Sierra Club Outings and Events

Chapter Outings are open to all members and the general public. Outings range in difficulty from easy to very strenuous. If you are not sure, please contact the leader to see if the hike is appropriate for you.

Transportation - The Sierra Club encourages the use of carpools to all events. However, the Sierra Club Outings Leader cannot assign riders or arrange carpools. Each individual is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the trailhead or other event area.

Suggestions - If you have suggestions for hikes or outdoor activities, questions about the Chapter's outing policies or would like to be an outings leader, call Outings Leader Chuck Tribbey (805-927-3769) or Gary Felsman (805-473-3694). Outings Leaders please get your hikes in by the 10th of each month for the next month's Santa Lucian.

Buckeye Trail	Montana de Oro

SCHEDULE OF HIKES

April 2008

Wed., April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 5:30 p.m. Informal Hikes Return. See website, or e-mail Gary Felsman for details. E-mail is located on the Website.

Sun., April 27, 0930, NATURE HIKE at DANA, meet at Adobe on Oak Glen, see riparian habitat, adjacent habitat & SLO County's historical landmark

May 2008

Wed., May 7, 14, 21, 28, 5:30 p.m. Informal Hikes. See website, or e-mail Gary Felsman for details. E-mail is located on the Website.

Sat., May 3rd, 2nd, 8:30 a.m. Big Sur Coastal Hike. Come explore the Southern Big Sur Area on hopefully a clear day. Tentative Hike is the Baldwin Ranch Road to an overlook. Hike will be about 8 miles, with 2000 foot elevation gain. Bring lunch, water, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Washburn Day Use area just north of Cambria. We probably have a refueling stop at the Main Street Grill in Cambria after the hike. Rain or threat of rain cancels. For info, call Gary at 473-3694 (3D)

Sat, May 3rd, 10 a.m., SLO County WaterFest- Education Through Celebration, Location Sunken Gardens, Atascadero. People of all ages are invited to join us in celebrating the water resources on the Central Coast. Live music, theatre performances, hands-on activities and festival games make this event fun while promoting responsible water use and pollution prevention. Don't miss the fun! Visit www.slowaterfest.org for more info

Sun. MAY 4th, 0930, BIKE NIPOMO, Meet at Nipomo Library & tour Nipomo: Native Garden, Creekside Park, new Bikeway etc. Call 929-3647 or <bdenneen@kcbx.net> a few days before to confirm and for details.

Friday – Saturday 5/9 5/11. Informal Backpack Silver Peak Wilderness Area. Another backpack in the Silver Peak Wilderness. We will spend three days (two nights) starting Friday 5/9 and returning Sunday 5/11. The plan is to pack in from Ragged Point to the San Carpoforo campground where we will spend two nights. On Saturday we will make a day hike to Lottie Potrero. From the information we have, the trail to Lottie Potrero is overgrown and difficult to follow. We will meet at Ragged Point at 8:00 AM on Friday.

Anyone interested in making this hike should contact John Cloninger 528-6506 or Jim Wilson 528-7214 jcwilson9@gmail.com) to iron out details

Sat.-Sun., May 10-11, Navigation Noodle in Mojave National Preserve: Join us for our fifth annual journey through this jewel of the Mojave now preserved, under the California Desert Protection Act, as a result of the efforts of Sierra Club activists and others. An intermediate cross-country navigation day-hike workshop will be conducted out of a car camp in the pinyon and juniper forests of the Mid Hills. Potluck and social on Saturday, and also for those arriving early on Friday. Send email (preferred) or sase along with your navigation experience to: Leader: Harry Freimanis, hfreimanis@ca.rr.com, 8041 Redford Lane, La Palma CA 90623 (714) 236-9266 Assistant: Virgil Shields, vshields@alumni.caltech.edu, (818) 637-2542 Angeles Chapter-WTC & LTC and the CNRCC Desert Committee
MAY 11th, 0930, Sun, POINT SAL, Meet at the end of Brown Rd, we'll hike to ridge & then decide. Call 929-3647 or <bdenneen@kcbx.net> a few days before to confirm and for details.

