Tag: Sun Lakes Hiking Club

A Hiking Experience to consider

Judith Kuse Arizona hikers will often tell you that they hike because they value the opportunity to be outdoors, to experience the beauty of the Southwest and to see breathtaking vistas, interesting wildlife, beautiful birds and colorful wildflowers. Only occasionally will a hiker refer to hiking as an emotional adventure. However, if you take the…

SLHC celebrates another amazing hiking season

Hike Leader awardees Liz Morque, Jerry Anderson and Mike Josephson

Judith Kuse It’s tradition that when Sun Lakes Hiking Club gathers for its end-of-season picnic, awards are presented to deserving recipients. And again this year, in late March, the club did just that. Jerry Anderson, a Moderate Hike leader, and Liz Morque, a Mellow Hike leader, received Hike Leader Awards for having the most hikers…

Hmm…what to pack?

Judith Kuse You’re heading out for a hike in Arizona early on a beautiful April morning. To ensure you can meet most hiking challenges, what should you have with you in your backpack? According to Stu Frost, a SLHC leader, a well-stocked fanny pack or day pack can go a long way to ensuring your…

Sharing the hiking trail with rattlesnakes

SLHC members and guests enjoying this year’s Winter Social at Poolside

Judith Kuse Rattlesnakes are a fact of life in the Arizona desert. And now that it is spring, rattlesnakes are coming out of their winter sanctuaries and seeking the warmth of the sun. So in keeping with the Sun Lakes Hiking Club’s emphasis on safety while hiking, here is information (courtesy of a presentation by…

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…