Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date:  Thursday, Sept 19, 2024

Time:  5:30-9:00 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

Questions?  Contact [email protected]

DESCRIPTION: This will be the first of our bonfires 2024 season. Thanks go to Phil F for bringing supplies and saving the fire ring, Sam Cohen for bringing wood, and Jay & Luciano for handling supplies after May! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

VOLUNTEERS: We could ALWAYS use a couple of volunteers, particularly anyone who can arrive early to secure one of the fire rings. So please let us know if you can lend a hand!

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides. If you have a dessert you're eager to bring, lovely! But if you're on the fence,

maybe think dinner instead.

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. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or firewood are also much appreciated! (CMG will make sure these are covered.)

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy (or all three).

DIRECTIONS: Take the I-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 Pacific Princess Resort). 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 our Potluck Bonfires by the Bay!

DESCRIPTION: This will be the first of our bonfires 2024 season. Thanks go to Phil F for bringing supplies and saving the fire ring, Sam Cohen for bringing wood, and Jay & Luciano for handling supplies after May! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

VOLUNTEERS: We could ALWAYS use a couple of volunteers, particularly anyone who can arrive early to secure one of the fire rings. So please let us know if you can lend a hand!  

WHAT TO BRING:  

 1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides. If you have a dessert you're eager to bring, lovely! But if you're on the fence,

maybe think dinner instead.

 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. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or firewood are also much appreciated! (CMG will make sure these are covered.)

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy (or all three).

DIRECTIONS: Take the I-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 Pacific Princess Resort). 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.)

STROLL & PAINT AT SUNSET CLIFFS

When: Friday, September 20 at 4:30 PM 

Who: Up to 10 Great Outdoors Participants

Requirement: All participants must sign image/liability waiver

Event Description: 

Join Great Outdoors San Diego and Abstract Adventures for a Stroll & Paint at Sunset Cliffs! 

Join us on Friday, September 20 at 4:30 PM for a special stroll & paint excursion with Abstract Adventures!  Whether you've picked up a paintbrush before or not, we've got it covered. Embark with us on a 2 mile evening stroll along the coast for a rustic outdoor painting class inspired by nature's magic at Sunset Cliffs.

Painting Class Sneak Peek

• Basic color theory

• Color wash & choosing a horizon

• Coastal cliffs    

• Painting techniques, tips, and more!

You’ll be guided through a landscape painting lesson, with fun and easy techniques along the way. Find your inner artist and enjoy a light snack while the paint dries before heading back with your newest creation and inspiration in tow!

This is an easy 2 mile out-and-back stroll along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard with continuous ocean views and only 75 feet in elevation change. It is open to members or non-members and requires payment and registration. Please be sure to mask-up/social distance, as appropriate. 

Details: We’ll take an evening stroll along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and settle in at a viewpoint for a rustic outdoor painting lesson with sunset coastal views.  

Host: Tyler Roosden 651.497.1611 | Sarah Leistico 720.608.1798

Trail: Sunset Cliffs Trail

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 75 feet

RSVP: Please register using this link

Meeting Location(by Google Map): Southside parking as the meeting point

Meeting Date & Time: Friday, September 20 @ 4:30 pm - We will plan to start around 4:45 pm to secure a sunset spot 

Parking: Southside parking

Cost: $40 (includes outdoor painting class, supplies, and a light snack)

Cancellation: Up to two weeks in advance.

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3 hours

Dogs: We love the pups, but they’ll need to stay at home this time! 

Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sunset-cliffs-trail

Leave No Trace 

Great Outdoors and Abstract Adventures are committed to leaving no trace—following principles that include mindful painting lesson setup and cleanup—because respecting and preserving the environments we explore is always a top priority. 

San Diego Biweekly Outdoor Pickleball!

You’re invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego's Rainbow Picklers for pickleball! Players from both groups meet up every other Sunday. Newbies are more than welcome! Just bring a pickleball paddle and some water.

Pickleball courts are located just inside the main entrance of the hotel on the right, next to the wellness center.

Cost to play is $6.50 per person.

Parking: You can park for free on the street, or pay $5.00 with validation at the Wellness Center. 

Registration is open until the Thursday night before games – For example you must register/cancel for Sunday June 30th by Thursday June 27th. This helps us reserve the right number of courts. Any late cancellations or no shows will be expected to cover court costs.

