
About us
!Greetings and Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to check out the originality (no cheap imitations here!) and camaraderie that !Paulina Peak Social Group!(PPSG) has to offer!
When I first started Paulina Peak Social Group in March 2020, quarantine hit the world. I had just moved to La Pine to care give for my mom with four days to spare before lock down. I had no idea what to do with myself because I knew no one. Thus began PPSG as a way to meet friends, maintain my longstanding sobriety (I have events where there's alcohol and it doesn't bother me if YOU drink) and to give back to the community. I moved to Bend at the end of 2020 and it was then that this group became the catalyst for myself and countless others to meet Like-Minded People.
Tom Kraus, my Co-Organizer, joined the team and added Biking, Men's only events and Personality to the "club". (He calls this a "club" because it's classier than "group"). He is worth his weight in gold and a valuable asset on every event! THANK YOU TOM!
PPSG is a small, friendly, diversified group of ages from 45-?. You will find down-to-earth members (a melting pot really) who enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, snow and water sports along with experiencing Central Oregonβs food scene and breweries. Most of us have never felt more alive and fit than we do living in Bend. We explore Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond, and surrounding areas.
Guidelines:
*Please Keep your RSVP current at all times. No-Shows are No-Go's and I have no tolerance for No-Shows.
*On any outdoor event I expect that you are prepared with The 10 Essentials (https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/).
ALWAYS bring water no matter WHAT! Know your physical limitations and please don't sign up for an event you question your ability. It's very taxing on the Sweep when individuals are much slower and have difficulty keeping up.
*Most of my hikes are at a MODERATE pace. We tend to be on the faster side. Please be aware of this prior to signing up.
*In almost all cases, I do not allow anyone to leave an outdoor event midstream and return back to the trailhead without being accompanied by another member. If you have tight plans, outdoor events can never be predicted and can last longer than what I had projected. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
*Food Truck events: I have no issues with anyone arriving late. Just keep the RSVP current. I am aware of who's there and who's not on ALL of my events. wink wink.
*I will usually ask you arrive a little early to outdoor events. The event starts at a specific time, that doesn't mean to ARRIVE at that time; It means we're LEAVING at that time.
*My motto: IF YOUR EARLY, YOUR ON TIME. IF YOUR ON TIME, YOUR LATE.
*Please keep your Photo Profile updated, with only YOURSELF.
*Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specifically noted. Well behaved dogs are welcome at any food truck events but must be kept on a leash. Many of my food truck events are quite full so please take this into consideration.
*If you have any questions, comments or complaints...please message me.
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the βTen Essentialsβ for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if youβre on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
### Liability Waiver for Outdoor Activities
1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability The Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Participantβs involvement in the aforementioned activities.
3. Medical Treatment The Participant hereby releases and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant's involvement in the activities.
4. Volunteer Status of Organizer The Participant acknowledges that the Organizer is acting as a non-compensated volunteer and is not providing professional guiding services, medical expertise, or commercial transport.
5. Indemnification The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Volunteer Organizer from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the Participantβs presence at or participation in the activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Organizer or otherwise.
Upcoming events
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!PPSG! PEEPS PADDLE SPARKS LAKE! Intermediate to Experienced only
Sparks Lake Day Use Area, Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR, USINTERMEDIATE TO EXPERIENCED PADDLERS ONLY.
We start early to beat the heat, the crowds and the bugs.
NW PARK PASS NEEDED.
The road into Sparks is awful but it's a beautiful paddle and doing it early in the summer the water is high and this makes for a very interesting scenery.LAUNCH IS 9:00 AM SHARP. MEET IN PARKING LOT OR AT THE RAMP. BRING SNACKS, WATER, BUG SPRAY, SUNTAN LOTION, KAYAKING NECESSITIES, LIFE JACKET, PROPER BOAT REGISTRATION
The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago when lavas from the Mt. Bachelor Volcanic Chain blocked the upper Deschutes River. Sparks Lake is a large, shallow, trout lake located on the northwest edge of Mount Bachelor, and is the first of the high lakes you see from the Cascade Lakes Highway west of Bend. The views of South Sister, Mount Bachelor, and Broken Top are breathtaking. Prior to 1997, Sparks Lake was a brook trout fishery and, although brookies may still be available, the lake's featured species will be introduced cutthroat trout.
Caution: Move cautiously in the meadow's tall grass to avoid narrow, concealed water channels. Cold water and deep holes in these "beaver highways" can make for a frigid or injurious plunge. Mosquitoes and biting flies are abundant in early summer, so bring repellant.This site includes a boat launch, picniciking area, and the Sparks Lake Trail around part of Sparks Lake. There are boat-in camping opportunities at dispersed sites. The paved interpretive Ray Atkeson Loop Trail can be accessed from this site.
There is a 10 mph speed limit on Sparks Lake. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed.
Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires payment/recreation pass. Passes are available at this site, but can also be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.
HOST:
MARY RICCIATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if youβre on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.### Liability Waiver for Outdoor Activities
1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability The Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Participantβs involvement in the aforementioned activities.
3. Medical Treatment The Participant hereby releases and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant's involvement in the activities.
4. Volunteer Status of Organizer The Participant acknowledges that the Organizer is acting as a non-compensated volunteer and is not providing professional guiding services, medical expertise, or commercial transport.
5. Indemnification The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Volunteer Organizer from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the Participantβs presence at or participation in the activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Organizer or otherwise.9 attendees
Past events
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