Day Hike in Carpinteria; Sat. February 4, 2023; 9:00 AM
Franklin Trail
Let’s go hiking again! Join Great Outdoors SB/VC for a moderate hike up the Franklin Trail in Carpinteria. This beautiful trail has suffered in the past few years, was in the middle of the burn area in December 2017, flood damaged in 2018, closed for over a year during the pandemic, and recently washed out in places during the torrential rains in January. I’ve checked and all is in good order now and it’s time to enjoy it.
The head of the trail is in Carpinteria, goes around the high school property, then ascends through two private ranches, climbs steadily but moderately (steep-ish in one section) and takes us to U.S. Forest land gate, where we’ll turn around.
Distance: 4.5 miles (out and back)
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
The trailhead is at Franklin Park in Carpinteria. There is plenty of parking on Sterling Avenue alongside the park. Let’s meet there at the north end of the park. Directions: from northbound 101 take the Casitas Pass exit, left then straight on Via Real; right on Linden after the roundabout, left on Malibu Drive, right on Sterling Avenue; park on Sterling alongside the park. From southbound 101 take the Linden Avenue exit, left on Linden, left on Malibu Drive, right on Sterling Avenue; park on Sterling alongside the park.
Bring water, sunscreen, hat, snack, etc.
Lunch afterwards in Carpinteria, probably at the Spot.
Please register if you wish to participate.
Etiwanda Falls
(near Rancho Cucamonga)
Start time: 8:00 A.M.
Moderate Hike
Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Rancho Cucamonga, California. Generally considered a moderate route, it takes an average of 2 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Nestled in the Etiwanda foothills in San Bernardino County is the Etiwanda Falls Trail. It is a nice out-and-back hiking trail suitable for the whole family with lots of great southern California scenery and photo opportunities. There are also many informational markers along the way to explain the significance of conserving this area and its role in protecting valuable ecosystem functions and sensitive species in the area.
The falls are found on National Forest property north of the current boundaries of the North Etiwanda Preserve. By going to the falls, you will cross over privately owned property, which is not a designated part of the Preserve. The private property crossed is still a habitat preservation site for which the same conservation practices apply. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The parking area for this trail is on Etiwanda Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga.
Recommend wearing light hiking gear for this hike. In a pinch you can get away with fitness clothing. However be mindful of the temperatures since we are doing this in the winter. A layered approach is always the best way to go! The trail is wide and easy to follow, but rocky, so trail runners or hiking boots will work best.
The pace will be a similar to the ones on our easy hikes, so don't expect a race. Very much a Sunday morning stroll to enjoy the views and work up a small appetite for breakfast/brunch/lunch.
Since this is a short hike, for those interested we will gather afterward for breakfast/brunch/lunch.
12285 Base Line Rd #120, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Getting to the Trailhead:
The North Etiwanda Preserve is located at the northern terminus of Etiwanda Avenue in the foothill area above Rancho Cucamonga.
From the 210 Freeway:
Exit Day Creek Boulevard in the City of Rancho Cucamonga and head north.
Proceed on Day Creek Blvd 2.2 miles until you reach Etiwanda Avenue.
Day Creek will veer east and end at Etiwanda Avenue.
Take Etiwanda Avenue north approximately .3 mile until the pavement ends. Continue on dirt road approximately 600 feet to the designated gravel parking area.
The parking lot can get full on weekends hence the early start time as well as recommending carpooling. The hike will start at 8:30 AM; consider arriving at 8:00 AM or earlier. The parking fee is $3.25 for 4 hours.
What to Bring:
You should bring your ten essentials (Click here for the list.), a day pack, water (2 to 3 liters), trekking poles, sunscreen, hat, trail snacks, and plan on wearing hiking boots or shoes This is a short hike (less than 2 hours) so water is always essential but you may not want to load too much on food or a lot of snacks.
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas cost and parking will be a challenge. There is NO FEE for this trip except the parking fee listed above. Once we determine the list of attendees, we can assist in setting up carpooling.
Lance Whitmier will be leading this hike.
Lance can be reached at: LanceLyleWayne@gmail.com
Special COVID Related Requirements:
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
I will contact trip leader if I test positive for COVID within 7 days of the event
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, please DO NOT show up for this hike unless you have completed a registration process here and have answered the required COVID questions.
This GOPS club event is intended for Great Outdoors members who are familiar with pickleball play and pickleball rules. It is designed to be a fun event that will rotate players through groups of 4 for games. This is also a chance to meet and get to know other Great Outdoors members who enjoy playing pickleball.
