Skoki Mountain (S5 - Easy Scramble)

"Larch Madness"
"VERY LONG DAY" "Weather Dependent"

Let's give in to the annual madness of larch and check out Skoki Mountain. Those who have been to the area can corroborate how awesome the larches are in this area.

This hike will require advanced level of HP (or XP) and endurance for a long day with elevation gains.

As usual all my hikes are weather dependent. We will turn back if the weather becomes dangerous/unsafe.

Trail Description:

1. https://www.on-top.ca/Outings/2020/Skoki-Mountain-September-2020.html
2. https://followthatnerd.com/skoki-loop-skoki-mountain/

Climbing HELMET and headlamp is mandatory!

_Turnaround Time - 3:40 pm_

Stats:
Cumulative Elevation: ~1900
Distance: ~36km
Time: 11.5 - 14.5 hours + Driving + lunch
Pace: Moderate. The aim is to maintain at least a 2.5km/hr speed.
Difficulty: S5 or Class 3. (It will be a LONG day)

BE READY for some hard work.

Proposed Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-3a07724-16

Weather:
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Skoki-Mountain/forecasts/2707#:~:text=The%20weather%20forecast%20for%20Skoki,Wind%20will%20be%20generally%20light.

https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/skoki-mountain_canada_6149002

Meeting/Carpooling Details:
Time: 4:13am
Location: Dalhousie LRT parking directly behind the Indigo store (not the shopping lot parking in front of Indigo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAf7jcRh3HxBMbrd9

Trailhead:
Meeting Time: 6:17am !
Trailhead Direction:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvWUHk9SAUx29JCh8

Some Ground Rules:

1. Must remain with the group and be willing to turn back with the group
2. Must participate is route finding when necessary. MUST raise concerns if any
3. Absolutely no complaining. Prepare to work hard
4. We are out for the day. Don't rush the group because you have a birthday party to attend to in the evening or some other crap
   5. Friendly and experienced dogs are welcome ONLY IF leashed
   6. No guests and kids
   7. Be BEAR SMART
5. Leave no trace

Required gear:
- Bear Spray
- Rock helmet
- headlamps
- hiking boots, water (at least 2L), lunch / snacks, technical clothing (no cotton or jeans), hat/gloves for cold weather and wind
- first aid kit
- electronic or paper maps
- NO bear bells
Suggested gear:
- rain coat/windbreakers, scrambling gloves
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on, hiking poles
- sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet kit
- SOS sending device (Garmin, SPOT etc.)

Waitlist and RSVP rules:
It is NOT an inclusive event due to it's nature and safety. If I don't know you, then you must answer the questions. Preference will be given to those who I know is a good fit for the event as well as the group. I reserve the right deny anyone access to this event if necessary. I will make additional inquiries if I am not sure about your fitness or experience.
WAIVER:
You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead.
DISCLAIMER:
You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume ALL responsibility for your own safety and well-being. ALL participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
(Photo Credit: https://followthatnerd.com/ (Jenn))
(This event post is inspired by many organizers I have hiked with in this club - Mark & Terri, Lisa W, Atash, Wesley Cook, Mark S, Mark K, Michael K)