Introduction Information for Participants & Volunteers On behalf of the members of the Organizing Committee as well as those who will benefit from the funds raised by the event, thank you so very much for participating and/or volunteering in this event. Your involvement is key to our goal of heightening awareness and raising funds in support of Mental Health and Wellness as it affects military veterans and their families. Schedule Reaching the Summit for Mental Health and Wellness 2017 will take place on Saturday, 24 June 2017 and the initial schedule for the entire day is shown below. While it is expected that conditions will permit the conduct of the event on the 24th, in the case of unsafe climbing/hiking conditions on the 24th, we will conduct the climb and hike on the 25th instead. All participants will be notified by phone and email by not later than 8 p.m. on Friday, 23 June should conditions necessitate a change of plans. If you have NOT been contacted this means the event is a go on the 24 th. However, the Dedication Ceremony, the barbecue supper and the camp fire event will not be rescheduled and will take place as planned on the 24 th regardless of conditions. Saturday, June 24, 2017 at a Glance: 7 a.m. Etherington Creek Day Use Area and Cataract Campground Registration Sites Open (Etherington Creek is roughly 5km South on Hwy 940 from the Highwood Junction, while the Cataract Creek Campground is 13.5 km South) for check-in. By 8 a.m. - Climbing teams set-out from Cataract Creek Campground for the Summit of Mt. Burke. 9 a.m. Moderate hiker teams set-out on Etherington Creek Trail from Etherington Creek Day Use Area. 10 a.m. Family hiker teams set-out on Etherington Creek Trail from Etherington Creek Day Use Area. By 3:50 p.m. All participants and invitees arrive at the Cataract Creek Recreation Area. 4 p.m. - Dedication of Mount Farquhar Heritage Memorial Sign.
5:00 p.m. - Barbecue Dinner (Calgary Police Association BBQ Unit) in the Etherington Creek Day Use Area. 6:30 p.m. - Barbecue Concluded. 7-10 p.m. Campfire evening in the Etherington Creek Group Camp Site 1 Fire Ring. On-Site Parking and Registration On arrival at the Day Use Area you will be directed to the parking area for private vehicles. Please park only in the designated areas as the Area remains open for public use and must remain accessible for emergency vehicles. Parking is very limited so we do encourage the use of group and individual camping options described on the registration landing page. Please note and respect the following Parks Alberta policies: All facilities and trails are open to the public, so we do not have exclusive use of the area for the events. Please respect others using the Area, facilities and trails. Alcohol is not permitted with the Park. Weapons are not permitted within the Park. Dogs are to be leashed at all times. Do not feed the wildlife under any circumstances and keep food covered in hard containers. Carry out any waste and deposit it in the receptacles provided in the in the Etherington Creek Day Use Area or in the nearby campsites. Parks Alberta also recommend the carriage of two cans of bear spray (ready for use) by each team and for use by the volunteers within the Base Camp. At Figure 2 is the layout of the Etherington Creek Recreation Area, our Base Camp for the Event, and the location of the registration table, which will be set-up as shown, near the entrance. Emergency Contact Information There is no cellular telephone service from the Day Use Area or along nearby trails. We will have 1 Please note that limited spaces are available in the Etherington Creek Group Camp Site. These will be allotted on a first come, first serve basis to those who have asked for one of the Group sites at time of registration. Other reserved sites are available, also on a first come, first served basis through the Alberta Parks on-line reservation site on or after 21 February 2017: http://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/camping/online-reservations/, or by calling (1-877-537-2757). First come, first serve non-reserved sites may also be available at Etherington or Cataract Creek Campgrounds. Regardless of the campsite means selected, all are welcome at the Campfire. Page 2 of 12
mobile radio service along both the climbing and hiking routes. There will also be a satellite telephone service operating from the Base Camp with links to the mobile radios. The following are emergency numbers: Base Camp Satellite Telephone Service The number will be available on-site and will be provided in advance to all participants via email about one week prior to the event. With a satellite phone, dialing 9-1-1 may transfer you to an emergency centre unfamiliar with Kananaskis Country - if you are using a satellite phone, call the local emergency number instead (403-591-7767) and add the satellite preface. To report an emergency call 9-1-1 (ask for Kananaskis Despatcher). Report sightings of bears, cougars, wolves and problem wildlife to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755. To be connected toll-free in Alberta dial 310-0000 followed by the phone number. From a cell phone, dial the toll-free code (*310 for Roger's Wireless; #310 for Bell & Telus) followed by the phone number. Page 3 of 12
Figure 1 Etherington Creek Recreation Area and Trail Page 4 of 12
