A big part of my energy goes into keeping the group together. A separation, people getting lost, can readily occur when people are engrossed in conversation, not paying attention to the group, and/or walking slower than the group pace. Please NOTE that it is your responsibility to PAY ATTENTION at all times and not get separated!

Because we often have large groups with people who are not "avid hikers", I need to offer some ideas that will make it easier to stay with the group:

• Stay close to, and in view of, the group at all times. Don't disappear to go to the bathroom, take a snooze, a smoke break, etc., without personally letting me know.

• On the trail, keep in view of the person ahead of you and the person behind you. If you lose view (you're not paying attention) you need to speed up and/or start yelling.

• Go at the pace of the group, neither faster nor slower. Everyone has there own pace, but as part of the group you are required to go at the group pace. I can readily understand someone who chose a hike beyond their ability. If you want to go much slower or faster than the group, then let me know that you want to leave the group.

• If I show you a map of the area with the route, pay close attention so you have some idea where we are and where we are heading.

I normally wait at all tricky turns, beautiful views, after big hills, for eating and other breaks, and when I think people are far behind. If we have a long straightaway, no tricky intersections, I may zoom ahead and wait at the first turn even though it's 2 miles ahead. However, I'm not infallible and you need to do your best to stay with the group.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO STAY WITH THE GROUP OR MAKE OTHER PLANS. It's quite normal for someone to tell me they are separating from the group at a particular time or place. However, you may be removed if you just disappear or irresponsibly hold up the group.