Great Outdoors OCLB

Volunteer Opportunity in the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

This is a great opportunity to help restore native habitat with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy

What to Bring

You should bring snacks, water (2 to 3 liters), sunscreen and hat.  Gloves and long pants are recommended. Dress in layers as it could be cool. 

IMPORTANT!

Please print out, sign and bring the attached Liability Waiver with you.  I will have blank copies at the Staging Area if needed.

IRC Liability Waiver 2023.11.pdf

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, your trip leader:

Richard Norman

Email:  richard@richardnorman.net 

If there are any last-minute day-of cancellations,

please let me know via text:

626-319- 4740.

Click here for the list of ten essentials.

Wear shoes with good tread - just good common sense.

Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas, cost and the environment.

If you cannot attend, please cancel your registration, so the next person on the waiting list can have a chance to register.

Lower Franklin Canyon, Beverly Hills

Picnic Tables near the Doheny Ranch Amphitheater

Sunday, February 23, 2025

11:00 AM: Day Activities Planning Meeting

12:00 PM: Potluck Picnic

1:00 PM: Hike, moderate 4 miles round trip

Let’s try this again and hope it doesn’t rain!

This is a great place for a quick jaunt to be completely surrounded by nature, right in the exact geographical center point of Los Angeles. Franklin Canyon Park has been frequently featured in television and film. The opening scene of The Andy Griffith Show with Andy and Opie and their fishing poles; it wasn’t shot in North Carolina but right here in Beverly Hills. Remember, On Golden Pond, it was one of many movies using this location.  

This quarterly meeting will be a brainstorming session for day activities: hikes, urban outings, social events, museums, etc. Bring your ideas and hopefully we can pencil those into the 2025 calendar. Let’s get ready for great hiking this spring. Volunteers are needed to lead, co-lead, and support. If you would like to share and/or discuss your ideas before the meeting please contact one of our day activities coordinators. 

Pamela:pwegner36@yahoo.com

John Blasco:​johnlongbeach@msn.com

After the potluck we will walk around the small lake, hike to the top of Inspiration Point, and continue to the upper portions of Franklin Canyon. On clear days there are views of the Pacific and Century City. The hike takes the Hastain and Chaparral Trails, a Moderate 4-5 miles round trip. Of course, you have the option to skip the hike and relax at the picnic tables. 

Directions: Our picnic area is near-  Doheny Ranch Amphitheater

The entrance is at 1923 N. Franklin Canyon Drive. Park in the lower canyon. From Franklin Canyon Dr. make a sharp turn south to towards the lower canyon. Contact Russell about this option if you would like more info:VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Don’t get a $175 ticket! STOP at all stop signs. They have cameras.

Bring: Potluck item, your own drinks, water, hat, hiking shoes and perhaps poles etc. Also, bring a picnic blanket or chair as we will only have one picnic table. 

Other Considerations: 

• We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here. 
• Rain Cancels and will be rescheduled.
  
• For other questions, contact Russell Hammerl

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.

Yoga on the Mountain and Hike 

March 29, 2025

Yoga- 9:45am - 11:15am

Hike- 11:45am - 1:30pm

Difficulty Levels: All levels Yoga and a Moderately Paced Hike, 5 miles.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, yoga mat (they might have a few to loan), hiking shoes, trekking poles, water, snacks, sack lunch and a sense of adventure!

Leader: Russell, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Yoga is free but you must register in advance- Free Tickets

Location: King Gillette Ranch, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA 

We will meet in the courtyard of the King Gillette Ranch 

Ready for a day of serenity and adventure? Join us for a magical yoga class in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains, followed by a hike to Inspiration Point and across the ridge. 

King Gillette Ranch - Nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, King Gillette Ranch is a beautiful and historic site offering an idyllic setting for our yoga class and hike. Once the home of razor magnate King C. Gillette, the ranch is now a public park managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Surrounded by lush, oak-filled valleys, this 588-acre property boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The Visitor Center is a perfect starting point for exploring the area, with informative exhibits and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

        Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters Present

 Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

Join us as we explore the beautiful Morro Bay area, perhaps California's most scenic coastline, on a 6-day/5-night camping getaway!