Come join us!

Confirmation of attendance must be completed on the Swish App. Download the App and message Brent Sammons to be added to the group.

If you have any questions, please contact Brent directly at [email protected] 

Date: Every other Sunday (eg, games Aug 11, Aug 25, Sept 8, Sept 22, 2024, etc.)

Time: 10:00 – 11:50

Where: Coronado Marriott Wellness Center

Cost: $6.50 per person to play. $5.00 for 2.5 hours of parking with validation or park on street for free.

HIKE & PAINT AT PALOMAR MOUNTAIN

When: Sunday, September 22 at 12:45 PM 

Who: Up to 10 Great Outdoors Participants

Requirement: All participants must sign image/liability waiver

Event Description: 

Join Great Outdoors San Diego and Abstract Adventures for a Hike & Paint at Palomar Mountain! 

Join us on Sunday, September 22 at 12:45 PM for a special hike & paint excursion with Abstract Adventures!  Whether you've picked up a paintbrush before or not, we've got it covered. Embark with us on a moderate 3.5 mile hike among vistas and forest for a rustic outdoor painting class inspired by nature's magic at Palomar.

Painting Class Sneak Peek

• Basic color theory

• Color wash & choosing a horizon

• Palette knife peaks

• Painting techniques, tips, and more!

You’ll be guided through a landscape painting lesson, with fun and easy techniques along the way. Find your inner artist and enjoy a light snack while the paint dries before heading back with your newest creation and inspiration in tow!

This is a moderate 3.5 mile loop on top of Palomar Mountain with 770 feet in elevation change. It is open to members or non-members and requires payment and registration. Please be sure to mask-up/social distance, as appropriate. 

Details: We’ll embark counter-clockwise along Scott’s Cabin Trail to loop around to the Boucher Hill lookout and a scenic rustic outdoor painting class. 

Host: Tyler Roosden 651.497.1611 | Sarah Leistico 720.608.1798

Trail: Boucher Trail and Scott’s Cabin Loop

Length: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 770 feet

RSVP: Please register using this link

Meeting Location(by Google Map): Silvercrest Picnic Area

Meeting Date & Time: Sunday, September 22 @ 12:45 pm - We will plan to start around 1:00 pm

Parking: Silvercrest Picnic Area - $10 fee to enter state park

Cost: $40 (includes outdoor painting class, supplies, and a light snack)

Cancellation: Up to two weeks in advance.

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 4-5 hours

Dogs: We love the pups, but they’ll need to stay at home this time! 

Trail Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/boucher-trail-and-scotts-cabin-loop

Leave No Trace 

Great Outdoors and Abstract Adventures are committed to leaving no trace—following principles that include mindful painting lesson setup and cleanup—because respecting and preserving the environments we explore is always a top priority.

Great Outdoors - San Diego

USC ONE Archives Visit

Saturday Sept 28, 2024 at 10am sharp

Join us to learn about the history of Great Outdoors from when we began in 1978 to today, including our founders and historical chapters across California and beyond! 

Host: Tyler Roosden 

Parking: USC's ONE Archive has a free private parking lot, so anyone coming directly to the archive will be fine. If you plan to park at the archive, and walk to and back from the exhibition on campus, there shouldn't be a problem with parking. If anyone is planning to park near the exhibition on campus following the archive visit, however, that would likely be rather difficult and expensive.

Note: There is a football game at the LA Coliseum and it's Trojan Family Weekend, so the area/campus will likely be busy. 

Cost: Free for Archive visit and potentially per person cost for PST ART exhibit

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3-4 hours 

Dogs: No animals allowed.

Day of Schedule: 

10:00am USC One Archive Visit

11:30am Urban Walk through USC Campus (1.1 miles, ~30min)

12:15pm Enter Exhibition as Group, brief Exhibition Discussion (pending Archive confirmation)

12:30pm Explore PST ART: Art and Science Collide Exhibition

1:30pm Lunch (on own or as group)

PST ART Exhibition Information: Sci-fi, Magick, Queer LA: Sexual Science and the Imagi-Nation

Urban Walk Information: The hike from the ONE Archive at USC to the USC Fisher Museum of Art is 1.1 miles through the campus. This urban walk is expected to take 30mins at a generous pace.

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.

