May Hikes: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain - Big Creek Loop

My Goals and Expectations and My Hiking Style for this hike are as follows:

• Stay safe.
• Have an enjoyable time as a group in a beautiful place.
• We’ll aim for a 1.5-2 mph pace and adjust as needed so everyone is comfortable. Please note that my priority is to be inclusive, and that we will slow down if needed for everyone to participate comfortably and safely.  Also, I personally am slow on uphills and downhills.  If you are looking for a fast-paced hike, this may not be the best fit for you.
• I like to do a mindfulness period of about 10 minutes during my hikes. This is usually after the main snack break, so the group will have ample chances to chat and socialize prior to the mindfulness period.  During this time, I will ask for everyone to be silent and focus on the environment around them, using all 5 senses for maximum enjoyment.  I’ll let the group know when this will start and end.  I’ll ask afterwards if anyone has anything they want to share; that’s totally voluntary, up to you. 

Please note: This hike is a 1-2+ hour drive from the Puget Sound area (exact time depends on where you're coming from, closer to Tacoma/Olympia than to Seattle/Eastside), so please consider this prior to signing up, and allow enough time to get to the meeting place.  Carpooling will be encouraged!  We will meet at the Big Creek Campground parking lot 0915, with plan to start hiking at 0930.  Please check the Hello Hiker email, which I'll send to registered participants about a week ahead of the trip date, for up to date information on our meeting place, expected weather etc.