Our theme will be "Explore Nature's Beauty and Experience our Magnificent California Central Coast."

Our excursions on this trip will include the expert leadership and guidance of Joe Holliday who is a former Professor of Geology and Earth Science, and a current international naturalist and guide for National Geographic Expeditions, GeoTours, and other travel organizations.

Walk along empty sea cliffs with waves crashing on the rocks. Observe elephant seals, sea lions, and sea otters up close, and maybe gray whales at a distance. See spring wildflowers bloom on the green landscape of San Luis Obispo County. Hike up to a waterfall and see redwood trees along the Big Sur Coast. Discover the unique biology and geology from our trip leaders, and enjoy cooking, socializing and camp camaraderie. 

Campsite Details:

We have reserved the Premium Group Campsite #GCHO at Morro Bay State Park Campground, which is within walking distance of trails in the Morro Bay wetland, the Natural History Museum, and viewpoints overlooking Morro Bay. The group site allows tents only.

We also have reserved RV spaces near to our group site and within easy walking distance. Maximum length of RV is 35 feet. These are standard sites without hookups. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (token operated), fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Morro Bay village is about two miles away, with grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities.

Day Activities:

Activities will be located north and south of Morro Bay. Some planned hikes and walks are:

• Morro Rock: walk from camp, to include stops at Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, observing sea otters in the bay, and the MB Embarcadero
• Montaña de Oro State Park: tide pools, walk Bluff Trail to sea cliffs to small coves
• San Simeon Beach: Observe the only elephant seal colony on the US mainland
• Overlook and small hikes at Ragged Point and Salmon Falls along the Big Sur Coast
• Visit the southernmost redwood grove in California
• Kayaking on Bay ?

Campground Evening Activities:

• Wednesday: Check-in after 2:00 pm. 5:00 pm: Welcome and Meet-n-Greet. 6:00 pm dinner (bring your own). 7:30 - 10 pm First night campfire.
• Thursday: 6:00 pm: Dinner at camp followed by sunset walk at the bay. Bring-your-own dinner to dine and then walk to and watch the sunset over the bay, a short walk from our campsite to the bay. Sunset 7:38 pm.
• Friday: 6:00 pm Traditional Great Outdoors Potluck. Hello Top Chefs and foodies! Everyone makes or brings a main or side dish to feed 5-6 people. Healthy, organic, plant-based dishes encouraged.
• Saturday: 6:00 pm: To be determined (possibly campfire weenie roast)  
• Sunday: 5:00 pm: Happy Hour. Bring an appetizer and optional beverage (alcohol/non-alcohol) to share.  6 PM Dinner at a local restaurant in town.
• Monday: Check-out by 12 noon.

Every night: Campfire (Bring your camp chair, highlights of the day, jokes, games, musical instruments maybe/camp songs, etc.)

Think eco-friendly. Everyone brings their own reusable plates, utensils, cups, napkins, etc. For the potluck, remember to bring your own serving dishes, bowls or platters with serving utensils. Be sure to pick up your dishes when you leave. Let's aim to minimize trash/ single-use disposables.  Thank you for pitching in to keep our camp clean.

Registration, parking limits, carpooling:

Parking at the group site lot is limited.  After the group campsite spaces are full,  parking is available on the street outside of the campground, and at night extra cars can park in the town of Morro Bay about 3/4 of a mile away.  Therefore, we encourage carpooling.  Besides, it also saves gas, reduces traffic congestion and pollution, and may earn you the respect and admiration of your peers.

The remaining vehicles can unload their gear at the campsite, check for shuttle options, and  park off site as noted. It may be helpful to ask each other to help shuttle folks back/forth. 

If you are interested in carpooling you might check out the website https://www.groupcarpool.com/.  You can list your car, or that you are looking for a ride while using the chat feature to plan, organize and leave messages. Please note though due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

If the trip is sold out, please add yourself to the wait list.

Getting there:

Directions from Route 1: Exit at South Bay Rd (Baywood Park) off ramp, turn left, go about 1 mile, turn right into park, go about 1 mile (do not go up the uphill road on the right), turn right into campground, check in at entry booth.