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: Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

Great Outdoors - San Diego

End of Year Sunset Hike and Pool Party!

This will be our end of year Pool Party, annual event planning and sunset hike extravaganza! San Diego member Bill Stanhope will be hosting us. Our hike will take us up Mother Miguel. The sunset views of San Diego on the hike are amazing.  Almost all urban San Diego and Tijuana are seen and distant views of Catalina, the Coronado Islands of Mexico, and the mountains of LA can be seen in the distance on a clear day.  The hike usually takes 2 ½ hours.  We will have hamburgers, and other things for people to eat and drink.  Participants are encouraged to enjoy the swimming pool for a couple of hours.

Host: Bill Stanhope 

Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mother-miguel-mountain-via-rock-house-trail

Length: ~4.4 miles

Difficulty: MODERATE

Elevation Gain: ~1000 feet 

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

Meeting Location: bv Google Map: Mount Miguel Mountain Trailhead.

The location/address for Bill’s house will be sent to registrants only two weeks before the event.

Meeting Date & Time:  12:30pm Lunch and Pool Party, 5pm sunset hike for sunset at 6:36pm. 

Parking: Parking is available at the meeting spot. There is ample parking available. 

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3 hours for hike and 3 hours for party

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

Trail Details: 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mother-miguel-mountain-via-rock-house-trail

What to Bring

• Food

• Ten Essentials

• Phone/camera 

• Warm/cool weather clothing

• Swim clothing if going to the lunch/party

• Any prescription or other needed medications

• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)

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.

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 leaders: Bill Stanhope (619-306-2378, [email protected]) 

Construction of our tasting room and outdoor tasting patio is complete and we are excited to invite the Great Outdoors!

Family to join us for a Harvest Celebration Event in our new space.

Our property consists of just over 16 acres, in the beautiful foothills of Ramona. Most of the property is rugged hillsides with lots of big rocks, sagebrush, buckwheat and beautiful engelmann oaks.

We currently have 14 varietals planted on our property, mostly reds, Merlot, Barbera, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache Noir and a few whites, Viognier, Picpoul Blanc and Muscat Ottonel.

We started bottling in October of 2023 and opened our tasting room this month, August 2024 after years of planning.

We opened with 5 varietal wines, 2 blends, a French blend, an Italian and a rosé.

Please join us in celebration of our opening and bringing in the 2024 harvest.

-Daniel Castro & Don Kerl

Event Details:

Poco Montaña Vineyards 2024 Great Outdoors Harvest Celebration Sunday September 29th @ 1pm

RSVP capped at 40 attendees or by September 24th, 2024, whichever comes first!

Dinner will be served at 5pm, Lasagna, Garden Salad, Garlic Bread and a great big Cheese Cake with cherries on top!

Family & dog Friendly

Poco Montaña vineyards is located at 23136 Vista Ramona Road, Ramona, Ca 92065

For questions or to RSVP contact Daniel Castro

[email protected] or by phone at (760) 996-7853

GOSD Zoom Presentation Wed Oct 2, 7pm

Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias

Presenter: Mike Wilken

Join Great Outdoors San Diego in an early celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day and LGBTQIA+ History Month with this 50min presentation Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias hosted by Mike Wilken. This virtual presentation will be followed by a half hour of discussion in preparation for Mike Wilken's Bayside hike on Saturday Oct. 12th at 9am (Register here). 

This talk explores the remarkable interdependence between native peoples and native plants of the Californias through vivid photographs and lively narratives. Wilken goes into detail about some of the often-encountered local native plants and their traditional uses, to help enrich our experience when we're out hiking. He also provides archaeological and historical background, descriptive passages from early chroniclers and ethnographic accounts, explorations into the endangered Kumeyaay language, interviews with contemporary plant specialists, as well as discussions of ongoing cultural revitalization efforts. Out of this comprehensive perspective emerges a fascinating portrait of the region’s ancestral peoples, their living cultures, and the native plant specialists who have enthusiastically shared their ever-relevant wisdom for future generations.

