Spring 2002 Calendar

Apr 7 (Sun): Murietta Falls (Lothar)

• Length of Hike: 12 miles
• Meet: 8am at Bechtel I-Center or 9am at Trailhead
• Hike Intensity: Strenuous (see following description)
• Elevation Gain: 3500 feet
• RSVP: By Saturday 4/6 to lotharla__no_spam__SLAC.Stanford.EDU
• Bring:
  Lots of water (at least one gallon)
  Lunch and snacks
  Hat, sun glasses, and sun screen
  Rainwear ( in case it should rain, from today the forecast for Sunday looks fine )
  Some layers to keep you warm ( in case it's windy )

In the same vein, Murietta Falls is one of the Bay Area's most special waterfalls. That's partly because it's much taller than other local falls and partly because it's hard enough to reach that most people never make the trip. The difficulty doesn't just lie in the trail's many steep ups and downs, its sunny exposure, and its 12 mile long roundtrip distance. The real difficulty is that the waterfall has an extremely short season and must be seen immediately following a period of rain. (from "101 hikes in the Bay Area")

Carpooling will be organized from Bechtel Center at 8am sharp. The hike will start at 9am on Sunday.

Driving Directions:

• From Interstate 580 in Livermore, take the North Livermore Avenue exit and turn right (south).
• Drive south through the town of Livermore for 3.5 miles (North Livermore Avenue becomes Tesla Road)
• Turn right on Mines Road.
• Drive 3.5 miles on Mines to its junction with Del Valle Road.
• Continue straight at the fork, now on Del Valle Road.
• Drive 3.2 miles to the entrance kiosk at Del Valle Regional Park.
• Purchase a wilderness permit at the entrance kiosk, then continue 3/4 miles to the dam and cross it.
• Turn right and drive a half mile to the Lichen Bark Picnic Area.
• Take the trail signed as Ohlone Trail.

Bring:

• enough water ( at least a gallon, I think )
• lunch and snacks
• hat, sun glasses, and sun screen
• rainwear ( in case it should rain, from today the forecast for Sunday looks fine )
• some layers to keep you warm ( in case it's windy )

Lothar
work phone 650-926-3469
cell phone 650-776-4221

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Apr 8 (Mon): Ice Skating (Erik)

• Meeting Times: Bechtel (if you need a ride): 6:00pm   (call or email me if you need or can give one)
• Dinner: 6:30pm - Pizza My Heart
• Ice Skating: 8:00pm - Winter Lodge
• Coffee & Desert: 10:15pm - Cafe Borone

Dinner this time will be at the new Pizza My Heart on Univerity Ave (right where the Burger King Used to be).  This is a Santa Cruz institution now up in our neck of the woods.

Afterwards we will head to go ice skating at Winter Lodge (www.winterlodge.com) which is on 3009 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, for a bit of fun ice skating.

Finally to cap off the nice evening, Cafe Borrone on El Camino in Menlo Park (right next to Keplers).

If you have any questions, feel free to email me (erikpeterson__no_spam__onebox.com, or cal me 650-270-1040).

Regards,
Erik

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Apr 13-14: Pismo Beach Camping (Girish) (*)

• WHEN: Leave Saturday morning 7:30 AM. ( Sat April 13th )
• RSVP Info: There are only about 15 spots for this trip.
• RSVP Cut-Off: Wednesday NOON ( Please reply by this time, if interested ).
• Reply To: ghullatti__no_spam__zonelabs.com with the following information:
  • Have lead trips: Yes / No
  • Can bring Tent : Yes / No ( # of persons that can comfortable sleep in it )
  • Can bring Stove: Yes / No
  • Can Drive: Yes / No ( min. 4 passengers and Gear must fit ) ( Indicate Car Type and Number of people & gear you can fit ).
  • Have Pots/Pans: Yes / No
  • Water Filter: Yes / No
  • Radios: Yes / No
• PREFERENCE GIVEN to: Trip leaders and drivers with Minivans or SUVs.
• MEETING Point : 7:30 AM ( I-Bechtel International Center ) ( Additional meetings points will be posted after the group is finalized )
• WHERE do we GO : Drive the beautiful Rt. 1 from Carmel to Big Sur and beyond till we get to Pismo Beach.
• BEACH CAMPING: One Night at the State Park at Pismo Beach.
• WHAT TO BRING:
  • Personal Use Items: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad,Wind breaker, Comfortable and Suitable clothing,( Layers always help for the ocean ),Water Bottles, Hat, Sun lotion & items for personal hygeine.
  • Group Use: 3 Season Tents,Food to share,Music for the journey ( CDs ), Pots and Pans,Stove,Water Filter,Wine, wood/fuel for campfire, musical instruments, poems,stories, jokes, etc.
  • Bring money to cover the costs of : carpool (15c/mile divided by the number of people in the car ) eating out, costs of recreation ( ATV,clamming and other activities ), to buy art/gifts, camping fees, etc.
• HIKES:
  • Saturday: Hike in Julia Pfeiffer SP ( a rare waterfall in CA that falls onto the beach of Pacific Ocean ) on the way in.
  • Saturday Afternoon: Driving tour of the quaint town of Cambria ( 1 hour )
    Ideal lunch spot, walk around town and enjoy the shops that make handmade art, glass, etc.. and take in the scenery... There are homes overlooking the ocean nestled in the Monterey pines.
  • Saturday Eve/Night: Hike on the Pismo Beach Sand Dunes.
  • Saturday Eveining: After a tiring day, we have a few options. Flexible schedule allows some people to just hang out and enjoy the beach OR go to Solvang late evening and check out the beautiful town OR go the hotsprings and relax in them. Explore the quaint town of Solvang ( For those of you who don't know, it is a mini version of Denmark. There is a mermaid statue, Tower with Cuckoo clock, windmills, shops filled with arts and artifacts and lot more things that take you all the way to Europe in only 45 mins of driving from Pismo Beach.
  • Sunday: Morning walk on the beach following by any, some or all of the following activities:( another flexible schedule here ... ) I would like to re-group around 2PM. So groups can go do the following activities:
    • ATV Dune buggy rides in Pismo ( 1 hour __no_spam__ $40/hour )
    • Clamming
    • 8 Mile nature hike overlooking the ocean and wildflowers.
    • A Garden allows us to check out plants and flowers native to Australia and South Africa and wildflowers in general. http://www.slobg.org/Index.htm
    Then we regroup and head out of Pismo
  • Wine Tasting around the town Santa Maria.
  • Plan to leave the area late afternoon so that we get back to the
  • Bay Area in decent time driving back on Hwy 101.
• ADDITIONAL INFO: http://www.classiccalifornia.com/todo.htm#Sand Dunes & ATV Riding

