FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Membership

      What does membership in the Hiking Club mean?

      Tahoe Donner Hiking Club  offers a lifetime membership with two classes of memberships.

      Full Members include  Tahoe Donner residential property owners  or their immediate family members (holders of amenity-access member identification cards).  All Tahoe Donner residential property owners are eligible for membership in the Club.  Full members must make up at least sixty percent (60%) of the Club’s membership at all times.

      Associate Members include all others.  Depending on the mix of full and associate members, the Club may only accept Full Members (i.e. Tahoe Donner residential property owners). 

      What the rights of the different members?

      Full Members shall be entitled to make motions and vote at Club membership meetings and serve as a coordinator and on the Board.

      Associate Members may not make or second motions, vote on motions or serve as a coordinator or on the Board, but are welcome to participate in all other Club activities.

    • All Club Members are encouraged to serve as hike facilitators.

      How can I become a member?

      Membership is open to adults 18 years of age or older.  Full membership is open at all times to Tahoe Donner residential property owners.  Depending on the mix of full and associate members, Associate membership may be open to non-owners sponsored by a current member of the Club.

      Applicants  need to submit a one-time fee of $25.00 with their Membership Application to become a lifetime member.  The application along with the Release of Liability is to  be mailed to the Membership/Communication/Financial Coordinator.  Address listed on application.

  • How do I update or change my membership?

    • Members are responsible for notifying the Board of any change in address, e-mail address and/or phone numbers.

      A member may ask to be removed from the club roster at any time.

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      Guests & Minors

      Are guests able to participate in a hike?

      Invited guests may join two hikes per season free of cost.  Uninvited guests (those interested in learning more about the club) may join two hikes per lifetime, free of cost.

      All guests needs to complete a Release of Liability to be given to the hike facilitator at the start of the hike and a Medical Information Form which each guest carries while on the hike.

      Are Minors (under 18 years of age) able to participate in a hike?

      Minors may hike free with an adult member until the age of 18.   The responsible adult member assumes full responsibility and liability for the minor. The adult needs to complete for the minor a Release of Liability to be given to the hike facilitator at the start of the hike and a Medical Information Form which the adult carries while on the hike.

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      Medical Information Form

      Every hiker (i.e. member, minor and guest) must carry on their person or in their pack on every hike a Medical Information Form along with a copy of their medical insurance card.

      Guidelines for Hikers

      What do I need to do before joining a hike?

      Hikers should first read the hike description for the hike by going to Monthly Calendar, click on the hike, and follow the links to the hike’s description.

      Hiker should  then ascertain whether they are fit enough to complete the hike at elevation.  A hike facilitator has the ultimate authority to decide whether a hiker can join an hike. It is  always better to join hikes at a lower level and then move to the next hiking group level as you gain fitness, skill and confidence in your hiking.

      The last step is to sign up for the specific hike as listed in the Monthly Calendar section by clicking on  the desired hike’s “Sign Up/Cancel” link to a Google form.  Unless otherwise noted, hike sign up ends as of 6 pm of the day before a hike.

      What if I signed up and need to cancel?

      In an event of having to cancel after signing up for a  hike, hiker must notify the hike facilitator. If cancellation is known before 6 pm of the day before a hike, hiker can cancel by again completing the hike’s “Signup/Cancel” form and check “I need to cancel”.  If it is after the time cutoff, contact hike facilitator directly.

      What should I bring on a typical hike?