Kumeyaay Ethnobotany explores the remarkable interdependence between native peoples and native plants of the Californias through hundreds of vivid photographs and lively narratives. At the heart of the book are in-depth descriptions of 47 native plants and their uses, however this carefully researched work also provides archaeological and historical background, descriptive passages from early chroniclers and ethnographic accounts, explorations into the endangered Kumeyaay language, interviews with contemporary plant specialists, as well as discussions of ongoing cultural revitalization efforts. Out of this comprehensive perspective emerges a fascinating portrait of the region’s ancestral peoples, their living cultures, and the native plant specialists who have enthusiastically shared their ever-relevant wisdom for future generations.

A Little About GOSD Trip Leader Mike Wilken

Anthropologist Michael Wilken’s research and advocacy work with Native Baja Californians has explored traditional arts (pottery, basketry, oral narratives and song), ethnobotany, history, languages and cultural landscapes of the indigenous peoples of the northern Baja California region. He has developed lifelong collaborative relationships with native artists and traditional authorities to foster cultural revitalization and sustainable community development. Wilken’s fascination with native plants and the natural landscapes of the Californias has inspired him to explore the many ways that humans have interacted with their environments, from the ancient past, into the present.

 

Meeting Date & Time: Wednesday Oct 2 @ 7:00pm on Zoom

Meeting place: Zoom (online)

Host: Mike Wilken

Cost: Free for all

Time Commitment 50 min presentation followed by Q&A, 90min max.

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 ([email protected])

San Diego Biweekly Outdoor Pickleball!

You’re invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego's Rainbow Picklers for pickleball! Players from both groups meet up every other Sunday. Newbies are more than welcome! Just bring a pickleball paddle and some water.

Pickleball courts are located just inside the main entrance of the hotel on the right, next to the wellness center.

Cost to play is $6.50 per person.

Parking: You can park for free on the street, or pay $5.00 with validation at the Wellness Center. 

Registration is open until the Thursday night before games – For example you must register/cancel for Sunday June 30th by Thursday June 27th. This helps us reserve the right number of courts. Any late cancellations or no shows will be expected to cover court costs.

Come join us!

Confirmation of attendance must be completed on the Swish App. Download the App and message Brent Sammons to be added to the group.

If you have any questions, please contact Brent directly at [email protected] 

Date: Every other Sunday (eg, games Aug 11, Aug 25, Sept 8, Sept 22, 2024, etc.)

Time: 10:00 – 11:50

Where: Coronado Marriott Wellness Center

Cost: $6.50 per person to play. $5.00 for 2.5 hours of parking with validation or park on street for free.

Details: 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. Co-guide Andy Pigniolo, who grew up on Point Loma, will be joining the hike and sharing some of his knowledge on the geology, botany, and history of the area, including the WWII coastal defense system features we will pass by along the trail.

Meeting Date & Time: Saturday, October 12, 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 and Andy Pignolo

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 ([email protected])

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date:  Thursday, Oct 17, 2024

Time:  5:30-9:00 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

Questions?  Contact [email protected]

DESCRIPTION: This will be the first of our bonfires 2024 season. Thanks go to Phil F for bringing supplies and saving the fire ring, Sam Cohen for bringing wood, and Jay & Luciano for handling supplies after May! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

VOLUNTEERS: We could ALWAYS use a couple of volunteers, particularly anyone who can arrive early to secure one of the fire rings. So please let us know if you can lend a hand!

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides. If you have a dessert you're eager to bring, lovely! But if you're on the fence,

maybe think dinner instead.

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. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or firewood are also much appreciated! (CMG will make sure these are covered.)

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy (or all three).

DIRECTIONS: Take the I-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 Pacific Princess Resort). 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 our Potluck Bonfires by the Bay!

DESCRIPTION: This will be the first of our bonfires 2024 season. Thanks go to Phil F for bringing supplies and saving the fire ring, Sam Cohen for bringing wood, and Jay & Luciano for handling supplies after May! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

VOLUNTEERS: We could ALWAYS use a couple of volunteers, particularly anyone who can arrive early to secure one of the fire rings. So please let us know if you can lend a hand!  

WHAT TO BRING:  

 1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides. If you have a dessert you're eager to bring, lovely! But if you're on the fence,

maybe think dinner instead.

 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. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or firewood are also much appreciated! (CMG will make sure these are covered.)

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy (or all three).

DIRECTIONS: Take the I-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 Pacific Princess Resort). 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.)

      OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

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

You may attend either one or both.

Full Weekend Schedule:

Friday Nov 15 2 pm -

Fun short hike. 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

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