-- ARRRRGH MATEYS! --
A pirate weekend on Catalina Island?! Sounds like a parrr-ty!
Join us for Buccaneer Days, the 32nd annual pirate-themed weekend that takes over Catalina’s rustic Two Harbors village for a legendary 3-day party. And for the first time ever, Great Outdoors LA plans to gay up this typically straight pirate-and-wench-fest!! We have planned a relaxing and raucous weekend!
See: Buccaneer Days Promo Video (2018).
Weekend festivities include:
Ahoy, me butt pirates — COSTUMERY AND CAROUSING EXPECTED! Come in your finery or walk the plank!
Me hearties, get yarrgh outfits ready! Unleash your inner wench or Captain Hook drag. But come on ye gays, let’s get creative! – what about Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Wendy? Let’s show these straighties what a real costume parrghty looks like… Be a pirate ship! A skeleton! A lobster? Little Marrghrmaid? Skull & crossbones on rainbow flags? Get to werk! Treasure chests, gold doubloons, riches and finery, this is arrrrrrrrrrgh time to shine, mateys!
-- ADVENTURE AWAITS --
Your Captain, Bryan “Booty Plunderer” Matsumoto has charted this island expedition, and invite ye to set sail for Two Harbors, the rustic port of Catalina Island. It takes some effort, but she be worth it!
Island wenches from our previous Catalina campout!
Two Harbors Campground - Tent cabins
Avast ye seamen! Our campground is on a bluff with an ocean view. We have booked 4 tent cabins for 24 pirate campers. Each site has:
This allows us to enjoy our own group campground, away from the event area in the village. So you can relax whenever you want, and check out the entertainment as you like. (If we had opted to tent camp, then we would have to bring all our camping gear, and be surrounded by tons of other people).
Two Harbors village (10 min walk) has a few amenities:
Outdoor Activities: There will be plenty of time to enjoy the island's nature. We will have some optional organized activities, but you are also free to spend your time as you wish on this trip.
Beach time: Swimming, snorkeling, lounging, just below our campground
Short hiking trails: Explore the isthmus trail to see the other side of the island.
Long hiking trails: 12 miles RT to Little Harbor on the other side of the island, secluded beach
Kayaking: Rentals available
Snorkeling: Bring your own gear or rental
Buccaneer Days event entertainment: Thar be a full schedule of DJs, bands, treasure hunt and costume contest. Feel free to parrrghty, or just relax back at camp!
Pics from our previous Catalina campout
-- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS --
Thursday, October 6
Depart: San Pedro, via Catalina Express ferry (at your booked time, see below) (1 to 1-1/2 hours at sea) Arrive: Catalina Island, Two Harbors Village.
Friday, October 7
Saturday, October 8
Sunday, October 9
HEAVE HO... HERE BE THE DETAILS
Baggage tip! Allen here brought his backpacking pack, a duffle, and a rolling cooler to bring the max amount of stuff comfortably. You can see this is the 10 minute walk down to the village and ferry pier. It is uphill coming to the campground. (You can opt to pay for gear haul if you want)
What to bring:
Sleeping bag, swim suit, towel, costumes/outfits! Clothes for warm days and cool or warm nights. 10 essentials including hat, sunscreen. Toiletries, shampoo/soap, earplugs, head lamp.
Optional: Rolling cooler with food & drink, wine & cheese, etc. BYO alcohol (drink responsibly please). Plate, utensils, cup. Tip: Pre-meal-plan with your friends or cabin: who will bring cooler, ingredients, what to cook as a group.
Optional: Camp chair, book, games, power bank to charge electronics, decor.
Optional: Gear haul is available for $6 per item, round trip. You can arrange this at Visitor Services at the pier. A truck will bring your baggage from the pier to the campground, and on departure day, back to the pier. But don’t bring the kitchen sink… you still have to carry your gear from the ferry to the end of the pier!
We have ordered some firewood and propane gas, and can order more as needed.
Please read the extensive ferry travel policies, baggage restrictions and travel restrictions, including Tips for Campers.
Expenses
Buy your ferry ticket:
Select departure from SAN PEDRO, arrival to TWO HARBORS.