Like any sport there is a risk of injury that comes along with playing pickleball. To help reduce the risk of injury, please review the pickle ball safety tips at: https://usapickleball.org/play/health-safety
Notes:
Location/Directions: Directions to the courts will be provided to those that sign up.
Cancel: If you cannot make a this event for which you have registered, please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the event leader.
Photos - click here to see some of our games.
Event Leader: John Ryan - eMail: click here.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Special COVID Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to play pickleball.
Kiss a Whale Adventure!
La Paz, Baja, Mexico
4 Days - 3 Nights
We will be flying to La Paz, Baja, Mexico to experience the wonders of nature that are here in winter this includes seeing, maybe petting, and possibly even kissing Grey Whales, snorkeling with Whale Sharks, swimming with Sea Lions, and much more. We will be staying at an “Excellent” (as rated by TripAdvisor users) 4-Star hotel that I have stayed at before. We will be eating at 4-Star restaurants that I have eaten at before along with exploring: the beautiful “Malecon” beach boardwalk of La Paz with public art all along it, the historic center of La Paz including the cathedral, and more.
Access the Trip Flyer here.
Cost: $795/pp
Trip Details
Tours & Events included:
Adventures also includes:
What's NOT included (estimated to be $300):
Meet: Cross Border Express (CBX) park car in CBX lot and check-in on American side
Location: Meet at Volaris check-in at the Cross Border Express in Greater San Diego across the border from the Tijuana Airport.
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/LTd6Pu2S1ihcgd7U6
Requirements:
1.) Passport valid until at least August 13, 2023
2.) You will need to fill-out a tourist card before entering the Mexican side of the airport. There are computers and usually helpful airport personnel that will help you fill these out once you cross the CBX bridge right before going through Mexican customs.
We will be flying Volaris Airlines-
(When booking use Google Crome browser, Safari is not compatible with website)
Departure: Tijuana (TIJ) 9:34 am - La Paz (LAP) 12:26pm on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
Note- La Paz is one hour later the PST
Return: La Paz (LAP) 1:00 pm - Tijuana (TIJ) 1:58 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
Tips:
1.) This flight is currently $133.18 USD plus money conversion fee. If your credit card does not charge a conversion fee (like my Capital One Credit Card), select to pay in Mexican Pesos in the top right of the Volaris website to save yourself $10 to $20.
2.) Pay the CBX bridge crossing fee when buying your ticket. This makes things easier than having to buy at the airport. It will also save you money if the cost goes up which it often does on January 1.
Whale Shark Encounter
Each Winter just off La Paz is a spectacle of nature, Whale Sharks!
These gentle giants are filter feeders and don't have teeth making them safe to swim with. They are the world's largest fish and swimming with them is an awe inspiring experience. Our guides will teach you all about the whale shark and how to keep both you and the whale sharks safe. Unlike other tours here, we will have a marine biologist on-board to educate and answer your questions. Whether you stay on the boat or go snorkeling, this is a tour you won't forget!
*Snorkeling gear provided.
Sea Lion Snorkel & Balandra Beach
Swim with playful sea lions and lunch on a beautiful deserted beach!
La Paz is known for its friendly sea lions and the water in winter is warm...70 F. The rookeries in the area (that are closed in summer) are open in winter for encounters with these playful marine mammals. Unlike most tours that only have a boat captain often that only speaks Spanish, we will have a marine biologist that will tell those interested all about the natural wonders on our adventure. Our guides will make sure your interaction with these animals is a safe and awesome one. After swimming with sea lions, we will head to Balandra Beach for a delicious lunch with lots of time to explore the warm spectacular beach. This tour is combined with the whale shark tour saving both time and money.
Grey Whale Encounter
The Best Grey Whale Watching Experience in Baja!
La Paz is for Foodies
La Paz has numerous affordable 4-star restaurants
The same 4-star meal in crowded Cabo two hours’ drive south will cost you three times what it costs you in La Paz. Best of all, this supports the best practices of Sustainable Eco-Tourism. You win! Locals win! Environment wins!
