Activities
FLC Seniors Outdoor Club
As a precaution, all activities of FLC Outdoor Club have been suspended until at least May 6th. Please check here for updates.
Edworthy Park March 20, 2020
Welcome to the FLC Seniors Outdoor Club. Our club walks throughout the year; bird watching and snowshoeing are seasonal. We also have some special events.
- All events and activities are for Outdoor Club members only. See Membership Information for how to join at bottom of page (scroll down).
- We ask that everyone wear their name tag, bring their FLC Seniors membership card and carry their Medical Emergency Card on all outings (medical emergency card is available at the first activity attended) .
- Information on activities - meeting locations and times are available on this web page.
- Information about Special Events may be sent through email messages.
SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing will focus on winter enjoyment in Calgary and surrounding areas. Outings will vary in time from 2 – 5 hours depending on location. We will have 2 groups – Intermediate Group, and Leisure Group whose outing location, pace and length will be geared to the participants.
Locations:
Calgary - Fish Creek areas, Maple Ridge Golf Course, Cross Conservation Area, Bragg Creek, Sandy McNabb area, and Kananaskis Country.
Leisure Group - enjoy 2 hours of snowshoeing; Intermediate Group - over 2 hours.
COME EARLY, HAVE EQUIPMENT ON, ADJUSTED AND BE READY TO START AT 10:00 AM (unless another start time is posted).
Weather Guidelines: We will snowshoe at temperatures up to -15C with no wind, or -10C with a slight wind. Please check the weather forecast for 10:00 AM. It will be our source for weather. Come dressed in layers; bring snacks, water (and a lunch - Intermediate Group). Please remember your medical cards, poles, snowshoes and icers.
Please check here for changes or cancellations of snowshoeing outings every Friday morning before 8 AM.
Leisure Group: ended for the season
Intermediate Group: ended for the season
On Friday, March the 20th, a group of 6 of us met up at Edworthy Park at 10 AM. We had a combination of gear from icers to boots which made the trail quite interesting. The first section was hard packed snow and then we started with some uphill and eventually the stairs that lead to the lookout over the Bow River. We talked about the legend of the Douglass Fir and how it saved the mice from a raging fire. After enjoying the lookout we decided to move on as it was chilly in the trees due to the shade keeping the temperature down. We went over the top and started down the first of several icy slopes and stairs. Fortunately the worst sections had ropes and guardrails so we were able to cling and shuffle along. At some points you needed both hands so having poles became a bit of a problem when they kept getting caught up in our feet and legs. It was impressive looking up at the big retaining wall, by this time we were into the sun and were feeling much warmer. Finally we were down to the train tracks where we turned East due to reported trail closures going back the normal way. It was several kilometers to the Crowchild bridge where we took the pedestrian underpass and then turned back West. I saw a Mercedes Benz dealer so I serenaded some of the group with my rendition of Janis Joplin but was asked not to sing anymore, everyone is a critic. lol. It was 12:15 by the time we got back to Angel's Cafe, I was surprised no-one had said anything about lunch being late but then remembered Marilyn was in a 14 day isolation after their return from Greece. We sat in the sun, had a snack and agreed that we had done an enjoyable 8.5 km before we broke up and went our separate ways.
Since then I have been watching the news and public health is suggesting groups of people should be smaller than 5. This pretty much puts an end to the snowshoe season for 2019/20. I want to thank all those that helped with leading and organizing the many activities we were able to enjoy this season. I encourage everyone to stay active and healthy in the offseason. See you all in November.
Many Thanks - Bob
WALKING
Due to the escalating COVID-19 virus situation, ALL organized walks are CANCELLED until Wednesday, May 6th at the earliest. This includes Leisure Walkers and the Intermediate & Fast Walkers. Please check here for updates.
Please understand that these measures are necessary for the health and wellbeing of our walkers, who are all in the vulnerable “seniors” age group, plus many of our walks have upwards of 30 or more attendees. We are re-assessing the situation on an ongoing basis.
We have 2 walking groups: Leisure Walkers and Intermediate and Fast Walkers. Spring and summer walks are mainly taken along the many pathways around Calgary and are selected for the scenery and interest they offer to seniors. Starting points vary and participants are expected to reach these points by their own arrangements. Join the group which best meets your needs. Both groups are welcoming and social.
Leisure Walkers
The Leisure Walks are usually 5 - 6 km and 1½ hour long. We walk at a comfortable pace and socialize on the way. We cover many of the pathways in Fish Creek Provincial Park and some areas in the South of Calgary.
Unfortunately due to our health concerns regarding the coronavirus and restrictions not to gather in groups, we are CANCELLING the LEISURE WALKS for now. We will monitor the situation in the coming weeks and hopefully be able to start walking in MAY, BUT please check our web page periodically for any updates. As the weather warms, you can always take walks in your neighbourhood or possibly go for a walk in small groups of 2 to 3 in the park. All fast food locations have removed their chairs so it is only take-out service for now.
Be fit, keep well and hopefully we will meet in MAY.
Contact & Coordinator: Evelyn, 403-873-2008
Intermediate and Fast Walkers
Walks are 8-10 + km long and 1 1/2 - 2 hours long. Walks take place throughout the city.
Due to the escalating COVID-19 virus situation, ALL organized Intermediate & Fast Walks are CANCELLED until Wednesday, May 6th at the earliest. Please check here for updates.
Contact & Coordinator: Bev Fogg, 403-271-8334
BIRD WATCHERS
Location: Calgary and surrounding area.
When: 2020 season is starting in May. E-mails are sent to participating FLC Outdoor Club Bird Watching members detailing where and when to meet. Bring binoculars and membership cards. To be added to the list of Bird Watching members, please contact the Bird Watching coordinator.
Contact & Coordinator: Jennifer Bryden, 403-870-3817
Contact by filling out this e-mail form. ([email protected])
UPCOMING OUTDOOR CLUB EVENTS (CALGARY AND AREA)
There are no events scheduled.
Note: Outdoor Club Executive and persons assisting with events may be on the list before sign up opens to Outdoor Club members. No refunds will be considered after payment is completed.
FLC Seniors Outdoor Club President:
Contact: Jiri Bartek, 403-274-6517
Contact by filling out this e-mail form. ([email protected])
Membership Information:
Current FLC Seniors members may join/purchase an Outdoor Club membership for $5.00. Easiest way is online. Go to Membership Info, Renew or Sign Up Online. Select Activities - Sign Up. Select Outdoor Club from List. For more information:
Contact: Jane Braathen, 403-287-1593
Contact by filling out this e-mail form. ([email protected])
Upcoming Outdoor Club Events
There are no events scheduled.