SBVC – Aliso Park Campout
May 26 - 29, 2022
For Memorial Day weekend this year, the SB/VC chapter is heading out to a local favorite of mine, Aliso Park campground!. This is a beautiful little Los Padres National Forest campground located off of Hwy 166 near the small town of Cuyama.
As a National Forest campground, it is primitive, but it’s isolation makes it a nice and mellow spot that doesn’t usually get the noisy crowding you sometimes find during this major holiday weekend. And that’s GOOD in my book!
This trip will be starting on Thursday May 26th, running through the weekend to Sunday May 29th. For anyone so inclined, I’ll actually be out there on Wednesday May 25th, to get the lay of the land prior to folks arriving on Thursday.
As this is a National forest primitive campground, there are no reservations, but, also, the only ‘fee’ for camping is a Wilderness Adventure Pass. Already have one? BRING IT ALONG! Otherwise we’ll have to purchase one for you, and that just adds to your price for the trip.
Speaking of prices, wondering how much the trip costs? It’s a very reasonable $20 per person, for four days of camping fun with your fellow Great Outdoors members!
IF you do not have an Adventure Pass, either purchase one yourself (they are available at many Big 5 Sporting Goods stores, among others.)
OR let me know, and I can pick one up for you ($30 for a year pass) and that will be added to your trip fee! In the big picture though, it’s much easier to just get one for yourself. If I get one for you, you will take it with you at the end of the trip FYI.
Our schedule for the trip (while somewhat soft on departure times and such) is as follows:
Thursday: Campers arrive, set up, meet and greet each other. For this day, plan on cooking/fixing/making dinner yourself at the campground.
Friday: This is our day to visit/explore the Carrizo Plain National Monument. We’ll be heading off to the Plain/Goodwin Visitors Center after breakfast. Plan on either taking lunch with you, or plan on at least having some snacks/water with you.
We’ll be continuing on (after exploring the Carrizo Plain) into the historical town of Santa Margarita, home to wine tasting rooms, antique shops, and a few places that are great possibilities for a late lunch/early dinner.
Otherwise, dinner for today will be one cooked on your own back at camp, or something you pick up on the way back.
Saturday: This will be our day to visit the West Kern Oil Museum in nearby Taft. In its heyday this area was a virtual boom area of the oil industry, and the museum has so much from this era to show and share.
After breakfast we’ll be heading off to this location, with the idea that after a good exploration of the museum, we’ll be exploring Taft, another town that has much to offer in the way of antique and thrift shopping, as well as some great locations to check out for a late lunch,
We’ll be back to the campground this afternoon/evening for our usual Saturday potluck, to share some great food and networking with your fellow campers!
Sunday: this is pack up and head for home day! I know, we all want to stay longer, but, reality is, many of us have to get home for work eventually, right?
On the plus side though, if you’re retired, you can stay on for a few days if you so choose (maximum of 14 days in one place though…)
Hiking: There is some hiking available in the area, but as Gener and I are still looking into the possibilities, nothings set down yet.
Offroading: There is the option for some offroading in this area also, so that, along with hiking, will be discussed Thursday night around the campfire, to see who wants to do what.
So come on along, have some great evenings around the campfire, join us in exploring some places you’ve never been before, and make some new great friends!
Trip Leader Joe D
Guajome Regional Park offers partial hookup sites (water/electric 20/30/50 amps), with paved driveways, fire rings, and tables. Coin-operated, hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, and a waste water dump station. One tent and one RV (< or = 45ft.) or two tents will share each each site. Both inhabitants will have access to the water and electricity. There is plenty of overflow parking for extra vehicles.
The park is at an elevation of 130 ft. above sea level. Afternoon ocean breezes keep the park pleasant year-round.
The upper area includes an outdoor fitness area, amphitheater and volleyball and horseshoe courts. Visitors to the park enjoy fishing and hiking. Bird watchers can spot dozens of species of migratory birds that stop at the park's two ponds and marsh.
The park is close to other historical points of interest such as the Rancho Guajome Adobe, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and the San Luis Rey Mission, one of the 21 California missions, which was founded in 1798.
Other historical adventures can be experienced at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, which preserves and displays many examples of mechanical ingenuity and home crafts associated with the early days of the American farm and industrial revolution era
There is a bicycle trailhead just outside of the park that extends through nearby Oceanside, all the way to the coast. Oceanside itself offers access to great beaches, a pier, a fine harbor, shopping, and restaurants.
Park brochure - click here.
Schedule of Events
Sunday, June 12
Monday, June 13
Tuesday, June 14
Wednesday, June 15
Contact Trip Leader: Robert Varga - via email to rvarga0@icloud.com or text (760) 641-9112. 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.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus $10, will be allowed only if there is a waitlist and must be received by June 4th. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader (see email above).
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.
Directions: Guajome Regional Park Campground, 3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside, CA 92057. Google map directions - click here.
From Coachella Valley: Take I-10W to I-215S to I-15, exit onto Highway 76, turn right on SR-76 and head west. Turn left onto Guajome Lake Road. The campground entrance will be on the right.
Climate: Average temperatures - high 71, low 60. View weather forecast - click here.
