Yosemite National Park Campout
(Date TBD) June ??, 2023
Save the date! More information coming soon.
GO San Diego: Yosemite, Whitewater Rafting, Caving, and Gold Country Adventure
4 days, 3 nights Gold Country Adventure
Yosemite + Whitewater Rafting + Caving + Gold Country Adventures
In this epic year of precipitation, Yosemite waterfalls will be the largest and most impressive that they have ever been in living memory! We will be staying in the heart of the Gold Country known for its historic towns, wineries, and great attractions both natural and manmade.
Start Thu, June 1, 2023 - Sacramento Airport 10am or Sonora, CA 12pm
Day 1- We will be starting our tour with lunch in one of these towns before a short hike to one of the tour leader’s “secret spots” for a swim… get ready to have your mind blown! Afterwards, we will be checking into our luxurious AirBnB that includes a pool table, cornhole, TV viewing room, and much more.
Day 2- We will be traveling to Yosemite National Park for a day of awesome sightseeing.
Day 3- will be filled with exhilarating whitewater rafting on the Merced River starting just downstream from Yosemite. The river will be at it’s highest water of the year making its rapids 3’s and 4’s, but more 4’s! These are intermediate but exhilarating rapids. Zephyr Rafting is one of the best operations in California. They will provide wetsuits, PFDs, and everything else needed.
Day 4- We will be checking out of our AirBnB and heading to Moaning Caverns for a cave tour at 10am. This tours includes descending and ascending a 100 foot spiral staircase. For those intrepid explorers, there is an optional and challenging adventure cave tour (additional $130 cost) that will start at the same time. For those just interested in the walking tour, they can take a winery tour or explore a nearby historic town while the adventure cave tour goes on. We will finish the trip with a toast while wine tasting at the Twisted Oak Winery, a fun and twisted place to be sure.
End Sun June 4, 2023 - Sonora 4pm or Sacramento Airport 6pm
There will be some flexibility in the tour throughout especially for meals. The host may offer additional adventure opportunities if time permits and as the group wants. Nature is always a variable and some changes may be required depending on conditions.
Host: Jeffrey Lehmann
GO member Jeffrey Lehmann has been adventuring in Yosemite and the Gold Country since he was 5. He spent his summer vacations as a kid visiting cousins there. In his 20s & 30s, he rock climbed in Yosemite, raft guided many of the Sierra rivers, backpacked extensively, and led the annual “Cycle the Sierra” tour, a 400 mile bike tour loop with a different route each year.
Cost: $645/person
The $645 covers the AirBnB, ground transportation (aka tour van), whitewater rafting, caving, and wine tasting. It does not include meals or flight. Southwest flights are currently running around $200 from airports throughout SoCal. Some meals can be made at the AirBnB otherwise eaten at restaurants, you can do as you like or join whatever the group decides.
Refunds: A full refund is available for registrants until end of April, 2023. No refunds will be issued from May 1st, 2023 forward.
Leader Hike Information:
Contact Info:
For more information feel free to contact the host at jeffrey@bptv.com
OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE
Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs
You may attend either one or both.
Full Weekend Schedule:
Friday June 2
2 pm Check in campground
4 pm - Fun hike nearby. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping for the training. This is a welcome hike for attendees at the hike/trip leader training this weekend. We will discuss and demonstrate the Ten Essentials and safety on the trail.
6 pm Meet and Greet and dinner on your own or group selects a restaurant.
Saturday June 3 Training class at the Administrative Building.
· 8 am - 12 pm Hike Leader Training
· 1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
Sunday June 4 8:30 am -10:30 - Training hike nearby where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.
DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I
Be a Hike Leader! Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, and local knowledge to make a successful outing. In addition to the course outline we will discuss any issues with past hikes and plan for future hikes. We will review basic hike leader procedures and techniques and latest technology and information. Completing this course will provide participants with Day Hike Leader Certification. Also a good refresher for hike leaders.
Hike Leader Syllabus
Prerequisites: Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is for anyone interested in becoming a hiker leader, learning more about leading effective hikes, or becoming a more confident and capable hiker.
This Hike Leader Certification course is for hikers who are interested in learning new skills as well as experienced hike leaders who are looking to update or refresh their outdoor leadership skills. It is suitable for all ranges of hiker abilities, from novice up to very experienced hikers.
Objectives: Introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a trained hike leader, including appropriate risk management for day hikes. Present skills for leading a safe, environmentally responsible and enjoyable hike.
Content/Topics Covered: Hike planning, description, screening participants, trail group management, emergency management, medical issues on the trail, map reading and navigation, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, and problem solving techniques and scenarios.
Course Format: The training includes in-person instruction with group discussion and problem solving applications and trail-based scenarios.
Pre-Course Assignment: Review training manuals and video:
Link to Training Resources: Click Here
Printed manuals available at the training location at no cost to participants. Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II
One of the premier features of Great Outdoors is overnight trips. As a leader you will propose, research and design overnight trips. You will manage and administer the trip using leadership and group management skills. Completing this course will provide participants with Trip Leadership Certification.
Course Outline:
Create a new trip or update a former trip.
Planning, scouting, securing reservations.
Finances and budget.
Create a trip description and promotion.
Secure all logistics including any permits, and support staff as necessary.
Communicate with participants to provide information and answer questions.
Conducting your trip, safety issues, group management issues - preventing and solving.
Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.
What to bring: Lunch, water bottle, mug for hot drinks. If you are taking the Hike Leader course bring a day pack with your ten essentials. If you are tent camping, bring food, camp gear, warm clothing.