Bring your 10 essentials, your camping & cooking gear, food, and a bundle or two of firewood. Dress in layers since the mornings can start cold, and sea breezes can be strong on the central California coast.

Cancellation:

Refund minus $10 service fee will be issued if cancelled by April 2. No refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel, email both trip leaders directly, as soon as possible so we can notify the next person on the waitlist.

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 hike leader if you wish.

Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

John Blasco: email click here, 562-981-4133 or Joe Holliday: email click here, 562-417-4742 

Cliff C.: email click here or Scott C. email click here

Additional information will be emailed to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

© 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., 
a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy

OCLB Chapter presents

Cachuma Lake Campout

Santa Barbara 

April 25th to 27th, 2025

Trip Leader Contact: Michael M

Email: BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Wine, Solvang & Camping! Oh My!  

Let’s go!

Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake.

Formed by the construction of the Bradbury Dam in 1953, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish community of Solvang. 

Cachuma Lake offers a relaxing getaway and will be our home base for exploring local wineries and locations featured in the 2004 romantic comedy Sideways, which was entirely filmed in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Join me for a Sideways movie-themed campout. The campout will feature Santa Barbara area-inspired cuisine, a tour of select movie locations, and an outdoor film screening at our campsite if weather and logistics allow. I highly encourage you to watch the movie Sideways before the campout, as we will visit select locations featured in the film. 

Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members

Start: Fri Apr. 25^th, 2025, 4pm

Ends: Sun Apr. 27^th, 2025 12pm

Space available: 7 vehicles

Registration for this event closes by April 17.

Location: Cachuma Lake is off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, midway between Santa Barbara and Solvang. 

Directions: Take the 405 North over the Sepulveda Pass from Long Beach and Orange County. Take   Hwy 101 West to Santa Barbara. In Santa Barbara, Exit 101B State Street, Hwy. 154, Cachuma Lake. Follow the signs to Hwy 154. Drive 18 miles on Hwy 154 to Cachuma Lake campground.  

Carpooling- All members are responsible for arranging their own transportation.  Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow more members to attend because the campsite has a vehicle limit. There is no overflow parking. 

If you can offer to carpool to another member or are interested in joining a carpool with another member, check out the website:

www.groupcarpool.com

I set up a carpool for the Cachuma Lake campout via this link for folks who can offer their vehicle to carpool and for folks interested in joining a carpool:

I cannot arrange carpools for members, but I invite you to click the link above and connect with other members to arrange a carpool.  

If the trip is full please add yourself to the waitlist.  

Important information

No Swimming—Cachuma Lake is a domestic water supply, so swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, or any other body contact with the water is prohibited.

Schedule

Fri Apr. 25^th.

4 pm Check-in

4:30 pm- Welcome Tea- Refreshments provided. Meet & Greet

6 pm- Dinner on your own

7 pm- Group campfire

Sat April 26^st.

8 am- Breakfast- Hot & Fresh Danish Aebleskivers cooked by me for attendees.   

9 am—Day activity options: Sideways movie drive—Arrange carpools, designate drivers, and plan a route. Bring money if you plan to purchase wine at a local winery.

OR, explore the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, and Santa Barbara areas independently.  A sideways movie map is provided. 

4 pm- Happy Hour at the campsite!  "Sideways" ambiance with some optional wine (BYOB) tasting fun.

6 pm- Group dinner potluck.  Dinner Theme: Santa Barbara area-inspired cuisine 

7 pm- Group campfire, movie under the stars: Sideways (2004)

(Weather permitting and if logistics allow).

Sun April 27^nd. 

8 am- Breakfast on your own.

9 am to 11 am—Break camp, pack up, and see you at the next Great Outdoors event! 

Noon- Check out 

Amenities: Cachuma Lake Campground offers potable water, restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and trash and recycling bins.  Campsites feature a picnic table and a fire ring. Cachuma Lake campground also offers a fully stocked general store, a gas station, a coin-operated laundromat, a nature center, and a year-round marina.  They also have a full rental fleet to get you out on the water if you are inclined.  Just no swimming or any contact with the water.  

