1:00 PM: Meeting:  We will be planning our campouts. hikes, backpacking trips. and other events for the 2025 calendar year. Dates and locations will be presented at the annual conference in October. This is done to reduce conflicts with other chapters, eliminate duplicate trips, allow members to plan and schedule in advance.

Feel free to tell us your ideas by clicking here ⇒ 2025 Campout Ideas.

Please consider volunteering to lead or co-lead, especially if you have taken Outdoor Experience training. Training not required to co-lead. Remember we are a nonprofit and volunteer organization that depends on you and your input. 

2:00 PM: Potluck: Bring something yummy to share, your own drinks, your own reusable plates and utensils, and possibly a chair, towel or blanket in case we have trouble nabbing tables. Great Outdoors will provide dessert later in the afternoon. 

3:30 PM: Option 1. Stairway Hike: We will begin from the bluffs to the beach, walking on paths, trekking both along and above the beach, but probably not in the sand, as well as in and out of Santa Monica Canyon, then back to our picnic spot. There will be at least three or more sets of stairs. Stairs are a combination of wood and concrete steps with an interesting variety of designs from a modern spiral ramp over PCH to something like an overgrown garden with 170 steps on Adelaide Dr, ascending into Santa Monica Canyon. Moderate to difficult hike. We won’t be jogging up and down the steps but not an easy stroll. Wear shoes with good traction and grip. Take plenty of water. 

3:30 PM: Option 2. Chill: Bring your favorite board game or relax, chat, and enjoy the view. A relaxing stroll is always nice.

4:30 PM: Dessert! Socialize, Board Games:  Dessert provided by Great Outdoors! Bring a board game, or relax, chat and enjoy the view.

Driving: Park on San Vicente. It is usually fairly easy to find a space but don’t expect to park right next to the park.

Metro: Be Green and take the metro E Line and have a beautiful 25 minute walk to our picnic area.

Carpool/ridesharing information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation. If you would like a ride, or could provide a ride, members can sign up on your own. Click this link to Carpool.

Heal the Bay Presents The 35th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day

Join Great Outdoors LA and California Gay Adventures

at Will Rogers State Beach South - Ginger Rogers Beach

We are excited to join the great folks at California Gay Adventures in participating in the Annual Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup event at Ginger Rogers Beach.  Let's do our part and help contribute to removing 2 million pounds of trash from local waterways. 

"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it" - Robert Swan

             

Are you Ready? 

1) Register here on Great Outdoors so we know how many to expect. 

1) You must also review the information at Heal the Bay's website for important details including signing a digital waiver

2) Click on the big blue "Join a Cleanup Site" button and scroll towards the bottom for Will Rogers...Ginger Rogers. 

Location: Will Rogers State Beach South - Ginger Rogers Beach, WRB Tower 18 - Will Rogers Beach 17700 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

October 17-20, 2024 

Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - YouTube

Join us for a retro 70's/Disco/Pride CampOut

at

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Rio Group Campsite

Hosted by the LA Chapter, Conference Organizing Team: Pamela Wegner, John Butta, Steve Sisneros, John Blasco, Corrado Giovannoni, Bryan Matsumoto, Russell Hammerl, Ron Heinmiller 

Volunteers Contact:   John Butta The LA chapter hosts the conference every five years. Let’s make it a great event, volunteer!

Questions Contact: Russell Hammerl

Let’s hike, bike, dance and take care of some business! Our 70’s disco theme for the conference will get everyone in a festive mood. We have reserved a wonderful group campsite with fantastic facilities. The Rio group campsite has covered pagodas, restrooms, showers, potable water, fire rings, BBQ grills, and picnic tables. Silverwood Lake is a reservoir between the West and East Fork Mojave Rivers. Also, the Pacific Crest Trail passes near our campsite for long and short hikes. Note: There may be times that the water quality in the lake may pose a health risk due to algae blooms. See the current status:  Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Directions: The park is located off of Highway 138 and Cleghorn Road, 11 miles east of I-15 heading east; or 20 miles north of San Bernardino via Highways 18 & 138. Get directions through Google Maps

Climate, Elevation:  Average high/low: 79° / 50° ; Elevation 3400’

Thursday, Oct 17 

• 2:00 pm Check-in, there are no activities this day as the organizers will be setting up for the conference. You can check-in either Thursday or Friday. The three best Pride decorated RVs or Campsites win a prize on Saturday night. 