Most of us will want to depart 10/6 on the earliest ferry, and return 10/9 on the late afternoon ferry. (You are free to reserve what works for your schedule, for example if you need to arrive Friday)
Masks are required while aboard the boat.
Directions: Catalina Express 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA 90731
The ferry terminal parking lot charges $20/day. That adds up. Try our group carpool website to coordinate a carpool so you can split the fee.
Or find street parking several blocks away. Arrive early to drop off your things with someone, then park and walk back.
Long Beach Transit drops off at the Ferry terminal. Or Lyft/Uber.
Meals, drinks.
Vaccine requirement:
Please send your proof of Covid-19 vaccination & booster to Corrado at Treasurer-LA@GreatOutdoors.org since we’re sleeping in shared quarters (How to get the new booster!)
We also encourage you to get the free Monkeypox vaccine if you are in a risk category - it’s easy. See LA County Public Health’s website for latest information. Protect yourself and the community!
Trip Cancellation and Waitlist Policy:
Please read carefully. If you register, pay and later must cancel, please understand that due to the reservation costs of this trip:
If canceled by September 20, a full refund is possible.
Between September 21-30, a partial $150 refund is possible.
After September 30, no refunds can be issued.
However, a full refund may be issued if you can find another person to take your place, or if the vacancy can be filled from the waitlist.
If you need to cancel, please let us know ASAP, so we can notify the next person on the waitlist. Please email the trip leaders: Bryan Outreach-LA@GreatOutdoors.org , and Corrado Treasurer-LA@GreatOutdoors.org.
Landlubbers: Practice ye pirate lingo!
Shiver me timbers, there’s limited space, so heave ho!
The Wait Is Over!
We’re celebrating Honky Tonk style!
Put on your Western attire as we gather to Camp It Up!
Overview
The conference is a campout consisting of all the Great Outdoors chapters.
We anticipate this selling out quickly so make your reservation NOW!
Held annually in October, GO OCLB is proud to host this year’s event!
The campout this year is going to be remarkable!
Delayed the past several years due to the pandemic and wildfires, we’re eager to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate!
Venue
O’Neill Regional Park is a major regional park in northeast Orange County, located along Trabuco Creek and Live Oak Canyon. Centrally located for the convenience of all Chapters!
The park encompasses 4,500 acres of canyon and riparian zone habitat. Heavily wooded with coastal live oak and sycamore trees, the hillsides surrounding the park feature cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush, and chaparral.
O’Neill Regional Park includes campgrounds and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
We are camping at the Sycamore Flat Group Site.
Registration
Event fee: $75/person for Great Outdoors Members. Non-members must first join Great Outdoors ($25) before registering. For a second person in the same tent registration is $60 and in the same vehicle as the primary person.
RV & Tow Trailer Driver: $90/person. RV & Tow Trailer passenger same vehicle: $60/person
Electronic payment for the event fee is accepted on the GO website. No cash or paper check, please.
The number of vehicles will limit capacity. Carpooling is highly encouraged because there is no overnight overflow parking. There is limited space for RVs and tow trailers.
Cancellations and refunds: No refunds are granted for cancellations received after 9/16/22. There will be a $10 cancellation fee charged if cancelled by 09/16/2022.
What are you waiting for?
Don't just sit there!
Registration is Open!
Itinerary
This three-day, two-night campout begins at 4 pm on Fri. 10/14 at Sycamore Site D. Please avoid arriving early to allow GO OCLB time to set up the event. There will be welcome refreshments, a meet and greet, and a group campfire. Dinner is on your own. Join us for a movie night under the stars featuring a campy gay Western film.
Sycamore Site D is the headquarters for this campout. Gather here for hosted meals, the potluck, the quarterly board meeting and to hear announcements.
Sat. 10/15- 8 am-ish: Hot breakfast hosted by GO OCLB. A vegan option will be available.
After breakfast, many activities include a locally-led hike, area sightseeing, and a quarterly board meeting for chapter reps. Lunch is on your own. Please return by late afternoon (~5 pm) to prepare a country western-inspired dish for the big Saturday dinner potluck (~6 pm). GO OCLB will provide dessert.
Do dress up in Western attire for dinner. Best dressed wins a prize! After dinner, gather around the campfire for the chapter volunteer awards ceremony and raffle drawing.
