HoliGay Party 2023!
Great Outdoors OCLB
is going to make this HoliGay Party an exquisite fine dining event!
Mario's La Traviata!
301 Cedar Avenue
Long Beach, CA
You are cordially invited to the
Great Outdoors OC/LB Chapter
HoliGay Party!
Come and enjoy an afternoon of cheer as we make merry!
Sunday December 17 @ 2:30 PM
Cocktails & Drinks: 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Seated for the Culinary Experience: 3:15 PM
So let's get dressed up in our gay apparel and gather to celebrate goodness and cheer during this holigay season!
Fees for this event:
Great Outdoor Members: $30
Guests: $55
(Guests receive a 1 year Membership to GO OCLB!)
La Triviata dining typically costs around $80!
To register a guest: Log in to register yourself as a member and then you will be able to add a guest at that time.
We will have a private room!
Menu: Includes Soft Drinks, Ice Tea, Water.
Appetizer- Bruschetta
Della Casa Salad
Entrée-Choice of:
Sausage Fettucine
Farfalle ala Crema with Chicken
Penne al Pomodoro
Vegetarian or Meat Lasagna
Vegan Pasta
Dessert- Assorted Desserts
Hungry yet?
Please note: Alcoholic or bar beverages are available for an extra charge which will be ordered and paid for by the member.
If you are vegan, please note that upon registration.
We request you register as soon as possible so that we can get an accurate number of the attendees.
Unfortunately if you have to cancel, we will be unable to refund your fee.
Parking: Street Parking is metered until 6 PM and can be difficult.
City Parking Garage is available one block from La Triviata - Click here for a map showing the location of both the parking garage and La Traviata. The rates at the garage are $6 an hour with the $14 maximum for the day.Contact: Lance Whitmier
President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Register now and join the gayety!
RV, Tent, trailer rental will be available
4x4 Plus. Many nearby interesting areas to explore This is a new camp location.
Truckhaven , Calcite Mine, Palm Wash, Ocotillo Wells, Salton Sea old Nave Sea Base, and more..
This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter. For more information about this trip:
This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:
If you’re looking for a camping trip that will challenge your limits and reward your senses, look no further than Anza Borrego Desert State Park. This park is a vast and diverse desert landscape that offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Join us for a variety of desert adventures that include hiking, 4x4 off road trips, stargazing, and amazing sunsets/sunrises. Gather around a campfire and gaze at more stars than you ever knew existed.
The Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is located within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and is located near Borrego Springs, CA at 700 feet elevation. RVs and tents will be on separate sites located on a loop adjacent to each other.
This is 4 days/3nights over the Presidents Holiday Weekend.
Friday - February 16
Saturday - February 17
Sunday - February 18
Monday - February 19
*Attractions and Activities (check whiteboard for times):
Amenities for all: Fire rings, picnic tables, drinkable water, restrooms, flush toilets, token-operated hot showers. Tokens are available at the campground entrance.
Amenities for RVs: This is a dry camping event. There are no hookups. Fresh water is available at the dump site to fill your RV tank before arriving at your site. There is a dump site located near the park entrance. Maximum RV length is 35 feet. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am and generators may only be operated between 10 am and 8 pm. Tents will be on separate sites with 2 tents per site.
Night Lighting: Borrego Springs is a certified Dark Sky Community. Be a good neighbor and keep you camp lights off or at a minimum and enjoy the night sky.
What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear,10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green! - Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils.
Directions: Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Google Map directions to park entrance - click here. From Palms Springs: I-10 East to 86S to Salton Seaway to Borrego Springs - go through town and follow signs to the park entrance.
Climate: Average temperatures for this time of year are 74 high and 48 low. Elevation of 700' Sunrise: 6:30 AM Sunset: 5:30 PM
Refunds: Cancel by Feb. 2, 2024 for a refund (minus $10 service fee).
Payments: Pay online here with a credit card.
Pets: Pets are welcome, leashed and pick up after.