Friday, Oct 18 (Official Start Date)

• 7:00 am Coffee, breakfast on your own.

• 9:00 am  Hike on the PCT, Pacific Crest Trail,  going north east out of the campground, 5 miles. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks/ lunch, hiking poles, shoes with good traction, etc. There will be a good amount of uphill climbing. Led by Russell

• 2:00 pm Nature Center, (an unguided activity) 

• 5:00 pm  Meet and Greet with bingo mixer led by Pamela. Bring an appetizer to share and your own beverage. Buy raffle tickets.

• 6:00 pm Hosted Taco Bar. Bring your own reusable plate and utensils.

• 8:00 pm Campfire and star gazing

Saturday Oct 19

• 7:00 am  Coffee, breakfast on your own 

• 9:00 am  Lake hike with wonderful mountain and lake views: led by Bryan Matsumoto. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks or lunch, hiking poles, shoes with good traction, etc.

• 10:00 am Bike ride around the lake area with John Blasco

• 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm  Outdoor Experience Introduction - Meet trip and hike leaders for Q&A and learn about leadership opportunities. Join the team, acquire new skills, make a difference and feel good about yourself. Find out more: Outdoor Experience

• 3:00 pm Arts and Craft with Pamela 

• 6:00 pm  Potluck Dinner - bring a dish to share. GO will provide dessert. Wear your best Disco or Pride outfit - prize for 3 winners with best outfits!

• 7:00 pm  Award Presentations; announcements

• 7:30 pm  Super Raffle drawing

• 8:00 pm Disco Party Night

Sunday, Oct 20

• 7:00 am  Coffee 

• 12:00 pm  Check out

Business Meetings: All members are welcome to attend the business meetings. Meet at Pavilion - Check whiteboard at camp for updates and details.

Friday,  Oct 19 

• 7:00 pm Elections Committee Meeting -Attended by current Corp Board and Chapter Representatives.

Saturday, Oct 19 

• 9:00 - 11 am  General Business Meeting, Corp Board and elections, Incoming Board Meeting -Attended by outgoing Corp Board, Chapter Delegates, Committee Chairs. We elect a Corp. Chair, Secretary and Financial Officer. The Chair then appoints Committee Chairs.

• Incoming Board Meeting- Attended by the newly elected Corp Board and Committee Chairs.

• 11:00 am Outdoor Experience Committee meeting- Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.

• 1:00 pm  All  VPO's trip planning, calendar meeting- Attended by VPOs of each chapter, delegates, newly elected Corp Board Committee Chairs and other interested parties.

• 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm  Outdoor Experience (OE) Program

• 1:30 pm OE Introduction -  Meet trip and hike leaders for Q&A and learn about leadership opportunities. Join the team, acquire new skills, make a difference and feel good about yourself.- Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.

• 2:00 pm OE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Session - Meet Chapter Officers and hike leaders presenting Trip Leader resources that have made GO more accessible to new members and trip leaders. Potential topics include: financial support for trip leaders and attendees, welcome/EDI statement crafting, respecting native lands/people, a free Trip Leader Starter Kit for all attendees, and recognizing our GO founders. Attendance by VPOs recommended and all members welcome.

Registration:

• Day Tripper– $10.00

• Each Vehicle- $80.00  The price is per vehicle because we have a total of 30 parking spaces. Overflow parking available at main campsite (approx. 5 mins; 0.6 miles away).

• Payments: Registration is available to Great Outdoors members only.- Click Here for Membership

• Cancellation:  Email,  [email protected]by Oct. 5 to receive a refund minus a $10 service fee. 

• Carpool Information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation. If you would like a ride, or could provide a ride, you can sign up on your own by clicking here:  Carpool

• RVs: No RV hookups at group campground. RVs must be parked in provided space and may not protrude into the roadway. Maximum length 31'. Roadways must be kept open and clear to allow for emergency vehicles. Consider carpooling with a tent camper. Full hookup sites may be available at the nearby New Mesa Campground via Reserve California

• Quiet hours: 10pm - 6am.