Parking: 7 vehicles (2 vehicles per campsite). 

RVs: No RVs on this campout.    

What to bring: Tent, Camp chair, Sleeping bag with a sleeping pad or air mattress, Air pump with extra batteries for air mattress, Pillow, Extra blanket, Day pack for hiking, camp stove, matches or lighter, propane fuel, flashlight with batteries, a lantern with batteries, headlight with red light feature and batteries, external power bank and phone charger; cooking utensils, cool weather clothing (jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirts, long pants, beanie), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries kit, and hand sanitizer.  Please bring your plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.  Bring quarters to use the showers.  You may want to get a pop-up shade with an anchor.   

Recommendation:  BRING 1 bundle of firewood per person.

Climate: April Avg. high 67 Avg. low 49.  Mornings, evenings, and overnights can get cool.  Bring warm clothing and dress in layers.  Bring an extra blanket.  Rain is unpredictable.  Bring a raincoat if rain is forecasted.  Wear sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts. 

Fees: The camping fee is $75 per driver and $65 per passenger. The camping fee is discounted for passengers carpooling with a registered driver. Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow more people to attend this event and save money on fuel.

Driver $75 (Limit 7) 

Passenger $65 (Limit 7)

Cancellation: Attendees may self-cancel with a refund, less a $10 fee, before Friday, April 11th, 2025. No refund will be given for self-cancellation after 4/11/25 and no-shows.  Attendees must self-cancel via the cancellation link in their email confirmation or directly on their Wild Apricot profile. Do not email the trip leader separately to self-cancel. 

Food: Bring enough food and snacks for two days. I will provide refreshments at the Friday welcome tea and cook Abelskivers for Saturday morning breakfast. We will have a potluck on Saturday night. The theme for the potluck is “Santa Barbara area-inspired cuisine.” Bring a dish inspired by the Santa Barbara area to share at the group dinner potluck on Saturday night.   

Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash of 6 feet or less. They may not be left unattended within the park, and handlers must immediately clean up after their pets.  

Questions?  

Contact trip leader: Michael M

Disclosure- I do not respond to emails immediately due to my non-traditional work schedule.

I will reply to emails about the camping trip on my days off.

Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!

Wheeler Gorge

Shady Creekside Camping Near the quaint town of Ojai

Start: Thursday, May 15, 2025

End: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Location: Wheeler Gorge Campground, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023

Camp Leader: Russell Hammerl, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

Camp next to Matilija Creek, under a verdant canopy of native sycamore, oak, bay, and ash trees in a shaded canyon. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stream. The area has endless options for hiking. Many attractions are in and around Ojai including restaurants and shops. It’s going to be fabulous!

Please note the gate to the campsite is locked at 10:00 PM. These are nonelectric sites, vault restrooms. You will need to bring all of your own water for the weekend.

Thursday, May 15

• 2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
• 5:00 PM 1.5 mile riparian nature trail.
• 6:00 PM Meet and greet, bring an appetizer to share
• 7:00 PM Dinner is on your own
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Friday, May 16

• 10:00 AM Hike on Matilija Creek 7.5 miles. Bring a swimsuit or wear it under your hiking pants as there are swimming holes carved from thousands of years of erosion into the granite rock. We will be driving to the trailhead from the campsite. Bring: lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, hiking shoes and pole, 10 essentials.
• 6:00 PM Traditional potluck, prepare enough for 5-6 servings and bring your own plates and utensils.
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire, bring some firewood to share

Saturday, May 17

• 10:00 AM Coffee in Ojai and wait for those renting bikes. If not going on the bike ride options could be exploring Ojai, having lunch, visiting Bart’s Books, etc. There is also a nature center across the road from the campground that might be worth taking a look.
• 10:30 AM Bike ride to Ventura, 30 miles round trip, if you choose to go that far. Ride a beautiful 8ft wide path designated for bikes and walking without being adjacent to cars. The route parallels the Ventura River and is tree lined. A middle stripe divides the path. There are fences when adjacent to equestrian trails. There is a slight downhill grade which is deceiving for the effort to return so we will monitor our time and possibly break into slower and faster groups. Bike and electric bike rentals are available in Ojai. Rental is on your own and needs to be done in advance.
• 6:00 PM Dinner is on your own or at a restaurant in Ojai
• 7:30 PM Group Campfire

