The President's Corner

PHOC Friends--As we enter into prime walking, hiking, biking, and kayaking months and beautiful spring weather where more people are outdoors and more people are on PHOC outings, here are a few tips and reminders to keep ourselves safe when outdoors, keep our trails safe, and be courteous when adventuring on public lands:

1. When signed up for a club event, please respond to emails/texts from your outing leader. Most outing leaders will send an update a few days before confirming location, weather, outing details, and carpool details.

2. Please be early and ready to head out at the start time planned by the leader.

3. Please respect that your outing leader may screen your ability to join their event. In some cases of difficult terrain or experience level or challenging paddles, you may be asked to consider joining a different event.

4. Please have a nutritious meal and be hydrated prior to your outing. Electrolytes are a necessity as the thermometer begins to climb!

5. Please carry needed medications in case of emergency i.e. EpiPen, aspirin, etc.

6. Please carry enough water when outdoors especially on longer hikes/bike rides/paddles.

7. Please consider using Picardin or Off to ward off spring insects and ticks. A bug net worn over a hat can also be helpful for bug-infested areas.

8. Please communicate with the group if you need a water or restroom break.

9. Before bringing your furry friend on an outing, please check with the hike leader for approval in case the area is too rugged for pets or to verify if the area allows animals.

10. Please keep your furry friend leashed at all times.

Thank you for being a member of the PHOC and hope that you have a fun, adventurous spring!

Fondly,

Joan

PHOC President
Email