La Paz is known for beautiful beaches and amazing sunsets. The Malecon (beach boardwalk) has public art every few feet and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. After a couple days you will see familiar faces and locals soon will remember your name. Have a question/problem? … often friendly locals will offer to help before you even ask! La Paz has great shopping for locally made goods including art by local artists. There are tequila tastings, local sunset hikes, beautiful walks like eerie Skull Hill lit by colorful lights, and much more. Take a seaside bike ride or enjoy a skateboard park with locals. All of this is just an inexpensive 75-minute flight from SoCal. La Paz is half the cost of many popular Mexican destinations that are “gringo priced”, aka a “Tourist Trap”.
Our Most “Excellent” Accommodations!
A locally owned boutique hotel with a friendly and helpful staff with quiet grounds and a pool for relaxing. Just a short walk to the historic center of La Paz and even closer to most of La Paz’s best restaurants. Escape the bustle of the Malecon and beach, a 5-minute walk away, to relax and rejuvenate in this quiet haven. Breakfasts will be at Melt just steps from the entrance to the hotel. Rooms are either one King or two Twin beds.
Hosted by Jeffrey Lehmann, a little about Jeffrey...
Board Member- North American Travel Journalist Association
Host & Producer of the multi Emmy & multi Telly awarded "Weekend Explorer" travel series provided free to PBS stations nationwide and airing on commercial broadcasters around the world.
Host & Producer “Maritime Silk Road-Birth of the Global Economy” - a historical documentary series awarded "Documentary Series of the Year”-Guangzhou International Film Festival and Telly's for “Writing” and “Cultural Documentary”.
Host & Producer “China’s Big Bay”, documentary series on Chinese technologies more advanced than in the West with an award-winning animated open.
Producer/First AD - “I Brake for Caterpillars” SAG RomCom feature film currently in post production.
Under Development- “Diving Explorer” traveling the world to dive and help protect the ocean world ...before it is too late!
Cancellation Policy: In order to ensure reservations, all balances must be paid in full no later than January 5, 2022. Any cancellations after that time will only be honored if someone is found to take your place. A credit card processing fee of $25.00 will be deducted from the refund.
Modernism Weekend Event
This architectural tour will consist of riding through several Palm Springs neighborhoods that contain midcentury homes. This bi-annual event is hosted by Hot Purple Energy. Lloyd Queen, our trip leader docent will provide information on featured homes and related architectural significant designs along the route.
Trip Leader: Lloyd Queen Email Click Here
Additional information at Hot Purple Energy click here. If you'd like to print or download the map directly from our website, it will become available a few weeks prior to the ride. Please visit hotpurpleenergy.com/events.
8:45 am meet at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Clubhouse parking lot -1100 E Murray Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA Map
Special COVID Related Requirements
This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Health Problems/allergies: Advise hike leader of any medical or other issues that may affect your ability to complete this event.
Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through The Movie Colony, Movie Colony East, El Mirador and Racquet Club neighborhoods visiting notable homes identified by The Palm Springs Historic Preservation Board, and homeowner placed plaques. Street stops will include addresses of Famous Former owners, as well as modernism architectural styles popularized by notable architects including William Cody, Donald Wexler's 1961 Steel Homes and Albert Frey's 1946, 15 home Bel Vista track--one of the earliest mass-produced housing projects in Palm Springs. There will be more surprises along the ride!
This is a mostly flat riding experience. However, there is a slight incline riding north along N. Via Miraleste through the Racquet Club neighborhood! We will return to the meet location at journey's end. Bathroom facilities are available at Victoria Park in the Racquet Club Neighborhood.
Meet Location: meet at 9:30 am at the Desert Healthcare (Wellness) Park at the southeast corner of E. Tachevah Dr. and N. Via Miraleste. If you drive to the meet location, there is ample parking along N. Via Miraleste next to Ruth Hardy Park's Tennis Courts as well as within the park. Map click here.
Distance: Total length about 6-8 miles round trip.
Disclaimer: This is a casual bike hike, not a fitness ride. We will stop for Historic Plaque viewing/reading and discussion points at approximately 15 locations.
Contact leader Bill Bates click here
All riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets. Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI. You may want to bring a tire pump, spare tube, bike tools, water, sunscreen and snacks.
Special COVID Related Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
Balboa Park Bike Ride
Saturday, Feb 25th
Join us Saturday, Feb 25th, for a bike ride around In total, we’ll bike ride around 10 Miles, which will take us about 2 hours. There’ll be some elevation change, 689 Ft Total. The difficulty is moderate.
There are quite a few restroom stops along the bike route, we will stop as needed.
