Annual End of Summer Hike, BBQ, and Pool Party!

GOSD will hold our annual end of summer hike and pool party in Laguna Beach again this year.  Join us for a morning hike followed by a BBQ and dip in the pool, GOSD will provide the food for this event.

HIKE - Laurel Canyon, Laurel Spur, Willow Trail Loop

Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Meeting time: 9:30 AM

Location: Laguna Canyon Preserve, Willow Creek Parking Lot, Laguna Canyon Road at the 73 (south side), Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Distance: 3.3 miles

Rating: Moderate

Park Brochure can be accessed here.

Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water along, as it will be warm in October!

As with any outing, don't forget your 10 essentials!

BBQ & POOL PARTY

After the hike is over, approximately 12:00 PM, come over and cool off in the pool and enjoy some BBQ & drinks.

Address: 159 Nyes Place, Laguna Beach, CA

Phone: 949-394-9607 

We look forward to seeing you there, if you have any questions, please contact Matthew Schreiner at matthew.schreiner@mac.com or 949.394.9607.

GOSD Palomar Mountain Day Hike

Saturday October 8, 2022

You're invited to join us for the Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) Palomar Mountain Day Hike. It’s located in the Palomar Mountain State Park, a gem of a small State Park here in San Diego County. With an average elevation of 5000 feet, this three square mile park has some of the best mountain scenery in the county. White fir and incense cedar trees, normally found much farther north in the Sierras, are abundant here. The California Black and Valley Oaks should be in their full autumn colors. The weather may require a jacket in the morning but should warm up into the 70’s in the afternoon. Rain is highly unlikely in October. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. 

Doane Pond Palomar Mountain

Location-Directions

Expect a 1.5 to 2 hour drive time from San Diego. You will first need to reach Highway CA-76 E north of San Diego by driving north of San Diego on the I-15 and taking Exit 46 to CA-76 E.  At Pala Mesa head east towards Palomar Mountain turning a slight left S. Grade Road/Palomar Mountain Road.

For a  slightly shorter route, drive north on the I-15 and take exit 27 for Via Rancho Parkway. Follow signs to SD Wild Animal/Safari Park. Stay in the two right lanes and turn right onto E. Via Rancho Parkway. Continue onto Bear Valley Parkway for 5.8 miles. Use the right two lanes to turn right onto E. Valley Parkway. Continue onto Valley Center Road and drive 13.8 miles to a traffic circle. Take the first exit to CA-76 E.

 From CA-76 E, take a slight left onto S Grade Rd/Palomar Mountain Rd. After 6.7 winding miles, turn left onto S Grade Road then another quick left onto State Park Road. Drive about 2.6 miles to the State Park entrance. There is an entrance fee of $10.00 per vehicle, so carpooling is highly encouraged. A California States Park Annual Pass will also get you in. If you're using Google Maps or MapQuest, the park's physical address is: 19952 State Park Rd. Palomar CA 92060.

Once inside the park, follow the signs to our meeting spot at the Doane Pond Parking lot. Please plan to arrive before 10:00 am, as we will leave for our hike at 10:00.

Autumn Leaves Palomar Mountain

Hike Description (total distance 7.8 miles)

We will be hiking two loop trails both starting at Doane Pond. In the morning we will hike the Lower Doane Valley and Lower French Valley Trails. This loop is rated moderate, 3.8 miles in distance, and should take about two hours. Highlights will include the Historic Weir Site on the Pauma Creek and a beautiful alpine meadow. The loop ends in the Doane Valley Campground, a short distance from the pond. We will have lunch at one of the picnic tables beside the pond.

In the afternoon we will hike the Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat loop. This is rated moderate, about four miles, and should take another two hours. On this loop we will pass a historic apple orchard and large incense cedar grove. We should be done with the hike and back to the parking lot by 4:00 pm.

As with all hikes, please be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, and your 10 essentials.  For this hike, you’ll also want to bring lunch and warm clothes for the morning. Mobile phone reception is very limited in the Palomar Mountain State Park. Maps are available at the Park entrance.

Registration

This should be a great fall hike. Registration will soon be open on the GOSD website. For any questions about this hike, please contact the hike leader, Mark McCabe.

3-Mile Loop Challenge | Oct 9

Join the group "Nature Collective" and experience San Elijo Lagoon in a new way by participating in their 3-Mile Loop Challenge for National Thrive Outside Day.

The loop will take you over the deeper and wider channels made possible by the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project via the new I-5 suspension bridge. Be sure to stop at the Check-In Stations before beginning your hike for fun activities and your celebratory Loop Challenge sticker.

This is a NOT a Great Outdoors event.

