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Fall 2001 Calendar

Sep 28 (Fri): Russian Ridge Sunset Hike (Craig)

• Location: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
• Meet: 3:30 Friday 9/28 Bechtel I-Center, or
  4:15 Russian Ridge Parking Lot (on Alpine Road)
• Distance 4.4 miles
• Elevation Change: 550 feet
• Bring: A little water and a warm layer
• Driving time: 30 minutes
• Driving Distance: about 10 miles
• Directions: Take Page Mill Road east past 280 and all the way up the ridge to Skyline Boulevard. Cross Skyline (the road becomes Alpine) and take an almost immediate right into the parking lot.
• Cost: Mileage plus optional dinner afterward

Questions? Contact Craig Foster (trip leader)

Take me to the top!

Sep 28-30: Beginner's Backpacking - Winnemucca Lake & Mt. Roundtop (Henri) (*)

• Location: Mokelumne Wildnerness near Carson Pass on highway 88
• Meet: Friday (today), 7 pm Bechtel Int'l Center
• Return: Sunday 6pm
• Driving time: 3.5 hours
• Length of hike: *only* 6 miles roundtrip (not including optional climb of Mt Roundtop)
• Elevation gain & loss: <1000 ft (roundtrip, the climb to Mt Roundtop is roughly 1500 ft)

We will camp at Woods lake on Friday night, and after waking up on Saturday morning, make a leisurely trip to deep blue Winnamucca Lake where we set up camp. From there, the group can split up: those who want to go swim and hang out at the lake can stay, but those with some energy left can join me in climbing Mt. Roundtop, a huge volcanic vent with interesting mineral colored rock formations and a beautiful view of the Sisters. The climb itself is steep, but not very long and rates an easy class 3. On Sunday, we will hike the 3 miles back to the cars at the Woods Lake parking lot. "California Hiking" gives this loop a 10 for views and a 3 for difficulty: in short, the view-to-effort ratio on this hike is hard to beat.

Please sign up by replying to this message, or sending a message asap to the tripleader, Henri

Take me to the top!

Sep 29 (Sat): Mission Peak and Storytelling (Dave)

• Date: Saturday, Sept 29, 2001
• Meet: 9am, Bechtel I-Center parking lot
• Driving time: 45 min
• Length of hike: 5.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 2126 feet
• Return time: 7pm
• Cost: $6 student admission to festival + $1.50 parking per car ($10 general admission)
• Food: Food is available at the festival site. Bring your own for the trail &/or for lunch if you want.
• Bring: good hiking boots, sunblock, hat, layers, at least one liter of water
• Driving directions: 101 -> 237-> 880 North -> Mission Blvd; go 3 miles to 43600 Mission Blvd (45min drive)
• Web links:
  http://www.cistory.org
  http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mission.htm

Note: If you don't feel like climbing Mission Peak, you can attend the afternoon sessions of the festival instead.

Schedule details:

• 9am Meet at Bechtel I-Center parking lot
• 10 am-12 pm Featured Storytellers (Southern)
• 11 am-12 pm Workshop: Basic Storytelling Techniques
• 12-1:30 pm Lunch
  Cupeno Dancers
  Documentary Screening/Discussion: Crossing the Rainbow Bridge
  Story Swap
• 1:30-6:00 pm Mission Peak hike
• 7:00 pm return to I-Center

• 6-7 dinner from food stands or restaurant
• 7 pm Story As Song
  Bird Singers
  Cupeno Dancers
  Chumash Singers
  Flute Players

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Sept 30 (Sun): Tomales Bay Oyster Picnic (Paul)

• Date: Sunday, September 30, 2001
• Meeting Time: 9am, Bechtel I-Center
• Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Length of Hike: 500 yds. Up and down the beach to work up an appetite.
• Cost: Bring some $ for oysters and carpool

Any oyster lovers out there? Fresh off the halfshell or grilled with a dash of tabsaco and lemon? You can have them both ways and more! Come spend Sunday by the beach and have an oyster picnic.

I plan to head out to the Tomales Bay Oyster Company this Sunday for a beach picnic. Just spoke to them on the phone and they confirm that they are harvesting daily now. You can purchase fresh oysters onsite and they range from $6 to $10 per dozen, depending on size.

They have a small picnic area with benches and BBQ grills. Bring some briquets if you would like to grill. Apart from oysters, oysters and oysters, little is available onsite so please bring your own picnic (i.e. drinks, food, utensils, plates, napkins). And of course, if you have any special oyster recipes, bring them, make 'em and share 'em! (Hey, I kept my part of the bargain last time!)

Bring a light jacket just in cast it gets windy.

Contact info for the oyster farm :
Tamales Bay Oyster Co 15479 Highway 1 Marshall, CA 94940 (415) 663-1242

They are located on the west side of HWY 1, about midway between the turnoff to Point Reyes Station and Marshall.

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Oct 5-7: Sequoia National Park Backpacking - Lakes and Alta Trail (Craig) (*)

• Fri: camp at Lodgepole Campground
• Sat: Wolverton Trail to Pear Lake, camp at Mehrton Meadow 12 mi, 1800 feet elevation gain
• Sun: Alta Peak and Return to Wolverton Trailhead 10 mi, 2200 elevation gain
• Costs: mileage plus $8 per site (6 people per site) Friday, plus $3 bear canister rental unless you have your own (probably one per two people max)

Friday afternoon/ evening, we will depart from Bechtel (or other locations as convenient) and camp at the Lodgepole campsite in Sequoia. Saturday we will drive to the Wolverton Trailhead, and hike the lakes trail about 6 miles to Pear lake. We will be able to drop packs about two miles in. After lunch at Pear lake, we will backtrack to our packs and hike up to Mehrton Meadow, where we will set camp. Sunday we will hike Alta Peak (11204') without packs in the morning, and admire views of Mount Whitney. We may have breakfast up there, so you may want to pack a cold breakfast that morning, or bring your stove. We will then pack up and return to the trailhead and home.

Expect nighttime temperatures close to freezing, days may get into the 60's (F).

