PS-Pool Party
Palm Springs - GOPS members are invited to attend our POOL PARTY on Saturday, September 14th from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
This party will have a Registration Fee of $10 for all members. You do NOT need to bring a potluck dish as a meal will be provided! If you would like to bring a non-member, they will need to first join as a member online and then they can register online for this pool party.
All attendees must register individually and pay the event registration fee within 15 minutes of your registration. Once all of the requirements are met, the address will be emailed to you 3 days prior to the event.
Refunds - there are no refunds for this event. However, we do request that, if you are unable to attend, you cancel your registration so someone on the waitlist might be able to attend in your place. Registration cancellations can be sent to: Jose Ghilarducci
This pool party will be at a member's home in Palm Springs. The address will be included in your email at a later date.
Food provided will be El Pollo Loco, along with various side dishes (which vegetarians should be able to consume). We'll also provide a variety of flavored waters and bottled water. If you want to drink "adult beverages," please BYOB. Please no glass in the pool.
What to Bring: Towel, swimsuit (no nudity allowed), suntan lotion, folding chair and flip-flops.
Directions/Address: Will be provided via email 3 days before the event to those who register.
Questions/Contact: Jose Ghilarducci 760-774-8716 or [email protected]
Photos: Before taking photos, please ask the subject if that's OK with them... Some may not want their handsome faces to be splashed all over the internet.
Great Outdoors
Orange County/Long Beach Chapter
AIDS Walk OrangeCounty
Saturday September 14 - 6 PM!
GO OCLB will be sponsoring a booth at this event!
Whether you are a walker or just want to join in the festivities, stop by and see us!
This year, AIDS Walk Orange County has been transformed into a glowing extravaganza! Walk under the stars amidst bright lights, glow sticks, and neon decorations for a truly unforgettable experience.
Event Highlights:
AIDS Walk OC is expecting over 500 guests, including individual donors, corporate partners, and community members. This year’s walk will be bigger and better than ever!
Whether you join individually, form a team with friends and family, or participate in memory of a loved one, you’ll be part of a community coming together to honor the past and create a brighter future.
If you are interested in attending and/or registering here is the link to their website for more information:
2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Register today and light up the night with us at the AIDS Walk Orange County!
Register
Registration and Fundraising Information
Registration is $25 and it includes an exclusive 38th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County t-shirt. We are an accessible event for everyone, there is no fundraising minimum. Register and set your own fundraising goal today!
Let’s make this night one to remember and continue the fight against AIDS together.
Robert and Richard will be doing booth duty at the event! Come say 'Hello!'
Robert's Email:
[email protected]
Richard's Email:
This is more of an informational posting than an actual event as we want to spread the word for this activity.
Autumn weather is coming. Hike Mission Creek, Stone House to Whitewater overlook - approx 5.5 miles. The trail is not very steep, and is moderate in difficulty. The route is a gradual incline of about 700' gain. We will take a break at the overlook, bring a snack. If the weather forecast warms, the hike will be shortened to the PCT junction.
Meet At: 7:50 AM at Carl Jr's on Palm Canyon Dr. at Racquet Club Rd. Map - click here. Please arrive early for a prompt 8:00 a.m. departure. The last 4+ miles drive is on dirt and rocky roads; high clearance is not required.
Contact Hike Leader: Joey Duhon via email (click here)
Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Hiking poles may be helpful.
Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread is required.
Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. This hike is rated moderate - click here for more information.
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather may cancel.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
Potluck Picnic & Stairway Hike
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2025 Activities Planning Meeting
September 15, 2024 2:00 PM
Fantastic views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains make this a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Let’s hangout, eat, walk, laugh.
Location: Palisades Park, Santa Monica
We will meet at the picnic tables near the totem pole just beyond the restrooms at the very North end of Palisades Park. Click here for Directions.
Bring something yummy to share, your own drinks, possibly a chair, towel or blanket in case we have trouble nabbing tables.
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.
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.
Free but must register in advance via the GOLA website.
Bring: Bring:Ten Essentials (click here), drinking water in a reusable bottle (1 to 2 liters recommended), sun protection, layered clothing and wear sturdy hiking footwear with a good tread. Carry your emergency contact info (ICE) with you at all times.
Transportation:
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.
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.
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 the hike leader if you wish.
GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.
Hike, bike, and day activities planning meeting. We meet in the back room for breakfast.
We will review the calendar for the next 2 or 3 months and schedule accordingly.
If you are unable to attend, you may submit your hike, bike or other event and we will work to get them scheduled.
Bird-watching at your favorite wetland
Movie night with an environmental focus
Plan a creative celebration of the equinox or solstice
Organize a docent-led tour of museum or park
Take a docent tour and then lead a similar one yourself for Great Outdoors
Attend a conservation lecture with other members
Organize a service trip to repair or build trails or weed out exotic plants
Set up a potluck brunch organized around a letter-writing campaign
Photography hike and follow-up potluck to review photos
Tour city dump or county watershed
Tour a sewage treatment plant
Tour little known public parks or open space
Bicycle ride
Mountain biking
Old-fashioned potluck picnic
Special events or exhibits
Ride horses
Planetarium or museum or zoo visit on free day
Anything that broadens our awareness of our environment is a valid outing
Contact VP of Outings click here with your ideas and suggestions .
September 18, 2024 6:00PM-8:00PM
In lieu of our regular monthly social gatherings, we're excited to announce that we'll be joining our nonprofit partner, Pacific Pride Foundation, for their Canary Rooftop Sunset Mixer in both August and September!
Enjoy breathtaking views, delicious drinks, upbeat tunes and great company as we mingle and support this fantastic organization.