We’ll meet at The Southwest Corner Parking Lot, adjacent to the old “Fruit Loop” for all of us seasoned fella’s, LOL! This will be our starting point and end point. During the route, we will stop at a few photos op places to capture the memory and have some water breaks.
What to bring:
Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, make sure your tires are aired up, any snack’s you may want, any medications you may need, a face mask (for just in case), and weather-appropriate clothing.
Hope you can join us!
Event Lead: Steven Stowe (619-309-5674)
Visit one of Los Angeles treasured jewels. The Nethercutt Museum and Collection features rare collectibles ranging from mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture to the true heart of the collection: over 250 American and European automobiles dating from 1898 to 1997. The Nethercutt Collection is comprised of two buildings, which are located across the street from each other: The Nethercutt Museum Building and The Nethercutt Collection building (Tower)
Self-guided entrance to the Museum is free.
The Collection group tour Admission is $10 per person, to be paid upon entry.
Click here for additional and up-to-date information about the Collection and Museum.
Meeting place: Main Entrance from the Museum parking lot. Museum parking lot entrance is on Bradley St. just off of Bledsoe. Parking is free.
Meeting time: 11:00 AM
Train tours are at 12:30 PM and our private Collection group tour is at 1:30 and will take about 2 hours.
In Great Outdoors, we do our part to protect nature. Please consider carpooling.
Trip Leader: Michael Wickstrom
Health issues/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 tour leader if you wish.
Byron and Ritch have invited us all to Game Night on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at their home in Cathedral City.
SCHEDULE:
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - SOCIAL PERIOD
6:15 PM to 7:00 PM – POTLUCK DINNER
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM – GAME TIME
WHAT TO BRING:
1) Potluck Item for at least 8 people
2) Your own beverage(s)
3) Table Games you want to play (Great Outdoors provides many games)
NOTE: Bring potluck dishes/snacks/etc. "ready to serve" in a serving bowl or dish, including any needed serving utensils.
PLEASE DO NOT ask our hosts to provide access to their ovens or bowls, spoons, etc.
Our chapter is always looking for Game Night Hosts!
Please call Jose Ghilarducci at 760-774-8716 or mailto:jggllk@gmail.com if you are interested in hosting Game Night.
To view photos from our past game nights - click here.
To view our Game Night guidelines - click here.
Our hosts have requested that everyone be vaccinated in order to attend this indoor/outdoor event. Wearing a mask during the event is optional.
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
This event requires all attendees to be members and to be fully vaccinated, submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - CLICK HERE.
Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to: 951-347-6082.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader if you wish.
Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED blended learning course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults. The online portion features award-winning simulation learning – an interactive experience where you will respond to real-world emergencies in a virtual setting and practice the skills that will prepare you for the instructor-led classroom skill session. Allow approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete the online portion. The online course must be completed prior to attending the 2.5 hour classroom instructor led skills portion.
Upon successful completion a valid 2 year digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.
Learn More
Sign up for class click here
Contact : Scott Connelly, email click here
CATHEDRAL CITY LGBT DAYS - SIGN UP AND VOLUNTEER AT OUR BOOTH
Join us at our booth to provide information about our club and welcome potential new members.
We will have handouts, including description of upcoming events, maps of our activities, and photos of our past events. We’ll also be collecting email addresses from interested persons, who in exchange will receive the newsletter for three months.
To volunteer, select REGISTER, and then choose the time slot(s) that you would like to be at the booth.
Contact Coordinator:
Sunday, March 5th, 2023
Here’s your chance to help spread the word about Great Outdoors Palm Springs, meet new friends and have some fun!
Google Map link to location: click here
St. Patrick's Day in Las Vegas!
Do you feel Lucky?
Join your friends of Great Outdoors for a fun St. Patrick's day-weekend in beautiful Las Vegas, March 16th -19th, 2023.
Claude Raffin has once again made his home available as our place to stay - our home base, as we explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of the magical place that never sleeps. This is an 'Urban Slumber Party' staying at Claude’s home, so you don't need your tent but make sure to bring a comfortable pad or air mattress to sleep on as well as your sleeping bag and ear plugs are highly recommended.
Itinerary as follows:
Thursday, March 16th Arrive, it's a gated community, Street name: Placita Del Lazo, specific address and gate code will be given once registered.
Meet and greet 4-7 pm for drinks and appetizers
Explore the strip afterward, or board games, or just relax around the house. There is a pool and hot tub.
Friday (St. Patty’s Day) March 17th Continental breakfast by GO..you're welcome to bring food and extra goodies to share as well.
