Founding of the Outback Hiking Club (Introduction to Book of Records for First Eleven Years, 1988 - 1998)

by John Clure

A meeting was held in early November 1987 at the St. George Arts Center for all persons interested in forming an organized hiking club in St. George, Utah. Approximately thirty people attended this informal meeting and the Outback Club was formed. It was envisioned this club would be an organization made up entirely of volunteers, people who like to hike together for enjoyment and association with fellow hikers, thus assuring more hikes this way than one would apt to do alone. The hikes were to be led by someone who was there before, but not necessarily. Sometimes route-finding and discovering new places would be necessary. Hiking in remote places presents elements of danger from weather, flood, fire, heights, etc. In southern Utah's back country nothing is for certain. Each hiker has to determine fitness for a particular activity and carry the proper equipment to complete the hike safely. There is no assurance that someone along will know first aid, that no one will get lost, or that things will be one hundred percent all right.

With this understanding an election of officers was held and the vote was unanimous. Doug Syphus was voted President, Bart Anderson Vice President, and Linda Alexander Secretary/Treasurer, each for a one year term. It was decided to hold the next meeting on January 14, 1988, at the Washington County Library multipurpose room at 7:00 PM. A wide variety of activities that the Outback Club would be involved in were discussed. These included: day hikes, overnight car camps, cross-country skiing, and popular hikes. Everyone left the meeting with a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

The January 14, 1988, meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Doug Syphus. Doug introduced the officers, explained about club membership and went over the bylaws and objectives of the newly formed Outback Hiking Club. Registration sheets were passed out to be completed and returned to Linda Alexander, Secretary/Treasurer. Yearly dues were $6 per member.

Mickey Houston introduced a member resource list to assist getting together with others who like to do similar hiking. Bart Anderson spoke about club policy of individual transportation, for legal purposes. Bart also gave an interesting slide presentation on local areas of interest such as Pine Valley, Parunaweep Canyon, Zion Park and Caanan Mountain. Scheduled hikes included Old Brigham City on February 13 at 10:00 AM and Petrified Forest Area of Zion National Park on March 12. The meeting was adjourned.

This is how the Outback Hiking Club came into existence in the late 1980's. For those who enjoy strenuous hiking it is one of the most challenging clubs in the area.