• Non-Campers: Lodging can be found in nearby Crestline 

• Pets: Welcomed if leashed, controlled, picked up after. Dogs are only allowed on paved trails.

Optional Activities:

Nature Center: The Nature Center is located to the left of the park's entry kiosks down Cleghorn road. The history of the lake, information about wildlife, and showcases with artifacts from the area’s native past. The Nature Center is open Friday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm during the winter season.

Hiking/Bicycling: A trail extends for 13 miles around the park. Most notably, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the recreation area, a popular layover for thru-hikers. 

Deep Creek Hot Springs: To the north is a popular destination for soakers who appreciate the shade of the sycamores and a more natural experience.  

Crestline: The quaint mountain town is a short drive away with restaurants, antique and collectible shops, supermarket and Lake Gregory Regional Park. At Lake Gregory you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and fishing gear. 

Silverwood Lake: Swim beaches and enjoy the surroundings.

4X4 Off Roading: Pilot Rock OHV Trail, California - 643 Reviews, Map | AllTrails, Cleghorn Ridge OHV Road: I-15 to Highway 138 at Silverwood Lake, California - 975 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

 What to Bring: Disco lights, Ten Essentials, camping and cooking gear, food, name tag, camp chair, warm/cool weather clothing, bicycle, swim suit, towel, possibly water shoes, potluck dish, appetizer for the tea. If you would like to donate an item for the raffle, contact the trip leaders. A bundle of non-oak firewood. Notice: Due to the threat of the goldspotted oak borer, no oak firewood will be allowed. Firewood may be purchased on site. GO GREEN!  Please bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

Campground Brochure: Click Here 

Campground Contact: (760) 389-2281

Conference FAQs

What is the difference between a regular GO campout and a conference campout?

Conference is held once every year in October (as required in the by-laws) where delegates from each of the five chapters and the Corp board come together to:

• Nominate and elect a new Corporate Board for the upcoming year.

• Vote and amend any by-law changes that may occur.

• Schedule and coordinate the next year's camping trips.

• Special awards and recognition will be presented.

Who puts on the Conference?

• Hosting conference is on a rotational basis by one of the five chapters..

• This year is hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter

• The next conference will be hosted by the San Diego chapter.

Do I need to attend any of these business meetings?

• Only if you are a chapter delegate, a corporate committee chair or Corporate Board member; however, all are welcome to attend.

Can I come to any of these meetings if I am not on the Corp board or a delegate?

• Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in how our organizational leadership works to come and observe our meetings!

What if I am not part of the Corp board or a delegate, can I still attend the conference?

• Yes! There will be other planned activities and events to attend..

• This is a great opportunity to become acquainted with GO leaders, members, and learn the organization of Great Outdoors.

Can I attend the day activities without camping?

• Yes, register for day use only.

Volunteer?

• Each Chapter elects or appoints a Board Representative to represent your Chapter at all GO Corp. meetings. 

• The GO Board also consists of the following appointed committees or positions:  Archives, Awards, Bylaws, Outings, Outdoors Experience, and Webmaster

• If you are interested in running for one of the three (3) elected positions or serving on one of our Committees, attend the meetings and let us know.

Any other questions? - contact Trip Leaders or Board Members 

If you would like to know more about the history and founding of GO click here.

      OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

You may attend either one or both.

Full Weekend Schedule:

Friday Nov 15 2 pm - Optional - Fun hike at Whitewater Preserve.  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.  

Saturday Nov 16  8-5 - Training class at the Preserve Administrative Building.

• 8 am - 12 pm  Hike Leader Training
• 1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training

Sunday Nov 17  8:30 am - 11 am - Training hike at the Preserve where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.

Registration: You may request printed manual(s) be mailed to your during registration process, ($25 each). You will be refunded upon check in at the training.

DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I

8am - 12 pm

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

How to Lead a Hike: Video: Click Here

Printed manuals will be available at the training location. 

Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration. Registration fee is fully refundable upon check in.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

LA – GeoTours Morocco

Great Outdoors LA invites you to Morocco from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, 2024. This trip is being organized and sponsored though GeoTours, which is an LGBTQ-friendly company that organizes regular tours to places all over the world at very reasonable prices compared to other tour companies. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, along with GeoTours. Click here for the trip itinerary and details: https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024/. Registration closes May 1, 2024.

Why Morrocco? Although it's a favorite destination for Europeans, many Americans feel unsafe traveling in Arab countries. However, Morocco is considered one of the safest Arab countries in which LGBTQ groups can travel, and it has some of the best scenery and tourism of any region in northern Africa. Therefore, we are inviting this group of travelers to a wonderful place where they may not feel comfortable going individually but can have an “opportunity to learn about life in a different country through immersion into the culture. Seeing something from the outside versus experiencing it from the inside provides two completely different insights into a way of life.” -- Gay Travel in Morocco: An Overview (journeybeyondtravel.com).

Personal Considerations: While several LGBTQ groups visit Morocco every year with no problems, all participants will need to understand and acknowledge the following cultural note to ensure the group's safety:

It’s important to note that in Morocco homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by prison. Even though this is not always enforced, it’s smart to use street sense and avoid public displays of affection, as this is culturally frowned upon for both opposite and same-sex couples. As in any country, we ask our travelers to respect local customs (hats off in mosques, no kissing in public, etc) and most people will not be hostile. Transgender travelers should be especially aware of potentially abusive behavior, particularly to transgender women, due a lack of education in the country and conservative Muslim values. Please review and consider the additional information provided prior to deciding whether to participate or not:

Additional resources include:

· https://queerintheworld.com/lgbt-rights-in-morocco/

· Gay Morocco | LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, Morocco Gay Rights & Safety Tips (iglta.org)

· LGBT Rights In Morocco: Everything You Should Know Before You Visit! (queerintheworld.com)

· LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index: 203 Countries Ranked in 2023 (asherfergusson.com)

We plan to donate to local LGBTQ groups in Morocco to help the country's progress toward more equality.

This is the first of what we hope will be several trips around the world (Iceland, New Zealand, Peru, etc.).

Itinerary:

Friday 11/22/24 – Depart USA

Depart USA or depart earlier to have more time in Morocco.

Saturday 11/23/24 - Arrive Casablanca, Morocco

Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. One night in Casablanca at Idou Anfa Hotel (4*).

Sunday 11/24/24 – Casablanca-Rabat-Chefchaouen

Visit the old Kasbah of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, and go inside the richly decorated mausoleum of King Mohammed V. Continue to Chefchaouen, one of the most beautiful small towns in Morocco. One night at Dar Ecchaouen (4*).

Monday 11/25/24 – Chefchaouen-Volubilis-Fes

Enjoy a morning walking tour in the old medina of Chefchaouen, with beautiful pastel-blue buildings. Visit Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Fes, the imperial capital for much of the last 1000 years. Two nights in Fes at Riad El Yacout (4*) or equivalent.

Tuesday 11/26/24 – Fes

Spend a full day in Fes, the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. Take a walking tour of the medina, the bustling old part of the city, with a chaotic and exhilarating mélange of artisan quarters: brass & copper craftsmen, wedding goods, carpenters, bakers, butchers, spice sellers. Soak in a fine panoramic view of the colorful vats of the leather tanneries. Night #2 in Fes.

Wednesday 11/27/24 – Fes – Middle Atlas Mountains – Sahara

Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara, passing through cedar forests with Barbary Apes. Stop at Ziz Gorges, deeply eroded by water and with very colorful geology. Arrive in Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Saharan sand dunes. One night in Merzouga at Riad Azawad (3*) with dinner included.

Thursday 11/28/24 - Sahara Desert near Merzouga

Spend the day experiencing the Sahara Desert: visit a village of the Gnaoua people, descendants of West African slaves. Ride a camel for an hour over the impressive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. See the Saharan sunset over the dunes. Spend the night at Azawad Luxury Desert Camp, with dinner included, followed by Berber musical entertainment.

