Welcome To The Monday Ramblers

After many years of hiking both on the Olympic Peninsula and elsewhere a cadre of hikers has formed a new hiking group which incorporates suggestions made over the years by various hikers. This new hiking group keeps some familiar customs enjoyed and appreciated by hikers everywhere.  You are invited to join this new group on its adventure. Please feel free to share this message with those you think would also enjoy being outdoors with like-minded people.

We are the Monday Ramblers.

Here are our guidelines:

•   We will have a posted quarterly schedule of hikes. This will allow you to know in advance where we will be going, so that you can make a decision about your participation.

•   All hikers are encouraged to suggest hikes. We want to know where you’d like to go. Keep in mind that some trails are not accessible during the winter months but can be scheduled for spring/summer.

•   All hikers are encouraged to lead a hike, providing that they are familiar with the hike, either by hiking it in advance or by researching information about the hike from hiking books or websites such as Olympic Nat’l Forest, Olympic Nat’l Park, and Washington Trails Assoc.

•   Hikes are an all-day commitment. We don’t “hurry home” as we really like to be out in our beautiful landscape. If you have another commitment the afternoon of a hike, pass on the hike and join us the following week.

•   No companion animals can come on a Ramblers hike.  Most of the trails we use don't allow companion animals and those that do require the animal be on a leash at all times.  It doesn't work for the animal and other hikers for a companion animal to be on a hike.  

•   Every hiker should be willing to be a “sweep” for half a hike, either before or after lunch to ensure that no hiker is left behind.

•   If there are two or more cars for a hike, at least two cars will remain at the trailhead until all hikers have returned and both cars are ready to leave.

•   We will have a roster of hikers. You will need to contact us to become a member of the Ramblers (go to the 'Contact Us' page). 
  Each hiker is required to provide an email address and emergency contact name(s) and phone number(s) in order to hike with this group. By putting your name on the roster you acknowledge that there can be dangers in hiking and that you accept those dangers. 

• We also recommend a Emergency Medical Form (LINK). Please take a look and consider filling one out and keeping it in your pack. 
  This information is confidential and will only be used if you are injured or have a medical emergency on the trail and cannot communicate with us. Also rescuers would need access to this information to help you. 

• Hazards and Liability

  Hiking has risks, and safety is a high priority on every outing.  Hazards include uneven trails, drop-offs, slippery rocks, stream crossings, wildlife encounters, and even auto accidents.  Participants are expected to be able to safely negotiate the trails that they choose to hike. In addition hikers must be cognizant of noxious plants and ticks.  The hiking group assumes no collective or individual liability for any mishaps.  Hiking is at your own risk.
   
  The Rambler website provides public information only and is not part of any formal club or organization. Hikers gather informally and hike at their own risk. Hike leaders are volunteers and should not be relied upon to have any special skills or training. 

•   Hike communication will be by email. 

•   Tailgating at the end of a hike is fun and important to us.  Bring your coffee, tea, juice, etc. and occasional treats to share.

   Each hiker will compensate the driver to help with travel expenses, based on the current fuel prices. 

   Meeting time and place will be announced for each hike via email. This email "Ramblergram" will usually be sent on the Thursday before the next Monday hike. It will also include a hike description, total distance, elevation gain, and any other pertinent information for that week. And of course, the hike leader's name and email address.