips or shadow bookings (not getting accepted on the trip, but booking the same nights at the campground).

Everyone must have their own gear, have backpacking experience, and agree to follow all Alberta Parks and Slow and Steady regulations, including leave no trace.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR!! PLEASE WRITE “RAVEN” IN THE QUESTIONS
TO BE MOVED TO THE TOP OF THE WAITLIST! 😀

There is a waitlist for this event. To be accepted you must agree to follow the rules and have hiked with me at least twice before (so I know if you are a good fit with the group). Once you are accepted on the trip, you will need to book your own campsite and send me a screenshot of your permit.

Must have positive attitude and answer the questions. Passive Aggressive behaviour not tolerated. I know I am being strict on the rules, but unfortunately this is based on negative past experiences organizing these trips. The point is for everyone to have fun and enjoy nature, we don’t need any unnecessary drama or stress. I hope you understand.

PLEASE DON’T BOOK YOUR SITE UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED OFF THE WAITLIST.
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WAIVER:
As per the new policy for waivers, the waiver form will be signed atc the trailhead. You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this event. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.
[http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/](http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/)
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If you have not already done so, please read the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct here: [http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/](http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/)

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility hike with the group.