Day to explore the sites, possible visit to the Mob Museum, Lunch on our own.
5 PM: dinner by Chef Sean: Corned beef and cabbage.
Neon Museum Tour, this is really popular, plan to go as a group on the 8:15 PM tour.
You are responsible to purchase your own tickets go to:
Guided Tours Main Boneyard | The Neon Museum
Make sure you buy tickets for the NEON Museum Tour, we do not recommend the 'brilliant jackpot tour' as it tends to be long and, well, boring
Tickets sell out fast, so get your ticket as soon as possible, this is early enough, there should be enough tickets to go around!
Saturday March 18th 9 AM Continental breakfast provided by GO
Travel to Claude’s cabin at Mount Charleston approx. leave house by 11 AM, a beautiful 50 minute drive up into the mountains near Las Vegas. Carpooling to be worked out. French Toast and bacon
Brunch cooked by chefs Bradley and Wes, at the cabin, then explore: plenty of hiking trails so make sure to have good hiking shoes. If you prefer you can 'hang' at the cabin.
Return to Las Vegas for dinner at Ping,Pang Pong, a very popular Dim Sum restaurant. You're responsible for your own meal & drink purchase.
Sunday March 19th 10 AM Continental breakfast. Provided by GO
Time for hugs and good-byes: or if you want to avoid Sunday traffic, stay one more night and leave Monday AM with a possible visit to Red Rocks National Park on Sunday.
Schedules and times may change -except the NEON Museum Tour. Bring your favorite adult beverages and other food items that you like and want to share, will be appreciated!
This is a 'free flow' weekend, you are welcome to join or do your own thing!
Cost $50 per person to cover some food costs. Additional meals and other tour purchases are your responsibility. Any other questions contact the trip leader Sean Micheal at: mrdooner@cox.net
Space is limited to 15 registrants. May the luck of the Irish be with you!
The Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of Great Outdoos presents:
Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club Day Trip
Saturday, March 18, 2023, Noon to 4 PM
Contact: Frederick Brown E-mail: fredincal346@gmail.com Phone: 562-754-1838
Frank Hinojosa, neighbor of Trip Leader Frederick Brown will be hosting us at the club. Participants will have an opportunity to run the model trains.
Photographs are from the Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club’s web page.
The text in quotation marks below is from the Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club’s Facebook Page:
“In 1971, a small group of modelers gathered together in the Belmont Shore City Library with the intent to form the country's first N-scale model railroad club. The club first took shape in the basement of a hobby shop in Long Beach. Soon there after, it found a home in Signal Hill. This was the clubs first real start featuring a full size layout. Sometime later, that location was lost and the club moved to an old Army facility in the city of Bell. That lasted until 1979 when another move was needed, this time to our current location in Angels Gate Park.
Today the club is one of the country's premiere layouts. Located in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro.
Built in an old Army barracks, the layout occupies the second story resulting in a railroad that measures 25 by 90 feet. The track plan is ten scale miles of double track from the city of Belmont to Bakersfield, plus a single track line to San Joaquin. Past San Joaquin, a branch line is under construction to Carbondale where it will interchange with a narrow gauge railroad. A unique feature of this track plan is a train will never pass through a scene more than once, except of course on the loop. This gives the appearance that a train is actually going somewhere, not just running around in circles.
The Belmont Shore club is also where the ideas of N-Trak were hammered out.”
The Club is located at 3600 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731. Click here for a map.
Join us as we explore some of the backcountry 4x4 roads of Death Valley National Park. We’ll visit such places as Barker Ranch site (last hideout of the infamous Charles Manson), Warm Springs Mine, and Echo Canyon. We have scheduled short and long days 4x4 jeep outings. This will allow flexibility for those wishing to spend time in the park driving to the local sites such as the Devil’s Golf Course, Dante’s’ view, Titus Canyon, etc.
RV Camping is at Stove Pipe Wells. Each RV site has full hookups. Stove Pipe Wells Village has a general store, restaurant, and gas station. The village/RV site is about 28 miles from Furnace Creek.
Cancellation for a refund, minus a $10 service fee, must be received by March 20, 2023.
TRIP LEADERS CLIFF CLUE email AND JOEY DUHON email
Itinerary ~ (subject to weather and road conditions)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
For each of the day trips, make certain you have gassed up the night before. Bring lunch and water for each day trip.
