Goal
The primary purpose of this group is to find fun people to hike neato places. (And to find great places to eat.) Eventually, I'd like all fleas to pay a yearly fee (the optional yearly event fee of $12 for 2010), so there will be no event fees, nor any limitations with numbers at an event: fleas can sign up for every event.

Pace and Length
Most hikes are at a moderate pace, not easy, and last at least 3 hours. The event listing gives the details. Pay close attention to the hike length and terrain! We usually explore for a specific amount of time, hiking for 3 or 4 or 5 hours, instead of 7 or 9 or 12 miles. On flat level ground we often go much faster than in hilly areas. GPS readings indicate we do 2-3 mph in hilly areas. Neighborhood walks are slower than hikes in the country, but we never walk slowly.
Here's a general guide:
• 4+hours - Strenuous. You need to be in good shape to enjoy.
• 3 hours - Moderate. Most hikes in Wissahickon. Can be very hilly.
• 2 hours- Short. Usually neighborhood or night hikes. Usually flat.
Are you in shape to do these hikes? Visit: http://www.hikingarou...

Appreciation and Behavior
A considerable amount of work goes into running this site and the events. The charges are minimal. If you attend an event, show your appreciation by being attentive and cooperative at all times. There are many other things you can do to help out. (see Help Out at http://www.hikingarou...) At other times, it's always important to respond to an email about an event or payment or situation. Thank you.

Etiquette
Start with the group and end the hike with the group. Guest appearances, surprise show-ups, and/or disappearances during the hike are frowned upon. If a prior commitment makes attendance iffy, RSVP 'maybe'. If you miss an event please let me know things are okay.

RSVPing
You don't need to sign up early just to get a spot. Sign up when you are ready to commit. If you do sign up, then you are required to show up. You can change your RSVP even hours before hike. No-shows may be barred from future activities.
You can sign up for yourself and one other person. It's okay to bring a dog or a child who is old enough to complete a hike at the group pace. Dog owners should read this: http://www.hikingarou...
For more about RSVP's visit http://www.hikingarou...

Cost
The current usual charge per event is $2-$5. Payment is required at the event, even if you only join the group for part of the event. You have an option of paying one fee per year in lieu of paying at each event. See details below.

Optional Yearly Event Fee -- $12 for 2010
One fee, for the calendar year 2010. Covers all 90 plus events that I plan to schedule. Does not cover special events. In addition, you are guaranteed a spot in every event. This fee will not change. No refunds.
Family Memberships are now available at reduced rates. For more info visit: http://www.hikingarou...
Pay at the link on the Home Page or here: http://mrbasketball.n...

Quick Pay, Quick Start
Having the exact payment ready saves the group 5-10 minutes at the beginning of each hike and prevents confusion. Making change for $5's and/or $20's holds up the hike. Do not pay with pennies, dimes, quarters, or doubloons, because I do not accept coins.

Your Meetup Name is Important
Unless your name is like Rumpelstiltskin, you need to make your name unique for Meetup so you can be identified. I do not have your real name, only what you use for Meetup. For more info visit http://www.hikingarou...

Problems/Ideas
Contact the leader directly by email. Contacting me via Greetings, Comments, etc. will only delay an answer. The website is only for informative, positive remarks.

Ratings Made Simple
I request fleas rate each event as 5-star or do not rate it at all. For more info visit http://www.hikingarou...

Number of Emails
You can adjust the number of emails you receive for this group by going to your group settings. Go to any Meetup page. Click 'Account'. Click 'Memberships & Comm'. Click the group and the email settings.


Finding The Starting Spot
I supply a Google Map link in the write up. To avoid confusion visit http://www.hikingarou....

Photos
Photos are a great part of Meetup. More info here: http://www.hikingarou...
If you do not want to be in any photo, then this is not the group for you. More info here: http://www.hikingarou...

Usual Event Location & Carpooling
The usual meeting place for carpooling and the starting location for many hikes is Hill House in Chestnut Hill (201 W Evergreen Ave, 19118). There is ample parking on the street or down the street. Park in the railroad lots next door at your own risk. The R8 (Chestnut Hill West) SEPTA train last stop is right next to Hill House. The R7 (Chestnut Hill East) last stop is 3 blocks away. For more about carpooling visit http://www.hikingarou...

How Best to Enjoy This Group
Join for the year. Bookmark the Calendar Page, not the Home Page. http://www.hikingarou... Visit the website frequently to see up to 100 great photos, rarely group faces, for each event. For more info: http://www.hikingarou...

Liability
By signing up for these hikes, you agree that the organizers are not responsible for your health, safety, or your actions. People with medical problems that would prohibit safe participation are not allowed on these hikes.

For more information about the group click on 'About' in the maroon colored column on the left side. Then click on 'Table of Contents' below the secondary heading.

Thanks to all the folks who gave me help and feedback especially Bill, Ray, Samantha, Steve, Linda, etc, etc, etc.