Space is limited to 12 people. As usual, past leaders get priority if too many people are interested (please tell me if you are a leader). To sign up please email with the following information:

1. Your name and number of people who would like to come with you
2. Whether you can drive and how many people your car can fit
3. When you can leave (also indicate if you have special travel considerations, e.g. it would be easier to meet us there)
4. Your email and phone number (Cell phone numbers may also be handy for later)

Take me to the top!

Oct 6 (Sat): Angel Island (Paul)

• Length of Hike : 3-7 miles (easy)
• Meeting time : 8am sharp at Bechtel
• Driving Time : 1 hour each way
• Return : Flexible. Expected between 4-5pm, unless we do an optional dinner in the city.
• Cost : $10.50 for the SF - Angel Island ferry. Bring $5-15 for SF parking and carpool

Angel Island has been described as being the jewel of San Francisco Bay. A network of easy hiking trails criss-cross the island and it is a great way to spend a day. We are probably not going to purely hike on the island. There are a number of historic sites to visit and also many opportunities to lay in the sun, toss a Frisbee around, have a picnic atop Mt Livermore from which you can see most of the bridges in the bay area on a good day. Yes, this is really more like a romp-in-the-park instead of a "hike".

For more info, check out the following sites :
www.angelisland.com
www.angelisland.org
http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=468

I'm planning to hike up to the top of Mt Livermore and stop for a picnic lunch. Bring food, water, wine, cheese (don't forget the last 2!) and we can enjoy ourselves soaking up the views. Hey, if you bring the goodies, I'll volunteer to carry your pack!

Come prepared for SF type weather. The boat ride can be wet and chilly. In addition, the top of Mt Livermore is pretty exposed and may be windy. Weather forecast says partly cloudy, with temps in the 60s and 70s. Sunblock and a hat will also be useful. There are ferries running between Angel Island and SF about every hour so we have some flexibility as to return time. If enough people are interested, we will have dinner in the city.

If you would like to meet us in the city, read this section.

Meet near the Blue and Gold Fleet ticket booth on Pier 41 at 9:15am sharp. The place is likely to be crowded so look out for us. I'll carry a magenta/green daypack. You can also try calling me on my cellphone.

Paul Chan

Take me to the top!

Oct 13-14: Paradise Valley (Peter M) (*)

• Location: Paradise Valley, hiking from road's end at Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon
• Meet: Friday - each carpool to arrange suitable time
• Return: Sunday late
• Driving time: 5-6 hours depending on how fast you go
• Length of hike: one way backpack about 10 miles
• Elevation gain & loss: 2,500ft

We'll camp in the valley and do short hikes out from there on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. There is a swimming option in Hume Lake on Sunday if we have time, and the water isn't too cold.

There is a National Park permit limit to the number of people in a group, names will be chosen at random (with some priority for prior trip leaders). Please RSVP by Wednesday, 6pm. Park details are listed at here.

Friday night we'll camp at the Sentinel Campsite in Cedar Grove. I'll explain to people when and where to meet in my next email, plus directions. We leave early on Saturday morning to hike to our campsite. There are bears and we are not allowed to hang food, so have to camp in designated campsites that have bear boxes. Please don't bring a lot of bulky foods, since there is only one bear box and we'll need cannisters... Also (in case I forget) there is NO gas on the way in to Kings Canyon so please fill up in the Fresno area - the small gas stations after all close by 8pm.

So if you'd like to go, send me your details including :

1. Your Name.
2. What time do you prefer to leave.
3. Where from? Choices are Mountain View or Stanford or maybe east Bay if people live there.
4. Are you willing to drive and how many people can your car hold?
5. Do you have a tent? Can you share - with how many others?
6. Do you have a water filter you can bring?
7. Do you have a stove you can bring?
8. Do you have a bear cannister? If not, can you rent one from REI (if convenient)?

Peter
(plumeria___(at]___earthlink.net)

What to bring (this is Arturo's list)
1) Sense of humour!

For the campground:
__ Sleeping Bag (rated at 20 degrees F or lower) -> It will get down to below freezing at night
__ Sleeping Pad
__ Stove (shared)
__ Pots / pans / etc. (shared)
__ Water filter (shared)
__ Warm Clothes
__ Toiletries
__ Flashlight
__ Money
__ Plates/mug/tensils
__ Dinner (for Saturday night)
__ Backpack

For the hikes:
__ Hiking boots
__ 2 quarts of water
__ Breakfast (2 days)
__ Lunch (2 days)
__ Snacks
__ Sunscreen/Sunglasses
__ Camera & Film

What if I don't have a sleeping bag or sleeping pad?
You can borrow one from a friend or you can try to rent one at REDWOOD, look here for details. They will be open at 8:30pm this Wednesday.
Another option (more expensive) is to rent at REI. There are 2 REI store nearby:

• San Jose:
  400 El Paseo de Saratoga Shopping Center
  Saratoga Avenue
  San Jose, (408) 871-8765
  
• San Carlos
  1119 Industrial Road
  Suite 1-B
  San Carlos, (650) 508-2330

Take me to the top!

Oct 13-14: Sierra Nevada Car Camping and Mushroom Hunting (Igor) (*)

This weekend I am planning to join the SF Mycological Society on their annual Wild Mushroom Foray to the Sierra Nevada.

Everybody who is interested in spending the weekend doing light hiking in the beautiful forests north of Lake Tahoe, learning to collect and properly identify (for consumption,) delicious wild mushrooms and do not mind car camping in a great quiet campground for the weekend is welcome to write to me for additional details. (you'll need a sleeping bag and pad and maybe a tent, food, cooking and transportation arrangement can be made later.)

Additional information about the trip can be found in:
http://www.mssf.org/ (go the calendar link.)

Here is the general description:
Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14, Yuba Pass Foray: Meet at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Chapman Creek Campground on Hwy 49 near Bassetts. Best way: take Hwy 80 to Truckee, take Hwy 89 north, turn west on Hwy 49, follow to campground. Bring car camping gear, usually nice weather but be prepared for possible cold nights.

Foray Leader: Norm Andresen, (510) 533-6541.