Travel Options
Break up the travel time by spending a night either on the way and /or on the return trip home at Tecopa Hot Springs and Campground. Refer to the website below to make your OWN reservations.
https://www.tecopahotspringscampground.com/d-section-campsites/
Additional items to bring
Lodging Options
Tent sites at Stove Pipe Wells Campground, Operated by the National Park Service. First Come First Serve. $12.00 per night
https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/stovepipe-wells-campground.htm
Best sites in the back near the sand dunes
Lodging ~ Stove Pipe Wells Lodge
Stovepipe Wells NPS campground click here for photos and information
Tent Area
3 DAY, 2 NIGHT BAJA EXPEDITION:
HIKING + WINERIES + BREWERIES + BAJA CUISINE
April 14-16, 2023
The Ensenada region of Baja California, only an hour and a half south of the border from San Diego, offers spectacular hiking through the coastal and woodland landscapes in full spring bloom as well as an explosion of wineries, breweries and fine Baja-Fusion cuisine in the Guadalupe Valley. This trip combines the highlights of all of these for a small group of 8 guests who will also enjoy fabulous ocean-view lodging in one of the area’s premiere coastal communities.
GO member Mike Wilken, your guide, is an anthropologist and naturalist who lives in Baja California and has worked in the region for over 32 years. Dr. Gerry Chavez, driver and co-guide, is a local geographer with an extensive knowledge of the environments of the region. Both are happy to share their knowledge of native plants and wildlife, geology, native cultures and history for interested guests.
The $470 per person cost includes a 3 day trip with transportation starting from the Tecate border and throughout the trip, four meals, ocean-view vacation home lodging, two wine tastings and a beer tasting. Guests cover three no-host meals, and any extra wine and beer purchases.
This trip is designed for 8 guests. Lodging is double occupancy in our comfortable ocean-view vacation home with extra sofas, living areas, kitchens, and garden spaces. Our transportation is in a 12-passenger van with room in the back for luggage.
Cancellation Policy - 100% refund if cancelled at least 21 days beforehand, 50% refund if less than 21 days to 7 days notice, no refund if less than 7 days notice unless canceling party finds a substitute.
MIGRATORY DOCUMENTS and crossing the border: Walking into Mexico: By parking on the US side of the border, you will avoid the long lines coming back, since you will walk back through the quick pedestrian entry at the end of trip. We will meet you on the US side and walk you through customs to our van. You will need to have a US passport and get a Mexican tourist visa (FMM) for this trip. You get it online, and there should be no cost because you are only going to be in Mexico for 3 days. Instructions will be sent to participants.
US Citizens must have a US passport for land-based border crossing back into the US. Non-US citizens should bring all necessary documents for re-entry into the US.
For more information, feel free to contact Mike Wilken: mikewilken@yahoo.com
HIKES EVERY DAY: Guadalupe Valley Canyon follows a creek that winds through a deep canyon with rustic, undeveloped hot springs and scenic landscapes. The group may choose to hike a couple of extra miles and see historic adobe ruins. A picnic lunch will be provided along the way. Approximately 4 hour hike.
Rustic hot springs along the way
Punta Banda trail follows the rugged mountain that forms the dramatic tip of the Bay of Ensenada, passing through fields of native Shaw’s agave plants and rare, beautiful coastal succulent scrub habitat. Our picnic spot provides breathtaking views of the Pacific coast and Todos Santos Islands. Approximately 4 hour hike.
Succulent sage scrub with rare and endemic vegetation
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall trail follows an oak woodland watershed that turns into a boulder-strewn deep canyon with fascinating geology, wildflowers and plant life, birds and the view of a waterfall from above.
Geological forces took millions of years to produce this wonder
DINING AND TASTINGS: Animalón Restaurant (group will decide on exact restaurant, the following are some examples)
Wineries
The Guadalupe Valley is Mexico’s premiere wine-producing region.
Cava Sol y Barro
Clos de Tres Cantos
Casa Magoni
Cervecería Wendlandt, a hip and popular brewery right on the waterfront just minutes away from the Baja House.
Guadalupe Valley dining features everything from high-end Baja-Med Fusion gastronomy to down-home Mexican cooking. We will decide as a group based from a selection of options.
LODGING WILL BE AT THE BAJA HOUSE AND THE MEXICO HOUSE, which share the same garden and views. See a description of the Baja House here:
airbnb.com/h/baja-ocean-view-villa-rustica
We will also stay at The Mexico House, right next door with equally spectacular views:
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
Three days/two nights, April 14-16
We reserve the right to make minor changes as necessary to the published itinerary.