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Apr 13 (Sat): Henry Cowell (Vijay)

• Destination: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
• Date: April 13th, 2002.
• Total length of hike: 6-7 miles
• Total elevation gain: 800 feet (approx.)
• Park URL: http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=546
• Driving distance/time: 42miles / 1h 30min hours approx. each way
• Cost: $3 per car for parking.
• Rain policy: Threat of rain cancels hike. I will attempt to send another email based on the forecast on friday about this.
• Meet: 8:30am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford

Directions to the park from Stanford :

• Take the I-280 SOUTH ramp towards SAN JOSE
• Take CA-85 SOUTH towards GILROY
• Take CA-17 SOUTH towards SANTA CRUZ
• Take the exit towards MT HERMON ROAD
• Bear Right onto MT HERMON RD
• Turn Right onto GRAHAM HILL RD
• Turn Left onto CA-9
• The park entrance is located about a mile from here on CA-9

• Some areas of the park are sandy, so be prepared to hike in sand for a little while.
• All the regular stuff like: sun lotion, sun hat, sun-glasses, first aid etc. ...
• As always, bring lunch and plenty of water for the hike, and money for carpool
• Dress in layers

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Apr 14 (Sun): Hidden Villa (Kwong)

• Length of hike: 8-10 miles, 7-8 hours
• Hike intensity: Easy, leisurely walk
• Trip highlights: Hidden Villa hostel, farm, creek trails
• Rain policy: Bring a raincoat, unless there is a big storm.
• Meet: 7:15am at Bechtel I-Center (Stanford)
• Driving time: 30min drive to Los Altos Hills
• Items to bring: water, lunch for picnic; hat, camera
• Cost: $5 parking and Outing Club mileage reimbursement

Hidden Villa, a farm located in Los Altos, is the location of the first Youth Hostel in the United States. Additionally, the farm also serves the community by teaching many environment programs to children. There are also many hiking trails, along side a clear running creek. Deers, rabbits, lizards, and banana slugs are widely visible.

This trip is simple. Just bring two liters of water for the hike and lunch for the picnic. A hat and a camera may be useful. After the hike, we shall have a picnic in the Hidden Villa farm. Bring food to share with the rest of the hikers.

We shall meet at Bechtel I-Center promptly at 7:15am. Then we shall arrange carpools for the thirty-minute ride to Hidden Villa.

1. Leave Bechtel on Mayfield Avenue and head out to Campus Drive East.
2. Take a right onto Campus Drive East.
3. Take a left onto Junipero Serra Boulevard.
4. Take a right onto Page Mill Road.
5. Continue into the twists and turns of Page Mill Road.
6. Take a left at Moody Road until 26870 Moody Road.

Driving directions are also available from the official website of Hidden Villa:
http://www.hiddenvilla.org/Assets/contacts.htm
www.hiddenvilla.org
(650) 949-8648

Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Rd
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022-4209

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Apr 20-21: Beginner's Backpacking Workshop- Marin Headlands (Paul) (*)

• Length of hike : 6-10 miles
• Elevation gain : < 1000 ft
• No prior experience required.

Join us this Apr 20-21 for a beginner backpacking trip to the beautiful Marin Headlands just north of San Francisco. Part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area, it offers sweeping panoramic views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. I've attached pictures from a trip last year. For park information and more pictures of the area, check out the following links :

http://www.nps.gov/goga/home.htm
http://www.danheller.com/marin-headlands.html

No prior backpacking experience is required for this trip. You will only need to be comfortable carrying a backpack and hiking a few miles each day. If you do not have basic backpacking gear, we will make arrangements for equipment rental to be available. A Q&A session will be organized at Stanford the week before the trip.

We plan to hike the Coastal Trail from south to north, stopping at various points of interest along the way. The trail runs along a ridge overlooking the ocean so we will be able to enjoy great views all along the hike. (For the brave, there will even be a chance to take a dip in the ocean!) We will spend Sat night in tents at a developed campground.

There is a trip size limit of 12 due to campground regulations. As this trip was conceived with the beginner/first-time backpacker in mind, they will receive priority spaces.

