DESTINATION: Big Sur, CA

TRIP TITLE: Point Lobos SP/ Whale point, Big Sur


* DATE: December/ 19th/2009
* ORGANIZER: "V" (vsittamp@...).
* MEET: 9:00AM at P&TS (http://www.outdoorcardinals.org/pnts.shtml) or 11:00AM
at the Point Lobos state park entrance guard shack. Please do not drive into the
park. It is not possible to find you in the park. Park outside the park and walk
into the park and meet at the guard shack.
* ESTIMATED FINISH: 5:00PM at the trailhead.
* RSVP: Yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 8-9 Miles
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 250 ft
* DIFFICULTY: Easy: Only a bit harder than soaking in a Spa.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Perimeter hike of point Lobos followed by dinner in Monterey.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 190 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($57 per car to be shared by all occupants including the driver)
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

For those that are wondering, the Henry Coe hike last week was definitely
enjoyable. We were wet from head to toe and the rain did not let up all day. But
hey! we had the park all to ourselves and it was very surreal to be crossing
streams in a desert park :-) Definitely a rewarding experience.....

This will be my last hike for the year. Gotta go do the family thing during
Christmas.
This hike is probably the easiest one I usually do or have ever done. It is even
easier than the city walks. But boy does it reward well. Yard by yard, this hike
has more visual stimulation than any other on coastal california. We will try to
explore some of the numerous tide pools in this park towards late afternoon when
the tides start receeding. It is appropriately billed as the greatest meeting of
Land and water in the world. Please go to the following website for more info.

http://www.pointlobos.org/

I thought I might close the year out with a relaxing rejuvenating walk with a
dinner to follow. The pace will be slow with plenty of stops to take in the
spectacular scenery. After the hike, we will go to Monterey and take in the
christmas decorations before settling down for dinner.
If you are carpooling from Stanford, please come with the intention of staying
for dinner. If not, please drive on your own.

Please bring a warm jacket. We will be stopping quite a bit and the coastal
winds can be cold at this time of the year.

So, let us wind down quite a high-paced, successful hiking year with this most
relaxing of hikes.....

See ya there or see ya next year:-)

"V"
978-996-9060

* DATE: Sunday December 13th
* Destination: Henry Coe State park, Gilroy CA.

* ORGANIZER: ("V") Vsittamp@....
* MEET: 8:00AM at P&TS (http://www.outdoorcardinals.org/pnts.shtml)or 9:30AM at
the Hunting Hollow entrance to Henry Coe State park.
* ESTIMATED FINISH: 5:00PM at the trailhead
* RSVP: Yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 16+ Miles
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 3000 + ft
* DIFFICULTY: Strenuous and guilt free.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Hunting Hollow > Coyote Creek > Coit road > Anza trail >
Grapevine trail > Cross Canyon > Mahoney meadows > The narrows > China Hole >
Mahoney Meadows > Coit road > Coyote creek.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 120 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($36 per car to be shared by all occupants including the driver)
+ Park Entrance
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

Well, This will be the last Long hike of the year. I also scheduled it for the
Sunday after the big Christmas party so all of you with hangovers could go. Its
the new thing y'know? There is nothing like a brisk hike to get rid of hangovers
:-)
Anyway, Henry Coe is my favorite park in the bay area and his time of the year,
after a couple of rains it should be good and green with mild temperatures.
There should be water in the narrows so bring good shoes. This is also a park
with expansive views so cameras are essential.
Everyone must have headlamps and warm clothing. Please bring a good lunch and
some snacks.
Please Pay special attention to the headlamps. You must have headlamps with
fresh batteries. I am hoping to finish the hike in daylight but in case we are
delayed we will need them.
Everyone also must wear long pants. to avoid contact with some ivy patches.
Raingear could come in handy.
So, think about it... you are going home for Christmas to gorge on mom's
cooking. the idea is to not feel guilty afterwards. A good long hike like this
is just what the doctor ordered:-)

Let's burn those Calories!!

"V"
978-996-9060

Bring your snowshoes, you might need them!
Looks like a beautiful spot. Could be dusted in snow by the next storm.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/553840113luscLg

Route:
Rt.108 to the Cottonwood forest road from Tuolomne that is open year around, to
Cherry Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. Then hike about 4 miles into
Yosemite to Kibbie Lake and camp there. This is a mile-long mountain lake
(elevation about 5000+ feet) lake. Fossible side trips on Saturday to Fiora Lake
or Kibbie Ridge. It is a full moon, should be a good photo opportunity if you
are so inclined.
Return loop passing by Lake Eleanor. There is some snow forecast for Saturday
night. So a return on Saturday may be necessary.
Prefer carpooling from San Ramon-Pleasanton area.

Hi all,
This will be about 7 mile moderate hike [with some strenuous sections] at this
beautiful place.

WHERE: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 at 11:30am [at the parking lot]

Check the evite for further details and to respond

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/LAEDHPMGQVIUKSQTIDFP/hiking_12052009

see u soon! :)

Strybing Arboretum is also world class.

If anyone does not understand the nature of our Mediterranean climate, this
amazing garden does a wonderful job of describing why we can grow such an
abundance and variety of plants.  This Arboretum is a destination year
round, my favorite is the succulent garden.



So if you're already at GG Park and have extra time, I highly recommend
adding this to your urban stroll.



