Kelsey Patton is relatively new to both Airdrie and the hobby of hiking.

The Halifax native moved to Airdrie with her husband a little more than a year ago, following in the footsteps of her family members who previously migrated this way.

Patton says they love Airdrie so far and the fact that it's close to Calgary and the mountains. The pair are newfound hiking enthusiasts as Patton says it's not a huge pass time in Nova Scotia.

They went on their first hike in December of 2019. Patton says she had heard Sulfur Mountain was easy so they decided to try it for their first attempt.

"It was not easy and we were not prepared," she says with a laugh. "But we did it and from then on we've been hooked. Although we have appropriate gear and whatnot now."

Over the past six months, they have hiked many places including Waterton, Banff, and Drumheller. Patton says some of her favourite spots are Horsethief Canyon in Drumheller, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park near Milk River, and Barrier Lake Lookout.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Patton says she and her husband found themselves with even more time to explore Alberta.

"Getting outside and getting more active was just a way to keep our mental health in check as well as the physical," she says, adding she's seen an increased interest in hiking recently which may have something to do with people trying to stay close to home this Summer.

Patton decided to start the Airdrie Hikers Facebook group for like-minded individuals in our area to gather. She saw a fellow Airdronian post in a Hike Alberta group saying he was new to the area and new to hiking so didn't really have anyone to go with.

The group was created July 17 and has around 70 members so far who can use the platform to ask questions, plan hikes, get advice on safety protocols, what to bring, and good trail habits like leaving no trace.

Patton says members are also asked to provide their skill level so they can plan hikes accordingly.

"We didn't want to have anybody going in over their head. We've seen in the past few weeks, particularly in the mountain parks, there's been lots of accidents and people going unprepared and it's led to some unfortunate circumstances. So we really want to stress not going above your ability and being prepared."

The group's first meetup is taking place at Douglas Fir Trail in Calgary this morning (Saturday July 25) at 9 a.m. Patton says they will strictly enforce physical distancing and that hikers of all skill levels, kids, and dogs are all welcome to attend.

More details about this and future events can be found on the Airdrie Hikers Facebook Page HERE.