If you are interested to come along, please send me (Paul Chan) the following information by this weekend. I'll send out more details once I get a list together.

1. Name
2. Telephone Number/s (Day/Evening)
3. Any previous backpacking experience?
4. Whether you can drive and if so, how many passengers you can take.
5. Do you have i) backpack ii) sleeping bag iii) sturdy shoes/boots iv) tent

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Apr 20 (Sat): Pinnacles (Yin Yin)

• Length of Hike: 9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1700-2000ft
• Meet: 7:00am in front of Bechtel Center or 9:00am at Bear Gulch Visitor Center
• Driving time: 1 hr 50 minutes.
• Bring: 2 liters of water minimal, snacks, lunch, hat, sunscreen, and a flashlight.
• Cost: carpool money, park entrance fee.
• Trail Map: http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/directions/pinnmap1.pdf

Our trip begins at  Bear Gulch Visitor Center. We'll be hiking the High Peaks Trail to Hawkins Peak, Juniper Canyon Trail, Balconies/caves trail, Old Pinnacles Trail, and Bear Gulch Trail to make a 9 mile loop. The wildflowers season is in full swing, and the weather should be fairly warm.

Direction to the Park:
Pinnacles National Monument lies 80 miles south-southeast of San Jose. The park has two entrances, the east side access is 5 miles off Highway 25, thirty-two miles south of Hollister. Access to the west side is fifteen miles from Highway 101 through Soledad. There is no road connection between the east and west sides. We are going to the east side through Hollister.

Head south on 101 for about 40 miles. After Gilroy, watch out for State Route 25 heading toward Hollister. Continue south on SR 25 pass Hollister, turn right on SR 146 which leads you to the monument. Just before the park entrance is the Camp Pinnacles.

Visitor Information - 831-389-4485
Headquarters - 831-389-4485 ext 0

Please sent me an email if you are coming and let me know:

1. Are you willing to drive?
2. Were you like to meet the group?

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Apr 21 (Sun): SF Biking (Arturo)

• Meet: 7:20am at the Bechtel I-Center.
• Distance: 41 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (some hills, city traffic and hazards)
• Driving time: no driving! about 1 hr in Caltrain, 30 mins in ferry.
• Cost: about $25 ($8 caltrain, $6.75 ferry, lunch)
• Gear: See below for details. Helmets and bike lights are mandatory.
• Rain policy: rain cancels the event.
• Lunch: you can pack one or you can buy something on route.

Cycling Gear:

• Road bike or mountain bike. The gears in your bike should be in working order as we need to climb some hills.
• bike helmet (required)
• bike light (required)
• bike lock (highly recommended)
• Water and Energy bars
• windbreaker, sunglasses and sunblock
• bike pump and tools; spare tube (recommended)
• two-way radio (if you have one)
• money and ID (for lunch, ferry, and train)

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Apr 21 (Sun): Tennesse Valley to Muir Beach Loop (Girish) (*)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Since the trip leader will not be leaving from Stanford, please contact Girish at ghullati__no_spam__zonelabs.com if you plan to leave from Stanford and are willing to volunteer coordinate travel from there. Thanks for helping out!
2. This trip replaces the King City Camping trip scheduled for this weekend.

• Location: Marin Headlands
• Meet & Depart: 8:30 am, Bechtel I-Center parking lot. 9:30 am, Tennesse Valley parking lot.
• Date : Sunday April 21st
• Length of Hike : 11.1 miles
• Elevation gain: There is some elevation gain twice (before and after the lunch) and there is a descent that many do not call mostly flat Total of 2300 ft gain/loss.
• Hike intensity: Medium
• Driving Time: 1 hour ( approx. from Stanford ).
• Bring: wind breaker, BINOCULARS, beachwear for the daring ones, at least one liter of water, snacks, sturdy shoes and picnic lunch( OR money for lunch ), some siesta gear (frisbee, chocolate, beach toys, etc)
• Cost: Toll fee + carpool money + Lunch money ( $7 donation recommended ) ( for those having LUNCH at the Zen Center at 12:45 PM ) optional dinner in San Rafael/ San Franicsco.
• Carpool Info: For Stanford folks, please co-ordinate the carpool situation.
• Trip leader will meet you at Tennesse Valley parking lot.

• FROM THE EAST BAY/NORTH of Marin:
  • From the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (580), take Sir Francis Drake/San Francisco exit (to 101 South - goes past Larkspur Landing).
  • Turn left onto Highway 101 South.
  • Take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit.
  • Turn to the right.
  • At the second stop sign take a left.
  • Rounding the next curve you will see a sign for Tennessee Valley Road on the left.
  • Turn left onto this road, and go to the very end where you can park in the parking lot
• FROM SAN FRANCISCO:
  • Take Highway 101 North.
  • Exit at the Stinson Beach/ShorelineHighway 1/Mill Valley exit. You will be on Shoreline Highway.
  • After about 1/2 mile you will see a sign for Tennessee Valley Road on the left.
  • Turn left onto this road, and go to the very end where you can park in the parking lot.

Join us for a visit to the hills and beaches of the Marin Headlands, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. We will do a loop trip that includes Muir Beach, Pirates' Cove and Tennessee Beach. The terrain is hilly and open with great ocean vistas. We will pass through a Zen center featuring an organic farm and a Buddhist bell (that we are not supposed to ring . This was one of the popular and favorite hikes of my good hiking buddy and trip leader of 1997, Jarek Baryeka !!!!.