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Oct 20-21: Velma Lakes Beginning Backpacking Trip (Liz and Paul) (*)

• Location: Velma Lakes, Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe
• Meet: Friday evening, Oct 19, at Bechtel International Center
• Return: Sunday night, Oct 21
• Driving time: About 4.5 hours
• Length of hike: 5-6 miles each day
• Priority: Beginners
• Prerequisites:
  • You need to be reasonably fit, and able to hike 5-6 miles a day with a backpack
  • You are expected to attend an information session on Wed, Oct 17, 8.30 - 9.30 pm at the Redwood gear shed on campus. For directions, please go to http://www.stanford.edu/group/redwood/gear.html

For pictures, see:
http://www.employees.org/~ciwata/desolation/desolation-index.html
http://tahoe.usgs.gov/photos.html

** Sign-ups:
If you are interested in this trip, please email me by Wed, 6.00 pm with the following information:

1. Name
2. Phone number
3. Whether you have a car, are willing to drive & how many passengers you can take
4. Whether you have a tent & stove

Take me to the top!

Oct 27 (Sat): Point Reyes (Sarah)

• Meeting time: 8am, Bechtel Center
• Length of Hike: 10-11 miles (easy)
• Driving Time: 1.5 hr (approx)
• Return: mid- to late afternoon (the trip leader has an evening engagement)
• Optional dinner on the way back.

The weather will likely be fairly cool, especially at this time of year. There may be fog, wind, and sun in various combinations, so dress in layers, bring sunblock, a hat, etc. I have heard that poison oak grows abundantly in this area, so it might be a good idea to wear long pants or shorts with zip-on legs for the places where the trail narrows. Bring a lunch / snack for yourself and plenty of water.

Directions:
We will form carpools as necessary at Bechtel, and I will distribute directions to the trailhead at that time. However, directions and other useful information about this hike can be found at this website: http://www.eparka.com/guide/California/1UJS0REM9.html

You can also find general information about Point Reyes from:
http://www.nps.gov/pore/
http://www.pointreyes.net/

If you have any questions about the hike, please contact me via email or cell phone:

Sarah Kluge

Take me to the top!

Oct 27-28: Biking/Camping (Erhung)  - Canceled

Take me to the top!

Nov 2-4: Buckeye/Hot Creek: Camping, Hiking, and Hot-Tubbing (Johnny) (*)

• Location: Toiyabe/Inyo National Forest along HWY 395
• Meeting time: Friday (Nov. 2nd) - depending on the carpool
• Driving time: Approx 6 hours each way
• Return: Sunday (Nov. 4th) late
• Length of hike: approx. 10 miles (moderate)
• Elevation Gain: Approx. 2000 ft.
• Rain/Snow policy: rain/snow does not cancel trip.

A more detailed list of what you will need for this trip is attached at the end. Group size for wilderness camping is limited. Please sign-up by replying with the following info by Wednesday afternoon:

1. Name and contact phone number (day/evening)
2. Car-pooling: when would you like to leave and from where (Stanford or elsewhere in the bay area)
3. Are you willing to drive, and how many passengers can you take
4. Do you have the following group gear:
   • Tent (how big and can you share)?
   • Water filter?
   • Bear Cannister(s)?
5. Would you like to help out with the gourmet group dinner? (any professional wilderness gourmet chef out there?!)

What to bring (this is taken from Peter's copy of Arturo's list):
Since this is car-camping-like with a day-hike, you need not be too weight conscious but please be aware of limited space in your driver's trunk.

1. Sense of humour!
2. For the campground:
   • Sleeping Bag (rated at 15 degrees F or lower) -> It will get down to below freezing at night
   • Sleeping Pad
   • tent (shared)
   • Stove (shared)
   • Pots / pans / etc. (shared)
   • Water filter (shared)
   • Warm Clothes (wind/waterproof out shell and insulating layers)
   • Toiletries
   • Flashlight
   • Money
   • Plates/mug/tensils
   • Dinner (group dinner details for Sat. will be decided later - no freez-dries or power bars!)
3. For the hikes:
   • Hiking boots
   • 2 quarts of water
   • Breakfast (1 day)
   • Lunch (1 day)
   • Snacks
   • Sunscreen/Sunglasses/hats
   • Camera & Film
4. For the hot springs:
   • swimware & towels
   • sandles for getting in/out

• San Jose:
  400 El Paseo de Saratoga Shopping Center
  Saratoga Avenue
  San Jose, (408) 871-8765
  
• San Carlos
  1119 Industrial Road
  Suite 1-B
  San Carlos, (650) 508-2330

Take me to the top!

Nov 11: (Sun): Big Basin Redwoods & Waterfalls (Jonathan) - CANCELED

THIS HIKE IS CANCELED DUE TO RAIN..............

• Location: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
• Distance: 12 miles
• Elevation Change: 1900 feet
• Websites:
  http://www.bigbasin.org
  http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=540
• Bring: Lots of water (2L or more), lunch, flashlight w/ red lens, jacket
• Driving Time: 1.5 hours
• Cost: Mileage + $3/car + dinner
• Meet: 7am at Bechtel International Center

Join me for what looks to be a great hike through California's oldest State Park. The park rangers have assured me that there actually is water flowing over the falls, so it's time to check it out! Due to the early darkness these days, we'll leave from Bechtel ___(at]___ 7am. The hike is 12 miles and rated as strenuous, so keep that in mind.

Please bring a flashlight w/ a red lens in the event that nightfall comes too soon. Bring plenty of water, as there are no potable sources once we leave the Park Headquarters.

-Jonathan Karpick
(650)941-2100

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Nov 10-11: Tomales Bay Kayaking (Erik) (*)

• Location: Tomales Bay
• URLs
  • Kayak Rental: http://www.tamalsaka.com/
  • Map: http://www.west-marin.com/area/maps/prsimage.htm
  • Prior Trip Pictures: http://members2.clubphoto.com/erik212136/64966/owner-4e94.phtml
  • Pictures/Travelogues: http://www.pointreyes.net/kayak/
  • http://www.baskers.org/frame.html
• Meet: Saturday morning, 10am at Bechtel
• Return: Sunday afternoon/evening.
• Driving time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
• Rain policy: No cancellation, unless very rough weather prevents us from kayaking
• Expenses: driving fees, campsite fees, kayak rental ($65 single, $45 per person double ___(at]___ Tamalsaka)
• Deadline for signup: Monday, Nov 3rd

Fall is one of the nicest times to kayak in Tomales Bay. The water is warmer and more swimable than in the summer, they are many more migrating birds and seals, and much fewer people so we will most likely get a beach all to ourselves. On Saturday morning we will head early to Tamal Saka kayak rentals in Marshal on the edge of Tomales Bay, and get our kayaks. After setting up camp and having lunch, we will do some combination of more kayaking and/or swimming in the bay. That evening we will have a campfire (we bring in our own wood), and have a fun social dinner. The next morning we will do some more exploring, and leave the campsite to be back at Tamal Saka by 1pm. We may then do some sighseeing or a short hike in the area, and stop by for an optional dinner.