For more information and to RSVP for this event click here: https://thenaturecollective.org/event/3-mile-loop-challenge-oct-9/

For more information about Nature Collective and its mission, click here: https://thenaturecollective.org/about/ 

The Wait Is Over!

We’re celebrating Honky Tonk style!

Put on your Western attire as we gather to Camp It Up!

 

Overview

The conference is a campout consisting of all the Great Outdoors chapters.

We anticipate this selling out quickly so make your reservation NOW!

Held annually in October, GO OCLB is proud to host this year’s event!

The campout this year is going to be remarkable!

Delayed the past several years due to the pandemic and wildfires, we’re eager to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate!

Venue

O’Neill Regional Park is a major regional park in northeast Orange County, located along Trabuco Creek and Live Oak Canyon.  Centrally located for the convenience of all Chapters!

The park encompasses 4,500 acres of canyon and riparian zone habitat. Heavily wooded with coastal live oak and sycamore trees, the hillsides surrounding the park feature cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush, and chaparral.

O’Neill Regional Park includes campgrounds and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

We are camping at the Sycamore Flat Group Site.

Registration

Event fee: $75/person for Great Outdoors Members. Non-members must first join Great Outdoors ($25) before registering.  For a second person in the same tent registration is $60 and in the same vehicle as the primary person.

RV & Tow Trailer Driver: $90/person. RV & Tow Trailer passenger same vehicle: $60/person

Electronic payment for the event fee is accepted on the GO website. No cash or paper check, please.

The number of vehicles will limit capacity. Carpooling is highly encouraged because there is no overnight overflow parking. There is limited space for RVs and tow trailers.

Cancellations and refunds: No refunds are granted for cancellations received after 9/16/22.  There will be a $10 cancellation fee charged if cancelled by 09/16/2022.

What are you waiting for?

Don't just sit there!

Registration is Open!

Itinerary

This three-day, two-night campout begins at 4 pm on Fri. 10/14 at Sycamore Site D. Please avoid arriving early to allow GO OCLB time to set up the event. There will be welcome refreshments, a meet and greet, and a group campfire. Dinner is on your own. Join us for a movie night under the stars featuring a campy gay Western film.

Sycamore Site D is the headquarters for this campout. Gather here for hosted meals, the potluck, the quarterly board meeting and to hear announcements.

Sat. 10/15- 8 am-ish: Hot breakfast hosted by GO OCLB. A vegan option will be available.

After breakfast, many activities include a locally-led hike, area sightseeing, and a quarterly board meeting for chapter reps. Lunch is on your own. Please return by late afternoon (~5 pm) to prepare a country western-inspired dish for the big Saturday dinner potluck (~6 pm). GO OCLB will provide dessert.

Do dress up in Western attire for dinner. Best dressed wins a prize! After dinner, gather around the campfire for the chapter volunteer awards ceremony and raffle drawing.

Sun. 10/16- 8 am-ish: Continental breakfast hosted by GO OCLB. Vegan option will be available. Break camp, saddle up, and safe travels home. The campout ends at noon.

Campground Details

Amenities: Potable water, Showers, Flush toilets, Picnic Tables, and Fire rings.

Features: Nature center and amphitheater.

Parking: GO OCLB event volunteers to help guide tandem parking.

Directions:

From LA, SB/VC, Palm Springs, and northern OC- Get on Interstate 5 South, drive to Laguna Hills, and exit 91 at El Toro Road. Turn left at Avenida de la Carlota. Turn left at El Toro Road. Drive 7.7 miles eastbound on El Toro Road past Valley Vista (on your right, see cross light) then Ridgeline (on your left, see cross light). Past Ridgeline, stay on the right lane. You will reach a Y-intersection where El Toro splits left into Santiago Cyn Rd, and right turns into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Veer right into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Cook’s Corner café at the Y-intersection will be on your left. Drive 3.5 miles on Live Oak Cyn Rd to O’Neill Regional Park entrance (address: 30892 Trabuco Cyn Rd. Trabuco Cyn, CA). Follow signs to Sycamore Flat Group Site. RV and tow trailer campers, please proceed to the designated site.

From San Diego and south OC: Get on Interstate 5 North, drive to Laguna Hills, and exit 91 at El Toro Road. Stay in the right lane. Turn right at El Toro Road. Drive 7.7 miles eastbound on El Toro Road past Valley Vista (on your right, see cross light) and Ridgeline (on your left, see cross light). Past Ridgeline, stay on the right lane. You will reach a Y-intersection where El Toro splits left into Santiago Cyn Rd, and right turns into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Veer right into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Cook’s Corner café at the Y-intersection will be on your left. Drive 3.5 miles on Live Oak Cyn Rd to O’Neill Regional Park entrance (address: 30892 Trabuco Cyn Rd. Trabuco Cyn, CA). Follow signs to Sycamore Flat Group Site. RV and tow trailer campers, please proceed to the designated site.