Back from Utah Parks, more on that later,

Jayah

Jayah Faye Paley

www.AdventureBuddies.NET <http://www.adventurebuddies.net/>

www.PolesForMobility.com



   _____

From: BayAreaHiking@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BayAreaHiking@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of vsittamp
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 11:38 PM
To: BayAreaHiking@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [BayAreaHiking] Golden gate park / Conservatory of flowers Saturday
Dec 5th





Saturday December 5th
---------------
Where: San Francisco
What : Trip to the Conservatory of flowers.
* DATE: Saturday December 5th

* ORGANIZER: ("V") Vsittamp@yahoo. <mailto:Vsittamp%40yahoo.com> com
* MEET: 9:00AM at P&TS (http://www.outdoorc
<http://www.outdoorcardinals.org/pnts.shtml> ardinals.org/pnts.shtml) or
10:00AM at the legion of honor museum. http://maps.
<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Palo+Alto,+CA&daddr=37.785
245,-122.499935&geocode=FVtROwId1D64-CkfYF-i9aGPgDHPdvU1UvUfDg%3B&hl=en&mra=
dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=18&sll=37.785474,-122.499109&sspn=0.002629,0.005407&ie=
UTF8&ll=37.785474,-122.499104&spn=0.002629,0.005407&t=h&z=18>
google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Palo+Alto,+CA&daddr=37.785245,-122.4999
35&geocode=FVtROwId1D64-CkfYF-i9aGPgDHPdvU1UvUfDg%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mr
sp=1&sz=18&sll=37.785474,-122.499109&sspn=0.002629,0.005407&ie=UTF8&ll=37.78
5474,-122.499104&spn=0.002629,0.005407&t=h&z=18

* ESTIMATED FINISH: 7:00 - 8:00 PM after dinner at PT&S
* RSVP: Yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: Variable: 6-8 Miles.
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: A few steps:-)
* DIFFICULTY: Easy as flopping around on a beach.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Legion of Honor museum > Conservatory of flowers > Haight
Ashbury > Legion of Honor museum.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 75 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($22.5 per car to be shared by all occupants including the
driver) + $7 for the Conservatory.
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

After two consecutive weekends of backpacking, I am ready for a leisurely
stroll in the city. What better way to engage in leisure than a visit to the
Conservatory of flowers. This is not just a museum of flowers. It has potted
plants, tropical plants, aquatic plants among others. But just going to the
conservatory would be a supremely unproductive day, so I decided to couple
it with a short hike through some of the nicest parts of San Francisco
ending with dinner at the Haight to complete the day.
We will meet at the PT&S at 9:00AM or at the Legion of Honor museum at
10:00AM. Walk to the Conservatory through Lands End, and after a couple of
hours at the conservatory, we walk to Haight for dinner and from there walk
back to the Legion.
Since this is a city hike, you are welcome to join us at any point in the
itinerary and leave us at any point as well. This will be a casual social
walk. So, bring your sad stories, sob stories, my boss is a jerk stories or
even stories that inflate your egos and we can hash them all out through
what promises to be a fine day! :-)

See ya there
"V"
978-996-9060







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Saturday December 5th
---------------
  Where: San Francisco
What : Trip to the Conservatory of flowers.
* DATE: Saturday December 5th

* ORGANIZER: ("V") Vsittamp@...
* MEET: 9:00AM at P&TS (http://www.outdoorcardinals.org/pnts.shtml) or 10:00AM
at the legion of honor museum.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Palo+Alto,+CA&daddr=37.785245,-\
122.499935&geocode=FVtROwId1D64-CkfYF-i9aGPgDHPdvU1UvUfDg%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=\
0&mrsp=1&sz=18&sll=37.785474,-122.499109&sspn=0.002629,0.005407&ie=UTF8&ll=37.78\
5474,-122.499104&spn=0.002629,0.005407&t=h&z=18

* ESTIMATED FINISH: 7:00 – 8:00 PM after dinner at PT&S
* RSVP: Yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: Variable: 6-8 Miles.
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: A few steps:-)
* DIFFICULTY: Easy as flopping around on a beach.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Legion of Honor museum > Conservatory of flowers > Haight
Ashbury > Legion of Honor museum.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 75 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($22.5 per car to be shared by all occupants including the
driver) + $7 for the Conservatory.
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

After two consecutive weekends of backpacking, I am ready for a leisurely stroll
in the city. What better way to engage in leisure than a visit to the
Conservatory of flowers. This is not just a museum of flowers. It has potted
plants, tropical plants, aquatic plants among others. But just going to the
conservatory would be a supremely unproductive day, so I decided to couple it
with a short hike through some of the nicest parts of San Francisco ending with
dinner at the Haight to complete the day.
We will meet at the PT&S at 9:00AM or at the Legion of Honor museum at 10:00AM.
Walk to the Conservatory through Lands End, and after a couple of hours at the
conservatory, we walk to Haight for dinner and from there walk back to the
Legion.
Since this is a city hike, you are welcome to join us at any point in the
itinerary and leave us at any point as well. This will be a casual social walk.
So, bring your sad stories, sob stories, my boss is a jerk stories or even
stories that inflate your egos and we can hash them all out through what
promises to be a fine day! :-)

See ya there
"V"
978-996-9060

Hi all,
It's time once again for fun under the full moon :)

This will be about 4+ mile hike under the full moon.