          • Comfortable, lightweight hiking boots (Don’t forget to trim your toenails. Do not wait until the last minute, just in case you trim too much. Over-trimmed nails can be painful.)
          • A light pack with plenty of water – It’s always better to have too much water than too little. A lightweight day pack with a water reservoir is recommended. Or, plan 20 oz (a typical water bottle) for every four miles, depending on difficulty level and temperature. Longer and more difficult hikes will require more water. Gatorade and like-products that help replace electrolytes are also recommended for long hikes on hot days.
          • Comfortable hiking clothing, a windbreaker/rain jacket additional warmth and a bandanna – avoid cotton and wear materials that wick moisture away
          • Blister kit for anyone prone to blisters or with new hiking boots
          • Whistle (three blasts means you are in trouble and need help) and Cell Phone (reception is good in many areas, not so good in others)
          • Sandwich, snack foods, energy bars etc. – based on personal preference and length of hike
          • Hiking poles (Your hands won’t swell and the poles take the pressure off knees and hips.)
          • Bug repellent, sunscreen, lip screen, sunglasses and a hat
          • Trowel (you must bury your poop) and toilet paper
          • Medical emergency information form and first aid supplies
          • Allergy medications
          • Pocket knife, map, compass and/or GPS
          • Dog owners must bring a leash and  poop bags.
          • Extras may include a camera, headlamp, matches and money in waterproof bag, notebook with pencil/pen, duct tape, space blanket for emergencies business card, etc.

       

    • What are the code of conduct once on a trail?
          • If you leave the trail to attend to personal business you MUST leave hiking poles or some personal item in the middle of the trail to alert those behind you that someone has left the trail. The sweeper will wait for you.
          • Hike with a buddy or two.
          • On one-way hikes with car shuttles, if anyone chooses to turn around mid-hike or reverse the hike after reaching the intended destination, he/she has to have a hiking buddy and must notify the facilitator or sweeper before their departure from the group.
          • Dog owners must bring a leash and a poop bag and use both, as needed. You are responsible for your dog at all times and you need to respect the wishes of others that concern your dog.  See TD Hikers FAQ-Dogs
          • Always adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles while on the trail.

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      Backpacking

      Are there any additional requirements other than those in Guidelines for Hikers for joining a backpacking trip?

      Prospective backpacker should backpack at least once with the group on a shorter trip before signing up for a long trip. The trip coordinator has the authority to say “yes” or “no” for an individual to go or continue on a trip.  Prospective backpacker must have researched the trip and attend a pre-trip meeting

      Backpacker needs to know their own capabilities (esp. how much weight one can carry over 10-12 miles on uphill terrain)

      What is expected of backpackers on a trip?

      Backpackers must carry all their own gear (a limit for pack weight should be determined – anyone over weight jettisons some weight or doesn’t go.)

      Backpacker  needs to be prepared to carry the first-aid kit

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      Lightning Safety

      Lightning storms in the mountains is always a possibility. The chance of being hit by lightening is slim but regardless it is important to know what to do in its event.

      Find helpful lightening information on http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-lightning.php

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      Snake Safety

      With the coming of warmer weather conditions, the chance of snake and human encounters increases.  Although most native snakes are harmless, knowing what to do in the event you come across one is important.

      Find helpful snake safety information in this PDF from the US Forest Service.

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      Hike Facilitator’s Role

      The Hike Facilitator is not responsible for leading the hike or for being the pace setter. The Hike Facilitator chooses the hike, completes the request form online, works with the Hike Coordinator regarding modifications or issues, and manages the hike before, during, and after. 

      What is a Hike Facilitator responsible for before a hike?

      1. After volunteering to facilitate a hike, review the hike description found in the Hike Library  for accuracy or any changes you want to make. Be sure there are accurate directions to the trailhead and/or meeting points. If changes need to be made to the library for either adding a new hike or changing one, submit this Add/Change Library Form. This needs to be done as soon as possible after volunteering. At this point you are encouraged to contact the Hike Coordinator prior to scheduling to ensure that no one else is doing the same hike during the season and/or the hike is ready for submission. When ready to schedule your hike, complete and submit the Hike Request Form.
      2. It is always good to pre-hike a hike that you are going to facilitate to anticipate any potential problems such as snow, trail closures, road work etc.  This is especially true if you are new to the hike, if it has been a while since hiking it, or if it is early in the season. Note that this is not a requirement.
      3. Pick up the hike box from member services at Northwoods Clubhouse at least a day before the hike. Check to make sure the walkie-talkies are fully charged and that the first aid kit is properly supplied for the hike.
      4. If you have agreed that dogs are allowed on the hike, review rules regarding dogs.
      5. The evening before the hike (after hike signup cutoff, typically 6 pm), print out the list of registered hikers with their cell phone numbers, where they are meeting etc. Notify participants via text and/or email (sample message) of expected weather conditions, recommended clothing/equipment for the day, and recommended water supplies. 
      6. If possible, bring a map, whistle, paper/pen, compass or GPS unless it is an established and marked trail.
      7. Hike changes or cancellation should be approved by the hike coordinator before anyone else is notified. Then, be sure to notify all participants of the change. If you are unable to facilitate the hike, please try to find someone else to step in to take your place. Notify the hike coordinator regarding your substitute.

