Nothing in this Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement shall be interpreted as the participant releasing High Lonesome BirdTours from liability for injuries, damage, death, or other loss to student or others that may occur within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and is caused by High Lonesome BirdTours negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, including but not limited to any negligence with respect to High Lonesome BirdTours judgments and decisions, or High Lonesome BirdYours failure to take reasonable precautions to ensure it provides the participant with safe and defect-free equipment.

In consideration of the services of High Lonesome BirdTours their officers, agents, employees, and stockholders, and all other persons or entities associated with those businesses (hereinafter collectively referred to as “High Lonesome BirdTours” I agree as follows:

Although High Lonesome BirdTours has taken reasonable steps to provide me with appropriate equipment and skilled guides so I can enjoy an activity for which I may not be skilled, High Lonesome BirdTours has informed me this activity is not without risk. Certain risks are inherent in each activity and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. These inherent risks are some of the same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity and can be the cause of loss or damage to my equipment, or accidental injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. High Lonesome BirdTours does not want to frighten me or reduce my enthusiasm for this activity, but believes it is important for me to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the inherent risks. The following describes some, but not all, of those risks.

Falls, slips, sprained ankles, uneven terrain, insect bites, snakes, inclement weather, vehicle accidents, and other risks inherent of outdoor activities.

I am aware that travel, hiking, birding, and birdwatching outdoors entails risks of injury or death to any participant. I understand the description of these inherent risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated inherent risks may result in injury or death. I agree to assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent risks identified herein and those inherent risks not specifically identified. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, no one is forcing me to participate, and I elect to participate in spite of and with full knowledge of the inherent risks.

I acknowledge that engaging in this activity may require a degree of skill and knowledge different than other activities and that I have responsibilities as a participant. I acknowledge that the staff of High Lonesome BirdTours has been available to more fully explain to me the nature and physical demands of this activity and the inherent risks, hazards, and dangers associated with this activity.

I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity. Therefore, I assume and accept full responsibility for myself, including all minor children in my care, custody, and control, for bodily injury, death or loss of personal property and expenses as a result of those inherent risks and dangers identified herein and those inherent risks and dangers not specifically identified, and as a result of my negligence in participating in this activity.

I have carefully read, clearly understood and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate and for all members of my family, including minor children.

Reservations
Reservations may be made via our website or by telephone, with follow-up deposit within 10 days.

Deposits (Group or private trips of more than three (3) days)
Basic deposit is $500 per person per trip for Alaska trips & international trips; $350 per person per trip for others. Check trip details for other deposits for long-distance or special trips. Balance due ninety (90) days prior to trip departure. We will invoice you about one month prior to due date. We reserve the right to regard your reservation as cancelled if we do not receive payment as scheduled.

Payment methods

All payments must be made in US funds, either on-line or directly. We accept on-line or telephone payment by credit card only for deposits. All other payments must be made by check (made out to High Lonesome BirdTours), money order, cash or travelers checks.

Refund Policy: Our commitment to maintaining small groups wherever possible for your comfort and convenience dictates that we adopt a strict policy regarding deposits and balances. Please read below carefully:
Deposits are refundable up to 120 days prior to the trip departure, less a $50 per person processing fee. Alaska and international trips: $150 per person processing fee applies.
If we have already purchased tickets in your name, we will require reimbursement for these if the deposit does not cover it. Once we receive payment, we will mail the tickets to you for your use at a later date.
Any other balances paid are non-refundable within 90 days of the trip.

All participants are strongly encouraged to obtain travel protection to cover cancellations, delays, emergencies and unexpected illness. For some trips in remote areas or international destinations, we may require, at a minimum, emergency medical/evacuation coverage. Please see: “Buy Travel Protection” (https://highlonesometours.com/about-us/travel-protection/) for direct quotes from our provider: Global Rescue. The link to their site for information and purchase is located under Book a Tour.

Trip Cancellation, Cost increases and Alterations

High Lonesome BirdTours guarantees that all U.S. domestic trips (lower 48 states) it advertises will occur regardless of enrollment. In cases where the enrollment for a trip is less than five (5) participants, we may have to re-compute the trip cost to reflect the lower enrollment. We will inform you within 30 days of trip departure if a price change becomes necessary. If the price increases more than 10%, we will refund all payments to you within 30 days if you choose to cancel the trip.

Enrollment requirements for International and Alaska trips will vary. Please call about specific trips.

Rarely, we must increase prices due to unexpected increases from our vendors. We will inform you as soon as we are aware of such an increase, usually no later than 30 days prior to trip departure, if a price change becomes necessary. If the price increases more than 10%, we will refund all recoverable payments that have been made to vendors to you within 30 days if you choose to cancel the trip.

Minor trip alterations (e.g., accommodations, excursions, etc.) may occasionally be necessary and may be made without penalty to High Lonesome BirdTours.
Additional costs precipitated by trip alterations during the course of the trip that are caused by events beyond High Lonesome BirdTours’s control, e.g., weather delays, strikes, etc., are the sole responsibility of the participant.
Cancellations within 90 days of trip departure due to circumstances beyond High Lonesome BirdTours’s control including, but not limited to, acts of wars; terrorism; pandemic; earthquake; and other acts of God, will result in postponement to the next feasible date. Payments will be transferred to the rescheduled tour or applied to another tour of your choice.

Health restrictions

Our trips are not overly strenuous, although there are some segments that might be considered strenuous by some participants. In general, participants should be able to engage in light walking for up to three hours at a time. Participants are free to decline to participate in any activities.
We do not have any absolute health restrictions, but the participant is asked to inform us as to any health problems or restrictions that could affect trip participation so that we can discuss possible alternatives.

Other policies

Smoking on our trips is strongly discouraged since it is frequently incompatible with others and the environment. If you are smoker and wish to take a trip, please talk with us beforehand to ensure that we can accommodate you.
High Lonesome BirdTours reserves the right to terminate any member of a trip, without refund, who disturbs others with their smoking and refuses to alter their behavior accordingly.

High Lonesome BirdTours reserves the right to terminate without refund any participant at any time during a trip if the trip leader determines that such person is posing a significant risk or is a major disruption to other trip members. High Lonesome BirdTours is not obligated to reimburse a terminated participant for any additional costs incurred or for the cost of the trip.

There are risks and dangers inherent in any trip or travel that are beyond the control of High Lonesome BirdTours. Although we will take all reasonable precautions in order to ensure you safety, participants agree to hold High Lonesome BirdTours harmless in event of unforeseen events including, but not limited to: accidents or injuries beyond our control; acts of God, war or terrorism. (See Waiver and Release Form)

Trip information and materials

Equipment and clothing lists will be sent after receipt of deposit and at least six weeks prior to trip departure.
Other detailed information as needed will be sent within a reasonable time prior to trip departure. Please feel free to call us with any questions you might have about equipment, birding, or anything else pertinent to your tour.