Park Description:
Tomales Bay State Park is attached to Point Reyes National Seashore.
From the Tamal Saka website:
"Lined with remote beaches, lagoons and brushy hillsides, the glassy and protected waters of Tomales Bay are a kayaking paradise. As the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California, the Bay is a haul-out and pupping site for harbor seals and home to 45 species of fish, a variety of rare ducks and 25,000 wintering loons, grebes, cormorants, geese and other open-water birds. The Bay's nutrient and clean water serves as a major spawning ground for Pacific herring and an ideal environment for crab, cod, perch and halibut. Rare plant habitats dominate the Bay's landscape and you might hear the distant cries of tule elk wandering the forested ridges as your kayak glides across the Bay."

** READ INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO BRING AND EXPECT
We will be renting shared sit-on-top kayaks (safe). Those who have taken a self rescue class, can rent a closed kayak. Single kayaks are also available. You will have to sign a waiver to rent. When you rent the kayak and paddle you are entering into a deal with the kayak renter - not Stanford Outing Club. You will have a lifejacket but I would not recommend kayaking to people who can't swim. You should bring a towel and clothing to change into after the trip. You would be very foolish not to being good waterproof sunblock (35+), UV blocking sunglasses and a hat (all whether or not you are normally concerned by the sun - you get baked when on water).

Equipment:

• Tamal Saka will be providing: life vest, spray skirt, wetsuits (for those in sit-on-tops)
• You should also bring:
  • Windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, artificial fabrics, clothes & shoes you can get wet (tevas, booties, etc.)
  • Bring at least one extra set of clothes to change into in case you get wet.
  • Optional: binoculars, wood for fire
  • Use small bags (not large backpacks) as items need to be stowed in/on the kayak.
  • Plenty or garbage bags to double bag all your stuff and thus keep it dry.
  • Food: Breakfast and dinner will be handled socially. (i.e. some folks will do dinner, others breakfast). Final list will be sent w/ confirmations. Let me know if you have a preference. Everyone should bring 2 lunches and snacks.
  • Water: 6+ liters of water as their is probably only sea water at the campsite. (in 1 gallon containers or smaller. The larger ones do not fit well in the kayak)
  • Normal camping equipment (stoves, tents, etc.)

Please include in the message the following information:

1. Name
2. Phone
3. Camping equipment you have (tent, sleeping bag, stove, etc.).
4. Kayak rental: (a) bring own boat (b) want to rent boat, specify single or shared (we will do partner matching). Closed singles are only avail for those w/ self rescue training.
5. Previous kayaking experience, if any.
6. Can you swim?
7. Are you willing to drive and if yes, how many people can your car take (including equipment)?

Trip "leader":
Tel. 650-270-1040

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Nov 17-18: Napa Camping and Leonids Meteor Shower (Paul) (*)

• Meeting Time : 12 pm, Sat 11/17. Bechtel I-Center unless other arrangements made.
• Type of trip : Car camping at developed campsite in Napa. View meteor shower at night.
• Length of hike : None
• Cost : Est $20-$30 per person. Cost-sharing.
• Signups required and there is a group size limit. (See email below for more information.)
• Rain policy : Forecast of rain cancels trip.

For more information on the Leonids shower, check out the following websites:
http://www-space.arc.nasa.gov/~leonid/
http://www.atnf.csiro.au/asa_www/info_sheets/leonids.html
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/astronomy/leonids_2001.html

Plan for the weekend is to head up to Lake Berryessa near Napa and camp at one of the developed campsites on the western shore of the lake. Along the way, depending on individual preferences, we may choose to stop by a couple of vineyards for some optional wine-tasting and to pick up a couple of bottles for dinner. (Optional)

We'll have a grill going at the campsite so people can get creative with what they choose to bring for dinner. I hope to be able to get a site by the water and if sufficiently dark, view the meteor shower from there shortly after midnight. Else, we'll have a late start after staying up Sat night so we might get back to Stanford early afternoon or so.

I do not plan for the trip to be a serious astronomy field-trip but rather more of a "chill-by-the-water-and-watch-some-shooting-stars" kind of outing. However, I'll try my best to bring along star charts and other pertinent information.

Signups:
If you are interested in the trip, please send me responses to the following questions. When it comes down to the line, drivers of minivans (yes, I'm not kidding here. Change from the usual drivers with SUVs heh?) get preference as the campsites by Lake Berryessa charge for sites per car.

1. Name
2. Contact email
3. Contact phone number (Day/Night)
4. Can you drive? # of passengers you can take with you?
5. What group camping gear do you have? (Tent, stove, etc?)
6. Any preference to departure time/place on Sat?

Take me to the top!

Nov 18 (Sun): Junipero Serra Peak (Arturo) (*)

• Departure: 7 am from Bechtel I-Center
• Distance: 12 miles
• Elevation Change: 4000 feet
• Cost: $5 per car (adventure pass), plus carpool expenses, and dinner.
• Rain Policy: Heavy rain cancels Hike
• Approx. Driving time and Mileage: 3hrs, 165mi (each way)
• Long pants and long sleeves recommended as trail may be overgrown and ticks may be present.
• Bring a flashlight as we may be returning after dark.
• Optional dinner in the way back.

