Tag Archive for Sun Lakes Hiking Club

Sun Lakes Hiking Club steps into a new season

Al and Ginny Metz kept cool this summer by hiking in Canada!

Roberta Arpan SLHC hike leaders have been busy this summer planning another season of fun filled, challenging outdoor activities. To start the 2016-2017 season, plan to attend the November 4 welcome back picnic and first club meeting to be held at Oasis Park in Sun Lakes Country Club at noon. Chicken, water/iced tea, plates and…

Safety on the trail

Roberta Arpan The majority of hiking related rescues happen in one of the following conditions: technical rock climbing, swift water, caves/abandoned mines or snow and ice. So, the first rule of safety is to stay away from areas where rescue operations are most prevalent! To further ensure your safety, here are some basic rules: Don’t…

Tips for a successful hike

Taking a break on South Mountain!

Roberta Arpan Have you ever wondered about the origin of the word hiking? Hill walking was shortened to hiking in the mid-1800s when people began to take long walks for pleasure and trekking from place to place was no longer associated with poverty or vagrancy. Hiking was further popularized after World War I when the…

Play it safe when hiking in the heat

Hikers enjoying view atop tent rocks in New Mexico.

Roberta Arpan Hiking in the heat comes with very specific challenges. To help ensure a safe hike this summer, think SHADE: Selection, Hydration, Avoid, Dress and Educate. Selection: When the temperature soars, select your hike carefully. Drive to a higher altitude where it will be cooler and more likely to be shaded by trees. Choose…

Springtime is busy for Sun Lakes Hiking Club

Hikers exploring archeological site in Bandelier National Monument, NM

Roberta Arpan In addition to the 13 regularly scheduled hikes for the month of April, two special events wrapped up the 2015-2016 season. On April 1 the annual Hiking Club spring picnic and awards ceremony was well attended by approximately 100 participants. After feasting on grilled hot dogs, attendees were led in a sing-along of…

Inspiration Point is aptly named

Hikers give a thumbs up salute while standing in front of Tom’s Thumb rock formation.

Roberta Arpan On a recent brisk and sunny morning, 26 Sun Lake hikers met for another awesome outdoor experience. Their destination was Inspiration Point in the McDowell Preserve north of Scottsdale. Some may think desert hiking is all about sinking your boots in sand while looking over a stark grayish sea of small pebbles in…

Sun Lakes Pioneer Hikers reminisce

Barbara Schira, Marge Meredith, Joe Bibler and Veronica Deuce talk about their days on the trail.

Roberta Arpan The Sun Lakes Hiking Club is one of the most active and fastest growing organizations in the Sun Lakes community. It was loosely organized in 1987 when a handful of hikers met each week to explore the natural wonders of Arizona. Today, 192 active members are offered as many as four hikes a…