Sat.-Sun. May 17-18, Carcamp and Dayhikes in the Panamint Mountains: Join us as we explore higher desert trails near Death Valley. The first day will be a hike (2550 feet gain, 7 miles RT) up Wildrose Peak, and the second will be a longer walk (2900 feet gain, 13 miles RT) up Telescope Peak. While it will be hot and hectic at lower elevations, we should enjoy quiet and long views. Carcamping may include the civilized amenities, and Saturday evening will be a potluck meal. Limit 12 participants. Leader: Craig Deutsche, deutsche@earthlink.net, (310-477-6670). CNRCC Desert Com

Sunday, May 18, 2008 9am-11am Restoration Bike Ride, Starting location and route TBD. Fresh air, bikes galore, and a pleasant ride to Avila Beach --hop on your bike and join us for a leisurely tour as we stop at various restoration sites along the route. From streamside plantings to fish passage, we've got a lot to share with you about this fabulous section of San Luis Obispo Creek. This event is part of SLO County BikeMonth 2008; Check out additional bike-related events at: http://rideshare.org/cm/bike/bikemonth08.html

SUNDAY, MAY 18th Morro Coast Audubon Society and California Native Plant Society Picnic at Santa Margarita Lake
Plan to attend this third collaborative . Enjoy field trips, a day at the lake, good company, and plenty of food. Both members and the general public are welcome! Day use fees will be waived for all picnic participants.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

RIVER ROAD ACCESS

8:00-11:00 AM BIRDING with Roger Zachary at RIVER ROAD. An easy 3 mile walk along the Salinas River before it flows into the lake. Appropriate for all experience levels.

WHITE OAK PICNIC AREA (handicap accessible)

9:00 AM BIRDING with Mike Stiles and Alan Schmierer
9:00 AM DESTINATION HIKE with Ken Klis
10:00 AM KAYAK / CANOE with Joe & Ann Dickerson. Bring PFDs sunscreen, binoculars.
10:00 AM PLANT & GEOLOGY WALK with David Chipping and other CNPS leaders
10:30 AM BEGINNER’S WATERFOWL WATCH with Rouvaishyana and Christy
Holmes. Kids and beginning birders; learn to use binoculars and field guides (provided).
11:00 AM MOUNTAIN BIKING with Ken Klis. Participants must be at least 10 years of
age and wear a helmet.
11:30-1:30 PACIFIC WILDLIFE CARE Enjoy up close encounters with live birds.
NOON PICNIC Join the PICNIC FEAST. Bring your own sandwich (or something to
grill) a side dish, snack, or dessert to share and your own reusable place setting and cup.
Throw in your picnic tablecloth if possible. Assorted drinks provided by MCAS.
1:00-2:00 PM WATERCOLORING WILDFLOWERS with Janine Kirkpatrick. Bring a
“sit upon”. Materials provided.
!:00-2:00 PM DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP with Kevin Cole. Hot weather may
cancel, beginning nature photographers welcome.
ONGOING (throughout the day)
WATERFOWL AND WOODPECKER WATCH: Birdwatching around the picnic area
FISHING: Kid’s Cove (for kid’s only) and shore fishing around picnic area
HIKING: Grey Pine Trailhead located at picnic area
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM: Self-directed activities for school-age children

DIRECTIONS to Santa Margarita Lake White Oak Picnic area: Hwy. 101 to Santa Margarita (Highway 58) exit. Drive through Santa Margarita. Turn right on Highway 58. At the junction with Pozo Road ( approx. 2 miles), stay on Pozo Road for approximately 7 miles and follow the signs to the Santa Margarita Lake turnoff. Turn left and drive one mile to the park entrance. Turn right after entering the gate and follow the road for one mile to the White Oak Picnic area. Allow 30-40 minutes from SLO.
DIRECTIONS to RIVER ROAD ACCESS: Follow the above directions until the Santa Margarita Lake turnoff. Instead of turning, continue driving straight on Pozo Road for approximately 7.8 miles. Immediately after the bridge, turn left on RIVER ROAD and continue another 2.2 miles to the staging area on the left side of the road. Allow 45-50 minutes from SLO .

For additional information contact Alan Schmierer aaschmierer@yahoo.com ,772-2026 , David Chipping, dchippin@calpoly.edu , 528-0914, or Jan Surbey jansurbey@earthlink.net ,772-7273.

Sat.-Mon., May 24-26, Explore Wovoka - Proposed Nevada Wilderness Area: Just east of the Sweetwater Mountains and north of Bridgeport on the California-Nevada border are the Pine Grove Hills and the newly proposed Wovoka Wilderness Area. Memorial Day carcamp to explore this beautiful area, which includes eleven miles of the East Fork of the Walker River. Includes a hike towards (and hopefully to) the high point, Bald Mountain (9544 ft.) Central commissary. Contact Vicky, (415)977-5527, vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org.

Sun., MAY 25th 0930, BIKE WOODLANDS A bicycle tour of the "instant city' with many stops. Meet at junction of Willow Rd. & Albert Way. Must wear helmet. Call 929-3647 or <bdenneen@kcbx.net> a few days before to confirm and for details.