Sun. 10/16- 8 am-ish: Continental breakfast hosted by GO OCLB. Vegan option will be available. Break camp, saddle up, and safe travels home. The campout ends at noon.
Campground Details
Amenities: Potable water, Showers, Flush toilets, Picnic Tables, and Fire rings.
Features: Nature center and amphitheater.
Parking: GO OCLB event volunteers to help guide tandem parking.
Directions:
From LA, SB/VC, Palm Springs, and northern OC- Get on Interstate 5 South, drive to Laguna Hills, and exit 91 at El Toro Road. Turn left at Avenida de la Carlota. Turn left at El Toro Road. Drive 7.7 miles eastbound on El Toro Road past Valley Vista (on your right, see cross light) then Ridgeline (on your left, see cross light). Past Ridgeline, stay on the right lane. You will reach a Y-intersection where El Toro splits left into Santiago Cyn Rd, and right turns into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Veer right into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Cook’s Corner café at the Y-intersection will be on your left. Drive 3.5 miles on Live Oak Cyn Rd to O’Neill Regional Park entrance (address: 30892 Trabuco Cyn Rd. Trabuco Cyn, CA). Follow signs to Sycamore Flat Group Site. RV and tow trailer campers, please proceed to the designated site.
From San Diego and south OC: Get on Interstate 5 North, drive to Laguna Hills, and exit 91 at El Toro Road. Stay in the right lane. Turn right at El Toro Road. Drive 7.7 miles eastbound on El Toro Road past Valley Vista (on your right, see cross light) and Ridgeline (on your left, see cross light). Past Ridgeline, stay on the right lane. You will reach a Y-intersection where El Toro splits left into Santiago Cyn Rd, and right turns into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Veer right into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Cook’s Corner café at the Y-intersection will be on your left. Drive 3.5 miles on Live Oak Cyn Rd to O’Neill Regional Park entrance (address: 30892 Trabuco Cyn Rd. Trabuco Cyn, CA). Follow signs to Sycamore Flat Group Site. RV and tow trailer campers, please proceed to the designated site.
Pets: Dogs permitted on leash. Please clean up after your pet.
Quiet time: 10pm to 7am
RV sites & Tow Trailer sites- Limited pull-through and back-in sites are available. Water is available on-site, but there are no electric hookups. A dump station is accessible. Generator hours are from 8 am to 8 pm.
Alcohol is prohibited at O’Neill Regional Park.
No fires of any kind will be allowed on red flag days or as posted.
What to Bring
Obviously The 10 Essentials.
Recommended Gear: Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, ear plugs, pillow, chair, camp stove with fuel and cooking utensils, lighter or matches, camp kitchen supplies, headlight or flashlight with batteries, cool and warm weather clothing, toiletries kit, hiking shoes, camp shoes, day pack, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Bring quarters to use the showers.
Food: Bring enough food for your Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and dinner potluck item.
To reduce waste, bring your reusable plate, cup, and utensils. Single-use plates, cups, and utensils are available if needed.
Area Info:
There are nearby grocery stores for any forgotten items.
Weather
October average high temp: 80 F, average low temp: 56 F. October average rainfall: 0.6 inches. No snow.
Show Your Pride Raffle!
Show your pride in the backcountry and support GO OCLB! Buy a raffle ticket to win the Marmot Yolla Bolly 30 sleeping bag!
Details: Light 3-season sleeping bag with plenty of room to roll around*, 650 fill duck down to keep you warm to freezing temperatures, and it features a semi-rectangular shape with a full-length zipper. ISO comfort rating: 32 F, lower limit: 21 F.
The sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack measuring 8 x 16 inches. Claimed weight: 2 lbs. 3.5 oz. Activity: weekend camping and backpacking.
*Hunky model not included to roll around within the sleeping bag.
Special COVID Related Requirements:
These may be updated/amended by the time of the event.
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
I will follow Federal, State, and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the event leader(s).
I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
I will contact Trip Leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event.
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
Any questions?
Contact: Michael at BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Registrations opens Noon Sept. 20.
