Life is a Hike!

Life Is A Hike!
Life is a Hike is for those who not only enjoy hiking but also enjoy the outdoors, socializing (or not), cycling, kayaking, walking their dog, photography, climbing trees..., and just about anything else which requires a fun attitude and a love of adventure and the outdoors. Hiking is our main focus, but we may host a biking or kayaking event occasionally. We welcome all like-minded folks who enjoy company while exploring the many outdoor parks, trails and waterways North Carolina has to offer. Our hiking events will vary from the leisurely to the more adventurous. Short and long distance hikes will be offered but most will be over 5 miles. We typically keep the pace at a comfortable level so we can enjoy our surroundings, enjoy conversation and have some fun as well. We normally do not set end times for our events. This allows us to enjoy things that may unexpectedly occur. All skill levels are welcome and help is typically available for crossing creeks without bridges, or trekking off trail, etc. If you're new to Meetup or to the Triangle area, don't be shy or nervous about coming to your first event. We’re a fun-loving welcoming group whose sole purpose is to meet like-minded individuals. It is likely someone will be supplying chocolate, just sayin!
Liability Waiver
Participation in any activity with Life is a Hike is at your own risk. To the fullest extent allowed by law, you waive any claims against, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Life is a Hike, it's organizers, affiliates, employees, officers, directors and contractors, from all claims of liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you and any other party who may accompany you in these endeavors.
Event Organizers
If you wish to be an Event Organizer for the group contact the organizer. Event Organizers should plan to actively schedule and lead events for the group.
General Policies
• You must be 18 or older to join the group.
• Respect other members' privacy and personal boundaries.
• Follow the principles of “Leave no Trace” along the trails. \

• Post and keep a recognizable photo of yourself on your Life is a Hike profile. Please make this a picture of just you, no others in the picture.
• Unfortunately, there are situations where it is in the best interest of the group to ban members. We do not want to ban anyone. We only do so when we witness or confirm behavior that we deem detrimental to our group's comradery and overall group experience. Any member that we ban is not allowed to be a guest on our hikes. \

Leave No Trace
Our hikes are Leave No Trace. Leave nothing behind but your footprints. Take nothing but memories and pictures. Everything you bring with you should be carried back out, including banana peels, orange peels, pistachio shells, etc. Deposit them in the nearest trash can. Other hikers do not want to see our trash. Our events sometimes include historic sites. Take nothing with you. Not even a seemingly insignificant item in the dirt. Leave it for others to see. They are also generally protected by law.
Meetup Activity Start Time and Contact Numbers
Members who RSVP'ed "Yes" to an event are expected to attend the Meetup. Please plan on arriving prior to the designated start time. We will try to accommodate you if you are running a little late but this may not always be the case. A contact number(s) may be sent via email to members who RSVP "Yes" for an event. Please store the number(s) so you can contact the organizer for current and future events should you need to, ie. running late, last minute cancellation, etc.
No Shows and RSVP's
Members who are "No Shows" more than 3 times may be removed from the group and blocked from rejoining. A "No Show" is when a member RSVP'd "Yes" but does not show up for the event. Additionally if you RSVP "yes" for an event and change to "no" more than 3 times in a 3 month period you may be removed from the group and blocked from rejoining. Only RSVP "yes" if you are fairly certain you will be attending the event. Anyone removed from the group cannot attend events with another member of the group or the other member risks being removed as well.
Dog Policy
Dogs (1 maximum per adult) are welcome on most hikes unless otherwise specified. They must be people friendly and calm around other dogs. For the safety of the group please be sure your dogs are up-to-date on all shots and be sure to have your rabies tag on your dog at all times. Also please be sure to bring bags to clean up after your dog. Use leashes no longer than 6 feet in length. Flexi-leashes are not allowed. Please follow the rules concerning your dog - most parks require your dog to be on a leash at all times. \

Meetup Group Expenses
Meetup costs money ... which the organizer pays. Contributions are appreciated but not mandatory.
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