Figure 2 Etherington Creek Recreation Area Page 5 of 12
Preparation for a Climb Clothing Wool and/or Synthetic Socks Base Layer Top - Synthetic, wool or silk Base Layer Bottoms - Synthetic, wool or silk Mid-Insulation Layer Top - Pile (fleece) wool sweater/jacket Hiking/ climbing pants synthetic (No Cotton) Weather Layer Top - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jacket Weather Layer Pants - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable pants Toque - Wool or Synthetic Brimmed Cap Light Gloves - Wool, synthetic or leather Gloves Handkerchief Personal Equipment Pack Sunglasses Sun and Lip Cream Head Lamp 2 x 1 Litre Water Bottle Lunch lots of high calorie snacks. Blister Kit Pocket Knife Camera Optional Binoculars - Optional Climbing Equipment (Important Note: With the Change of venue, helmet, harness, carbiner and ropes are not required) Helmet Harness Locking Carabiner ( ) Shoulder length sling Sturdy high top leather mountain hiking or mountaineering boots. Page 6 of 12
Preparation for a Hike This information is to provide guidance to people new to day hiking and to serve as a reminder to others who hike on a regular basis. Ideally, you feel comfortable after asking yourself the following questions: 1. Am I prepared for cold and /or wet weather (in all seasons)? 2. Do I have adequate hydration? 3. Am I prepared for equipment failures? 4. Am I prepared for first aid to myself and others? With careful thought to selecting the right clothing and other basics, you can be prepared and still have a reasonably light pack. Clothing How do you prepare for a day trip that starts out in the cool shade of a valley forest and ends up on either a hot sunny ridge or a windswept ridge? How do you keep cool while climbing a steep trail, yet keep warm for a rest stop? The answer is to wear layers of clothing rather than one favourite warm city garment. Wicking Layer (to keep your skin dry) Light garments (socks, undershirt) next to your skin should wick perspiration away to the insulating layer above. This helps alleviate that clammy feeling from damp underwear and keeps you warmer during rest stops. Synthetics (such as polypropylene ("polypro"), Lifa, capilene, etc.) are light, wick well, and dry quickly. Fine woven wool keeps you warm even when wet. Cotton does not wick and does not keep you warm when wet; however on hot days, it does provide good ventilation. Insulating Layer (to keep you warm) This is the layer (or layers) that provides the warmth. "Fuzzy" pile garments (fleece) are light and dry out quickly. Wool is also good at staying warm when wet. Down garments provide excellent insulation, but must be kept dry. Shell Layer (to repel the elements) This is a thin tough layer to keep out the elements. Nylon is tough but not very water resistant. Coated nylon resists water, but does not breathe as well as new materials, such as GoreTex or Page 7 of 12
Microfibre. A shell without insulation will be lighter to carry and more versatile for warm or cold weather. Use your insulating layer to keep you warm. Choose garments that can easily adapt to changing conditions: Long sleeves protect arms from the cold, insect bites, sunburn and underbrush scratches, yet can easily be rolled up if too warm. Zippered turtleneck shirts ventilate well when undone, yet provide warmth to the neck when done up. Long pants with zippered sides are easy to put on over boots, and provide ventilation. Shell layers with breathing vents or zippers under arms and down legs offer better thermal control. Loose fitting insulating and shell layers offer better body flexibility and allow variation of layers beneath. A large plastic garbage bag can be made into a windproof / waterproof poncho or into a vapour barrier garment. Footwear Be kind to your feet and they will be kind to you! What you wear on your feet will be the most important article you bring. You want footwear to keep your feet dry, warm and well supported. Running shoes or other casual footwear will not keep your feet dry when going through mud, will not keep them warm when going over snow (in summer too!) and do not offer sufficient support on steep trails or off-trail scrambles. Hiking boots that provide ankle support are therefore a must! Other points to remember are: Tight boots cut off circulation and cause cold feet; loose boots cause blisters. Insoles provide extra insulation and cushioning. Gaiters provide extra warmth and keep snow rocks, etc. out of the boot tops. Keep your boots waterproofed. Biwell, Snowseal, etc. on leather parts and silicone on synthetic parts. Wear your new boots around the house or around town to discover any problems. Wear two sock layers: o Thin polypro (or similar synthetic) socks wick moisture away from your feet. Page 8 of 12
o o Thicker socks cushion your feet and keep them warm. Two socks help prevent blisters. Bring shoes for wearing in the car or on the bus for a more comfortable ride and a plastic bag to put your muddy boots in. Pack a light pair of running shoes or sandals if your trip calls for stream crossings. Clothing & Equipment Summary Clothing to Wear light wicking undershirt (polypro) long sleeve shirt (pile, wool) windproof shell jacket (with hood) long pants (wool, light shell) thin and thick socks proper boots sun hat Clothing to Pack windproof / water resistant pants, jacket warm sweater (pile, wool) extra socks toque, warm mitts Necessities back pack with hip belt lunch / snacks water (at least 2 litres) sunglasses (UVA, UVB) sunscreen (SPF 30, UVA, UVB) emergency food (power bars, granola bars) pocket knife (with accessory blades) matches (waterproof, windproof) flashlight / head lamp (with spare batteries) first aid kit (see below) repair kit (see below) Accessories (optional) Page 9 of 12