Dos Picos County Park is located in Ramona, California. Its name is Spanish for "two peaks," xderived from the two prominent mountains nearby. The surrounding ranchland and steep rocky slopes help preserve its secluded atmosphere. This park is known for its magnificent Oak trees. The landscape is a mixture of chaparral, open grassland, and oak woodland. Coyote, fox, possum, skunk, and raccoon are all seen in the park regularly. Look up to the sky to view birds like great blue herons, egrets, ducks, red-shouldered hawks, woodpeckers, and western bluebirds. California quail are afoot in the early mornings, while the evening skies are filled with the sounds of barn, screech, and great horned owls.
The campground has coin-operated showers. The city of Ramona is minutes away when driving. You may purchase food and other supplies there.
Maximum RV length is 40 feet. One RV and one tent will squeeze into a single site. The sites are a little small for both an RV and a tent, but it is doable with some imagination, patience, and kindness. Both parties can share the electrical and other site amenities. The water spigots at these sites are unique. It is housed in a plastic box that sits below ground level.
Tent campers, all the sites are gravel. Your tent will likely be pitched on gravel. Please bring blow-up mattresses or cots to sleep on, so you are not sleeping on gravel. Tents should also bring extension cords.
Only one car is allowed to park at each site. The extra vehicles can park in the overflow lot for a total of $9, which is paid by GOPS. The overflow parking lot is NOT close. It’s located on the opposite side of the campground from our sites, so car camping would NOT be a good choice, please bring a tent.
Leashed dogs are welcome at $1/night/dog. Campers will pay for their own dogs upon check-in at the campground.
Sites 63 & 69 are ADA sites. If you have an ADA placard, please let the trip leader know.
We will have access to the indoor pavilion and its outdoor picnic area. It is located in the middle of all our sites. There is a massive charcoal grill and firepit, GOPS will supply the charcoal. Bring meat to grill if you like. The use of that pavilion and its outdoor space was an additional cost that was figured into the cost of this campout. Typical weather in this are in November is high 73, low 42.
Cancellation policy: cancel for full refund minus any service fees on or before Nov 13th, 2022.
Dos Picos County Park Campground
17953 Dos Picos Park Road
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 789-2220
From Coachella Valley, fastest route:
1. Take Hwy 74 into the mountains
2. Turn left on SR371 through Anza Valley
3. Turn left on SR79 towards Oak Grove and Warner Springs, CA
4. At Santa Ysabel turn right onto SR78 towards Ramona, CA
5. SR78 turns in to SR67 (a.k.a. Main St) in Ramona, CA
6. Turn left on Mussey Grade Road towards Rosemont, CA
7. Turn right on Dos Picos Park Road
8. Campground will be on the left
Schedule of Events
Disclaimer: the following schedule is tentative and could change without notice. Check-in and Check-out are set in stone, no changing those.
Sunday, November 20
Monday, November 21
Tuesday, November 22
Wednesday, November 23
Contact Trip Leader: Robert Varga - email click here
Prices: Prices listed are per person. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Payments: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online (click here) and then return here to register.
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood per person and the Ten Essentials.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
Special COVID Requirements
This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated for COVID.
This event is being planned by one of the five Great Outdoors (GO) Chapters. For more information about this trip:
THE OUTDOORS AWAITS
Tenting or RV Camping in all sites
Just East of Historic Julian, CA
We have a group site reserved that includes a large campfire circle, pavilion, full hookups. Tents will be on adjacent sights that will have electric.
This event is being planned by the Palm Springs Chapter. For more information about this trip:
SAVE THE DATE
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK - STOVEPIPE WELLS CAMPGROUND
4X4 ADVENTURE
TRIP LEADERS CLIFF CLUE AND JOEY DUHON
Note: Registration for this event will initially be limited to paid members of Great Outdoors. Paid members get "first crack" at our events. If you'd like to become a member to register for this campout - click here - and then return to this page.
The Salton Sea is one of the most enigmatic places in the Southwest. It is a unique place with many hidden treasures and secrets that are not well known. It has been forgotten as a busy tourist attraction of bygone years. .....