More Useful Info, URLs
http://www.splendora.com/SanFrancisco/Wellness/ZenZones/21382.htm
http://www.btcmarin.org/old_site/tenval2.html
http://www.sfzc.com/Pages/Green_Gulch/Green_Gulch_Controls/gg.html ( Green Gulch Organic farm & Zen Center )

Trip "leader": Girish Hullatti [ ghullatti__no_spam__zonelabs.com ]

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Apr 28 (Sun): Leader's Choice (Erik) - POSTPONED

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May 4-5: Ventana Wilderness Double Cross (Lothar & Henri) (*)

•   Length of Hikes: about 11 miles on Saturday and 8 miles on Sunday
•   Meet: 6pm on Friday at Bechtel I-Center     or 10am on Saturday before Big Sur Lodge in Big Sur State Park
•   Hike Intensity: Strenuous (see following description) on Saturday     and moderately strenuous on Sunday
•   Elevation Gain: 3000 feet for the Saturday hike
•   RSVP: By Friday 5/3 to lotharla__no_spam__SLAC.Stanford.EDU
•   Cost: $3 for parking at Big Sur State park +     camping fees in Andrew Molera State Park
•   Gear: camping equipment + things you would bring on a beach
      for the hiking in wilderness areas (especially on Saturday)
        one gallon of water
        long pants, sturdy shoes, hat, sun protection,
        insect repellent (recommended)
      don't forget your camera
      rainwear (hopefully not needed)

• Three state parks in a row which are Garrapata, Andrew Molera, and Pfeiffer Big Sur
• Access to wilderness areas in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range like Ventana Wilderness
• The gorgeous Pfeiffer Beach and some restaurants close to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

We will camp in Andrew Molera State Park Friday and Saturday nights.

On Saturday a (strenuous) hike will start from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park up the Mt Manuel trail to Manuel Peak. This hike covers an elevation gain of more than 3000 ft on 5 miles. The trail offers probably the best views in the Ventana Wilderness (ocean-side-wise as well as Ventana-peaks-wise). But because the trail is poorly maintained we have to take care of being well prepared. This will be a day hike. People who don 't want to do this hike can use the day for other activities around the state parks or on Pfeiffer Beach.

On Sunday will be a less strenuous day hike in Garrapata State Park covering Soberanes Canyon Trail and the Rocky Ridge Trail.

Driving Directions:
The faster route from the Bay Area does not go via Santa Cruz and Hwy 1 to Monterey !!

• Take 101 south past Gilroy. Hwy 156 and 101 will go together for a while.
• Take exit 156 west. This brings you onto Hwy 1.
• Go Hwy 1 south through Monterey and Carmel to Big Sur.
• Andrew Molera State park is about 22 miles south of Carmel.
• Enjoy the views from this part of Hwy 1.
• Assume the drive from Bay Area will be about 3 hrs.
• Same route is recommended on the way back.

RSVP before Friday - please.

Lothar
lotharla__no_spam__SLAC.Stanford.EDU
work phone 650-926-3469
cell phone 650-776-4221

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May 4-5: Ohlone Wilderness Backpacking (Chris) (*) - CANCELED

Sorry, this trip had to be canceled due to extenuating circumstances.

• Meet: 9:00am at the Bechtel I-Center.
• Distance: 4 miles each way
• Difficulty: Easy
• Driving time: about 1 hour
• Cost: $5 for permit plus gas
• Gear: Standard backpacking overnight equipment.
• Rain policy: Only very heavy rain or thunderstorms cancel the trip.

I have never been to this area before, but the trail guide says: This trip, the only one of its kind in the east bay regional park system, puts you in the heart of the Ohlone Wilderness, a rugged, remote, and beautiful area. You will camp in oak woodland surrounded by wildflowers and birds, perhaps listening to the howl of a coyote or the hoot of an owl.

The permit costs $5 per person, so I will be asking people who want to go to commit to paying the $5 even if something causes them to have to cancel. If there are more people that want to go than the permit will allow, a random list will be assembled on Wednesday night. So, if you want to go send me an email (cjtrip__no_spam__rrdmail.stanford.edu) before the end of the day Wednesday. Be sure to make it clear that you want a spot reserved for you (or more than one spot if you want).

Also let me know the following:
Can you drive? How many people can you take?
Do you have a tent? How many people can it sleep?
Do you have a stove and cookset?
Do you have a camping water filter?

If you send me an email to get more info, please make it clear that you are not able to comit to the trip yet so that I don't hold a spot for you thereby displacing someone else.

Trip "leader:" Chris Jacobs (cjtrip__no_spam__rrdmail.stanford.edu)
650-736-0802(o)
650-631-0812(h)

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May 10-12: King's Canyon Backpacking Trip (Henri) (*)

• Meet: Friday evening, May 10, 6pm at Bechtel International Center
• Return: Sunday night, May 12
• Driving time: About 5-6 hours
• Length of hike: 7 miles one way, with 2000 ft elevation gain and loss
• Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

We will be camping in a designated campsite with bear boxes, but if you have a bear canister it does not hurt to bring it along. If you're interested, please send me an email with the following information:

• do you have a car and how many people does it fit?
• tent
• stove
• bear canister
• winter sleeping bag (night temperatures will be high twenties)
• water filter

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May 11-12: Eastern Sierra Hotsprings (Paul) (*) - POSTPONED

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May 11-12: Point Reyes (Dan) (*)

• Hiking Distance: 5.5 miles each way
• Elevation Gain: about 500 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Driving Time: 2 Hrs each way
• Meet: 9:00 am
• Cost: $2 per person + carpool cost + bridge toll
• Rain policy: Only very heavy rain or thunderstorms will cancel

http://www.nps.gov/pore/

We will meet at Stanford in the morning on Saturday, carpool to the Point Reyes visitor center, and then to the trailhead. The hike will be about 5.5 to 6.5 miles each day. We will return Sunday evening.

