PLEASE READ this all the way to the bottom BEFORE you join.
Thank you for your interest in Sacramento Trail Mix We are a volunteer hiking group, and are pleased that YOU are interested in joining us.
How to Join To join, you'll first need to join Meetup. Please be sure that you are fully aware of the Meetup terms of service, including sections 3.1 (Your Information), 4.2 (Grounds for Removal), 5.2 (Release), 6.3 (Role of the Meetup Group Organizer), and 10 (Indemnity).
Membership Dues $20 or more donations are appreciated. Please pay through Paypal or in person. We work hard to find no-cost activities, however occasionally some events have fees that are passed on at cost. The money collected covers Meetup fees and hiking accessories for our Assistant Organizers. Any extra will be donated to local charities. Though donations are voluntary, if you hike with us frequently and have a good time, you may want to show your appreciation. You may designate a donation to a particular Assistant Organizer.
Filling Out Your Profile 1) Do not include personal information (ie phone number or e-mail addresses) in your profile or RSVP comments. Our pages are not private so your information will be visible to everyone - including programs designed to capture e-mail addresses for spammers. You can always receive e-mail via the Meetup message system if you choose to activate it. 2) You do not need to list your last name, but it is helpful to use your LAST INITIAL so we can tell the difference between Rob S and Rob T. If you wish to change your "name", click on the "Account" link up at the right hand top of the page and edit your name. 3) Pictures help other members know who you are, but are NOT REQUIRED. 4) While they are a snappy idea, using aliases (anything but your real name) is not such a good idea because it makes it difficult to find you at an event.
How to Choose an Event Events are posted on the event board on the "Welcome" page, and also on the calendar (use the link on the left side of your screen). Please READ each hike description to see if it's a good fit for you. If you are a beloved newbie, please start out with one of our EASY hikes. Please do NOT come out on a hike that's too difficult for your condition. This includes anyone who has had a really late night. Before You RSVP We love to have fun, but our first concern is the safety of our members. It is YOUR responsibility to be safe while you are out on the trails with us. It is YOUR responsibility to read the hike description and come prepared. The hike organizer is fully empowered to turn folks away or ask folks to turn back at any time and for any reason. Hike organizers are also empowered to bump anyone who regularly shows up unprepared or RSVPs "Yes" for a hike that's outside their perceived ability. Please keep in mind that the hike organizers are VOLUNTEERS.
It is NOT OKAY to go off-trail. Going off-trail means leaving the approved trails of the park system and includes tempting side-trips or following others along routes that look interesting. If you like to go off-trail, do it on a day when you are not with our group. If you choose to do this on our hikes, you may find yourself permanently removed from our group. No kidding.
How to RSVP and Bring Guests If you want to attend, RSVP "Yes." If you do not wish to attend or want to receive event notifications, RSVP “No.” You are welcome to bring guests. Please add them to your RSVP. Organizers sometimes place limits on the number of guests allowed. RSVP "Yes" only if you know you will attend a hike. Avoid taking up a space that someone else really wants. Don't be a tool and "hold" a spot if you are unsure. It is NOT OKAY to come to an event unless you have a "Yes" RSVP. We already know that not everyone who signs up will attend. However, sticking to our projected number keeps the peace with park rangers and keeps the organizers happy.
How To Carpool to a Hike If you are interested in sharing a ride, include your location and whether you are offering or looking for a ride in your RSVP. You need to contact others who are interested in sharing a ride and make your own arrangements. Usually we meet at a designated location prior to the hike and make further desired arrangements there. Carpooling is OPTIONAL and is an agreement between the driver and the passengers. We strongly encourage you to share in the transportation cost.
What Should I Pack on Hike Day? There's a lot of information in each hike description and on our message board page. For every single hike, bring water, snacks and an extra layer. We do not necessarily stop for lunch on our hikes; however, we DO stop along the way to energize and share snacks with others. While it's not part of the hike, we often stop for a late lunch afterwards. THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD NOT PACK SNACKS.
What to Expect on Hike Day You will see folks with backpacks standing around. Someone may come up and ask, "Are you here with Meetup?" The event organizer will describe the planned hike, and will walk you through the hike route on a map. This is the most important part of the hike. It helps YOU to be prepared for the unexpected. Ultimately you are responsible for yourself out there. Even if you are not comfortable with navigation, this orientation is NOT OPTIONAL.
What If I Don't Know Anyone at the Hike? If it is your first time out with us, you may THINK that everyone knows each other except for you. While easy to believe, this is actually not accurate. Just start talking. It works every time. What if I'm Running Late? We generally wait a bit for folks, however we do not wait for everyone who has signed up. We may leave a few copies of the route map on a car in the parking lot. While we don't encourage people to hike solo, you may try to catch up to the group.
How to Make Friends Everyone is welcome regardless of age, marital status, physical condition, or belief system. We are NOT a singles group. If someone makes advances toward you and you are not interested ~ let them know. If they persist and you are uncomfortable, let Gary know and we will discreetly deal with it. Message Board Let's keep a clean and up-to-date board. If you post a message, please remove it after the discussion is complete. No soliciting is allowed on the message board!