Weather: O'Neill Regional Park click here
Facilities: We will be in the campground conference room with tables, chairs, projector, TV monitor and restrooms. Trailheads located onsite.
Overnight accommodations:
Camping at O'Neill Regional park, standard sites
Motels located nearby.
More information:
Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here Lance Whitmier, OCLB President: email click here
Course Preparation: You are encouraged to review the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals ahead of time.
This GOPS club event is intended for Great Outdoors members who are familiar with pickleball play and pickleball rules. It is designed to be a fun event that will rotate players through groups of 4 for games. This is also a chance to meet and get to know other Great Outdoors members who enjoy playing pickleball.
Like any sport there is a risk of injury that comes along with playing pickleball. To help reduce the risk of injury, please review the pickle ball safety tips at: https://usapickleball.org/play/health-safety
Notes:
Location/Directions: Directions to the courts will be provided to those that sign up.
Cancel: If you cannot make a this event for which you have registered, please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the event leader.
Photos - click here to see some of our games.
Event Leader: John Ryan - eMail: click here.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Special COVID Requirements: Following current California Safety Measures click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to play pickleball.
Respecting the Natural Environment
June 6, 2023, 6:30 pm
The LGBTQ Center, Palm Springs
Meeting Room #3
Please join us for the Great Outdoors Palm Springs Speaker Series. This month there will be two 20-minute talks. First, learn how homeowners can make an impact by changing tree trimming habits for our native California Fan Palm. Then, consider how we protect the natural environment through the trail system in Oswit Canyon and Prescott Preserve. The speakers are certified California Naturalists Michael Taylor and Lars Grava.
This talk will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The Center is located at 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr., in Palm Springs. The presentation will be held in person in a large conference room. Light snacks will be served.
For information and questions Contact: Doug Wylie here
Pride Month!
Happy Hour Mixer
&
Monthly Chapter Meeting!
Thursday June 8
Come get Happy!
Start the weekend early!
El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
15042 Goldenwest Blvd.
(The 405 Freeway & Goldenwest Blvd.)
Westminster, CA 92683
Join us for Happy Hour Mixer from 6 - 7 PM in the Cantina.
Then the GO OCLB Board meeting will convene at 7 pm in the restaurant (along with ordering an optional meal) to conduct their monthly meeting.
Cantina Happy Hour is from 3 PM to 7 PM.
OCLB will have the fireplace room in the Cantina area beginning @ 6!
El Torito's Happy Hour prices end at 7 PM!
Schedule will be:
6 PM - 7 PM: Happy Hour in the Cantina!
All Members & Core Group can make introductions, snack, socialize, toss around ideas/suggestions and make merry! Each person is responsible for their own beverage and snack ordering and payment. Come and meet your board members and fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a relaxing atmosphere.
7 PM: Monthly Meeting!
Core Group will begin their meeting where the various trip leaders will have a chance to highlight their recent and upcoming trips, and answer any questions. We will continue to focus on future activities of 2023 and how to further engage with our members.
Any and all members are allowed and encouraged to attend and participate! (Please be aware that only Core Group Members are allowed to vote during the Core Group meeting.).
3. Meeting will adjourn upon completion of agenda! Aiming for 8 PM.
A few of the Core Group: Lance, Rick, Frederick, Doug and Ray.
If you have any questions please contact:
Robert (Outreach) at: Outreach-OCLB@Greatoutdoors.org
or
Lance (President) at: President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Let's Bike to Breakfast. We will begin at Sunrise Park in Palm Springs and ride to the Runway in Cathedral City. You can get anything from an order of toast to a full breakfast. We will eat outside on their misted patio with a view of our bikes. The route will be primarily on bike paths with some city streets at a moderate pace. Total miles pedaled will be approximately 13.
Meet at 7:15 am at Sunrise Park, Ramon and Sunrise, near the Mizell Senior Center.
Equipment: Riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets on all bike rides. Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI. You may want to bring a tire pump, spare tube, bike tools, water, and sunscreen.
Contact: John Ryan: Email click here
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck
Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023
Time: 6:00-9:00 pm
Location: Vacation Island, to the right (north) of the Paradise Point resort (previously called Pacific Princess resort)
RSVP: None....Just show up!
Event Cost: Free (bring potluck stuff to share)
Parking: Easy. Ample parking on site
Join us for our Potluck Bonfires by the Bay!
DESCRIPTION: Monthly bonfires on the 3rd Thursday of the month for the 2022 season through October.
Bring a friend or cuddle buddy. Please also bring an entree or a side dish, and a beverage of your choice.(Alcohol is banned in Mission Bay Park). You can also help support this event by bringing a portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or firewood, but CMG is making sure that's covered.
WHAT TO BRING: 1) Potluck item. Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many meal choices and sides. If you have a dessert you're eager to bring, lovely! But if you're on the fence, maybe think dinner, not dessert. 2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use! 3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one.
DIRECTIONS: Take the 8 freeway west toward Mission Bay, exit onto Mission Bay Drive and make a right, then merge into the far left hand lane onto Ingraham Street, heading North, then make a left onto Vacation Rd as if you were heading into Paradise Point Resort (previously called Pacific Princess Resort), but then an immediate Right before entering the resort to get to the side parking lot. We’ll be on the left (West) side of parking lot by the rest rooms. (Note: we're on the WEST side of Ingraham St. Don't confuse this spot with a similar one on the east side of the street.)