WHERE: Tilden Regional Park [Berkeley]
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec 2, 2009 at 6:45 pm [at the Inspiration point parking lot]

Check the evite for further details and to respond

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/THBDWDDZKWZKPXYNQWFG/fullmoonhike_12022009

see u soon! :)

I have sketched out the following plan for my next trip to the national parks:

1.       Depart San Ramon, CA Dec. 8.
2.       Arrive Petrified Forest National Park in the evening of Dec. 9
3.       Tour park Dec. 10, 11 and drive to Tucson, Az
4.       Tour Saguaro National Park Dec. 12, 13
5.       Drive to Carlsbad Cavern National Park Dec. 14
6.       Tour park Dec. 15, 16 and drive to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in
Texas
7.       Tour park Dec. 17, 18, 19 and drive to Big Bend National Park, also in
Texas
8.       Tour park Dec. 20, 21, 22, 23
9.       Drive from Big Bend NP to San Ramon, CA Dec. 24, 25, 26

The total driving distance  from park to park is 3400 miles. Add another 600
miles of driving in the parks and we have a 4000 mile trip, or about 60 hours of
driving. Total days on the road is 19, possibly 20. My plan is to car camp. If I
can entice 1 or 2 of you, I am open to motel camping.

From my research, the highlights of the trip will be in Carlsbad Caverns and Big
Bend, although the other stops have lots to do also. There will be plenty of
hiking in the parks.

Are there any interested takers out there? Please respond to me directly at my
email address.

Hello Hikers,

I am canceling the hike I scheduled for Sat. Nov. 28 at Castle Rock State
Park due to illness.

I became quite ill with the flu last weekend, and I am recovering very
slowly. Since I am not physically able to lead the hike, I must,
unfortunately, cancel the hike.

I hope to reschedule the hike soon.

Have an excellent holiday weekend everyone....

- Julio M.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Julio M. <jamzemail@...>
Date: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Subject: Castle Rock State Park Hike, Sat. Nov. 28 (Julio M.)
To: bayareahiking@yahoogroups.com


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Rock State Park, Nov. 28 (Sat.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Destination: Castle Rock State Park
Date: November 28, 2009 (Saturday)
Total length of hike: About 7 miles
Total elevation gain: About 1000 feet
Further information on Castle Rock State Park at URL:
                     http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/castlerock/
Driving distance/time: 22 miles  / 45 minutes each way
Cost: Mileage  $11 per car + $6.00 day use fee (avoid by parking on Skyline
                                                                    Blvd.)
Organizer: Julio M.(contact info below)

RAIN CANCELS.... In case of doubt, call my cell phone # (listed below) after
9 PM on the night before the hike. I will leave an outgoing message with any
notices about hike cancellation due to weather.

NO NEED TO RSVP

Meet: 9:30 am at the California Avenue Caltrain Station, 101 California
Ave.,
                      Palo Alto (meet in the middle of the parking lot in
front of the
                      underpass that goes to northbound train platform) to
carpool
         10:30 am at Castle Rock Main Entrance

Estimated finish time: 3  PM (back at trailhead)

bring: lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, coat, all the usual stuff.

Castle Rock State Park offers lovely isolation and panoramic views of
pristine wilderness within easy driving distance of Silicon Valley. As the
park’s name suggests, it also includes fascinating unusual rock formations.
The natural vegetation of the park includes wonderful redwood forest,
madrone, and various varieties of pine trees.

We will begin our hike at the Castle Rock Park main entrance on Skyline
Boulevard. A short hike takes us to the park’s namesake rock formation with
its interesting caves and textures. We will then follow the Saratoga Gap
Trail which will take us to Castle Rock Falls overlook, Russell Point, and
end at Trail Camp. This trail offers wonderful panoramic views of Monterey
Bay and of pristine rolling hills toward the west and south.

From Trail Camp, we will take the Loghry Woods Trail through a narrow
heavily wooded ravine  and work our way toward Skyline Trail. Skyline Trail
will then return us to the park’s main entrance.

DIRECTIONS from Palo Alto to the main entrance of Castle Rock State Park.
(Note: To avoid paying entrance fee, park along Skyline Boulevard near the
entrance)

- Take Page Mill Road heading west
- Follow Page Mill Road (a bit windy) up to Skyline Blvd. (10 miles)
- Take a sharp left onto Skyline Blvd. (Highway 35)
-  Continue on Skyline Blvd. for 8.2 miles and main entrance of park will be
on the left. (you will know you are getting fairly close when you cross
Highway 9)
- Park along Skyline Blvd. to avoid paying the park entrance fee.
- We will meet at the entrance to the parking lot.


Trip "leader":
Julio M.
jamzemail (at) gmail (dot) com
On the day of the hike only: 650(dash)906(dash)2594


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

* Destination : Harkins Ridge @ Purisima Creek OSP
* Stats : 7 mi, 1400' gain.
* Date : Nov 27, 2009 (Fri)
* Meet : 8:00 AM at a place TBD.
* Organizer: DN (walks.nani at gmail dot com)
* RSVP : Yes. Let me know your contact number if you haven't hiked with me
before.

The hike will start at the western TH of Purisima Creek OSP, off Higgins Canyon
Road. Route : Purisima Creek Trail > Craig Britton Trail (formerly named Soda
Gulch Trail) > Harkins Ridge Trail.