Friday 11/29/24 - Merzouga – Ouarzazate

Sunrise over the desert and then ride a camel (or walk) 3 miles over the dunes to Merzouga. Breakfast in Merzouga before continuing to Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with walls towering 1000’ high. One night in Ouarzazate at Dar Chamaa (3*).

Saturday 11/30/24 - Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou - Atlas Mtns - Marrakech

Explore Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wonderful kasbah with narrow, winding lanes. Drive over the High Atlas Mountains, across Tizi n’Tichka pass at 7400' altitude. Two nights in Marrakech at Riad Nesma (4*).

Sunday 12/1/24 - Marrakech

Tour Marrakech, one of the great medieval cities of the Islamic world. Djemaa el Fna, is the wonderful city square of Marrakech with great activity, entertainment, and food. Free afternoon for shopping or more sightseeing of Marrakech.

Monday 12/2/24- Marrakech - USA

Morocco tour ends, with a departure from Marrakech airport, or stay longer in Morocco on your own.

Details:

https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024

Additional details will be discussed in an online forum and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions prior to the final cancellation deadline. We will also have an additional forum closer to the trip departure date.

Tour Dates: Nov.22-Dec. 2, 2024 (actual tour: Nov.23-Dec.2)

Land Only Tour Cost: $1890. Price based on a minimum of 12 paying participants. Otherwise, the price may increase or cancel the tour. Price is also based on sharing a room; single supplement is +$500 but single rooms are limited to approx. 5 or 6 on a first come basis. There will be 12 rooms total for the group. (Estimated additional cost of international flights to be arranged on your own: $1350. LAX-CMN; RAK-LAX)

Cost Includes: Hotels, guide, bus, entries, breakfasts, 3 dinners, and tips

Looking to Share a Room?: Will send the contact info to the members who wish to consider this option.

Group Size: 12-20 G.O. members

Tour Locations: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubillis, Fes, Sahara Desert (Merzouga), Ouarzazate, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech (see website for exact dates and route map)

Walk/Hike limits: At least one hike up to 5 miles and one hike on sand dunes

Weather: Inland California climate (high 65-75, low in 50s in November)

Cancellation policy: see Geotours website

Registration closes: May 1, 2024. Click here to register now:

https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024/

Please also register via the GOLA website (link at beginning of the email, or on website).  The trip leader needs to monitor how many travelers of each type have registered and will use this registration for various updates and communications. 

GOLA Website Registration Types:

• One Traveler - Wants a Roomie

Registrants are responsible for finding their own roommate. GOLA will provide connections for those interested in sharing a room. 

• One Traveler - Has a Roomie

When registering type the first and last name of your roommate.

• Solo Traveler - Does not want to room with anyone

As noted elsewhere, solo travelers will pay an surcharge of approx. $500.

Trip insurance: Highly Encouraged. See Details link above for more information

Have additional questions: Reach out to GeoTours, Joe Holliday  or John Butta

PS – Group Cruise – Baja Peninsula (Sea of Cortez)

Start

Sat, January 4, 2025

End

Sat, January 11, 2025

Location

Holland America Baja Peninsula (Sea of Cortez) Cruise – Roundtrip San Diego on Koningsdam

Cruise Details are available at this link: https://trips.kirkolsencruises.com/trip/6yw9rqkrer3wqz2akyq7y8atxcxkltq

Kirk Olsen is a GOPS hike leader and travel advisor (travel agent). Kirk has secured group space on this sailing with special amenities as described in the above link. Please contact Kirk with any questions you have.

Quote/Book through Cruise Holidays – Kirk Olsen Cruises & Adventure Travel
760-980-1239
[email protected]
CST 2083884-50

SAVE THE DATE

LA - Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

Start:  Wed, April 16, 2025,  2:00 PM

End:  Mon, April 21, 2025,  12:00 PM

Location:  Morro Bay State Park

This event is being planned by the Los Angeles Chapter. Trip Leaders: John Blasco and Joe Holliday.

REGISTRATION IS NOT YET OPEN.

Please check back here for updates; or contact John Blasco at [email protected]