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.

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

• Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here
• Lance Whitmier, OCLB President: email click here

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.)

Details: Join us for San Diego Social at Negociant Winery in Hillcrest We will be having a social gathering while enjoying some Wine, Food & Tastings. This is an open invitation to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP.  But it is helpful in planning the RSVP, recommend reserving your spot the sooner the better. Come meet some familiar people and some new people.

GO HOST: Steven Stowe (619-309-5674)

Meeting Location: Negociant Winery – 1263 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92111

Meeting Date & Time: Friday June 23rd, @ 6PM-8PM

Parking: There will be ample parking on the streets, just remember they will be metered.  Check the parallel street (Essex and Vermont).

Cost: Wine Flights Cost $15 for 5 Tastings. 

Time Commitment: Plan for approximately 2 hours 

Note: Here is the Yelp Link, so you can look at the menu on what varieties of wine they offer, and what bites they have available.

 NÉGOCIANT WINERY - 1263 University Ave, San Diego, California

Join us in celebrating the San Diego Pride Parade at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park. The main event, the San Diego Pride Parade, will take place on Saturday. To kick off the festivities, there will be a joint "Happy Hour" hosted by the San Diego and Palm Springs Great Outdoors Chapters at the North Park Beer Company in Bankers Hill. The Happy Hour will begin at 5:30 pm, and the venue also offers a dinner menu if you'd like to stay for a meal. Alternatively, you can explore nearby dining options.

On Sunday, the day after the parade, you'll have the opportunity to visit the historic Balboa Park in San Diego. The park boasts 17 museums, the San Diego Zoo, and 11 hiking trails. In addition to the local hikes around the Reservoir and Cabrillo National Monument, which includes the Point Loma Lighthouse and Tidepools (an America the Beautiful Entrance pass is required), you can also take a tour of the USS Midway Museum (tickets are priced at $31.00 per person). If you prefer a more leisurely experience, you can enjoy some local shopping or simply relax and spend time with friends.

• The Lighthouses of Cabrillo National Monument - Cabrillo National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)  Point Loma Light House
• Home - Balboa Park San Diego’s  Balboa Park
• USS Midway Aircraft Carrier | San Diego Museum | San Diego Tours
• Hans & Harry's Bakery is located less than 5 miles from the park if you're looking for a nearby place to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• North Park Beer Company 3095 Fifth Ave. San Diego Ca 92301

For more information and to register for the parade event, please visit the website of our San Diego Chapter: San Diego Pride Parade Great Outdoors.  

San Diego Chapter is coordinating the parade event.  You MUST RSVP to the parade event to secure your t-shirt (supplies limited, act fast). Please go to GOSD web site to register.

Amenities: Restrooms have electricity, flush toilets, running water and hot showers that take quarters, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking stalls. Full hookups for RV's. Each site can accommodate 1 RV & 1 tent or 2 tents. Two tents will share a site.  We may add additional tent space to share on RV site, if needed. Only beer and wine allowed in the park. 

The park is located at 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902. Map Directions & GPS 32°40'53.0"N 116°59'52.6"W (about 20 minutes to San Diego Hillcrest area)

Refunds: Cancellation for a refund minus service fee of $10.00 must be received by July 01, 2023.

Site assignments and additional details will be in the event reminder email a few days prior to the event.

For additional information contact:

• Cliff Clue ~ Palm Springs email click here
• Ryan Chambers ~ San Diego Email click here
• Aaron Giron ~ San Diego  Email click here

Tentative Schedule

*Check whiteboard for updated details

Thursday

• 2:00 pm Check-in
• 6:30 pm Meet & Greet at campground trip leader site #125.
• 8:00 pm campfire

Friday

• 7:00 am coffee and muffins
• Beach
• Balboa Park
• 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm ~ North Park Beer Company Map click here

Saturday*

• 7:00 am ~ Coffee and muffins
• 9 am Pride Parade - March/hike with GOSD in the parade.~ register using this link : Register Here  
• 8:30 pm campfire

Sunday*

• 7:00 am ~ Coffee and muffins
• Local Hikes
• Beach trip
• Balboa Park
• Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse and Tidepools (time dependent on low tides)
• Local shopping
• 8:30 pm campfire

Monday 

• Check Out

Thanks for spending time with us.  Have a safe trip home.

Join Great Outdoors San Diego at the San Diego Pride Parade!

Come join GOSD and march in the 2023 San Diego Pride Parade!   

Formed in 1974 as a sponsored program of The Center for Social Services, the organization produced the first Lesbian and Gay Parade in San Diego to celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion on New York’s Christopher Street. San Diego Pride incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1994, and today it continues to bring together the skills, talents, and visions of our diverse community through numerous programs.

San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.

For questions contact Tyler Roosden (651) 497 - 1611

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date:  Thursday, July 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.)