Trip Organizer : Dhananjay Naniwadekar

Sat Dec 5-6: Backpacking in Point Reyes ("Magda")
------------ --------- --------- --------- -

* DESTINATION: Point Reyes
* DATE: Sat Dec 5 - Sun Dec 6
* ORGANIZER: "Magda" (madlenkab at yahoo dot com)
* MEET: 7:30am at PT&S at Stanford or 9:30am at trailhead (Palomarin)
* ESTIMATED FINISH: 6pm at trailhead
* RSVP: Necessary

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 18 miles over two days
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: approx. 3000 feet
* DIFFICULTY: rather strenuous
* BRING: Backpacking gear, please e-mail me for gear list.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Palomarin->Wildcat camp->Palomarin
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 140 miles round trip,
* COST: Carpool ($42 per car to be shared by all occupants including the
driver). Trip cost will be shared equally among all participants, including $30
covering the camp site fee. Participants bringing common gear will be
compensated for it.
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip



Interested in backpacking in Point Reyes, the park with the most beautiful views
on the ocean? Not afraid of cold and rain and have backpacking experience? Ready
to backpack 18 miles? Then this might be a trip for you! :-)

I have booked the Wildcat campsite located on the shore which is, according to
"V", the most beautiful campsite in the park. The campsite can accommodate up to
14 people. I believe there is no need to describe the beauty of Point Reyes.

Bring warm clothes and be prepared for some rain, too. Please email me for gear
list.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

See you in Point Reyes!

Magda

Hi all,
This will be about 7+ moderate hike at this beautiful place.

WHEN: SUNDAY, Nov 22, 2009 at 11:30am
WHERE: China Camp State Park [near San Rafael]

Check the evite for further details and to respond

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/PSZGJYOSOBTGDYGLZSKU/hiking_11222009

see u soon! :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Rock State Park, Nov. 28 (Sat.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Destination: Castle Rock State Park
Date: November 28, 2009 (Saturday)
Total length of hike: About 7 miles
Total elevation gain: About 1000 feet
Further information on Castle Rock State Park at URL:
                     http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/castlerock/
Driving distance/time: 22 miles  / 45 minutes each way
Cost: Mileage  $11 per car + $6.00 day use fee (avoid by parking on Skyline
                                                                    Blvd.)
Organizer: Julio M.(contact info below)

RAIN CANCELS.... In case of doubt, call my cell phone # (listed below) after
9 PM on the night before the hike. I will leave an outgoing message with any
notices about hike cancellation due to weather.

NO NEED TO RSVP

Meet: 9:30 am at the California Avenue Caltrain Station, 101 California
Ave.,
                      Palo Alto (meet in the middle of the parking lot in
front of the
                      underpass that goes to northbound train platform) to
carpool
         10:30 am at Castle Rock Main Entrance

Estimated finish time: 3  PM (back at trailhead)

bring: lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, coat, all the usual stuff.

Castle Rock State Park offers lovely isolation and panoramic views of
pristine wilderness within easy driving distance of Silicon Valley. As the
park’s name suggests, it also includes fascinating unusual rock formations.
The natural vegetation of the park includes wonderful redwood forest,
madrone, and various varieties of pine trees.

We will begin our hike at the Castle Rock Park main entrance on Skyline
Boulevard. A short hike takes us to the park’s namesake rock formation with
its interesting caves and textures. We will then follow the Saratoga Gap
Trail which will take us to Castle Rock Falls overlook, Russell Point, and
end at Trail Camp. This trail offers wonderful panoramic views of Monterey
Bay and of pristine rolling hills toward the west and south.

From Trail Camp, we will take the Loghry Woods Trail through a narrow
heavily wooded ravine  and work our way toward Skyline Trail. Skyline Trail
will then return us to the park’s main entrance.

DIRECTIONS from Palo Alto to the main entrance of Castle Rock State Park.
(Note: To avoid paying entrance fee, park along Skyline Boulevard near the
entrance)

- Take Page Mill Road heading west
- Follow Page Mill Road (a bit windy) up to Skyline Blvd. (10 miles)
- Take a sharp left onto Skyline Blvd. (Highway 35)
-  Continue on Skyline Blvd. for 8.2 miles and main entrance of park will be
on the left. (you will know you are getting fairly close when you cross
Highway 9)
- Park along Skyline Blvd. to avoid paying the park entrance fee.
- We will meet at the entrance to the parking lot.


Trip "leader":
Julio M.
jamzemail (at) gmail (dot) com
On the day of the hike only: 650(dash)906(dash)2594


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

* Destination : Mori Point (and Sweeney Ridge)
* Stats : 5-6 miles, 1400' gain.
* Date : Nov 21, 2009 (Sat)
* Meet : 7:30 AM at a place (around San Mateo?) TBD.
* Organizer: DN (walks.nani at gmail dot com)
* RSVP: Required.

This will be a shorter version of the hike I had led in July. The plan is to
start at Shelldance Nursery TH, go up to Portola Discovery Site which sits along
Sweeney Ridge, then down into Pacifica via Cattle Hill and visit Mori Point
(Pacifica Coast) before returning to the Nursery.


The path we took in July was as follows:


* Destination : Milagra Ridge (and Sweeney Ridge)
* Stats : 15-16 miles (6-mile option), 3000' gain, 2.5 mph.
* Date : July 18, 2009 (Sat)
* Meet : 8:30 AM at a place (around San Mateo?) TBD.
* Organizer: DN (walks.nani at gmail dot com)
* RSVP : Yes, by 2 PM Friday.


Lest I totally lose the ability to walk more than 8-10 miles, here is a medium
distance hike over 15-16 miles which spans Milagra Ridge and Sweeney Ridge in
Pacifica. There is a 6-mile option for those who might not want to walk 10+
miles during the current warm spell. Though Pacifica tends to be cooler than San
Jose or Easy Bay area, there is a steep stretch or two which a beginner hiker
may not find to his taste. The hike route will probably cover the trails close
to San Francisco County Jail, Portola Discovery Site and Mori Ridge. Please
bring more water than you might need for the same hike in November or December.


