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

HoliGay Party 2024!

This HoliGay Party is going to be another exquisite fine dining event! 

Returning to:   

 301 Cedar Avenue

Long Beach, CA

You are cordially invited to the

Great Outdoors OCLB Chapter

HoliGay Party!

Come and enjoy an afternoon of cheer as we make merry!

Cocktails & Drinks:  3 PM - 4 PM

Seated for the Culinary Experience:  4 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 Ice Tea and 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- Tiramisu

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 Mario's La Triviata -

Click here for a map showing the location of both the parking garage and La Traviata. 

Contact: Lance Whitmier 

President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Register now and join the gayety!

Photos from last year's Holigay extravaganza!

Noon, Sunday, December 22

@ The Red Lion Tavern

2366 Glendale Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90039

For over 60 years, The Red Lion Tavern has been one of Los Angeles’ most beloved neighborhood taverns.  This L.A. landmark continues to serve up traditional German food and a wide selection of German beer in a cozy old world atmosphere.

Our special holiday menu in the outdoor beer garden will include: 

• Coffee, Tea, Water, or Soda
• One drink coupon (Beer, cider or other)
• Sausage Platters and Warm Pretzels to share
• Individual starter of Small Dinner Salad or Small Caesar Salad
• Individual entrées; with choice of:
• • Hungarian Goulash (beef)
  • Red Lion Schnitzel (pork)
  • Chicken Schnitzel 
  • Bratwurst / Bratwurst on a roll
  • Nurnburger / Nurnburger on a roll
  • Veggie bratwurst / Veggie bratwurst on a roll (vegan)
  • Other by special request only
• Dessert tbd

Registration: The event is free for GOLA members.  However, a refundable $20 deposit from members will be required during registration. Refunds will be made in cash when members arrive. Members may bring a non-member guest for $25.  The $25 will include 1 year of GOLA membership. Payment must be made at time of registration and paid online with a credit card within 15 minutes. You must register before December 14, 2024.

Cancellations: Contact John Butta no later than Dec 14, 2024.  No refunds will be made for cancellations after Dec 14, 2024. 

Attendees are encouraged to dress in festive clothes. 

OCLB Chapter presents

Cottonwood Campout

Joshua Tree National Park 

Jan 31st to Feb. 2nd, 2025

Trip Leader Contact: Michael M

Email: BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Stargazing and camping after the New Year?  

Let’s go!

Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places for stargazing and camping after the holidays, or for that matter year-round.  Located in the southern section of the park away from light polluting towns or cities, Cottonwood Campground offers dark, uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and constellation admirers alike. 

Set in Colorado Desert landscape, Cottonwood campground overlooks flat, open desert shrub land, which offers a contrast to the Mojave Desert landscape featuring the Joshua trees of the park’s namesake, predominant in the northern area of the park.  Nearby is Cottonwood Springs Oasis, created from geologic activity, offering a verdant island of palm and cottonwood trees encircled by an ocean of desert landscape.  Cottonwood Springs’ Oasis is also the trailhead for nearby hiking trails.

Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members

Start: Fri Jan. 31st, 2025, 3pm

Ends: Sun Feb. 2nd, 2025 12pm

Space available: 10 vehicles

Location: Cottonwood is the first campground from the South Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, approximately 33 miles east of Indio.

Directions: From Long Beach and Orange County, take Int. 10 East to Indio.  Take Exit 168 Cottonwood Springs Road, turn left, and drive to the South Entrance.  There is a $30 per vehicle fee to enter.  An America the Beautiful National Park Pass will waive the vehicle entry fee.  Drive 7 miles to Cottonwood Springs Visitor Center, turn right.  Follow signs to Cottonwood campground.  Proceed to Group Site 2.  

Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow more folks to attend and because of the vehicle limit at the group campsite.  There is no overflow parking. 

Important information:

Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings.

THERE IS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE & NO GAS WITHIN THE PARK.

Schedule

Fri Jan. 31st .