Pets: Dogs permitted on leash. Please clean up after your pet.

Quiet time: 10pm to 7am

RV sites & Tow Trailer sites- Limited pull-through and back-in sites are available. Water is available on-site, but there are no electric hookups. A dump station is accessible. Generator hours are from 8 am to 8 pm.

Alcohol is prohibited at O’Neill Regional Park.

No fires of any kind will be allowed on red flag days or as posted.

What to Bring

Obviously The 10 Essentials.

Recommended Gear: Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, ear plugs, pillow, chair, camp stove with fuel and cooking utensils, lighter or matches, camp kitchen supplies, headlight or flashlight with batteries, cool and warm weather clothing, toiletries kit, hiking shoes, camp shoes, day pack, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Bring quarters to use the showers.

Food: Bring enough food for your Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and dinner potluck item.

To reduce waste, bring your reusable plate, cup, and utensils. Single-use plates, cups, and utensils are available if needed.

Area Info:

There are nearby grocery stores for any forgotten items.

Weather

October average high temp: 80 F, average low temp: 56 F. October average rainfall: 0.6 inches. No snow.

Show Your Pride Raffle!

Show your pride in the backcountry and support GO OCLB! Buy a raffle ticket to win the Marmot Yolla Bolly 30 sleeping bag!

Details: Light 3-season sleeping bag with plenty of room to roll around*, 650 fill duck down to keep you warm to freezing temperatures, and it features a semi-rectangular shape with a full-length zipper. ISO comfort rating: 32 F, lower limit: 21 F.

The sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack measuring 8 x 16 inches. Claimed weight: 2 lbs. 3.5 oz. Activity: weekend camping and backpacking.

*Hunky model not included to roll around within the sleeping bag.

Special COVID Related Requirements:

These may be updated/amended by the time of the event.

Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:

1. I will follow Federal, State, and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the event leader(s).

2. I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.

3. I will contact Trip Leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event.

‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.

Any questions?

Contact: Michael at BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date:  Thursday, October 20, 2022

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: This will be our first of two bonfires (Sept 15 & Oct 20) of the 2022 season; we'd been unable to host others until now due to unavailability of volunteers to bring firewood. One of our men has agreed to bring some for these bonfires (hooray Luciano!)

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. 

COVID POLICY:  Due to the fact that we'll be in somewhat close proximity and sharing food off a potluck table, we are requesting that only those who have been fully vaccinated attend the bonfire. 

MASKING:  We're outdoors, which certainly reduces risk, but we cannot deny the continuing presence of the pandemic among us.  As such, for now at least, we're simply leaving the choice of masking up to you.  The only two rules are:
  1) no shaming other for wearing or not wearing
  2) be respectful if some people aren't feeling as hug-ready as they might have been in pre-pandemic days, especially with MonkeyPox now on our minds.

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.)

Join us for San Diego River Bike Ride. We will be Biking the San Diego River October 23th. This is a moderate 16 mile bike ride; with around 220 feet in elevation change. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up when appropriate and social distance when needed, which is very easy.

Details: We will begin at the East Parking Lot of Dusty Rhodes Parking Lot. The plan is to bike East on the North Side of the River and on the way bike we will be biking West mostly along the south side of the river.

GO HOST: Steven Stowe

TRAIL: San Diego River

LENGTH: 16 Miles

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE 

ELEVATION GAIN: ~220 feet

RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please make sure you are masked and social distance.

Meeting Location: 2469 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 (East Parking Lot)

Meeting Date & Time:
Sunday, October 23rd @ 7:00am - We will plan to start the bike ride at 7:15 am

Parking:
There is ample parking available. 

Cost: Free

Time Commitment:

Plan for approx 1-3 hours 

Dogs: If your dog can keep up, they are more than welcome to come. They must be kept on a leash. 

Questions:
Please ask in the comments below

Trail Details:

Note: This does not depict the route we will be taking, but provides valuable information

How to create events on GO WildApricot website.

We will review how to set up an event, including registration categories, registration form options, emails, waitlist settings, tags, and registrant contact management. Get tips for setting up and managing. Bring your questions.

This is for all WildApricot Event Managers with administrative access and any members who plan to have access and would like to learn the process.

Zoom meeting access link will be in confirmation and reminder emails.

References:

Great Outdoors Event Manager Manual: Click Here

WildApricot Help - Tutorials click here

Contact: Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

      OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs
Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs

You may attend either one or both.

DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I

                       8am - 12 pm

Schedule:

Friday Nov 11 1pm Hike at Whitewater Preserve. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping at the Preserve for the training.