Junipero Serra Peak is the highest peak in Monterey County. It's name after Friar Junipero Serra, the founder of the Missions in California. This spectacular peak is in the middle of Los Padres National Forest and affords views of the Ventana Wilderness and the Pacific Ocean. The walk up is strenuous with an altitude gain of 4000 feet and six miles each way on trail, but the view is well worth the effort. The trail climbs gently for the first 2 miles in a forested area. Then, it continues through thick chaparral, and switchbacks at a steady rate. In the way there are a few streams that may require some boulder hopping. Near the top, we go back to a pine forest and at the top of the mountain, there is an ancient fire tower. The weather around the area is unpredictable, so bring a sweater in case it is foggy and chilly, but also bring lots of water since it can be really hot and sunny! There is no drinking water at the trailhead or during the hike, so fill up at home. Also, bring a flashlight as we may be returning after dark.

Heavy rain or high probability of heavy rain cancels the hike. I'll send an email message to the group on Friday evening if we are canceling or you can call me to verify (please no phone calls after 10pm or before 6am). If you have a compass, bring it. I'll be practicing land navigation and I'll be happy to teach people.

Optional dinner in the way back.

Take me to the top!

Nov 21-25: Death Valley (Erhung) - TRIP FULL!!

If you haven't been to Death Valley, get ready to absorb breathtaking views of nothingness. Besides some developed areas, there are no trees or rivers in sight. What you will see are the myriad colors of the rock formations, the vast mountain ranges, the sand dunes, and the salt flats. If you have been to Death Valley (perhaps on my trip last year on the same weekend), then you'll be glad that we will be covering mostly new territories this time because we'll have adequate vehicles to take us there.

Here's a quick rundown of the trip, followed by a more detailed, day-to-day description of the areas we plan to visit.

• Leaving: Wednesday (11/21) afternoon 4pm-7pm
• Returning: Sunday evening (11/25) around 10pm
• Meeting: Bechtel International Center, Stanford or prearranged carpool location towards San Jose (rental SUVs will be picked up from SJC airport)
• Transportation: We are renting SUVs for everyone because the itinerary will depend on vehicles capable of driving over long distances of rough, unpaved roads. Even if there are folks that are willing to take their own SUVs, I still think that it's best to rent because I don't want any passenger to feel liable to his/her driver should any damage occur. So, we will take up to 4 rental Ford Explorers, packing, hopefully, 5 people in each. Transportation costs will be divided evenly among all participants.
• Driving Time: All passes through the Sierras will have certainly all been closed by Thanksgiving, so we will go the southern route on I-5 towards Bakersfield and cut east on CA-178 and up on US-395. Driving non-stop each way takes around 9 hours, but, on the way down, we'll camp overnight in Sequoia National Forest past Lake Isabella, and do the last 4-5 hours the following day.
• Lodging: We will be doing backcountry roadside camping because the established campsites are generally too crowded and noisy, and camping anywhere gives us greater flexibility to our ambitious itinerary (we will be doing lots of driving on this trip...). So this means you don't need a big backpack and you can bring whatever you want (sort of), provided that it fits in the car.
• Meals: It would be nice to do a group Thanksgiving dinner, but I won't have the time to plan a menu and buy all the necessary ingredients and then cook for everyone (like I did last year!). If anyone would like to coordinate this dinner, let me know. Besides that, everyone is on their own for meals, but people usually bring lots to share, especially libations!
• Costs: The primary cost will be vehicle rental and fuel (we'll be driving well in excess of 1000 miles). I don't know the exact rental rates yet, but a check on orbitz.com for a 5-day rental of a Ford Explorer with unlimited mileage comes to around $280. Add fuel costs to that and you are looking at about $100 per person. There will also be a per vehicle park entrace fee of $10, unless a passenger has the National Parks Pass.

At a glance, these are the places we plan to visit: Ubehebe Peak, the Grandstand, the Racetrack, Ubehebe Crater, Golden Canyon, Red Cathedral, Gower Gulch Loop, Zabriske Point, Devil's Golf Course, Badwater, Telescope Peak, and Mosaic Canyon. Having missed it last year, I really wanted to visit Eureka Dunes, but it's just too far out of the way for the 2 1/2 days that we actually have to explore the park.

Wednesday: driving past Lake Isabella
Several people will meet at Bechtel and drive in one car down to SJC to pick up the SUVs, and all vehicles will return to Bechtel to pick up everyone else (if there are people who'd rather meet at another location, we can work out the carpools later).

Hopefully, everyone will leave by 7pm, fighting traffic out of the Bay Area. We'll coordinate by cell phone or by some other way the exact location where we will meet and camp that night. I haven't reserved any campsite, but there should be places by a section of Sequoia National Forest on CA-178, shortly after Lake Isabella, where we can crash for a few hours.

Thursday: more driving, Ubehebe Peak, group dinner
I'd like to continue driving by 8am. I estimate that it'll take 3-4 hours to reach Death Valley, and another 1 1/2 hours to reach Ubehebe Peak's trailhead, our first destination. We will need to fuel up at the junction of CA-178 and US-395 because it could be another couple hundred miles before we find another gas station in the park. We turn north at the park's boundary a little before Panamint Springs and head towards Hunter Mountain. The road through Hidden Valley is labelled on the map as "may be closed in winter" and will require a high-clearance 4x4 for sure, so I'll call the ranger station in a couple of weeks and see if that route is really feasible. If not, our plans would change dramatically, as we'd have to go all the way around counter-clockwise from Stovepipe Wells.

Ubehebe Peak is 6 mile RT hike to 5678 ft (2100 elev. gain), where you will have an amazing view of the Grandstand, a dark-colored outcrop of rock that looks like an island in the midst of the Racetrack's sea, the Racetrack playa, and Saline Valley. The hike also offers an interesting side trip to some mining ruins, and an exciting trail-less scramble to Ubehebe's summit. The trail, at around the 2-mile mark, tops out at a saddle on the crest of the Last Chance Range, where you'll see Saline Valley 3500 ft below to the west, backed by tall Inyo Mountains (the Racetrack Valley on the east side, in comparison, is 2700 ft higher than Saline Valley).

Hopefully we'll still have some sunlight to find a place to camp and start cooking our Thanksgiving dinner. Regulations say campfires are not allowed except on developed campsites (we'll try to stay at free campsites at Emigrant and Mahogany Flat on Friday and Saturday), so we might not get to have a fire on Thursday if we obey the rules...