If you are interested, email me at dgg1__no_spam__cornell.edu as soon as possible with the following information:

1. Name
2. Contact info (e-mail, phone #s)
3. Can you drive?   How many people with gear can you take?
4. Do you have a tent?   How many people can it sleep?
5. Do you have a stove and cookset?
6. Have you gone backpacking before?
7. Have you been to Point Reyes before?

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May 18 (Sat): Mount Tam Traverse (Johnny)

• Meet: 8:00 am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
• Length of hike: ~ 17 miles (strenuous)
• Elevation gain: approx. 4,000 feet
• Driving: approx. 1.5 hours each way
• web-site: http://www.nps.gov/muwo/home.htm

Hike description:
Start at the Muir Woods car park and head up to the east summit of Mt Tam at 2,571ft (4 miles). Have lunch and enjoy the panaroma of the Bay. Then it's all downhill from there to the Stinson Beach (7 miles), where those dirty from hiking can go for a swim :) On the way back we'll skirt around the southern slopes of Mt Tam to return to the cars (6 miles). Bring flashlight just in case we run late. We will time our return to watch the sunset on the hills, and, if the sky is clear, to gaze at the 5 planets lined-up near the moon (this only happens once every generation or so, next time it will be 2040.)

Bring:
sturdy hiking boots, flashlight/headlamp, Sunscreen, hats, lunch and snacks, 2 liters of water/drinks, a windbreaker would be good, and some money for entrance to Muir Woods and to reimburse the driver, and possibly dinner.

Let me know if you'd like to meet us in the Muir Woods car park, so we can arrange a meeting time/spot (probably Ranger Station at 9:30am).

Optional dinner stop on the way home.

Trip "leader": Johnny Ng (jng99__no_spam__stanford.edu), 650-926-4490(o).

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May 18 (Sat): Edgewood Wildflower Hike (Eunice)

• Meet: 9:00 am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
• Length of hike: Very easy 1.5 mile (from 10:00 to 1:00)
• Elevation gain: Gentle slope
• RSVP: eunice.lee__no_spam__sun.com

This trip will be an easy one. Here is more information on this walk:

Trained docents lead walks at Edgewood every Saturday and Sunday morning from March 2 through June 16, 2002. All walks start at 10 a.m. and take about 3 hours. They cover approximately 1.5 miles of gently sloping trails. Water and restrooms are not available along the walks.

All walks in April and May start at the Park-and-Ride lot at I-280 and Edgewood Road.

The walks are free and reservations are not required, except for groups of 10 or more (please contact the Docent Coordinator at docent-coordinator__no_spam__friendsofedgewood.org).

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. On hot days, bring a hat and sunscreen.

If you wish to meet the group at the park, please consult the following map: http://www.friendsofedgewood.org/location.htm

PLEASE DO LET ME KNOW IF YOU WILL BE COMING. IF THE GROUP IS BIGGER THAN 10 PEOPLE, I NEED TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE WALK FOR US. And whether you are meeting us in the parking lot of Bechtel or at the park...

TRIP LEADER: Eunice Lee (Cell Phone: 650-743-5875)

Hope to see you on Saturday.

Eunice

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May 18-19: Henry Coe 20/20 (Marcin) (*)

• Length of hike: 20 miles/day (40 total)
• Elevation gain: lots
• Driving distance: 1+ hour each way
• Meet: TBA

This hike is not for the weak of heart (or body, for that matter). It will involve hiking twenty miles a day for two days over difficult terrain. But in the end you can walk away from it and say that you've done it. Oh, and by the way, you can't carry more than twenty pounds on your back.

The 20 lb limit is designed to make this hike a little easier, but you may find it hard to pack for an overnight trip in that little weight. This weight has to include all food, 1 liter of water, your pack and any clothes you won't be wearing while hiking during the day. It also has to accomodate your sleeping arrangements and a flashlight of some sort. It does not include trekking poles. There's probably other rules, so if you have doubt, ping me.

If you're interested in this, drop me a line at mkporwit__no_spam__cs.princeton.edu, or call me at 415-794-1175.

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May 25-27: Mount Whitney (Paul) (*)

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May 25-27: White Mountains (Peter) (*)

• Length of Hike : 15+ miles - probably 20 miles as day hike
• Elevation Gain : 3,000 ft
• Driving time : 8 hours (approx) to Grand View campsite
• RSVP: see below

1. Tioga pass being open (scheduled for may 22)
2. Road to White Mountain trailhead open (was open 3 miles back as of 5/16)

This trip is part sightseeing (ghost town of Bodie, and the Bristlecone pines), part mountain climbing (3rd highest peak in California) and part relaxing (some natural hot springs in the Owens Valley)

The hiking is extremely strenuous, going up to 14,246ft (but you can drive from 11,500ft) and a minimum 14 mile round trip, but all class 1 - the driving is far also (about 8 hours to the White Mountain campsite of Grand View). I am limiting the number of people, since it gets too hard to organise this type of trip with a large group...

