PRE-NEW YEAR'S DAY WALK/HIKE: BOB JONES TRAIL
Walk along this paved, shady trail along San Luis Obispo Creek to Avila Beach. The group will meet up at the parking lot. It is approximately 5 miles out and back, relatively flat with 108 ft elevation gain (AllTrails, 2025). The smooth paved pathway makes it accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, bikes, and strollers. There are benches along the trail, perfect for taking a break as well as for bird-watching or people-watching. Sycamore and oak trees are plentiful along the trail. We will pass by the Secret Garden Cafe at Sycamore Resort and Spa, as well as Woodstone Marketplace at San Luis Bay Estates, for your beverage or snack needs. Part of the trail passes through a bridge within the Avila Beach Golf Course, where one can see golfers make a slice while the ducks enjoy the watery scene. The turning point of this walk will be the end of Avila Beach Park overlooking the ocean, and a short walk to the promenade and the pier. (Optional: walk along the promenade [store front] and the pier for mileage). Public restrooms are available at the parking lot and at the turning point by the beach. Don’t forget your “Walking Essentials” and hydration packs!
"I would like to acknowledge that these are the traditional lands of the Chumash people who lived in this area, and I would like to express my gratitude for their stewardship of the land."
WHEN: DEC 30th @ 10 AM. WHERE TO PARK: Bob Jones Trail, 7009 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (Google Map: 7009 Ontario Rd Parking). QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/COMMENTS: Text the North County Day-Hike Leader, Gener, at (805) 709-5379.
Hike, bike, and day activities planning meeting. We meet in the back room for breakfast. We will review the calendar for the next 2 or 3 months and schedule accordingly.
If you are unable to attend, you may submit your hike, bike or other event and we will work to get them scheduled.
Check out the listing of hikes in the Santa Rosa National Monument on the Friends of Desert Mountains website:
https://www.desertmountains.org/trails/
Contact VP of Outings click here with your ideas and suggestions .
GOPS Monthly Core Group Meetings are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 pm, subject to change due to holidays and conflicting events. Meetings can be attended online via Zoom each month. Meetings are held simultaneously in-person in January, March, May, July, September and November 2026. In-person meetings are held at the Center, 3rd floor Meeting Room 3, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA.
Check the event registration details for the date and the particulars of the meeting.
GOPS members can attend by registering for the meeting. For best results in attending via Zoom, plan to use a computer or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone. Information on how to enter the Zoom meeting will be provided to registrants in their Confirmation and Reminder emails.
OCLB- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park &
Hawaii Big Island Day Hikes
Tues 4/28/26 and Thu 4/30/26
Hawaii is full of attractions that are unlike anything else in the world, but even among these unique wonders, Hawaii’s volcanoes stand out as truly remarkable. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii protects some of these natural marvels, including two of the world's largest and most active volcanoes.
Come join me for day hikes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and on the Big Island of Hawaii to experience stunning landscapes created by these volcanoes.
Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members
Day Hike: Tue. Apr. 28th, 2026 at 9 am- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day Hike: Thu. Apr. 30th, 2026 at 9 am- Big Island Hawaii, local trail. Location TBA.
Transportation & Lodging: Air, ground transportation, lodging, meals, fuel, and travel costs on the Big Island of Hawaii is the responsibility of each member. It is strongly recommended that members purchase travel insurance to insure their trip costs in the event of cancellation or interruption.
Fees: Day hikes are FREE. There is a vehicle entrance fee of $30 to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A valid national park pass waives the entrance fee. There may be parking and entrance fees charged at the trailhead of a local hiking trail on the Big Island.
What to Bring: Day Pack with Ten Essentials. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and rain protection. Pack a lunch, snacks, and water.
Important information
Great Outdoors is not arranging air, ground transportation, or lodging for members on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Register- Please RSVP for a day hike so I know who is coming.
I will email attendees with essential details such as trailhead location, parking, and hike mileage and elevation gain for each day hike up to two weeks before the event.
I am visiting the Big Island of Hawaii the week of 4/26 to 5/03/26 and inviting other Great Outdoors members to join me on day hikes on Tuesday 4/28 and Thursday 4/30/26.
I am staying in Kailua-Kona, so if you are also visiting the Big Island of Hawaii during the last week of April 2026, reach out and let’s meet up.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Climate- In late April, the climate on the Big Island of Hawaii is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging in the high 70’s to low 80’s F and evening temperatures dropping into the 60’s F. This month marks the end of the rainy season, so you can expect fewer rain showers, although it’s still possible to experience some rain, especially at night.
Questions?
Email Michael at [email protected]
Disclosure- I do not respond to emails immediately due to my non-traditional work schedule. I will respond to emails about this event on my days off.
The Morro Bay Car Show is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Each year, it brings together classic car enthusiasts while supporting local businesses, charities, and organizations. With a focus on creating an inclusive and fun experience, the show fosters a sense of togetherness throughout Morro Bay and beyond. Website: https://www.morrobaycarshow.org/
WHEN: April 30 to May 3. More info to follow... *Registration is not open at this time*
Flying Club / Primetimers BBQ
Fire up the grill, let's make some noise, Burgers, dogs, and happy joys! Good food, good friends, a perfect day, Come hang with us, don't delay!
WHEN: Sept 12, 2026 @ TBD WHERE: Goleta Beach Park *Registration is not open at this time. More info to follow...*
Lake Lopez - Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival The Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival is a local favorite event that features everything from entertainment to food, scarecrow and baking contests, games for the kids, movie night, and so much more! This family-friendly event highlights the best of Arroyo Grande and its neighboring communities. When: Sept 24 - 27, 2026 @ TBD *Registration is not open yet at this time. More info to follow...*
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