3pm Check-in

4pm- Welcome Tea- Refreshments provided. Meet & Greet

5pm- Dinner on your own

5:30pm- Group campfire

Sat Feb. 1st .

8am- Breakfast on your own.

9am- Local hike, pack a snack.

3:30pm- Happy Hour- cocktail provided. BYOB is absolutely welcomed.

4:45pm- Group dinner potluck. Dinner Theme: Italian Inspired.

5:30pm- Group campfire, storytelling, stargazing.

Sun Feb 2nd .

8am- Breakfast on your own.

9am to 11am- Break camp, pack up, see you at the next Great Outdoors event!

12pm- Check out 

Amenities: Cottonwood Campground offers potable water, restrooms with flush toilets, and trash and recycling bins.  Our group site feature shaded picnic tables and a fire ring.  There are no showers.  

Parking: 10 vehicles.  

RVs: Unfortunately, No RVs on this campout.    

What to bring: Ten essentials, Tent, Camp chair, Sleeping bag with sleeping pad or air mattress, Air pump with extra batteries for air mattress, Pillow, Extra blanket, Day pack for hiking, camp stove, matches or lighter, propane fuel, flashlight with batteries, lantern with batteries, headlight with red light feature and batteries, external power bank and phone charger; cooking utensils, cold weather clothing (long underwear, jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirts, long pants, beanie, scarf), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries kit, and hand sanitizer.

Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs and eating utensils.  There is very little shade.  You may want to bring a pop shade withanchor.   

Please BRING firewood for the group campfire.

Climate:  January Avg. high 63, Avg. low 39.  Mornings, evenings and overnight can get cold.  Bring warm clothing and dress in layers.  Bring an extra blanket. Although JTNP is usually sunny, rain is unpredictable. Bring a rain coat if rain is forecasted.  Also, there is very little shade.  Wear sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long sleeve shirts. 

Fees:  Camping fee is $50 per individual.   

If you are carpooling as a passenger the camping fee is $40.

The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. The park entrance fee per vehicle is in addition to the camping fee.  A National Park Pass will waive the park entrance fee.

Carpooling is encouraged to save money on fuel and the vehicle entrance fee.

Above:  Joe, Lance and Rob welcome you to Joshua Tree National Park!

Cancellation: Attendees may cancel with a refund, less $10 fee before Friday,  Jan, 17th , 2025. No refund for cancellations after 1/17/25.  Contact the Trip Leader, Michael if you need to cancel your registration before January 17 in order to receive the applicable refund.

Food: Bring enough food and snacks for 2 days. I will provide refreshments at the Friday welcome tea and prepare a cocktail for attendees at the happy hour on Saturday. Group dinner potluck on Saturday night. Dinner theme: Italian Inspired.

Registration- Driver: $50. Passenger: $40.

Please Indicate who you are carpooling with.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the back country or in park buildings.  LEASHED pets are allowed within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds.  Please clean up after your pet.

Past Photos from Cottonwood Campground

Above:  Joe and Rob at the Cottonwood Group site for our Perseid Meteor Shower campout this past August.

Above:  Juan is ready to for beddy bye time - again at Cottonwood Campsite during an OCLB Perseid Meteor Shower campout.

Above:  Claudia and her baby get comfy while at Cottonwood Campsite!

Questions?

Contact trip leader: Michael M

Email : BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!

This event is being jointly planned by the         Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters

LA - Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

Sites have been reserved and REGISTRATION will open January 1, 2025

Please check back here for updates; or contact John Blasco at johnlongbeach@msn.com

SAVE THE DATE

Registration will open January 15, 2025

PERU (11 days)  Includes Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Cost: $3,080  (Not including international flights).

Group Size: 24

Trip leaders: Joe Holliday and John Blasco

Details and Registration Opens: Jan.15, 2025

For more information:  Joe at joewholliday@yahoo.com

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.

https://huntington.org/event/zheng-bo-garden-exercises