Campground Map Click Here
Contact: Trip Leader: Scott Connelly EMAIL
You must be a paid member of one of the Great Outdoor (GO) Chapters in order to register for this event. You can join with a $25 annual membership by clicking here .
Additional Information: Anza Borrego Natural History Association .
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event/hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
Great Outdoors - San Diego
Tijuana River Valley Regional Park
March 08-10, 2024 - 2 Nights!
Overview
You're invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) for a new cross-border event! We will be camping in the US and hiking in the area, but we will also cross the border into Mexico on Saturday for a tour of Tijuana and some urban hiking during the day. Depending on what time we arrive back in the US there may be time for an additional evening hike around our campground. Sunday morning we will take an early hike to the nearby estuary to view all manner of birds and wildlife. If you are new to Great Outdoors, new to camping or maybe haven’t camped in a while, this is an excellent “starter” camping trip, given the excellent campground facilities and relative close proximity to urban San Diego and San Ysidro.
Our Campground
Set below Spooner’s Mesa – roughly a mile south of the Tijuana River and east of the Pacific Ocean – this unique 79-acre campground offers breathtaking views of the valley, with connections to over 20 miles of trails enjoyed by hikers, bikers and equestrians. It contains a nature education center, 51 primitive campsites and is also the first County campground to offer yurts – covered camping spaces with doors, windows, bed frames and room for six to 10 people. It also features an amphitheater, nature play and a volunteer pad for 24-hour maintenance and support. This campground is the latest addition to an already robust 1,800-acre park property – which features 22 and a half miles of trails, a bird and butterfly garden, a 200-plot community garden and five ballfields.
Tijuana River Valley is one of the only remaining areas in San Diego County with connected beach, dune, salt marsh, riparian and upland ecosystems. The area contains a number of historic sites and viewpoints – providing cultural, aesthetic and recreational value. The valley is rich in diverse natural resources and is home to dozens of sensitive species, along with more than 340 bird species as part of the Pacific Flyway.
Trip pricing is based upon the type of site you choose and whether you’ll be sharing a tent or yurt. Yurt sites have electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. Tent sites have a picnic table and a fire ring but no electricity. Pets are only allowed in tent sites.
The campground is near many excellent hiking trails.
Registration and Payment
Registration for this event is restricted to Great Outdoors Members Only. Prices are based upon you being a member of one of our 5 chapters. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. If you are not currently a member of one of our 5 Chapters, you’ll need to become a paid member with the chapter of your choice first and then register for this campout.
Registration is via this website only. You will need to log into your GO account and click on one of the registration category buttons for this trip. The website will then prompt you for information and payment online by credit card. Payment must be received within 15 minutes of your registration or your reservation will be subject to cancellation.
Cancellation and Refunds
You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 1 week before the trip start date. For this trip, the final cancellation date is March 1, 2024. Refunds will not be available after that date or on any registrations made within those 1 week of a trip start date, unless we can fill your spot with another camper.
Directions
Please carpool if you can, the nearest gas station is only 3 miles away.
Address: 1942 Monument Road, San Diego, CA 92154
Extra Vehicles and Fees
Depending on what time you arrive, you may be asked to pay the extra vehicle fee if the allotted campsite parking spaces have already been filled. Please pay the fee and ask for a receipt and GOSD will reimburse you for the parking fee. Park regulations impose a limit of two (2) cars per campsite. Any additional vehicles must park in the designated overflow parking areas.
Schedule
Friday 03/08/24
4 PM - Check in after 4 PM 5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided. Dinner - on your own 7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is just after 7 PM)
4 PM - Check in after 4 PM
5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided.
