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 $10 for 2011), so there will be no event fees, nor any limitations with numbers at an event: fleas can sign up for every event. There may be a need to limit numbers for some events for various reasons.

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, stay 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 you are not sure you can make an event, leave a comment in the Talk About This Event area. If you miss an event please let me know things are okay, so you do not receive a no-show for attendance. No-shows are removed from the group.

RSVPing
You don't need to sign up early just to get a spot, because numbers are not usually limited. Sign up when you are ready to commit. If you do sign up, then you are required to show up. RSVP changes within 8 hours of an event require an email so I know your status changed especially if you are the only one signed up. No-shows may be barred from future activities.

You can only sign up for yourself and one other person. However, additional folks can come: just let me know in the comment area. 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 calendar year in lieu of paying at each event. See details below. People who do not pay the fee will be immediately removed from the group.

Optional Calendar Year Event Fee -- $10 for 2011, $15 for a family.
One fee, for the calendar year ending Dec 31. Covers all 200 plus events that I plan to schedule over the year. This fee does not cover special events. In addition, you are guaranteed a spot at just about every event. No refunds.
Family Memberships are now available at reduced rates. Currently $15 for 2 or more folks. For more info visit: http://www.hikingarou...
Pay at the link on the Home Page or here: http://mrbasketball.n...
Starting in Sept I may reduce the Calendar Year Event Fee if you pay at the event, but not online, because it's only a partial year membership. If you pay online, the fee will be the full year fee.

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. Due to many requests, I will now accept doubloons!

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
To belong to this group you must agree to rate events as 5-star or 0-star (no rating). 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 get there on time and 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 a photo, then stay away from the the camera and inform photographers. More info here: http://www.hikingarou...

Carpooling & Usual Event Location
You can arrange to carpool via the website by leaving a comment that you are looking for a ride or to carpool from a certain area. Be specific so members have a good idea where you live. Don't do this at the last moment. Give yourself 3-6 days.
You can always meet at Hill House to go with me. See writeups for more info.

How Best to Enjoy This Group
Join for the year. Bookmark the Calendar Page, http://www.hikingarou... , not the Home Page. Visit the website frequently to see great photos 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.