
06/20/2025
To Our Hiking Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share condolences for the tragic loss experienced by the Slow and Steady Hikers Group. The rock slide that claimed the lives of one of the SSH leadership members, injured others, and affected all people in the group and on the trail yesterday has shaken all of us who share a love for hiking. Some members of that hike have been on hikes with us and many of us have been on hikes with them. We are a small but vibrant and loving community.
As hikers, we are more than individuals on a path — we are a family. We share sunrises and summits, encouragement and laughter, and sometimes, sorrow. In times like this, we are reminded how fragile and precious our connection to nature — and to each other — truly is.
Let us honour this tragic event by taking extra care — not just on the trail, but off it too. Be gentle with yourselves and with one another. Plan well, mind your step, check in with your heart, hydrate/pause/rest often, take in the beauty around you, and look after your fellow hikers. Whether it’s offering a hand over a tough patch of trail or a kind word in a moment of sadness, our strength lies in how we support each other.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of someone to talk to, please know that support is available:
• Wellness Together Canada – Free mental health support and resources
https://www.wellnesstogether.ca
• Alberta Mental Health Helpline (24/7) – 1-877-303-2642
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?id=6810
Talk Su***de Canada (24/7) – Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
https://talksuicide.ca
To those grieving and affected, please know that you are not alone. We are here standing with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Diane Anderson and all the Wild Her Ways Women's Hiking Studio
Connect to a crisis responder to get help without judgement.