Anyway, enough said - Here is the proposed plan:

1. Leave Bay area very early on saturday morning (around 5am)
2. Drive over Tioga pass (this depends on whether it opens as scheduled)
3. Off to visit the ghost town of Bodie or hot springs
4. Drive down Owens valley and arrive at the campsite in evening (it is about 9,000ft elevation and offers stunning views of the Sierra for almost its whole length!)
5. Up early and climb White Mountain
6. Stay at campsite second night
7. Visit Bristlecone Pine forest - one of the most amazing places on earth
8. Drive back, stopping at a natural hot springs spot on the way home

If you want to join the trip can you email me the following :

1. name
2. can you drive - if so how many passengers?
3. where would be a good place for you to carpool (no promises here!)
4. tent - if so, can you share.. with how many?
5. what is the highest altitude you have been hiking to?
6. can you dance, sing, tell a story or a joke at 14,000ft  :)

I'll send out more specific details later once I know how many people want to go. Deadline for sign-up is Tuesday night or until I max out the numbers. Since this trip is limited in size there are no guarantees... sorry.

Email me with questions,

ciao,
Peter McColgan
plumeria__no_spam__earthlink.net

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June 2 (Sun): Mount Tam (Vicky)

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June 7-9: Intermediate Backpacking - Jennie/Dinky Lakes (Paul) (*)

• Location : Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in the Sierra National Forest. (NW of King's Canyon National Park)
• Meeting time : Friday (6/7) evening
• Driving time : Approx 4 hours each way
• Return : Sunday (6/9) evening
• Length of hike : 15 miles
• Elevation Gain : Approx 2,500 ft (at elevation)

For more information and some pictures, check out the following :
http://chanpaul.homestead.com/pictures.html
http://siolibrary.ucsd.edu/preston/DinkeyLakes99/
http://sierrahiker.8m.com/DinkeyLakes/dink.html

The plan is to leave the bay area Friday evening and camp near Shaver Lake. We will get to the Dinkey Lakes trailhead by mid-morning Sat after getting our permits at the nearby ranger station. Trailhead is at about 8,300 ft. We'll hike in and set up camp for Saturday by one of the lakes near Dogtooth Peak (10,302) or Three Sisters (10,432/10,428/10,672), and time permitting, climb the peak. We could also laze around by the lakes instead on Sat and climb as a dayhike on Sunday.

I had previously promised to make this trip an "Intermediate backpacking" session. As such, I have rounded up a few other previous trip leaders to come along on the trip and we will organize various skill sharing sessions throughout the weekend. These will include campsite selection, appropriate food storage (i.e. bear bagging), map and orientation skills and off trail travel (which we will need to climb Dogtooth and the 3 Sisters)

Gear and Equipment
Please ensure that you have the necessary basic backpacking gear. These include well-fitted backpack, sleeping bag rated to 15F or lower, sleeping pad, boots with good ankle support, wind/waterproof outer shell and insulating layers. I'll send out a detailed gear list at a later date and figure out group gear at the same time.

Sign-up
I would like to keep the group size to 12. If you would like to come along, please reply with the following information by Sun, Jun 2. I'll send out a group list by early next week.

1. Name
2. Contact Number (Day/Evening)
3. Do you drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle?
4. Are you willing to drive and how many passengers can you take?
5. Do you have any of the following items? (Tent, stove, water filter)
6. Prior backpacking/climbing experience.

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June 8 (Sat): Tamales Bay (Catherine)

• Length of Hike: 9.4 miles
• Difficulty: moderate
• Meet: 8:00am in front of Bechtel Center or 10:00am at Pierce point parking lot.
• Driving time: 1 hr 50 minutes.
• Bring: 2 liters of water minimal, snacks, lunch, hat, sunscreen.
• Cost: carpool money.

• From San Francisco take 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Rafael.
• At San Rafael, exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd [exit will be marked 'san anselmo']
• Continue west on Sir Francis Drake to Olema.
• At Olema, you will reach a T-intersection [by the Olema Inn]. That is highway 1. Turn right at that place [onto highway 1 north]
• After about a block turn left again into 'Bear Valley Road'[the sign will say 'to lighthouse'..this is easy to miss]
• Drive 2.2 miles on Bear valley road until it joins with Sir Francis Drake Highway.
• Bear left on Sir Francis Drake and drive 5.6 miles
• Take the right fork onto Pierce point road (Tomales Bay State Park and McClures Beach)
• Drive 9 miles to the Pierce point parking area.

Any questions, please contact Catherine: cchangchem__no_spam__yahoo.com

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June 10-16: Paria Canyon, Utah (Simone) (*)

• Hiking Distance: ~47 miles total (this is a one-way hike)
• Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
• Driving Time: It will take us a day to get there and a day to get back.
• Location: Between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona
• Cost: $5 per person per day for permit (so $25) + car pool
• Trail entry: June 11th
• Trail exit: June 15th

More information about this canyon, you can go to:
https://paria.az.blm.gov/index2.html

If you are interested, email me with your name and contact info. Also, let me know if you have previous backpacking experience and how much (and if you have hiked in the desert before), what sorts of gear you might contribute (e.g. tent, stove, cooking sets), and if you would be willing to drive.