Friday: the Racetrack, the Grandstand, Sliding Rocks, Ubehebe Crater, Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral, Gower Gulch Loop to Zabriske Point, Devil's Golf Course and/or Badwater
This will be a long day with a lot of driving as well. We start out by walking about the Racetrack playa and do a quick fun climb up the Grandstand, which is composed of quartz monzonite and limestone. We then drive a couple of miles south to see the famous Sliding Rocks, which are Death Valley's greatest mystery because they leave these tracks on the dry, cracked mud and salt flats, and no one has ever seen these rocks in motion.

After an hour or two we drive north towards Ubehebe Crater. This 20+ mile stretch of road is pretty rough, so it may take a while. Ubehebe and Little Hebe Craters are big volcanic fossil from 2000 years ago (the larger crater is 500 ft deep). They aren't the most spectacular attractions, but the sight of nothingness is still mesmerizing.

At this point we get back on paved roads and we head east, and then south towards the Furance Creek area, over 60 miles away (if we need to take a short detour to Scotty's Castle to fuel up, we'll do that). Eventually, we come to Golden Canyon, where we begin the 7.5 mile hike, first to Red Cathedral, then to Zabriske Point on the Gower Gulch Trail.

The Golden Canyon Trail is a 1.3-mile interpretive trail "leading up a flat alluvial fan and displays a colorful array of volcanic rocks, sand, and gravel. The canyon cliffs exhibit every shade of gold you can think of--from yellow to orange to apricot." Red Cathedral is at the end of this trail and has red-colored cliffs. (Start at 150 ft, elev. gain 400 ft). This would be a good place to do lunch.

After visiting Red Cathedral, we backtrack a bit and continue on to the Gower Gulch Loop from the Golden Canyon Trail, passing Zabriske Point. Unlike lots of people that drive to Zabriske Point, you'll be proud that you made the trip hiking there, where you will see spectacular vistas of the surrounding badlands and the Panamint Mountains. The Gower Gulch Trail after Zabriske Point begins as a wide flood drainage going very gradually downhill, but narrows considerably through high canyon walls. I'm expecting to finish this hike after dark, so we all need to bring flashlights.

The next stop is the Badwater Salt Flats, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. I visited there last year in the dark as well, and I thought it's much more interesting than during the day when the crowds are heavier. We'll walk onto the salt flats and find a nice spot for dinner (you can probably leave your salt shaker in the car for this meal :) After dinner, we'll do a short hike on the plains and do some star-gazing.

Well, this long day hasn't ended yet! We still have to head back north on CA-190, then east to the Emigrant Campground. We can do a quick stop at the Devil's Golf Course, where you can see razor sharp salt sculptures (chimneys, arches, etc.). It'll take about an hour to drive to Emigrant. I don't know wether we can find a site late at night; if not, we'll camp on the roadside somewhere nearby. Emigrant is a free campground and has 10 sites, tables, water, and flush toilets, but no fires are allowed.

Saturday: Telescope Peak!
This hike will certainly be the highlight of the trip. We start the 14 mile RT hike at the Mahogany Flat Campground (elev. 8130 ft) and take the well-graded and maintained trail to the summit, which, at 11049 ft (elev. gain 2900 ft), is the highest peak in Death Valley. The hike will be very strenuous, and there may even be snow at the higher elevations, but the views will be stunning. This is how my book describes the summit: "when you get here, you can pivot yourself around and in one long, sweeping glance take in Mount Whitney to the west and Badwater to the east...that means you see the highest point in the contiguous United States and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere from the same spot."

Luckily, we won't have to go far to find camp after a gruelling day. I doubt many people will be climbing Telescope Peak, so there should not be a problem finding a site at Mohagony Flat, which has 10 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. If there is a problem, however, Thorndike is another campground that's just a few minutes away.

Sunday: Mosaic Canyon, driving home
I know the drive home will be exhausting, but if we get going early enough, I would like to hike Mosaic Canyon (we need to pay the park entrance fees at the Stovepipe Wells Village ranger station anyway).

Mosaic Canyon (3 miles RT, elev. 950 ft, elev. gain 450 ft) is "one of the crown jewels of Death Valley. Its gem-like marble walls are considered to be a 'geologic outdoor museum'." It's "far different from that of other desert canyons. The trail shows off smooth, water-polished marble from ancient lakebeds as it winds its way up the narrow, high-walled canyon. Multicolored rock fragments that appear to be cemented together are visible in several areas ...It's a gorgeous mix of red, white, black and gray stone."

I want to aim for a noon-time departure from Death Valley after a quick lunch at Stovepipe Wells. We will see if we can arrange to meet for dinner somewhere, but, in any case, we must meet again at Stanford so we can settle final group expenses and return the SUVs to SJC airport.

Additional Information
http://deathvalley.areaparks.com/
http://www.nps.gov/deva/
http://www.death.valley.national-park.com/
http://www.americansouthwest.net/california/death_valley/national_park.html
360 degree Panoramas (requires QuickTime):
http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages/QTVR/DeathValley/DeathValley.html
Geology: http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/docs/usgsnps/deva/deva1.html
Weather: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/Death_Valley_CA_US_f.html

Gear Checklist

• Tent and tarp (I will coordinate who should bring tents, stoves, fuel, cookware, etc. later on)
• Stove, fuel, and cookware (if you have them)
• Sleeping bag (should be rated down to 20 degrees F)
• Sleeping pad
• Pillow (optional)
• Daypack
• 2 one-liter water bottles (2 standard Nalgenes)
• Sturdy boots (no sneakers!)
• Tevas
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Hiking shirts and pants (non-cotton highly recommended; convertible pants are also convenient)
• Hat (for shade)
• Warm jacket (nighttime temperatures can get into the 40s at this time of year, even though daytime temperatures may be quite balmy--70s-80s; it can even get below freezing at Mohagony Flat, which is above 8000 ft)
• Change of clothes for 4 days
• Towel for shower (for those who want to shower on Friday evening, you can do so at Furnace Creek Ranch for $2)
• Toiletries
• Trowel and toilet paper
• Sunblock and sunglasses
• Pocket knife
• Whistle (optional)
• Headlamp or flashlight (and spare batteries)
• Candle lantern (optional)
• Camera and film
• Two-way radio (if you have one)
• First-aid kit (including mole skin) and aspirin/ibuprofen
• Food for 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and at least two dinners (I hope we'll have volunteers to plan at least the Thanksgiving dinner)
• Energy bars, snacks, fruits, stuff for the campfire
• Wine (it will make the trip so much more enjoyable)
• Thermos bottle (good for tea) (optional)
• Plate, cup, fork and spoon, and napkins
• Ziploc bags for lunch and extra bags for trash
• Money and ID (you should also bring your checkbook, which you can leave in your car at the Bechtel Center, to pay for left-over group expenses at the end of the trip)
• Bottled water (large jugs) (we should always be prepared to have sufficient water for 2 days since we are backcountry camping)
• Firewood (each car should bring a medium-sized box)