Prices: (Example 1) We have different pricing levels based upon you staying in a tent or RV in one of our sites, staying in a site you booked yourself (or in a nearby hotel/motel/friend's house). Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Select your registration that conforms to the following definitions:
Prices: (example 2) There is no charge for this event. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Prices are based upon each person going being a GO Chapter paid member. You can join - click here - and then register for this campout. Other GO Chapter members should contact our GOPS Webmaster (click here to email) in order to be added as a member of our Chapter for free. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Prices: Prices are based upon you being a GO paid member. If not currently a GO member, you will have the option of joining at an additional $25 per person for a one (1) year club membership prior to registration. Each person going must complete a separate registration. You can click here to join.
RV's and tents may share sites - maximum of one RV and one tent on each site. When reserving an RV site, please select the smallest RV site which will accommodate your RV's length. RV sites come with water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site. These are sites with mature vegetation surrounding the sites.
We will have a propane fire-pit for the group as open fires may be restricted in the camp to a designated area only.
Schedule Of Events
Friday, Mar 17
Saturday, Mar 18
Sunday, Mar 19
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
**Optional $15 fee for kayaking rental (a donation to: The Sea and Desert Interpretive Association). This fee will be collected when you register for this event.
Amenities: Restrooms have electricity, flush toilets, running water and hot showers that take quarters, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking stalls. There is a dump station and water near the campground. There is a small store on 111 with limited supplies. Limited electric hookup may be available.
Amenities For RVs: This is a dry camping event. There are no hookups at each camp site. Fresh water is available at the dump site to fill your RV tank before arriving at your site. There is a dump site located near the park entrance. QUIET HOURS are from 10 pm to 6 am and generators may only be operated between 10 am and 8 pm.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, shorts for kayaking, potluck item for Saturday night, two bundles of firewood - no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. These cause the release of toxic gases when burned. Firewood is for sale at the campground.
Don't forget your towel, swim suit and water shoes.
We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here.
GO GREEN! Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in the nearby restroom for washing dishes.
Directions: (sample 1) I-10 east to Indio, take 86-S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 13 miles to the Mecca Beach campground. For a Google Map of our location - click here. <<< fix link
Getting There: (sample 2)
Climate & Elevation - The current forecast avg. is 67 high 42 low. Check the weather forecast - click here. The park is located at 1300’. <<< fix link
Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $5.00 must be received by March 14, 2017.
Payments: We are no longer using PayPal to accept trip registrations. You may now use any of these credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.
Contact: Scott C. email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips to XYZ location - click here. <<< fix link
Children: There may be children present.
Quiet Hours - 10 PM - 7 AM
Smoking - is not allowed in San Diego County Parks.
Cell Service - not in the park but may available nearby. Details for specific carriers?
Pets: Pets are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. Please bring doggie bags and clean up any of their waste. Please be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location.
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.
Contact Cliff Clue email click here
or Joey Duhon email click here
THIS IS A SAMPLE DESCRIPTION. DUPLICATE THIS EVENT AND THEN EDIT ONLY THE COPY AND DON'T FORGET TO REPLACE THE ABOVE PHOTO AND TEXT BELOW. JUST DELETE ALL THIS TEXT IN RED.
Contact:
This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:
Rancho Jurupa Park is situated along the Santa Ana River and located behind Mt. Rubidoux just west of charming historic downtown Riverside. Two nights camping and a guided tour of the Mission Inn and Holiday Lights.
Discover the Spanish-style Riverside Mission Inn and thrill at its annual Festival of Lights, a colorful display of over 2 million lights in all shapes and sizes, along with an assortment of animated characters and sculptures which decorate the entire façade. Start with a guided tour of the historic mission, where presidents and celebrities have flocked since 1876. Main Street is filled with musicians and strolling carolers, as well as restaurants and cafes. You will have free time to enjoy dinner at an eatery of your choice
RV's and tent may share site or we will have 2 tents per site depending on number of registrants.
Tue, Dec 5
Wed, Dec 5
Thurs, Dec 7
Amenities: Full hookup sites with water and electric. Restrooms have electricity, flush toilets, running water and coin operated showers , picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking stalls.
Directions:4600 Crestmore Road, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509 Map Click HereCA 92509
Climate & Elevation -
Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $10.00 must be received by Nov. 20. Contact trip leader to cancel.
Payments: You may now use any of these credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.
Pets:
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