Dinner - on your own
7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is just after 7 PM)
Breakfast - on your own 9 AM - Depart for the border crossing. Crossing into Mexico is fairly easy and quick. We will be crossing on foot, so we will carpool to a parking lot close to the border and walk from there. Please make sure you bring your passport 10 AM - Tour of Tijuana (all travel in Mexico will be on foot, so be prepared for a lot of walking) 12 PM - Lunch in Mexico (I go to the same restaurant each time I go but we can decide when we're there) 3 PM - Cross the border back into the US (this can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours +, so we will have to play this by ear) *Dinner based on the time it takes to get the whole group back across the border. 7 PM - Campfire
Breakfast - on your own
9 AM - Depart for the border crossing. Crossing into Mexico is fairly easy and quick. We will be crossing on foot, so we will carpool to a parking lot close to the border and walk from there. Please make sure you bring your passport
10 AM - Tour of Tijuana (all travel in Mexico will be on foot, so be prepared for a lot of walking)
12 PM - Lunch in Mexico (I go to the same restaurant each time I go but we can decide when we're there)
3 PM - Cross the border back into the US (this can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours +, so we will have to play this by ear)
*Dinner based on the time it takes to get the whole group back across the border.
7 PM - Campfire
Sunday 03/24/23
Breakfast - on your own 9 AM - Time for a hike up to the top of the Mesa and along the border wall 12 PM - Check Out.
9 AM - Time for a hike up to the top of the Mesa and along the border wall
12 PM - Check Out.
Campground Rules and Regulations https://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/TijuanaRiverValleyBrochure.pdf Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in yurts or on trails.
Campground Rules and Regulations
https://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/TijuanaRiverValleyBrochure.pdf
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in yurts or on trails.
Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM Smoking- Is not allowed Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%. What to Bring Food Ten Essentials Quarters for showers Camping/cooking gear Phone/camera charger Warm/cool weather clothing Any prescription or other needed medications Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block) Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided) Camping chair One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.
Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM
Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM
Smoking- Is not allowed
Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.
What to Bring
Food
Ten Essentials
Quarters for showers
Camping/cooking gear
Phone/camera charger
Warm/cool weather clothing
Any prescription or other needed medications
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)
Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug
Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided)
Camping chair
One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.
Cell Phone Service
Can be very spotty in the park. Do not plan on having regular access.
Health Problems/Allergies
It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.
Contact - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders:
KJ Archer - k.j.archer1@gmail.com - 619.221.3214
The Salton Sea is one of the most enigmatic places in the Southwest. It is a unique place with many hidden treasures and secrets that are not well known. It has been forgotten as a busy tourist attraction of bygone years. Today, we have an amazing place to visit and explore. The sunsets and sunrises are stunning and peaceful. You should take the opportunity to experience it before it receding water levels cause it to change and vanish.
We will be camping at the Mecca Beach campground at the Salton Sea Recreation Area. The meet and greet, potluck and other activities will take place there. March is an ideal time to visit with mild temperatures.
Agua Caliente County Park
March 22-24, 2024 - 2 Nights!
You're invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) for what's become our annual visit to Agua Caliente County Park to check out the wildflowers, which typically bloom there in early to mid-spring. Between the wildflowers, the amazing Agua Caliente campground (with showers and hot spring-fed pools), our not-to-be-missed nighttime search for scorpions by black light, the always-amazing Saturday night potluck, and a great group of campers, you won't want to miss this trip! If you are new to Great Outdoors, new to camping or maybe haven’t camped in a while, this is an excellent “starter” camping trip, given the excellent campground facilities and relative close proximity to urban San Diego.
Agua Caliente County Park is a 910 acre park with geothermally heated springs. The park is located just west of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in eastern San Diego County.
Amenities at Agua Caliente include the soothing geothermal pools, coin-operated pay showers (50 cents in quarters per 4 minutes), flush toilets, potable water, shuffleboard and horseshoes, and a sun deck outside the pools for lounging. There is a small souvenir store nearby with very limited groceries, ice and firewood. The pools include an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor wading pool for children, and an indoor 102 °F therapeutic spa.
Trip pricing is based upon the type of site you choose and whether you’ll be sharing a tent or RV. RV sites have water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site.
The campground is near many excellent hiking trails and other locations to view desert wildflowers.