Trip Organizer : Dhananjay Naniwadekar

* DESTINATION: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
* DATE: Nov 25 - 29
* ORGANIZER: Lothar Langer (Lotharla at gmail dot com)
* MEET: TBD
* RSVP: Yes

* BRING: Hiking Boots, Sun Screen, Hat, camping items (tents, sleeping bag,
stove, etc), warm clothing, food and water supplies
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 1600 miles, round trip
* COST: rental car cost $305 gas costs : 1600 mi / 24 mpg * 3 $pg = $200 That is
$505 divided under up to 5 persons
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

i 'm planning a car camping / backpacking trip to the Escalante area in South
Utah for the time :

Wednesday, Nov 25th afternoon to Sunday, Nov. 29th evening.

This would include renting an appropriate car and driving there and back.

A meetup with V.'s group for a common thxgiving dinner is possible.

There are spots for 4 people available.

Cheers,
Lothar Langer

Wed Dec 31-31: Thanksgiving in Southern Utah (Lothar Langer)
------------------------------------------------------------

* DESTINATION: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
* DATE: Wed Dec 31-31
* ORGANIZER: Lothar Langer (Lotharla at gmail dot com)
* MEET: TBD
* RSVP: Yes

* BRING: Hiking Boots, Sun Screen, Hat, camping items (tents, sleeping bag,
stove, etc), warm clothing, food and water supplies
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 1600 miles, round trip
* COST: rental car cost $305 gas costs : 1600 mi / 24 mpg * 3 $pg = $200 That is
$505 divided under up to 5 persons
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

i 'm planning a car camping / backpacking trip to the Escalante area in South
Utah for the time :

Wednesday, Nov 25th afternoon to Sunday, Nov. 29th evening.

This would include renting an appropriate car and driving there and back.

A meetup with V.'s group for a common thxgiving dinner is possible.

There are spots for 4 people available.

Cheers,
Lothar Langer

I am considering an overnight snowshoeing, snowcamping trip starting at the
Pinecrest Sno-Park and hiking out about 3 miles or so. I have been this way in
summer but not in winter. Is it overrun by snowmobiles? I would think it is too
early for the snowmobilers, since the snow is not very deep.

The road to Sonora Pass is closed now. Clark Fork Road to the campgrounds is
still open, but the rangers say it is likely to close after this next storm
11/21-22. If still open, that would be a preferred starting point. If the snows
continue then Pinecrest Sno-park will be the only parking area available on this
side of Rt.108.

Anyone done this before ? Interested in exploring this area in winter?

Yes, I have snowcamping experience and training. I am not into taking foolish
risks. I just like cold weather and the utter silence of the winter landscape
under a blanket of snow.

Patrick

Hi all,
This will be about a 7+ mile moderate hike in mostly open grasslands with nice
views at this beautiful and secluded place.

We'll have lunch at a beautiful spot overlooking Mt. Diablo.

WHERE: Morgan territory regional preserve [near Livermore]
WHEN: SUNDAY, Nov 15, 2009 at 11:30AM [at the parking lot]

Check the link below for further details and to respond..

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/KXWRERMPONRUFLSDMZSC/hiking_11152009

see u soon!

- Sekar :)

P.S. Dogs are permitted in the park :)

Sun Nov 15: Mount Diablo State park ("V")
------------------------------------------

* DESTINATION: Walnut creek, East Bay
* DATE: Sun Nov 15
* ORGANIZER: "V" (vsittamp at yahoo dot com)
* MEET: 7:45 AM at the PT&S (Parking and Transportation parking lot at Stanford)
or 9:15 AM at the castle rock regional recreation area parking
lothttp://www.ebparks.org/parks/castle_rock#access_info)
* ESTIMATED FINISH: Approximately 6:00PM at the trailhead.
* RSVP: yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 16+ Miles
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 3500 ft
* DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. It will be an Advil day :-)
* BRING: Hiking Boots, Lunch/Snack, 3L Water, Sun Screen, Hat
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Parking lot > Castle rock trail > Stage road > Wall point road
> Ridge view trail > summit trail > Summit. Return to parking lot
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 120 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($36 per car to be shared by all occupants including the driver)
+
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

Sorry if this trip description is a little nondescript. I am in a hurry and am
gonna be brief.
This will be a summit trip on Diablo. This time of the year is perfect for
Diablo. This trip would be toasty in summer to say the least.
We will take a rout i have not taken before. An approach to the summit from the
west.
This hike is also scheduled for Sunday so that those people who could not do
saturday hikes can participate.

Please bring a lot of water and some electrolytes, a good lunch and warm
clothing.

This will be a long and hard day folks. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight or
some sort of light source just in case we are delayed. A light source is
mandatory. please do not attend this hike without one.

See ya there

"V"
978-996-9060

>Telluride, Colorado head the list at #1.
>Top 10 Ski Towns in the USA
>[url elided]

That's a long hike from the Bay Area.

Hi all,
This will be a about 7+ mile moderate hike at the beautiful diablo foothills
park and shell ridge open space.

Hike highlights: Rolling grasslands, ponds, rock formations, views and
fun people.