Day 1: Friday, April 14
9:00 Arrive to the US side of Tecate, leave cars in fenced parking lots ($5-10 a day) and meet 5 mins away at the Worthy Market on the first day. Guide will meet you there and walk you over border to get paperwork stamped and take you to the van.
9:30 Leave Tecate for Guadalupe Valley
11:00 Arrive Guadalupe Hot Springs trailhead.
12:00 Picnic lunch (provided)
3:00 Return to trailhead
3:30 Visit Guadalupe Valley artisanal winery for wine-tasting and tour
5:30 Dinner (no-host)
7:30 Leave for the coast
8:00 Arrive at the Baja House and the Mexico House, relax around bonfire
Day 2: Saturday April 15
8:00 Breakfast at the Baja House
9:00 Leave for Punta Banda hike, spectacular coastal hike with panoramic vistas
10:30 Arrive at trailhead
12:30 Picnic lunch (provided)
1:30 Return trip to trailhead
3:00 Depart for return to our home base
5:00 Arrive at the Baja House, margaritas, guacamole, salsa
6:30 Cervecería Wendlandt (local brewery), tasting and no-host dinner
9:00 Return to the Baja House and the Mexico House, relax around bonfire
Day 3: Sunday April 16
9:30 Pack up, leave for El Salto trailhead
10:00 Arrive El Salto trailhead
12:00 Finish hike, return to trailhead
1:00 Lunch at Baja Fusion-style restaurant in Guadalupe valley (no host)
2:30 Visit artisanal winery for tour and wine tasting
4:30 Leave for Tecate
5:30 Arrive at Tecate pedestrian border crossing, easy walk through customs and return to your vehicles.
The magic gardens of the Baja House, relax and enjoy!
Mike Wilken, your guide, is the author of the award-winning book Kumeyaay Ethnobotany.
Heaven On Earth!
OCLB Annual Yosemite Trip!
Orange County/Long Beach
goes to
Yosemite National Park
Curry Village Canvas Tents
May 19-22, 2023
Need we say more?
Yes we will! We will be heading to Yosemite at the BEST time to visit this illustrious National Park! The weather will be amazing with the waterfalls at their most dynamic! Our lodging for the 3-night outing will be in Camp Curry, in unheated canvas tents.
Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks in the country and we in southern California are very fortunate to have it so close. If you have never seen it then this Great Outdoors trip is a good opportunity for you to be introduced to this special place.
If you have been there one or more times, then you’ll understand why many have made a Yosemite visit an annual event. The grandeur and majesty of the park are so enriching that Yosemite can be experienced and enjoyed again and again. The natural beauty of the park has inspired many for the last 150 years, but perhaps none more effusive than John Muir, who said of Yosemite, “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” Please join us in this temple of the great outdoors.
The location of this trip will be Yosemite Valley. Our accommodations are canvas tents in Camp Curry, a rustic but charming village near the east end of the valley.
Arrival should be about 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon.
For both Saturday and Sunday, there will be optional hikes to choose from - one will be strenuous, the other will be easy to moderate.
On Monday morning we must check out of the cabins by 10:00 am.
More details will be announced as we finalize registration.
Canvas Tents:
We have secured two canvas tents for our group.
Each tent has 3 single beds and a double. We can max out at 5 people per tent. We are hoping to get a couple or friends (with benefits or without benefits) to share the double bed. This way we can max out each tent with 5 people so that we can get as many as possible to experience Yosemite for this excursion.
Driving & Directions:
We will discuss carpooling options once registration is finalized both to save the environment and due to high fuel costs.
Photos: 2022 OCLB Yosemite
What else?
Cooking facilities/campfire rings are not available in Curry Village. However, there are several dining options near our cabins.
Such as Pizza & Beer, Cafeteria (with Vegan options!) and of course burgers & fries too. A general store is also open for purchasing food items and other material goods. You may bring snack food and drinks, but all food and scented items must be stored in the bear-proof storage locker in front of the cabin. This includes all food, food related items, toiletries, sundries and ice chests. Bears have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to anything they think will lead them to human food. Remember not to store these items in your vehicle or canvas tent . It is recommended to use sealed plastic containers for storing your food inside the bear boxes. This makes it easier to keep your food organized, and away from campground critters.
Showers, sinks and flush toilets are all available to participants.