      What does a hike facilitator do on the hike?

      1. Meet the hikers at the agreed upon meeting point. If the meeting point is at the Northwoods Clubhouse (NWC), meet near the path leading to the tennis courts. Encourage hikers not to stand near the parking lot entrance for safety reasons. If meeting your group elsewhere, be sure to appoint someone to facilitate check-in and carpools from NWC.
      2. Check off the names of hikers as they arrive.
      3. Remind hikers that everyone must carry their Medical Information forms and have on file with the club a completed Release of Liability. If not, have them complete it before departing, even if they are a one-time guest.
        Invited guests may join 2 hikes per season and uninvited guests (those interested in learning more about the club) may join 2 hikes per lifetime, without joining the club and paying for membership. All guests must complete a release of liability form and give it to the hike facilitator.
      4. Let hikers know that if any wish to leave the group before the hike ends, they will need to sign out on the attendance sheet carried by the facilitator to acknowledge their departure. 
      5. Wait no more than five minutes at meeting points for late arrivals.
      6. At trail head, make sure everyone introduces themselves and their dogs.
      7. Ask that all dog owners bring a leash and a poop bag and use both, as needed.  Remind them of the rules of conduct for dogs. Address with owners any problems of dogs not under control.
      8. Reinforce the club philosophy of hiking one’s own pace. [Green Hikes are the exception.]
      9. Before starting the hike, if the hike is unfamiliar to the facilitator, ask if anyone in the group is familiar with the trail, and is willing to lead the hike. Otherwise, the facilitator and others comfortable with route finding will lead the hike. Participants need to be comfortable with potential route finding, particularly on black level hikes. 
      10. The facilitator and potential facilitator should give an overview of the hike and advise of any unusual trail features. Please ask all participants to keep their cell phones on when hiking trails with cell service and to enter the hike facilitator’s number in their phone.
      11. The lead hiker should stop periodically to ensure the group is staying together, and take breaks according to expectations set for the level of the hike. See the Hike Comparison Matrix for expected frequency of stops and facilitator’s pace. The facilitator should also leave blue painter’s tape at trail junction points so that subsequent hikers in the group know which way to turn. 
      12.  Identify a volunteer at the start of the hike to serve as a “sweep.” The sweep needs to carry a walkie-talkie and a first aid kit. The sweep is to remain at the back of the group and wait for anyone attending to personal business in the woods. The sweep is to remove any blue tape left by the facilitator. The sweep should have a buddy as a safety precaution. If, during the hike, someone else volunteers to switch with the sweep, the sweep passes the radio and first aid kit to him/her.
      13. Walkie-Talkies are typically set on channel 7. Make sure the facilitator and sweep know how to use them. Test before starting. Do note that range and effectiveness of the walkie-talkie’s is limited, depending upon the nature of the terrain. It is wise to have a satellite communication device in case of emergency, but it is not required and the club does not provide one.

      What does a hike facilitator do after a hike?

      1. Make sure all hikers are back and have rides.
      2. Recharge all walkie-talkies and return them to the hike box in member services at Northwoods Clubhouse no later than a day following the hike
      3. Please communicate to hike coordinator any issues or problems including:
        -Hike supplies running low -unusual number of no-shows (i.e. hikers who did not cancel)
        -Dog incidences or problems
        –Anything else of concern or question

      Weekly Hike Coordinator’s Role

      What are the responsibilities of a weekly hike coordinator before the start of the hiking season?