Please note: We'll be holding a shortened version of our core group meeting from 5:30-6:00 PM in the hotel lobby for those who wish to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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!
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
3) Register yourself and any guests to join us at Ginger Rogers.
Parking & Transportation
Bring: Please, if you have them, bring a BUCKET, GLOVES, and a REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE as sites may reach maximum capacity and supplies could run low! Also, bring sunblock, plenty of water and head coverings!
Questions: Contact: Great Outdoors LA - John Butta (213) 200-7843 or j[email protected]
Heal the Bay Coastal Site Captain: Emily Clapp, Kevin Cole, & Mauro Ovando | [email protected], [email protected], & [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
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
Since 1994, volunteers have come together on the fourth Saturday of every September to participate in stewardship projects to celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD); a day dedicated to service and supporting our cherished public lands. In the last decade, over one million volunteers have supported NPLD projects nationwide. You too, can be a part of this widespread volunteer movement.
On Saturday September 28, Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) and Positional Projects are partnering with BLM, Blightsites, Desert Cleanse Project, Element Society, High Desert Keepers, Landers Homestead Valley Association, and NEEF to clean up the remarkable Giant Rock freestanding boulder in Landers, CA. Activities will include trash clean-up and graffiti removal, and lunch will be provided.
Volunteer at Giant Rock!
Another opportunity to show your love and support of public lands by going outdoors and helping to clean-up and restore Giant Rock and surroundings.
Bags, gloves, water, and lunch will be provided. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, and water, snacks, and sun protection. 4x4 vehicles strongly recommended to access cleanup site.
Volunteers gather at Giant Rock at 9 AM—about an hour and 15 minute drive from our Palm Springs meeting place.
More information about the event is available at the registration link shown below. (Be sure to register on this GOPS site, too.)
NOTE TO VOLUNTEERS: You must also register at the following link to attend: Register click here
Meeting Location: The Escape Room Parking Lot-Corner of Highway 111 and Racquet Club Road (map). Please arrive early for a prompt 7:30 am departure.
Cleanup Location: Giant Rock 34.332626, -116.388722
Contact Spencer Ballard, email click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
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.
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.
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)
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
Sunday Afternoon Hike, Picnic Dinner, and Evening Theater in Topanga Canyon
Sunday, September 29, 2024
(Join us for either or both activities.)
2:00pm Hondo Canyon Hike
6:00pm Picnic Dinner
7:30pm Theatricum Botanicum
Hondo Canyon Trail: This a section of the Backbone Trail. We will hike through a thickly shaded area forested with bays and along a creek with sycamores, and oaks. This is a beautiful hike with lots of shade. The beginning of the trail has a couple of small meadows near the creek. The path climbs 1,550 feet over 3.8 miles, 7.6-miles out and back hike. If it’s particularly warm we will modify the hike. Hopefully we will make it to Fossil Ridge Trail, at the top for stunning views of the Pacific. Bring plenty of water, snack, hat, hiking poles, etc. It is a moderate to difficult hike. We will make plenty of stops.
Directions to Trailhead: From the 101 or PCH, take Old Topanga Canyon Road. Trailhead is 0.4 miles from Topanga Village. Park along either side of the road and locate the marked trailhead on the west side of the road. Click here:Trailhead. Trailhead address: 381 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga Canyon, CA 90290
Trailhead coordinates: 34.09295, -118.60915 (34° 05′ 34.6″N 118° 36′ 32.9″W)
Theatricum Botanicum: Remember Grandpa Walton? The actor Will Geer was blacklisted from Hollywood in the 1950’s as a communist. To support himself, he and his wife purchased acreage in Topanga Canyon, grew vegetables, raised chickens, and put on plays. Here Geer created a community of blacklisted artists, writers, actors, directors, musicians. Through his daughter and granddaughter his garden theater continues. Click here https://theatricum.com. for more of the story, and to purchase general seating tickets: Adults $32.00, Senior $20.00. My seats are GA 14 & 15.
Picnic Dinner, 6:00-7:00 pm: We will have a bite to eat before the play at the venue. Bring your own picnic and perhaps a bit extra to share. Food is also available for purchase. Note: Hikers may arrive shortly after 6:00.
Showtime 7:30 pm: The play we will be seeing is a timely modern adaptation of the French political comedy, Tartuffe: Born Again, by Moliére set in the 1980’s told through an American family in the south. Purchase your own tickets in advance. Join us for outdoor theater under a canopy of oaks. Bring a sweater or jacket, temperatures in the canyon drop in the evening.
Trip Leader: Russell Hammerl [email protected]
Carpool/ride sharing: 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 at the link below. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/zp0x76
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])
Description: This is a combination pleasant 2 hour (86 mile each way) mountain drive and exploratory hike (new to the hike leader). As bonuses, we’ll stop at the Preserve’s visitor center and stop at Julian Pie Company (just across the highway from the Preserve) before heading back to the desert. We are may encounter deer, birds, and cattle, and the vistas are reported to be quite good.
Some shade trees along the route will serve as sun breaks, but be prepared for some very sunny hiking. Poles may be helpful on some of the inclines and declines, but the paths seem to be well maintained and in some cases are current or former two-track trails.
Click this link for more information about the Preserve:
Drivers will likely use $35 of gas for the 172 mile round trip.
Contact hike leader: Spencer B. Email click here
Bring: Ten Essentials, water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, hiking poles may be helpful. Carry emergency contact information. Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Hiking Requirements (How can I tell if a hike is for me?). You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling.
Cancel: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
© 1981 - 2022 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
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.
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.
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Special COVID Related Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.