Be sure to remember a flashlight or headlamp to find your way around Camp Curry at night. In addition, a sleeping bag or an extra blanket may help keep you warm at night. Other things to bring:
•Warm outer gear appropriate for snow and/or rain or Shorts and T-shirts for warm days
•Layered under gear (long underwear, etc.)
•Hat, gloves, scarf, etc.
•Sunglasses, sun block (for your face), lip balm
•Sturdy hiking shoes
State Covid Protocols will be enforced.
Weather: Average temperatures in May in the Yosemite Valley range from the high 40s/low 50s (night time) to the low-mid 70s during the day. Conditions may vary between sun, clouds, rain, or snow. Be prepared for anything. Expect the unexpected!
The trip leader will inform you of the weather conditions a couple days before our arrival but you may also want to keep abreast of them by using the Yosemite National Park website. (Click here.)
Price: $180 for Great Outdoors members.
Guests: $205 for non-members (purchase of membership required for participation for $25 and $180 for the trip).
Cancellations will be authorized up to 14 days prior to start day of event; a $10 cancellation fee will be charged.
Trip Leader: Lance Whitmier
Lance states: Yosemite mesmerized me the very first time I visited the Park in the 90's. I always brag about the majestic beauty of Yosemite along with it's grandeur and power. I claim that Yosemite is indeed "my Heaven on Earth" and I can't wait to share the experience with you!" For those visiting Yosemite for the first time - be prepared to experience a bit of heaven and the surreal!
Lance can be contacted at LanceLyleWayne@gmail.com
OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE
Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs
You may attend either one or both.
Full Weekend Schedule:
Friday June 2
2 pm Check in campground
4 pm - Fun hike nearby. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping for the training. This is a welcome hike for attendees at the hike/trip leader training this weekend. We will discuss and demonstrate the Ten Essentials and safety on the trail.
6 pm Meet and Greet and dinner on your own or group selects a restaurant.
Saturday June 3 Training class at the Administrative Building.
· 8 am - 12 pm Hike Leader Training
· 1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
Sunday June 4 8:30 am -10:30 - Training hike nearby where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.
DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I
Be a Hike Leader! Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, and local knowledge to make a successful outing. In addition to the course outline we will discuss any issues with past hikes and plan for future hikes. We will review basic hike leader procedures and techniques and latest technology and information. Completing this course will provide participants with Day Hike Leader Certification. Also a good refresher for hike leaders.
Hike Leader Syllabus
Prerequisites: Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is for anyone interested in becoming a hiker leader, learning more about leading effective hikes, or becoming a more confident and capable hiker.
This Hike Leader Certification course is for hikers who are interested in learning new skills as well as experienced hike leaders who are looking to update or refresh their outdoor leadership skills. It is suitable for all ranges of hiker abilities, from novice up to very experienced hikers.
Objectives: Introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a trained hike leader, including appropriate risk management for day hikes. Present skills for leading a safe, environmentally responsible and enjoyable hike.
Content/Topics Covered: Hike planning, description, screening participants, trail group management, emergency management, medical issues on the trail, map reading and navigation, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, and problem solving techniques and scenarios.
Course Format: The training includes in-person instruction with group discussion and problem solving applications and trail-based scenarios.
Pre-Course Assignment: Review training manuals and video:
Link to Training Resources: Click Here
Printed manuals available at the training location at no cost to participants. Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II
One of the premier features of Great Outdoors is overnight trips. As a leader you will propose, research and design overnight trips. You will manage and administer the trip using leadership and group management skills. Completing this course will provide participants with Trip Leadership Certification.
Course Outline:
Create a new trip or update a former trip.
Planning, scouting, securing reservations.
Finances and budget.
Create a trip description and promotion.
Secure all logistics including any permits, and support staff as necessary.
Communicate with participants to provide information and answer questions.
Conducting your trip, safety issues, group management issues - preventing and solving.
Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.
What to bring: Lunch, water bottle, mug for hot drinks. If you are taking the Hike Leader course bring a day pack with your ten essentials. If you are tent camping, bring food, camp gear, warm clothing.
Weather: O'Neill Regional Park click here
Facilities: We will be in the campground conference room with tables, chairs, projector, TV monitor and restrooms. Trailheads located onsite.
Overnight accommodations:
Camping at O'Neill Regional park Group Site Sycamore D.
Motels located nearby.
More information:
Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here Lance Whitmier, OCLB President: email click here
Course Preparation: You are encouraged to review the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals ahead of time.
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