Sign-up
The ideal group size is 15 because the backcountry overnight camping regulations limit group sizes to 15 and no more than 6 vehicles, but I'm pretty certain we'll get more than that. I will cap the size at 20, and, if that's our group size, we may have to split the group up when we camp, spaced at least a mile apart.

If you are interested in coming, please send me the following information (regardless if you've already told me so previously). I will close the sign-up list on Sunday and notify everyone who is either confirmed or is put on the waiting list. At that time, I will need all confirmed participants to send me a deposit of $50 (to cover, approximately, the cost of vehicle rentals)--this will also discourage people from flaking out at the last minute.

• Name
• E-mail
• Phone #s (work, home, mobile)
• Do you have a tent? If yes, how big?
• Do you have a stove, fuel, cookware?
• If Stanford is really inconvenient, where would you want to leave from?
• Are you comfortable driving an SUV on rough terrain?
• Have you hiked up mountains similar to Telescope Peak in difficulty (14 miles, 3000 ft gain, 11000 elev.)?
• Can you help plan the Thanksgiving dinner? (decide on the menu and help with shopping)

Take me to the top!

Dec 1 (Sat): Pinnacles (Dan)

• Location: Pinnacles National Monument
• Meet: 8:30 am, Bechtel I-Center parking lot, or
  10:30 am, Chaparral parking area in Pinnacles National Monument
  Saturday, December 1
• Distance: 10 miles
• Elevation change: 1,200 ft gain and loss
• Hike intensity: Moderate
• Driving Time: 2 hours
• Bring: Flashlight and standard hiking gear
• Cost: $5 entrance fee or National Parks Pass
• Optional dinner on return trip
• URL: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/

Directions to Pinnacles parking lot if meeting there:
DO NOT FOLLOW THE SIGNS FOR OR TAKE THE EXIT TO EAST PINNACLES. Follow these directions to the WEST SIDE of the park. Take the 101 WAY south past Gilroy to Soledad (22 miles past Salinas). Take the Soledad/Highway 146 exit. Drive east on Highway 146 for 12 miles. The road is signed for West Pinnacles so be watching! Highway 146 dead-ends at the Chapparal Ranger Station and the trailhead parking lot.

Please let me know if you're planning on meeting us at the Pinnacles parking lot rather than at Stanford so I know how many people to expect.

Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. You will need them for the cave. We might also need them if we run late and end up hiking after sunset. The standard hiking gear such as good shoes, water, food, and sun protection are also needed.

Take me to the top!

Dec 1-2: Full Moon Kayaking & Camping at Point Reyes (Dana & Simone)

• Location: Tomales Bay
• URLs: Kayak Rental, Area Map
• Meet: Saturday(Dec 1) morning, 10am at Bechtel
• Return: Sunday (Dec 2) afternoon/evening.
• Driving time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
• Deadline for sign-up: Thursday midnight, Nov 29th
• Maximum Trip Size: 10 people total
• Rain policy: Kayaking rental depends on weather. Will get confirmation on Friday.
• Expenses: driving fees, campsite fees, kayak rental & tour (estimated $60/person for 24 hour rental and 3 hour guided moonlight kayaking ___(at]___ Tamalsaka)

Full Moon and Sunset Paddles:
Time seems to stand still when the full moon casts a mystical glow on Tomales Bay. Departing in the shadow of the setting sun, our kayaks will glide across the Bay as we follow the arc of the rising full moon.

Join us for a two day, one night moonlight kayaking trip in Tomales Bay at Point Reyes. (I've blatantly plagiarized Eric Peterson's last trip description).

SCHEDULE
Sat

• 10 am - Meet to drive to Tomales Bay
• Lunch - Lunch at Tamalsaka Kayaking Rental (eastern shore of bay)
• 1pm - Launch and paddle around a bit
• Afternoon - Paddle to campsite and setup
• Late Afternoon - Camping dinner (we bring in our own wood)
• 6-7pm - Meet guide and kayak under the moon until about 10pm.
• Night - Sleep

• Morning - Breakfast and play. Exploring, short hikes, swimming or paddling.
• 11-12am - Return to retail place by 1 pm
• Afternoon - Make the most of the rest of the day, head home, perhaps stop for dinner along the way.

WHAT TO BRING AND EXPECT ***PLEASE READ***
We will be renting shared sit-on-top kayaks (safe), or closed top kayaks for those interested. Closed tops are a bit drier, but also not so easy to get back into if you flip over. Those who have taken a self rescue class, can rent a closed kayak, though the rental place isn't strict on this. Single kayaks are also available. You will have to sign a waiver to rent. When you rent the kayak and paddle you are entering into a deal with the kayak renter - not Stanford Outing Club. You will have a lifejacket but I would not recommend kayaking to people who can't swim. You should bring a towel and clothing to change into after the trip. You would be very foolish not to being good waterproof sunblock (35+), UV blocking sunglasses and a hat (all whether or not you are normally concerned by the sun - you get baked when on water).

You should also bring:

• Windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, artificial fabrics, clothes & shoes you can get wet (tevas, booties, etc.)
• Bring at least one extra set of clothes to change into in case you get wet.
• Use small bags (not large backpacks) as items need to be stowed in/on the kayak.
• Plenty of garbage bags to double bag all your stuff and thus keep it dry.
• Food: because of short notice, please bring your own food. Bring 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast and snacks. Please bring one item to share (it doesn't have to be a lot).
• Water: 6+ liters of water as their is probably only sea water at the campsite. (in 1 gallon containers or smaller. The larger ones do not fit well in the kayak)
• Normal camping equipment (stoves, tents, etc.)