WHERE: Diablo Foothills Regional Park
WHEN: SATURDAY, Nov 7, 2009 at 11:30AM at the livorna staging area parking lot

Check the evite for further details and to respond

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/POOFYQEONVYRCTVFRTVB/hiking_11072009

See u soon! :)

Wed Nov 25-29: Exploring Wild Utah ("V")
----------------------------------------

* DESTINATION: Southern Utah.
* DATE: Wed Nov 25-29
* ORGANIZER: "V" (vsittamp at yahoo dot com)
* MEET: TBD
* ESTIMATED FINISH: TBD
* RSVP: Absolutely necessary

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 30 Miles over three days
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: Variable
* DIFFICULTY: Moderate for Californians. Easy for everyone else :-)
* BRING: Hiking Boots, Lunch/Snack, 2L Water, Sun Screen, Hat, camping items
(tents, sleeping bag, stove, etc), Please e-mail me for the gear list.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: Exploring Canyons, Mesas and rock formations.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: N/A miles, round trip
* COST: Trip cost will be shared equally among all participants. Participants
bringing common gear will be compensated for it.
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

Southern Utah! A land known for the red and orange hues of its rocks. Sandstone
with wave-like layers, deepest slot canyons in the world and last but not the
least, some of the finest National parks in the southwest. It is open country
for the most part and in some areas almost untouched wilderness.
Most tourist destinations in this area cover only the national parks and avoid
the pristine wilderness areas. We, however, are going to avoid the national
parks and explore the wild Utah.
We will be walking along creek beds, climbing onto plateaus with expansive views
and exploring a few spectacular slot canyons. We will also drive through a
section of Southern Utah that is known for its sandstone monoliths. The
following is a tentative itinerary.

Wed 25th:
Fly to Las Vegas early AM.
Drive to Escalante Utah.
Camp.
Thu 26th:
Start overnight backpack.
Explore canyons all day.
Camp.
Fri 27th:
Backpack out of Escalante river.
Drive back to Escalante.
Camp.
Sat 28th:
Go for a day hike.
Drive the Burr Trail.
Camp.
Sun 29th:
Drive back to Las Vegas.
Fly to SFO PM.

Anyone interested please check into roundtrip ticket prices to Las Vegas for the
above dates and RSVP the organizer.
There are ten spots available. I will collect a deposit for the trip. The
deposit is not refundable if you choose not to participate.

The following websites should give you a good idea of what to expect during this
trip:

http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/grand_staircase.htm

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=escalante+national+monument&um=1&ie=UTF-\
8&ei=lWvzSoGcBo2yswOX7-gV&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CB0Q\
sAQwAw

http://www.utah.com/hike/escalante_river.htm

http://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/upload/Canyons%20of%20the%20Escalante.pdf

http://www.utah.com/offroad/burr-trail.htm

So gear up! Let's go exploring!!!

"V"
978-996-9060

Telluride, Colorado head the list at #1.

Top 10 Ski Towns in the USA
   <http://www.americasbestonline.net/skitowns.html>
Cheers,
Dow


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sat Nov 7: Pacheco State Park ("V")
-----------------------------------

* DESTINATION: Gilroy, Ca
* DATE: Sat Nov 7
* ORGANIZER: "V" (vsittamp at yahoo dot com)
* MEET: 8:30AM at P&TS (http://www.outdoorcardinals.org/pnts.shtml)or at 10:15AM
at the Pacheco park
entrance.(http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/Pacheco.pdf)
* ESTIMATED FINISH: 6:00PM at P&TS
* RSVP: Yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 8-10 Miles
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 500 ft
* DIFFICULTY: Easy does it.
* BRING: Hiking Boots, Lunch/Snack, 2L Water, Sun Screen, Hat
* ROUTE SUMMARY: We will be walking along assorted trails in the park.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 150 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($45 per car to be shared by all occupants including the driver)
+
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip

I try to mix long and short hikes to try and accomodate most people.
This is a good opportunity for those of you looking for an easy hike. Pacheco
park is small and beautiful. It has lots of short fun trails with a big
reservoir next to it.
We will try to have lunch on the lake shore if possible. Please go to the
website for more details:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/Pacheco.pdf

As usual, please bring a jacket and enough water. As this is an easy hike,
please bring a good lunch.

If any of you are interested in leading this trip, please let me know and we can
discuss a few pointers.

SO, if you are in for a lazy, fun saturday, lace-up and see ya there

"V"
978-996-9060

Hi,

My name is Manny, I want to get a small group assembled to hike Mount Whitney in
August, if anyone is interested email me manoli33@..., tell me about
yourself and we can talk about planning a trip. Thanks.

I'm planning another hike at Rancho San Antonio County Park this Sunday the
1st of November. We will be doing the PGE trail which is about 4 hours of
hiking. Be sure to bring appropriate sun protection, plenty of water and some
snacks. Because parking can be tight at Rancho San Antonio I will meet those who
wish to carpool at the Starbucks on 795 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale at 10:30AM.
I'll be wearing my beige hat and New Balance shoes. For those not carpooling we
will meet you outside of the men's entrance of the Rancho San Antonio main
parking lot restroom structure at 11:00AM. If you have any questions or want my
cell phone number reply to this email.. Click below for directions to the park:
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp

the link below is the link to the starbucks meeting point:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=37.356314,-122.018136&hl\
=en&geocode=&gl=us&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=37.356066,-122.018409&sspn=0.002081,0\
.003449&ie=UTF8&ll=37.356113,-122.018226&spn=0.004162,0.006899&z=17

The link below is the google map of the meeting point at Rancho San Antonio.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=37.332623,+-122.087063&vps=3&\
jsv=158b&sll=37.332409,-122.086258&sspn=0.01295,0.010235&ie=UTF8&geocode=FY-mOQI\
daRm5-A&split=0