Trip Leader: Simone Marticke
email: spursel__no_spam__stanford.edu
phone: 650 725 5809 (w) 650 269 1966 (c)

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June 13 (Thurs): Summer Quarter Potluck!!!

The tentative agenda for this meeting is as follows:

1. Food and introductions
2. Trip planning

New prospective "members" are welcome to come and learn about the club. For more information, including directions to Bechtel, see our web pages at http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/

Craig

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June 15-16: Gourmet Kayak/Camping (Erik) (*)

• Location: Tomales Bay
• URLs:
  Kayak Rental (http://www.tamalsaka.com/)
  Map (http://www.west-marin.com/area/maps/prsimage.htm)
  PointReyes.net (http://www.pointreyes.net/kayak/)
  Bay Area Sea Kayakers(http://www.baskers.org/frame.html)
• Meet: Saturday morning, 8am at Bechtel
• Return: Sunday night
• 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 ($75 single, $50 per person double)
• Deadline for signup: Friday, June 7th

The details:
On Saturday morning we will head early to Tamal Saka kayak rentals in Marshal on the edge of Tomales Bay, and get our kayaks. We have a permit for camping on the beach,  but which one is not specified. We will attempt to camp on a smaller beach w/ no facilities. If we are lucky will have it all to ourselves.

After setting up camp and having lunch, we will do some combination of more kayaking, swimming in the bay (yes the water is warmer here), and/or go for a hike. That evening we will have a campfire (we bring in our own wood), and have a fun social gourmet dinner.

The next morning we will enjoy some delicious breakfast treats, do some more exploring, and leave the campsite shortly before lunch heading back to the Tamal Saka kayak rental.

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 2-person sit-inside kayaks (safe). Those who have taken a self rescue class, can rent a closed single kayak. 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 bring good waterproof sunblock (35+), UV blocking sunglasses and a hat (whether or not you are normally concerned by the sun - you get baked when on water).

Equipment:
Tamal Saka will be providing: a life vest and spray skirt You should also bring:

• Windbreaker
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Water (1 1/2 gallons) no water is available locally.
• Clothes - synthetic fabrics, clothes & shoes you can get wet
• Bring at least one extra set of clothes to change into in case you get wet.
• Several plastic garbage bags to wrap your stuff in so it doesn't get wet
• Use small bags (not large backpacks) as items need to be stowed in/on the kayak
• Food - Breakfast and dinner will be shared gourmet feasts. Everyone will contribute one item enough for 5 people for either breakfast or dinner.  Item must NOT be bought, but instead be home made. Please email us a suggestion of what you would like to bring (our taste buds may influence our decision making) If you enjoy drinking wine, please bring a bottle to share.
• Lunches (2) and snacks alas, are a do it yourself affair.
• Normal camping equipment (stoves, tents, etc.)

• Name
• Phone
• Camping equipment you have (tent, stove, etc.)
• Kayak rental:
  1. bring own boat
  2. want to rent boat, specify single or shared.  If you specify single, you must have taken a self-rescue course.
• Previous kayaking experience, if any.
• Can you swim?  (required)
• Are you willing to drive and if yes, how many people can your car take (including equipment)?
• and, most importantly, a suggestion of what food you would like to bring

If we are able to offer you a reservation on this trip, we will contact you by email on Friday. We will take care of the kayak rentals. If your spot is confirmed and you need a kayak, you will need to mail us a check or send payment via paypal (non credit card) as we will be charged for all kayaks we reserve.   I will keep a waiting list in case they are cancellations, but if you cancel and we do not find a replacement, you are still liable for your portion of the costs.

It should be a very enjoyable trip!

Trip "leaders":
Erik Peterson (erikpeterson__no_spam__onebox.com) Bill Shapiro (bill_shapiro__no_spam__yahoo.com)

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June 21-23: Trinity Alps (Erhhung) (*)

• Destination: Trinity Alps - see northern CA map: http://www.backcountrypages.com/map_top.html Driving distance is approx. 650 miles round trip.
• Departing: June 21st, Friday afternoon. Camping Friday night at the Oak Bottom campground at Whiskeytown Lake NRS, just west of Redding (approx. 5 hours drive from Stanford)
• Returning: June 23th, Sunday late evening. The drive back may take close to 7 hours, so don't expect to get home before 10pm.
• Trail: Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. Trailhead is 13.5 miles on Canyon Creek Road, north of Junction City, which is 8 miles west of Weaverville on CA-299. It takes about an hour to get to the trailhead from our Whiskeytown Lake campsite, including a stop at the Weaverville ranger station to pick up hiking and fire permits for each group (maximum of 10 people per "group")
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 18 miles round-trip. We will basically hike the Canyon Creek Lakes Trail from start to end, plus another mile of easy off-trail scrambling to get to L Lake. We will set up camp at around mile 7.5, between Lower and Upper Canyon Creek Lakes.
• Elevation Gain: 2600 ft to Lower Canyon Creek Lake, and about another 1000 ft to L Lake (second day, without backpack)
• Camping: We will set up tents near the Lower Canyon Creek Lake where it's easily accessible so we can cool off in the icy blue waters.
• Highlights: Lush meadows, spectacular waterfalls, gorgeous lakes, and awesome views--but potentially with lots of company.
• Costs: $4 for camping first-night; carpooling costs around $32 per person with 3 people in each car (using the standard 15 cents per mile rule divided among all passengers).