Registration for this event is restricted to Great Outdoors Members Only. Prices are based upon you being a member of one of our 5 chapters. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. If you are not currently a member of one of our 5 Chapters, you’ll need to become a paid member with the Chapter of your choice first and then register for this campout.
Registration is via this website only. You will need to log into your GO account and click on one of the registration category buttons for this trip. The website will then prompt you for information and payment online by credit card (preferred) or other available methods. Payment must be received within 15 minutes of your registration or your reservation will be subject to cancellation.
You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks before the trip start date. For this trip, the final cancellation date is March 8, 2024. Refunds will not be available after that date or on any registrations made within those 2 weeks of a trip start date, unless we can fill your spot with another camper.
Please carpool if you can and fill your gas tank well before arriving at camp since the nearest gas stations are in Borrego Springs (30 miles), Julian (33 miles), or Ocotillo (27 miles).
Address: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
From Ramona through Julian: East on State Highway 78 to Scissors Crossing then south 22 miles on Highway S2 to the park entrance.
From Interstate 8: East on Interstate 8 and exit at Ocotillo, then 26 miles north on Highway S2 to the park entrance.
Friday 03/22/24
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM 5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided. Dinner - on your own 7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is just after 7 PM)
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM
Breakfast - on your own 9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems. 3 PM - Time in the pools at camp 6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided. 7 PM - Campfire 8 PM - Scorpion search by black light
9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems.
3 PM - Time in the pools at camp
6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided.
8 PM - Scorpion search by black light
Breakfast - on your own 9 AM - Time for another dip in the pools or a short hike - and packing and cleaning up the camp sites. 12 PM - Check Out.
9 AM - Time for another dip in the pools or a short hike - and packing and cleaning up the camp sites.
A complete listing of campground rules and regulations may be found here:
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2017_Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL.pdf
Here are some of the more common rules:
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground. Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park. Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%. What to Bring Food Ten Essentials Quarters for showers Camping/cooking gear Phone/camera charger Warm/cool weather clothing Potluck item for Saturday night Pool gear (towel, swimsuit and water shoes) Any prescription or other needed medications Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block) Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided) Camping chair One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.
Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground.
Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park.
Potluck item for Saturday night
Pool gear (towel, swimsuit and water shoes)
Is not available in the park, but can be found by driving a short distance from the campground.
For full Agua Caliente County Park information - View the Agua Caliente County Park brochure or map at the following links:
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/AguaCalienteBrochure.pdf
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2016%20Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL_9_13_16.pdf
Matthew Schreiner (matthew.schreiner@mac.com)
This event is being planned by Great Outdoors Palm Springs
For more information about this trip:
Great Outdoors San Diego Campout
Laguna Mountains: Horse Heaven Campground
Description
Contrary to its name, Horse Heaven Group Campground has no equestrian sites. Instead, this tent-only facility can accommodate group gatherings. It provides a great mountain getaway for city dwellers to relax and enjoy cool summer temperatures, hiking and other outdoor recreation, just one hour east of San Diego.
Note: Registration for this event will open on March 1st, 2024 for members, and March 15th for non-members.
This site offers three areas for group gatherings: Lupine Loop can accommodate 40 people and 10 vehicles; The facility is equipped with vault toilets and drinking water. A general store is located 2.3 miles away at Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley.
The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area.
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).
Contact Leader: Tyler Roosden, 651.497.1611
Weekend Schedule
Thursday, June 20
2:00 PM Arrival (tent placement subject to change)
6:00 PM Meet & Greet
7:00 PM Group Dinner and Bonfire
Friday, June 21
9:00 AM Breakfast/Hike
12:00 PM Lunch (on own)
2:00 PM Hike
6:00 PM Potluck
8:00 PM Storytelling/Bonfire
6:00 PM Group Dinner (bring own)
Sunday, June 23
9:00 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM Must Leave Camp
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.
GOING GREEN! Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in the nearby restroom for washing dishes.
This event is being planned by the Los Angeles Chapter. For more information about this trip:
© 1981 - 2022 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
© 1981 - 2023 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