Click below to view the trail map.
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/maps/pr_rancho_san_antonio.pdf

Graham

"Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious....." I'm planning another
hike at Rancho San Antonio County Park this Sunday the 1st of November. We will
be doing the PGE trail which is about 4 hours of hiking. Be sure to bring
appropriate sun protection, plenty of water and some snacks. Because parking can
be tight at Rancho San Antonio I will meet those who wish to carpool at the
Starbucks on 795 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale at 10:30AM. I'll be wearing my
beige hat and New Balance shoes. For those not carpooling we will meet you
outside of the men's entrance of the Rancho San Antonio main parking lot
restroom structure at 11:00AM. If you have any questions or want my cell phone
number reply to this email.. Click below for directions to the park:
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp

the link below is the link to the starbucks meeting point:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=37.356314,-122.018136&hl\
=en&geocode=&gl=us&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=37.356066,-122.018409&sspn=0.002081,0\
.003449&ie=UTF8&ll=37.356113,-122.018226&spn=0.004162,0.006899&z=17

The link below is the google map of the meeting point at Rancho San Antonio.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=37.332623,+-122.087063&vps=3&\
jsv=158b&sll=37.332409,-122.086258&sspn=0.01295,0.010235&ie=UTF8&geocode=FY-mOQI\
daRm5-A&split=0

Click below to view the trail map.
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/maps/pr_rancho_san_antonio.pdf

Graham





Got Computer problems? Dont get mad, get MadPCskills.com .

Sat Oct 31: Tilden regional park (Valerie & "V")
------------------------------------------------

* DESTINATION: East bay regional parks
* DATE: Sat Oct 31
* ORGANIZER: Valerie & "V" (vsittamp at yahoo dot com)
* MEET: 8:00AM at P&TS (http://www.outdoorcardinals.org/pnts.shtml)or 9:30AM at
the steam trains parking lot at the Tilden Regional park.
* ESTIMATED FINISH: 6:00PM at the trailhead.
* RSVP: Yes

* ACTIVITY DISTANCE: 18+miles
* TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 2500 ft
* DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. Folks, this sure ain't a picnic :-)
* BRING: Hiking Boots, Lunch/Snack, 3L Water, Sun Screen, Hat, A warm jacket is
absolutely necessary.
* ROUTE SUMMARY: This will be a loop hike along the ridge trails.
* DRIVING DISTANCE: 90 miles, round trip
* COST: Carpool ($27 per car to be shared by all occupants including the driver)
+ Tolls
* RAIN POLICY: Rain does not cancel the trip



Come and join Valerie and V as we explore trails of the East Bay Regional Park
system. We will start at the Steam Train at Tilden Park, Berkeley, immediately
enter EBMUD land (East Bay Municipal Water District) and step onto the Bay Area
Ridge Trail/ Skyline National Trail heading South. We shall hike above the
Caldecott Tunnel thru the wildlife connector that squeezes animals into a 1/4
mile wide zone to move between land North and South of the tunnel and Hiway 24.
Our first stop will be at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve and a tour of the
Round Top Volcanos, then on to Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, where
there is a surprise, onto Redwood Regional Park and an exploration of just a
small part of it's vast trail system. There is a hill that is locally know as
Woodmonster Hill and here we shall have an all comer's meet to see who can get
up the fastest! I might even set up age and gender awards! This will be a faster
paced hike and not for pokey hikers. This is a shuttle hike with cars left at
Steam Train, then I will drive the shuttle vehicle (my van can hold 6 drivers)
to Redwood Park and we will return to Steam Train to start the hike. This hike
will go whether it rains or not and hikers would be well advised to have dry
warm clothes and shoes to change into upon arrival at the Skyline Gate of
Redwood Park. It is MANDATORY that every hiker have a head lamp, batteries that
have been replaced in the last month, and back up batteries. No exceptions!!!
There will be water available at Sibley, but it might be cold so take a tip from
me and have a thermos of hot drink, maybe even hot electroytes. Dress in layers
and please NO COTTON tee shirts, no cotton socks!!!!!! Cotton gets damp and then
you are hiking in an envelope of cold water soaked clothing. Polyester or wool
or good silk is recommended. Again, layers that can be added to or taken off.
Have a pair of gloves in case it is cold and, of course, waterproof jacket and
pants and warm hat. Maybe it is time to buy a larger pack for carrying all the
items that a RESPONSIBLE Winter hiker needs. It may be muddy so have a large
plastic bag in which to put hiking boots post hike and spare the cars!

From Stanford cross bridge of choice, take I 80 North and 880 (if taking
Dunbarton or San Mateo Bridge) and get onto Hiway 24 going East to Walnut Creek
direction, go through Caldecott Tunnel. Just as you exit the Tunnel turn right
and above the Tunnel and you will be on Fish Ranch Road. At top, turn right onto
Grizzly Peak Blvd. and go about 2 miles to the Steam Train parking lot, a right
turn and a left turn will take you in to the parking lot. Water and bathrooms
are available there.

Any questions or comments please contact Valerie Doyle, mtnval@....

See ya there
"V"
978-996-9060

* Destination : Pacheco State Park
* Stats : 15 miles, 3800' up, 2.3 mph speed.
* Date : Oct 31, 2009 (Sat)
* Meet : 8:00 AM at a place TBD.
* Organizer: DN (walks.nani at gmail dot com)
* RSVP : Yes. Let me know your contact number if you haven't hiked
     with me before.