Sat, May 31st, 10 a.m. Islay Hill. Pole Cats is dedicated to leading local Sierra Club day hikes and modeling effective techniques for using trekking poles. Join us on April19, 10 AM, Islay Hill Open Space for easy hike with spectacular views of Edna Valley to the south and morros to the north. From Broad, go east on Tank Farm, turn right on Wavertree, left on Spanish Oaks and veer right onto Sweetbay and park near the cul de sac. Contact David Georgi at polecatleader@gmail.com for upcoming activities. Bipeds welcome. (805)458-5575

Saturday, May 31 Santa Lucia Chapter Awards Banquet & Fundraiser with Congressmembers Lois Capps and Jerry McNerney

Guest Speakers:

23rd District Congresswoman Lois Capps
a leader in Congressional environmental legislation
and
11th District Congressman Jerry McNerney
2006 upset victor over long time environmental opponent Richard Pombo

Entertainment:

The jazz styling's of Lyn Manzella and her band
Silent Auction
Location:

Temple Beth David, Foothill Blvd. and Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis
Obispo -- an award-winning Green Building designed by Santa Lucia chapter
members Ken Haggard and Polly Cooper
$100 per person or $900 per table (seats 10)
All funds go to the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club
Call our office to reserve your table or to donate items for our benefit auction
(805) 543-8717

http://santalucia.sierraclub.org/banquet08c.pdf

Fri..-Sun., July 4-6, Schell Creek Backpack – Nevada: The 121,497-acre High Schells Wilderness was added to the National Wilderness System in December 2006. The Schell Creeks are one of the longest and highest ranges in the state. On this overnight backpack we'll cruise the crest line, including the two high points, North Schell Peak and South Schell Peak. Fairly strenuous, but there should be enough snow on the crest to replenish our water bottles. Possible day hike of Cleve Creek Baldy. To sign up, contact John Wilkinson, (408) 947-0858 or johnfw1@mac.com. CNRCC Wilderness Committee & Desert Committee

Wed.-Sun., August 6-10, Mt. Moriah (12,067’) - Central Nevada Backpack: Moderate, 24 miles rt, about 18 with backpacks. This little visited area on the north end of the Snake Range is about 5 hours north of Las Vegas. We will start at Hendry’s Creek trailhead (6000’), and hike for two days along the creek through pine, aspen and fir to 10,000’. Day hike on third day to the Table and the peak. Next two days going out, distance on the last day is short, to allow for travel time home. If there is an active thunderstorm pattern at Mt. Moriah, an alternative trip to the Toiyabe Range is planned. Group limited to 15. David Hardy (e-mail preferred) hardyhikers@embarqmail.com or (702-875-4549).

Hiking With Other Organizations

In addition to outings sponsored by the Santa Lucia Chapter, you may want to contact these other organizations who offer outings which complement the outings listed here.

• Group Day hikes are available for groups of 10 or more. See dunes, beach, Pt. Sal, etc. All in a proposed National Seashore. Call for details and information, Bill Denneen (929-3647)

• The Central Coast Natural History Association (772-2694) leads docent led walks in Montana de Oro and Morro Bay State Parks.

• PGE's "Pecho Coast Trail" (541-TREK) offer hikes to the Port San Luis Lighthouse and other areas around Diablo Canyon.

• The Morro Coast Audubon Society, offers many bird watching outings.

• The Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club regularly leads outings in the Los Padres National Forest, Big Sur, Arroyo Seco and Big Basin Area.

• The Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club leads outings in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County.

• The Ventana Wilderness Alliance hosts service trips and outings in the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas.

• The City of San Luis Obispo holds Ranger led walks around the City of San Luis Obispo.

• The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo offers guided walks on properties they manage.

• Car Camping - The Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club has coordinated events with the Bay Area Car Camping Section.

• Desert Outings: Trips to the deserts of California and Nevada.

• Sierra Nevada Trips - Contact the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club. They lead many outings including backpacking, cross-country skiing, hikes, and more.

• Sierra Club Lodges and Huts - The Sierra Club has several lodges throughout California. These are open to members at different times during the year. Rates are lower than conventional lodging and offer a great chance to meet new people. For more information check the Sierra Club Lodges Homepage.

• Exploring On Your Own - For those who are unable to attend our outings and activities, or who might want to explore on your own, be sure to check out the Sierra Club Trail Guides for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Counties.

• E-mail List. The Santa Lucia Chapter maintains an email list to announce upcoming outings. If you would like to add your name, send an e-mail to Gary Felsman. (Click Here to send an e-mail)

	Distance	Elevation Gain
	1 = 0 - 2 mi	A = 500 feet
	2 = 3 - 5 mi.	B = 1000 feet
	3 = 6 - 9 mi.	C = 1500 feet
	4 = 10 - 12 mi	D = 2000 feet
	5 = 12 - 15 mi	E = 2500 feet
	6 = 15 mi. or more	F = 3000 feet

Keeping Our Trails in Good Condition

The Sierra Club is working to create a list of Trail Watch Volunteers to maintain and report on trail conditions throughout our area. For more information contact Gary Felsman at 805-473-3694.