lip balm shoes / clothing to wear in the car camera, binoculars toilet paper whistle note book with pencil (also a fire starter) piece of foam to sit on headband umbrella (for trails on wet days) light runners / sandals (for crossing streams) walking stick (collapsible) insect repellent bear spray (two containers with each group ready to use) gaiters (to keep nasties out of boots) First Aid Kit band aids, 2-3 pressure bandages moleskin gauze 2" or 3" adhesive tape tweezers scissors strong pain killer (ask doctor) personal medication Repair Kit needle and thread strong tape (fibreglass, duct, hockey) Risk Management For the safety and well being of all participants the Organizing Committee has undertaken several risk management protocols and items. Reaching the Summit for Mental Health and Wellness 2017 entails certain risks. Our plan identifies those risks and the actions, activities and other plans to mitigate each of the identified risks. 1. Waiver. Each participant must agree to the waiver as included on the registration site. In doing so, the participant acknowledges that they will be engaged in Page 10 of 12
wilderness activities which involve inherent risk and agree to hold the organizers, sponsors and partners harmless. 2. General Liability. The PPCLI Foundation carries $2 million per occurrence in general liability insurance with Intact Insurance (Agent Alpine Insurance). In order to obtain the Special Event Permit from Alberta Environment and Parks, the Foundation has provided to the Department a copy of an insurance certificate issued at the request of, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Parks Division. 3. Director & Officer Liability. The PPCLI carries Director & Officer Liability Insurance in the amount of $2 million per occurrence. 4. Vehicles and Road Safety. Red Arrow, the provider in-kind of bus services has an outstanding safety record and is responsible to operate the coach in a safe manner and provide insurance. Rental vehicles will be operated by qualified drivers and fully insured. The route to Buller Day Use Area will be marked and parking control available to assist in control of vehicle movement within this relatively small area. 5. Physical Injury. For both the climb and the hike there is a risk of physical injury. This risk is mitigated as follows: Encouraging participants to be fit, properly equipped, and train in advance of the event; In order to avoid dehydration and maintain energy levels, bottled water, fruit juice, fruit and energy bars will be available for all participants at the Registration table (It is recommended that climbers and hikers bring along a sandwich or other lunch items); Establishing and maintaining communication with each group of climbers and with hikers along the prescribed trail, as well as with emergency services not immediately located in the Area, e.g. registration of the site(s) with STARS Air Ambulance; Having access to emergency medical technician services at Buller Day Use Area; and Ensuring that STARS Air Ambulance is aware of the event and able to respond in a timely way by pre-registering it with them. STARS uses a site registration program to provide immediate medical support until first responders are able to arrive on scene. Should an incident occur, the on-scene medical person, can contact the STARS Communication Specialist who will coordinate all requests for Page 11 of 12
assistance from surrounding sites. 6. Wild Animals. While the risk of attack by bear, cougar or lynx is relatively slight, climbers, hikers and volunteers are encouraged to carry bear spray (a minimum of two cans with each group). 7. Fire. With the preparation of food in the Etherington Creek Day Use Area or the Group Campground, fire extinguishers will be available nearby to food preparation locations. 8. Food Safety. Only fresh products will be acquired. Fresh food for the barbecue will be stored in refrigerated containers prior to cooking. Fresh food is not to be left unattended or uncovered as it attracts animals and insects. Food will be stored in hard sided containers. 9. Inclement Weather. Risks may be unavoidable due to heavy rain, wind or snow. This risk will be mitigated by checking weather forecasts daily in the five days leading up to the event. Should the risk increase as a result of weather forecasts for Saturday, 25 June 2016, we will delay the event to later in the day or to Sunday, 26 June 2016. For the dedication of the interpretive sign and the following barbecue, we will develop a capacity to shelter all participants from a late afternoon snow or rain shower. 10. Reputational Risk. At all points in the planning and execution of the project, we will be mindful that the reputation of all partners and sponsors is our responsibility. No effort will be spared to support and enhance those reputations. Page 12 of 12