Despite my book saying that we can expect lots of company, I didn't meet anyone on the trail last time, except tents at popular camping areas. The wilderness there is so vast that it can absorb lots of people without feeling crammed. Since this 8-mile hike to the lakes isn't particularly difficult, many people do it as dayhikes. But, spending an extra day means we will have the time to appreciate the views, take dips in the lakes and waterfalls--if you are a member of the Polar Bear club!

The best hiking season in the Trinity Alps is the middle of June through the end of October. At higher elevations at this time of year, there are still plenty of snow that are just melting and feeding the icy streams. I backpacked to Grizzly Lake a couple years back in July and there were lots of ice sheets floating on it! Summer days tends to be warm and clear (80-95 degs) and nights cool (25-45 degs), so we have to prepare for both extremes.

Unlike the Sierras, bugs are not really a problem in the Trinity Alps, especially at the higher elevations (5000+). But it's still a good idea to carry some mild repellent.

Hike Details
Here are topo maps of different portions the trail:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=4526925&e=498135&s=25&size=l&loc=Trinity+Alps
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=4530151&e=498084&s=25&size=l&loc=Trinity+Alps
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=4534667&e=498155&s=25&size=l&loc=Trinity+Alps

Here are the key points:
0.0 (3100) Trailhead
2.5 (3900) McKay Camp
3.0 (4000) The Sinks
3.9 (4500) Canyon Creek Falls
4.5 (4500) Upper Canyon Creek Meadows
5.5 (4900) Middle Canyon Creek Falls
6.0 (5000) Boulder Creek Lakes Trail junction
7.1 (5600) Lower Canyon Creek Lake
8.0 (6000) Upper Canyon Creek Lake
9.1 (6500) L Lake (off-trail)

The trail starts right around 3000 ft and is a steady climb (with some flat spots, like Canyon Creek Meadows at mile 4) all the way to the Lower and Upper lakes. Here are some excerpts from my book: From the trailhead, "the trail ascends gradually through shady, low-elevation vegetation of dogwood, maple, Douglas-fir, and oak (with some pine and cedar, too)." "Continuing upstream from the Lower Falls, the trail meanders alongside the east bank of the now peaceful creek. The creek winds tranquilly through a lush, parklike forest of incense- cedars, ferns, willows, and inviting meadows of corn lilies and mullein."

"If all the waterfalls, meadows, and swimming holes weren't enough, the sight from Lower Canyon Creek Lake should make you understand why there may be 50 cars at the trailhead on summer weekends. The deep blue 14-acre lake sits at 5600 ft in a trough gouged out of smooth slabs of granite. The east side of the lake ranges from steep to very steep, with 8886-ft Sawtooth Mountain towering overhead. The west side is littered with sloping granite benches that are perfect for warming yourself after a dip in the cold, clear water." "The upper lake is 400 ft higher, 10 acres bigger, and maybe a tad bit more spectacular than its lower companion. A sloping granite dike holds the water back on the south side, sheer slabs of gray rock plunge into the lake's northwest shore, and a lush green meadow surrounds the inlet on the northeast. Above all looms the secluded headwaters of Canyon Creek, topped by 9002-ft Thompson Peak (the highest peak in Trinity Alps)."

Here are some more descriptions of the hike:
http://www.gorp.com/gorp/publishers/wildernesspress/hik_trin.htm
http://www.gorp.com/gorp/publishers/wildernesspress/hik_tri2.htm

Gear
I created a gear list for last year's trip, so you can just follow that list; the second link has suggestions for items that you may want to invest in, but since we share lots of group gear, you really only need the personal items.

http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/spring01.html#JUN23
http://www.misadventure.info/gearlists.html

Food
On Friday night, I just assume individual carpools will grab dinner on the road. I've stopped at Granzella's in Williams (about 30 miles north off I-505 junction on I-5) many times. There's not much for vegetarians but the salad bar is pretty good and the place is convenient. Check out their menu:
http://www.granzellas.com/restaurant.htm

You will need breakfasts for Saturday and Sunday, lunch for both days, and one dinner (we'll try to grab dinner together in Redding on the way back). I rather not deal with setting up a large group dinner, but potluck style seems reasonable, and the veggie folks can also plan together.

Remember, Trinity Alps is an active bear area, so we do have to hang our food or store them in bear canisters. Hanging is easier, so bring a sturdy bag for your food and some ropes.

Sign-up
Please send me the following information if you are interested in coming on this trip. I'll get back to you early next week (week of June 17th). Remember, juicy answers get priority  :}

• Name:
• E-mail:
• Work phone:
• Cell phone:
• Where would you like to leave from: (if you are close to Stanford, say Stanford)
• When can you leave on Friday:
• Can you offer to drive your car:
• How many people can it comfortably fit with gear:
• Do you own a water filter:
• A tent (if yes, how big):
• Stove, fuel, and pots:
• What is the most bizzare thing you have ever eaten?
• What is the most pleasantly surprised thing you have eaten?
• What is the most disgusting thing you have eaten? (answer not limited to traditional food items...)

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June 22 or 23: Santa Cruz Surfing (Gautan)

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June 29-30: Emigrant Wilderness (Girish) (*)

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July 5-7: Tuolumne Meadows (Chris) (*)

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Mid-July: Biking/Camping in Carmel (Erhung) (*)

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