I am a bit injured, so this will be a slow, all-day hike. Adventurous hikers who
need to return early are free to drive independently, bring their map, and go at
their pace. Pacheco State Park is a great park in our neighbourhood which is
terribly undervisited but it isn't
really all that far from South Bay. The park straddles Santa Clara and Merced
counties, has several nice lakes/reservoirs in it, and affords stunning views.
The park is famous for wildflower hikes (with
poppies to be found in profusion in April), but should be great in October as
well solely because of the views. The plan is to visit all the major lakes in
the park (Nun Lake, Bear Hike Lake, Dinosaur Lake) at slowish pace, taking our
time at it. Nun Lake (hello, Santa Clara County) is beautiful. And so is
Dinosaur Lake which suddenly bursts into the view and disappears as suddenly.
Recent rains have made the landscape in the eastern parks quite pleasant without
making the trails muddy, so this should be just the right time to visit the
park.


Trip Organizer : Dhananjay Naniwadekar

I was wondering about the weather the day this accident happened, was it
windy?
Today I went to my usual mushroom spot and I could almost not recognize the
place because so many oak branches were on the ground, many were more than 1
foot in diameter at end where they broke off. There was no wind, and I was
debating if it's fairly safe to walk under the trees, reasoning that they
probably fall off when it's blowing hard? Is anything known about that?

On Sun, Sep 6, 2009 at 8:22 AM, <seminar@...> wrote:

> The lady who was in the hospital died.
>
> jayah
>
>
>
>  _____
>
> From: BayAreaHiking@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BayAreaHiking@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of jayahfaye
> Sent: Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:20 PM
> To: BayAreaHiking@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [BayAreaHiking] Trail Hazard
>
> Hikers hike for different reasons, mainly to "have a good time and get
> exercise." I'm often frustrated (as a leader) with hikers who chat and have
> no sense of hazards on the trail....they get behind and wonder why everyone
> is ahead of them. This report came thru on one of my Sierra Club postings
> and I'm passing it along sans names.
>
> The Tan Bark Oaks are dying due to Sudden Oak Death and we're seeing more
> and more downed trees. Please be aware, please be careful and please warn
> your hikers to PAY ATTENTION.
> Jayah Faye Paley
> www.AdventureBuddies.NET
>
> On last Wednesday's 1A hike a thick tree branch fell on one of the hikers,
> probably fracturing her neck, back, and right arm, and putting her in a
> coma. She is still in a coma.
>
> Our hike that day started out as a nice stroll out of Samuel P. Taylor
> State
> Park, up the Jewell Fire Road and on to a stretch of the Bolinas Fire Road
> before coming back down Jewell and then along the South Creek Trail, near
> the Creekside Campground.
>
> Suddenly a loud crack sounded from a tree overhead. Most hikers seemed not
> to notice it but to me it was the sound of tree limbs breaking. I looked
> up,
> saw nothing, but hollered, "Watch out!" As soon as the words were out of my
> mouth there was an even louder crack and down came a huge limb with many
> branchings, smashing down with a terrifying roar on the people immediately
> behind me, burying them under a pile of branches and a big cloud of dust.
> Horrified, I thought they all must be dead. But (name withheld), who had
> been right behind me on the trail, very quickly appeared out of the jumble,
> brushed himself off and declared himself OK. Next behind him was (name
> withheld) who staggered to her feet with a bruise and a small cut on one
> hand but nothing more, and also asserting that she was all right, more or
> less. I thought this was a miracle - no one badly injured in spite of this
> brutally violent crash!
>
> But then we looked behind (name withheld)and saw (name withheld) lying on
> her back on the trail, in repose, but eyes partly open and looking all
> right(except for some blood on her right arm). But she didn't respond to
> our
> questions. Hiker checked her pulse, OK. Another hiker saw that she was
> breathing. She was unconscious but the only injury we could see was the
> blood on her arm.
>
> This was serious. (name withheld) got on his phone and dialed 911. A hiker
> went in search of a Ranger (we were not far from the Park entrance). The
> emergency vehicles arrived in about 10 minutes and soon a helicopter came
> and took Ann to Santa Rosa Memorial hospital. (The next day she was
> transferred to San Francisco General Hospital's Trauma Ward which nurse
> hiker says is rated the best in the nation.)
>
> After she was gone we survivors stood around, still in shock and grief
> about
> (injured hiker), and knowing that it could have been any of us instead of
> her.
>
> The Supervising Park Ranger came around to get information about (injured
> hiker)and about the incident. She later told a Marin Independent Journal
> reporter that we "appeared to be experienced hikers." Indeed. But not
> experienced tree dodgers.
>
> I have returned to the scene since the tragedy to get information and
> take photographs. I saw that the tree has three fresh breaks where
> limbs have fallen off, and they are over the trail. I estimated the
> tree to be at least 80 feet tall. It is entirely barren of leaves,
> dead. It is not a conifer; perhaps a tanoak, someone said. The fallen
> limbs still lie on the ground. One is 7 inches in diameter at its thicker
> end.
>
> While I was there several children were playing in the area and a
> group of four teenagers hiked through. The guilty tree is 80 yards
> from a family campsite (number 20 in Creekside Campground). The
> branches could have fallen on their children.
>
> This tree can and will drop some more branches. Near it is another
> dead tree. Is the park management paying attention? They don't have to
> check
> every tree in the park, just the ones by trails and in
> campgrounds. Yes, they are in financial straits but keeping the place
> safe should be top priority.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to
> bayareahiking-unsubscribe@...! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


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