          1. Organize meeting of hikers to plan the new season’s hikes
          2. Create a schedule of hikes, dates and facilitators from annual hike planning meeting
          3. Coordinate publishing schedule on TD Hiking Club website
          4. Have all hike facilitators review the description of their hike as shown in the Hike Library  and confirm that it is accurate.  Make changes as appropriate.
          5. For any hike not already listed in the Hike Library ,  have the hike facilitator prepare a description in the same format as show on web page and forward to individual responsible for updating website
          6. Make sure hike documents and equipment (liability release and medical information forms, first aid kits, walkies-talkies) is stocked and up to date. For the green and blue groups, this is kept in a box at Members Services at the clubhouse.
          7. Review Hike Facilitator’s Role with any new hike facilitators

      What are the responsibilities of a weekly hike coordinator and/or assistant before a hike?

          1. Preferably a month in advance, if not previously done, confirm with hike facilitator that hike description and meeting points and time in Hike Library is correct. If not, have web description updated.
          2. Encourage hike facilitator to pre-hike the trail especially if they are new to it or if it is early in the season.
          3. Two weeks in advance of a hike, open the appropriate hike Google Docs sign ups to “Accepting Responses”.
          4.  Make sure club members know that weekly hikes are open for sign up
          5. Periodically review sign up response spreadsheet for problem responses or questions.
          6. Remind hike facilitator to print off a copy of the signup sheet after 6 pm the evening before to be used in checking in hikers

      What are the responsibilities of a weekly hike coordinator and/or assistant after a hike?

          1. Check with hike facilitator as to how hike went noting any issues for follow up including any unusual number of no-shows
          2. If needed, update sign up responses for any unusual number of no shows from hike facilitator and change sign up form to NOT accepting responses
          3. Update master list of hiker participants

      What is expected of a weekly hike coordinator for annual meeting?

          1. Prepare summary of year’s hikes including number of hikes, number of attendees and unique hikers by reference to the hike sign ups
          2. Review any issues or questions for hiking group (submit to Membership/Communication/Financial coordinator in advance of meeting)
          3. Recognize group’s hiking facilitators  and support team expressing appreciation for their efforts

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      Dogs

      Are dogs allowed on hikes?

      Dogs will be permitted on hikes when it is allowed by the governing authorities in the area where the hike is being held and if the hike facilitator(s) designates it as a dog friendly hike.  This will be noted on the hike description.
      On long hikes that involve a car shuttle or spousal pick up/drop off dog owners need to arrange their own transportation if they wish to bring their dog.
      The Hike Coordinator(s) has the  final authority to determine if a dog is not permitted to attend hikes.

    • When a dog is allowed on a hike, what rules of conduct apply to the dog owner and dog?

      Dog owners must carry a leash and be willing to leash their dog if asked by the hike facilitator(s) or the sweep(s).

      Dogs must be under voice/whistle control if unleashed.   If in doubt, call or whistle your dog to “come”.  If your dog does not come to you, your dog is not under voice/whistle control.

      Dogs should be leashed while hikers are stopped for snacks or lunch.

      Dogs should be leashed or left in the vehicle while hikers gather for briefings in parking lots and trail heads. This is for safety concerns of dogs, hikers, and the public.

      Dog waste on or close to the trail must be removed using biodegradable bags.  It is the dog owner’s responsibility to bring the bags on a hike.

      Dogs not in compliance with the above will be banned from future hikes.

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      Club E-Communications

      TD Hiking Club uses Google Groups for it large group e-mailing.  This is to avoid the problem of looking like the club is spamming.  To be part of a Google Group, you must positively opt into the group by accepting the invitation that you will receive from the group.  You can opt out any time that you want.   After you have accepted the invitation, TD Hiking Club emails will show up in your inbox just like any other email you receive.

      By using Google Group, you email address will not be available to the general membership i.e. it is similar to emailing bcc.  If you respond to an email, it only will go to the author of the email and not to the entire membership.

      Questions? Email questions@tdhikers.com

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      Documents

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