Equipment Provided:
* Tamal Saka will be providing: life vest, spray skirt, wetsuits (for those in sit-on-tops)

HOW TO SIGN UP *** PLEASE RSVP***
Send me an email with the following information:

1. Name
2. Phone
3. Camping equipment you have (tent, sleeping bag, stove, etc.).
4. Kayak Rental Preference:
   Shared or Single?
   Open top (easier) or Closed top (drier)?
5. Previous kayaking experience, if any.
6. Can you swim?
7. Are you willing to drive and if yes, how many people can your car take (including equipment)?
8. Percent likelihood you will actually make the trip...

TRIP "LEADERS" CONTACT INFO:

Take me to the top!

Dec 8 (Sat): Planet Granite (Arturo)

Take me to the top!

Dec 8-9: Sykes Hot Springs (Marcin)

• Length of Hike: ~10 miles each way
• Elevation Gain: 2000-2500 feet
• Meet: 7am on Dec. 8 at the Bechtel I-Center
• Driving time: approx. 2 hours each way
• Limit: 12 people

Mantras for this trip will include decadent luxuries such as big & bold cabernets; long, languorous soaks in hot tubs by a rushing creek; gourmet dining 10 miles from the nearest paved road; and, the infamous little vials of lavender and sweet citrus oils. Come prepared.

You'll need the standard overnight gear: sleeping bag and pad, warm clothes, food... we will also need some tents, stoves and water filters.

(Note: rain cancels the hike. I'll monitor weather reports and send out updates. Current long range forecast looks good.)

Interested? Send me your replies to the following quiz. I'll send out a trip list by Monday, 12/3.

1. Can you drive? # of passengers you can take in your car?
2. What group camping gear do you have? (Tents, stove, water filter)
3. What is the most and least creative thing you have done with a pair of Japanese style chopsticks (the black lacquered ones with the sharp points)?
4. Describe the area at the back of your neck in less than 9 words.

Take me to the top!

Dec 15 (Sat): Montara Mountain and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Vicky)

• Length of hike: 8 miles
• Elevation gain: 2200 ft
• Hike intensity: Moderately strenuous
• Meet: 9:00am at Bechtel I-Center or
  9:45am at McNee Ranch State Park trailhead or
  3:30pm at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Driving time: ~40 minutes
• Optional dinner on the way back (perhaps at Moss Beach Distillery)

For the hike, we will start from the trailhead on highway 1 in McNee Ranch State Park. We will take the fire road all the way up to the North Peak. This trail is pretty steep most of the way so be prepared. On the way back, we can take a hiker-only trail for the last stretch of the descend.

After the hike, we will go to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach. We will take a walk along the tidal reefs and hopefully will see and touch some sea anemones, starfish, crabs, sea urchins, etc. The low tide of 12/15 is -1ft (perfect for tidepooling) and will occur at around 5pm. I would like to join the guided tour (3:30 to 5:30), but you can explore on your own too.

For more information: See http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/mcneeranch.html for pictures and a hike description (of a slightly different route) See http://www.eparks.net/Parks/Fitzgerald/ for information about the reserve

Notes:

• As of today, the weather forecast for Saturday is partly cloudy. Rain will cancel the Montara Mountain hike (only). In that case, we will meet at 2:30pm at Bechtel. I will send out an announcement on Friday.
• It can be windy and foggy, so dressing in layers and bringing warm clothes are highly recommended.
• As always, bring a lunch and plenty of water for the hike, and money for carpool and perhaps dinner.

• From Stanford to McNee Ranch State Park
  • Take 280 north
  • Take the Highway 92 exit and go west towards Half Moon Bay
  • Go north on Highway 1 and drive about 10 miles
  • After passing Montara State Beach, watch for a small roadside parking area on the right (there is a yellow metal gate). If this area is full, turn around and park at Montara State Beach.
• From McNee Ranch State Park to Fitzgerald Reserve
  • Go south on Highway 1 (about 4 miles)
  • Turn right (west) on California Ave
  • Drive to the end to the reserve parking lot

Take me to the top!

Dec 17-18: Scuba Diving in Monterey (Melissa)

• Type of trip: Scuba diving, with overnight stay in a hostel
• Meeting time: 7.00 am, Sat
• Meeting place: TBA.
• Return: Sunday night
• Rain Policy: Weather conditions may cancel trip. Check with 'leader'.

As far as dive spots go we will probably start out with beginning level dives (such as breakwater). If people have particular dive sites they would like to dive we can possibly arrange that once we get down to Monterey.

The Monterey Hostel (831-649-0375)is a warm cozy place to stay. It is around $24 per night with a dollar discount if you bring your own sleep sack. They do not allow sleeping bags. There is also a 11pm curfew (but I assume we will all be exhausted from diving so this should not be a problem.:) It is best to make reservations with a credit card in advance and there is a 48hour cancellation policy. I suggest those who are interested in this trip email me to coordinate reservations. The website for the hostel is here.

Food:
Please bring food for Sat, and Sunday (the hostel does have a full service kitchen to store food). We will go out to dinner on Sat evening.

Equipment:
People can rent equipment either in the bay area or down in Monterey. Two bay area dive shops are Diver Dan's in San Jose, Wallin's in San Mateo. If you are renting gear on the peninsula you could tanks as well, however, if you are not renting equipment in the bay area, we will pick tanks at MantaRayDive shop in Monterey (you can also rent gear at manta ray).

If you are interested in this trip please email me.
Weather conditions may cancel the trip.
Please feel free to email me with any questions.
Have a great weekend!
Melissa Silverman

Take me to the top!

Jan 1 (Tues): Wunderlich Park (Chris J.)

• Meet: 9:30 am, Bechtel I-Center parking lot, News Year's day
• Distance: 11 miles
• Elevation change: 600 ft loss
• Hike intensity: Easy-Moderate
• Driving Time: 15 min
• Bring: standard hiking gear, water, lunch
• Cost: None

The hike will not be canceled for rain unless it is really pouring down.

Take me to the top!