Saturday Nov 12  8-5  Training class at the Preserve Administrative Building.

Sunday Nov 13  9 am  Training hike at the Preserve where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.

Note the Friday and Sunday activities are optional.

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 online 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 Oct 14 all chapter conference and at the training location Nov 12 at no cost to participants.

Option to purchase and have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.

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

• Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

The Bayside Trail is a 3.9-km out-and-back trail, within the Cabrillo National Monument Park. Because it is on the east facing side of Point Loma, it faces San Diego with expansive bay views along the way. It is located in one of the last coastal areas in the San Diego region with well-preserved coastal scrub and chaparral habitat. Many kinds of wildlife—birds, reptiles, marine mammals—may be observed. It was here that Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in 1542 and claimed the land for Spain, although it has belonged to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. 

On this interpretive hike our special emphasis will be about seeing the area in a whole new way, by learning about how different cultures have interacted with the area through time. For thousands of years Kumeyaay people who have lived in the area and have made use of every plant and animal, both those of the land and of the sea. We will stop and talk about different plants along the way and how native peoples have used them for food, medicine, tools, construction materials, regalia, ceremony and more. We will also learn about more recent history, including the arrival of the Spanish in 1542 and other historical happenings throughout the years. Keep in mind that this walk is not so much a “power hike” but rather a fascinating educational stroll with stops along the way. Our guide, GO member Mike Wilken, is an anthropologist, naturalist and author of the book Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias. 

Details: 

Meeting Date & Time:Sunday, November 13, 2022 @ 9:00am 

Meeting place: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 - VISITOR CENTER

We will be at the entry to the visitor center right off the roundabout for passenger drop-off. 

Host: Mike Wilken

Parking:Ample parking is available near the Visitor Center. 

Cost: To enter the park, the National Park Service charges:

•  Cabrillo National Monument Vehicle Permit - $20 (U.S. Dollars)

Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. 

•  Cabrillo National Monument Motorcycle Permit - $15 (U.S. Dollars)

Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).

•  Cabrillo National Monument Individual Permit - $10/person (U.S. Dollars)

Admits one individual when entering by foot or bicycle. Groups of up to 4 people walking in or on bicycles are capped at $20 total.

Carpooling is a great idea!

Time Commitment Plan for approx 2-3 hours 

Trail: From the Visitor Center, we will walk to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, from there the road to the Bayside Trail starts just northeast of the lighthouse.

Here is the write-up from Alltrails:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/bayside-trail-cabrillo-national-monument?u=m

Here is the write-up on the trail from NPS:

https://www.nps.gov/cabr/learn/bayside-trail.htm

Length: 3.9 km (about than 2.5 miles) 

Difficulty: EASY but some slopes, basically downhill for first half then uphill coming back. 

Elevation Gain: ~107 meters 

Accessibility: Wide and well-maintained trail, NPS says: The Bayside Trail starts as asphalt (with moving cars) then turns into a wide, hard-packed dirt path. It is an out and back trail which is a gentle downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back. The trail can be uneven at times. There are several benches along the trail for beautiful bay views.

https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/mobilityservices.htm

https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

RSVP: Not necessary

Dogs: No dogs, sorry. 

What to Bring

• Snacks
• Ten Essentials
• Phone/camera 
• Warm weather clothing
• Any prescription or other needed medications
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)

Cell Phone Service: No reception issues anticipated.

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. Bees have been reported in the area. 

Contact/Question - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leader: Mike Wilken (mikewilken@yahoo.com)

Join us for San Diego Mission Beach Bike Ride. We will be Biking Mission Beach Boardwalk November 20th. This is a moderate 6 mile bike ride; with around 49 feet in elevation change. This is an open invite to members or non-members and does not require an RSVP. Please be sure to mask-up when appropriate and social distance when needed, which is very easy.

Details: We will begin at the South Parking Lot of the South Mission Beach Parking Lot. The plan is to bike North and back South.  It will be early so we don’t have to worry about a lot of pedestrians and parking.

GO HOST: Steven Stowe

TRAIL: Mission Beach

LENGTH: 6 Miles

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE 

ELEVATION GAIN: ~49 feet

RSVP: No RSVP required. If we have a large group, please make sure you are masked and social distance.

Meeting Location: 339 N Jetty Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

Meeting Date & Time:
Sunday, November 20th @ 7:00am - We will plan to start the bike ride at 7:15 am

Parking:
There is ample parking available. 

Cost: Free

Time Commitment:

Plan for approx 1-3 hours 

Dogs: If your dog can keep up, they are more than welcome to come. They must be kept on a leash. 

Questions:
Please ask in the comments below

Trail Details:

Note: This does not depict the route we will be taking, but provides valuable information