Do your summer plans include a scenic hike through the Tri-Cities backcountry?
Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) is encouraging residents and visitors to be prepared and understand the importance of outdoor safety skills.
This includes navigation and map reading, and local volunteers are set to host an introductory workshop on a popular trail this weekend for those looking to brush up on their knowledge.
Called "Find Your Way: Navigation 101," SAR members will take a limited group of people up Eagle Mountain on Sunday (June 4).
There, participants are set to learn some basics on the five-hour, five-kilometre trek, such as compass usage, pacing and real backcountry navigation practices.
It's also acting as a by-donation fundraiser for Coquitlam SAR, which celebrated 50 years in 2022.
The money is going towards equipment, training and other necessities the non-profit organization looks to utilize on a yearly basis.
What you need to know
The navigation workshop is only open to adults 18 years and older. Pets are not permitted "to maintain an undisturbed learning environment," Coquitlam SAR's event description reads.
Organizers explain the walking pace will be "easy" and will include several breaks along the way.
Interested participants are encouraged to bring the following items for the journey:
- A magnetic compass (no minimum specification requirement)
- Comfortable shoes for walking on trails
- Expect roughyl 300 metre of elevation change
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Please check local forecast prior to event
- Umbrella if needed
- Sun protection as needed
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Lunch, water, and snacks as needed
- Anything else you'll need to be comfortable outside for approximately five hours
The minimum donation to join is $15 per hiker, and space is limited. A map of the Eagle Mountain area will be provided for the course.
Hikers that RSVP will receive an exact location of the starting point in a follow-up email.
"Navigation 101" is being co-hosted by Arc'teryx, a globally-known outdoor apparel retailer, and takes place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, including accessibility needs and registration, you can visit the company's website.
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