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Post by arfcomhkr on Oct 31, 2014 11:07:15 GMT -5
This has become more of an issue with us lately, not just with age, but with general hiking speed.
I'm pushing 60 and not the fastest backpacker by a long shot, in fact I'm pretty slow due to bad knees, feet among other things. We kind of have a core group, that runs from the 30'ish to almost 70 age range.
I usually try to set a pace I can live with but still make our camp for the evening. Usually keep it to around 10 miles per day in the mountains with packs.
One of the guys is just a slow poke and we lost him last month. As tail end charlie, he missed a turn and wandered a few miles up a trail in the wrong direction. Not sure how to deal with that as I don't want to have that happen again.
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MRHyker
Forum Elder
Out to Lunch
Posts: 130
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Post by MRHyker on Oct 31, 2014 11:31:00 GMT -5
Arf,
I think physical condition/impairment is more important than age. I'm turning 65 next month. I've slowed down a lot, for one reason or another, over the past couple of years but even before that there have been older folks (ex-marathon runners, joggers, scuba divers/long distance cyclists, long legged beasts, etc) that can hike circles around me. Then of course there are the younger pups. I gave up trying to maintain a pace to match theirs and, as an Outing Coordinator for the Sierra Club, have decided to be a General and lead from behind. In order to do that successfully there has to be some rules and everyone in the group has to be on board with them. The following are things we do to keep everybody safe:
1. Several folks in the group, if not all of them, should have a detailed map showing the route and know how to read it. It might be helpful to mark where you plan to take breaks.
2. Do not deviate from the route unless all are informed.
3. All participants should wait and regroup at the predetermined points.
4. Regroup at all trail junctions, road crossings, fords, major trail obstacles and steep climbs. If one person gets lost, we all get lost together.
5. If you are hiking a long distance trail with few landmarks to regroup at have the lead hiker stop at predetermined time intervals until everyone catches up.
6. It's not always possible but I try to make sure no one is hiking by himself.
7. Make sure everyone is on board with the rules before you leave on the trip.
8. Allow plenty of time to get to camp before dark.
I've been doing this since 1997 and have never lost any participants. As a matter of fact we actually picked up hikers (mostly lost) a few times.I hope this helps.
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Post by Hours Per Mile on Nov 1, 2014 11:53:07 GMT -5
+1 to MRHyker's comments...
It sounds like your pokey comrade needs some navigation/orientation lessons, this is a very important concern... especially if one is regularly in the caboose. When I am out for recreation, I am either solo, or up to a group of 3. Perhaps two-way radios might be of assistance? My only other thought as I sit here caffeinating is to plan special trips for slow-pokes... I happen to be pokey myself!
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hikeer
Senior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by hikeer on Nov 2, 2014 7:52:59 GMT -5
I guess my line of thinking is that if he wants/needs to bring up the rear, then he needs to be just as prepared navigation-wise as the person leading the hike. I know as the leader you feel an obligation to every participant, but his safety is ultimately his responsibility, especially if he knows he is bringing up the rear of the group.
MRHyker's tips seem reasonable, although not conducive to a group attempting to do much over 10 miles/day due to frequent stops. Maybe it's my personality, but that would impact my enjoyment of a hike.
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Post by icebucketjohn on Nov 7, 2014 17:58:08 GMT -5
I just turned 62. Mostly, 9 miles per day is about my limit these days, but it all depends on the elevation changes too. Yep, I find it getting to be more & more a challenge backpacking with different age groups also. Yeah, I like having the young ones around, but enjoy the gray beards around camp too. I surely cant keep the pace of the pups and in most instances, don't want to. I want to enjoy the trek and pushing a lil too fast seems to spoil it for me.
The suggestions my MRHyker are outstanding!
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