Sunday, May 19

• 12:00 PM Clean campground and Check out by noon.
• 12:30 PM Don’t rush off because we are going for lunch at Paddy's Bar & Lounge, the best gay bar in Ventura County.
• 1:30 PM Explore the super cute Main Street and walk to Ventura Beach for a swim and a walk on the pier.

Prices:

This camping trip is for GO members only*.  If you are not yet a member please join the GO chapter of your choice before registering for this trip. 

• RVs Contact Russell because we only have a few sites that can accommodate RVs over 20 ft. first person – $120.00 (3 RVs Max). There is no dump station or potable water at the campground. Please bring your own drinking water. RVs less than 20' can park in a tent site and pay tent site fee. 
• Each additional RV passenger - $30.00
• Tent Camping first person - $50.00 There will be two tents per site. (12 Tents max.)
• Tent each additional person – $30.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as first person and be in the same tent.
• Free if arriving by train and camping (6 max). We might be able to pick you up in Ventura, but you must register.
• *Free if staying in Ojai and coming to hang out with us during the day only but please register here and park on the road outside of the campground. Day visitors do not need to be a member of GO. 
• There is a possibility of arriving on Wednesday. Inform trip leader by May 1, 2025. There will be an additional fee.

Refunds: Cancel by May 1, 2025 for a refund (minus $10 service fee). Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

Pets: Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.

What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear, 10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for Thursday night, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green and bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

This event is being planned by Russell Hammerl  LA Chapter. For more information about this trip:

• Please check back here for updates; or
• Please contact our LA Chapter VPO - via email:  VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

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.

© 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.  Privacy policy

This event is being planned by Russell Hammerl  LA Chapter. For more information about this trip:

• Please check back here for updates; or
• Please contact our LA Chapter VPO - via email:  VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

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.

© 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.  Privacy policy

Registration is closed.  Trip is full. 

*PERU*

11 Days Including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Join Joe Holliday and ExploorPeru for an exciting 11-day trip around Peru to see the rich culture, history, and nature. The tour will include a day at Machu Picchu, a few days in the Inca heartland in and around Cuzco, a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, seeing the colonial center of Lima, and a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, in conjunction with the highly rated ExploorPeru tour company.  Current members of any Great Outdoors chapter may participate. 

Detailed trip itinerary can be accessed here.

To register for this trip:   Registration via the Great Outdoors website is required but for tracking purposes only.  Note that registration is not reserved until payment is received as noted below. All arrangements are made through Joe Holliday, not Great Outdoors. 

Registrants must be current members of any Great Outdoors chapter to participate. If not currently a member, please join via your preferred chapter's website before registering for this trip.

Cost: The costs include the land tour, tour guide, hotels, four domestic flights, and several meals (see itinerary for details). Total cost for this trip is as follows:

$3120. per person, double occupancy. First payment is $800.

$3825. per person single occupancy. First payment is $1000.  Single occupancy rooms are limited to four on a first come basis.

Indicate your preference and/or whether you are looking for a roommate when registering on this website.

Price does not include international flights (to and from Peru).

To pay for this trip: After you successfully register on this website, you will need to pay the above noted down payment to the trip leader Joseph Holliday. You can use one of three methods:

1. Zelle: using Joseph Holliday 562-417-4742

2. Venmo: using joewholliday@yahoo.com

3. Check or money order: made out to Joseph Holliday, with hand delivery or mailing address arranged by texting him at 562-417-4742

(Note: Holliday is spelled with two L's.

All four payments for this trip will be paid to Joe Holliday.   After receiving the deposits Joe will communicate how to divide up the remaining amount due, and the due dates.  (Tentatively the 15th of Jan, Feb, and Mar.)  

Group Size: 24 Max

For more information:  Joe at joewholliday@yahoo.com

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.