Pets: Are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash no longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Please pick up after your pet. $1/night for each pet; you would pay upon arrival.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
Special COVID Requirements
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event. This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated and submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - click here.
Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to: 760-902-1850
Experience the cool mountain star-lit sky among conifer forest camping at Idyllwild Regional Park. This is a great summer mid-week excursion where you will find an uncrowded campground surrounded by mountain pines and vegetation. Three nights of camping, hiking and exploring the village shops and restaurants.
Sunday, July 10
Monday, July 11
Tuesday, July 12
Wednesday, July 13
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Special COVID Related Requirements
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event. This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated and abide by the GOPS 4/26/2022 COVID policy - CLICK HERE
(Optional) Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to: 760-902-1850
Amenities: Restrooms have flush toilets, hot showers that take quarters, Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings (although wood fires may not be allowed due to fire restrictions), and drinking water. The town of Idyllwild is 1/2 mile away with shops and restaurants.
Amenities For Tents: The sites are pretty flat and without much shade. Tent campers will share the site with an RV. Restroom and showers are located uphill of the campsites.
Amenities For RVs: There are no services for RVs at the campsites. There is a dump site located nearby at Lake Hemet. Generators may be operated between 7 am and 10 pm.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camp chair, daypack for hiking, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, quarters for showers. Bring a dish to share at the potluck dinner. The are water spigots located in the camp. Campfires are currently not allowed in the campground during our stay.
Consider going green! - Please bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, etc.
Directions: 54000 County Playground Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Map - Click Here.
Website: IDYLLWILD REGIONAL PARK
Climate: Ave High 80 Ave Low 47 Weather forecast click here
Parking: Campsites are shared between RVs and tents. When you register let us know if you are bringing a tow vehicle or a second vehicle so we can consider that when assigning sites. The additional vehicle may need to park in overflow parking, at the park entrance.
Pets: Well-behaved pets are welcomed. $2 per day pet fee payable upon arrival. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet.
Photos: Click Here
Prices: are based upon each person going being a GO Chapter paid member. You can join - click here - and then register for this campout. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Payment: You can pay with the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You must complete the registration and payment within 15 minutes or your registration will be cancelled.
Refunds: Cancellation must be received by June 28 for full refund.
Contact: Trip Co-Leaders: Dennis Curran and Dale Solomon
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.
Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoors presents:
Grand Teton National Park Trip with Day Hikes
July 13-20, 2022
Trip Leader Contact: Doug Cable, dccable2@verizon.net
Preliminary Trip notes for Scouting Hikes, Grand Teton National Park
July 13 to 20th.
Save the date and make your reservations.
July 13 to 20 we will scout the day hike trails in the Grand Teton National Park.
There are multiple trails that range from easy, to easy/moderate, to moderate, to strenuous and to very strenuous. We will not be doing the very strenuous hikes. Which trails we pick will depend on the preferences of the group. There will be hikes for every level of fitness. We can also break up into several groups depending on what people want to do, but I'm hoping not to do that. Nevertheless, there will be no solo hiking because the area has Grizzly Bears. Bring a bear bell.
Participants will be responsible for their own transportation, food and lodging. Make your lodging reservations now. Sharing of lodging is encouraged to decrease cost and facilitate communications. Lodgings available include tent cabins, camping, cabins. You can click on the names of Luton's Teton Cabins, Rustic Inn, Colter Bay Village Tent Cabins and Jackson Lake Lodge to go to their websites. Luton’s Teton Cabins is recommended, as is the Rustic Inn. Larry Purtle and Frederick Brown have each reserved a Tent Cabin in the Park. Each cabin can accommodate four non snoring sleepers. Combined, Larry and Frederick have four extra beds. Space is still available in the Jackson Lake Lodge within the park as of this writing. Coulter Bay campground is available. There are also motels in Jackson. This is not really a campout; it is a series of dayhikes.
There is a modest Great Outdoors cost of $20 to cover planning logistics. I have 2 books of potential hikes and also park information. We will have a zoom orientation meeting prior for planning. This entire adventure is a scouting trip.
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:
1. I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the event leader(s).
2. I will maintain distance (min. 6') and wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
3. I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
4. 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.
*Note: You must have Covid vaccination to attend*
Agnew Meadows Group Campground (We have sites 1, 2, & 3) is located in the Reds Meadow Valley section of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. This beautiful campground provides access to some of the most spectacular wilderness in the Sierras and many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking and photography and a pack station with horseback riding tours and supplies is just down the road. Within a few miles, campers will find the High Trail, Shadow Creek Trail and River Trail, all open to hiking and horseback riding. Fishing enthusiasts can try for trout in the many area lakes or the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. The campground sits in a lodgepole pine forest surrounded by high mountain peaks, adjacent to creeks and a small lake. The elevation is 8,400 feet. Spring and early summer wildflower displays bring even more color to the landscape. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds. Nearby Attractions: The area is close to Devils Postpile National Monument, Minaret Falls and the spectacular Rainbow Falls. This area offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and are great day trips. Reds Meadow Valley is also home to Reds Meadow Resort, a favorite spot for hikers and campers. The resort not only rents cabins, but also houses a shower facility open to the public. Their general store is a great place to stock up on necessities. Mammoth is also just a short drive away for supplies.
Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity at Agnew Meadows Campground. A bear-proof locker is located at each site at Agnew Meadows Campground. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.
Visitor guide: Visitor Guide
From U.S. Highway 395, take Highway 203 west through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Pass Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to Minaret Vista. Continue on Red's Meadow Road to the Agnew Meadows turnoff, about 2.5 miles. GPS: 37.682728, -119.085738
There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle at Minaret Vista before entering Red’s Meadow Valley, and interagency passes are accepted. Within the valley, there is a free inter-valley shuttle that runs between Agnew Meadows and Red’s Meadow Resort with stops at a couple of lakes, the Devil’s Postpile, and Rainbow Falls.
With the cost of fuel and the distance, you may want to consider ridesharing. Information will be collected when you register, and then shared so you can self-organize into carpools.
Potable water, vault toilets, picnic benches, fire pits, bear proof food storage and trash receptacles. Showers are nearby at Red’s Meadow Resort.
The campground is located at 8400 feet elevation, so take elevation change precautions if you’re sensitive (drink lots of water, and avoid/limit alcohol on the night before and after arrival). Many of the sights are fairly easy hikes for Friday. Save the more difficult hikes for Saturday after some acclimation time. Some advise available at https://www.bcm.edu/news/tips-for-preventing-altitude-sickness
This time of year is also prone to mosquitos, so be prepared with repellents or other deterrents.
This newsletter gives more information about Mammoth and Reds Meadow Valley.. Pages 7 & 8. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd904026.pdf
The 10 essentials (click here), camp chair, sunscreen, mosquito deterrents, a hat, a bundle of firewood. Even though it’s July, it can be cold at night, so think clothing in layers.
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Cancellation:
A full refund will be issued if you cancel by July 10th. Afterward, a refund may be issued if the vacancy can be filled from the waitlist. Contact Wes at fwsj69@gmail.com if you need to cancel.
SBVC – Mammoth Lakes
August 12-14, 2022
More information coming soon!
Trip Leader: Please contact Nikki Attinello at rattinel@live.com
SAVE THE DATE- DETAILS BEING DEVELOPED
Join us for this mid summer getaway near Big Bear Lake with forests, lush sub-alpine meadows and sparkling lakes. Bring your tent or RV to the Oso Group Camp. Just 25 minutes from Big Bear Lake, the camp is at 6400’ elevation in the secluded Barton Flats area off of Highway 38. Nestled in alpine and fir forest, the site is equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle and grills. Tent pads are shaded but group areas are primarily in the open. Drinking water and flush toilets are onsite, with inexpensive pay showers just a 5-minute drive away (Barton Flats), there are no utility hookups (dump site available nearby), RV’s park in the dirt, gravel parking lot. Hiking, biking, scenic sky chair at Snow Summit, kayaking and boat tour are some of the activities available.
Schedule Of Events
Sunday, Aug 14
2:00 - Check-in. No early arrivals.
4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
6:00 pm - Meet and greet BYOB, bring appetizer to share. Dinner on your own
7:00 pm - Group campfire activities
Monday, Aug 15
9:00 am -
1:00 pm - Hike *
6:00 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share).
7:00 pm - Group Campfire
Tuesday, Aug 16
9:00 am - Hike*
Wednesday, Aug 17
11:00 am - Clean up campground areas. Check Out. Safe travels home.
Facilities
The group campground offers one large group campsite, available for tent and RV camping. There are no utility hookups at the site and roads, as well as the parking area, are gravel and dirt. The site is equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided at the campground. Tent pads are shaded but group areas are primarily in the open. We will have a propane fire-pit for the group if there are fire restrictions in effect.
Need to Know:
Bears frequent the area; carefully follow garbage disposal and food storage regulations
Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item for Saturday night, a bundle of firewood – obtain locally, see below.
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.
Driving Directions: SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38. From the Mill Creek Ranger Station go approximately 22 miles to Oso Group Campground. Map Click Here . Closest Town: Angeles Oaks
GPS Coordinates: 34° 10' 32.5380" N 116° 51' 44.8380" W
Climate & Elevation – 6400 feet.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus any service charge, must be received by
Contact: Scott C. email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org
Photos:
Quiet Hours - 10 PM – 6 AM
Cell Service – Available depending on your carrier.
Pets: Pets are welcomed, remember the usual - leashed and pick up and dispose of waste.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip/ hike leader that may affect your participation in events.
Emergency Contact Information Dial 9-1-1 To report all other activities Call Local Ranger Station 909) 855-8550 during business hours or (909) 382-2600. After hours call (909) 383-5654.
SBVC – Morro Bay/Margarita Festival
September 8-11, 2022
Trip Leader: Please contact Joe Domingos at countryboyjoe1@gmail.com
Each year GO holds an annual conference/campout for all members.
The dates are now set - Oct 14-16. Our OCLB Chapter is now planning the event. Please check back later for details
For further information, contact:
Lance via email at: conferencechair@greatoutdoors.org
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