The North and South Shuswap Guys and Gals are at it again, proving that a little snow does not slow them down.
The group has been hiking, snowshoeing, walking and skiing together for about three years now, and their popularity is still growing.
The group’s founder, Gloria Heinzmann created the group after noticing that most walking and hiking groups were for women only.
She had the idea of creating a mixed group, unsure if it would work and now, just a short time later, Heinzmann says her mailing list has reached well over a hundred people.
While she does not have 100 people turn out each week, she usually gets about 15 changing faces.
There are no fees or memberships required for the group, so locals are invited to stop in whenever they find themselves with a little free time.
And that is just what they do.
It doesn’t matter your experience level or even your age.
Guys and Gals is a great way to get some exercise, fresh air and meet new people in your community.
The event has gathered such a good name for itself, that some people are coming from Salmon Arm and Enderby to join in the fun.
The group has been doing a lot of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing this time of year, though they do walk when they can.
Heinzmann also noted that she sends out an email whenever she goes downhill skiing, to see if anyone else might be interested.
In the summertime, the group hikes the local trail system, hardly ever doing the same hike twice.
Some days the hikes are short and sweet, while others allow participants to enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the beautiful views of the Shuswap.
The group will also be adding, for the first time, a walking group.
Those who think they might be interested in participating with the group should email Heinzmann to get more information and to be put on the emailing list.
She can be contacted at gloria16@telus.net.
