New Hike Leader Incentive Approved
At its February meeting, GovComm unanimously
approved a special incentive for current and new hike leaders. Without the selfless dedication of our hike
leaders, GLS simply could not exist.
To further
encourage their efforts and to entice others to become hike leaders, GovComm
voted to waive the annual membership fee
for any hike leader who leads six or more outings in a calendar year, January
through December.
Some hike leaders have already led two outings in
2007. Those who qualify will be
announced at the annual holiday party in December and their memberships will be
extended gratis for the following year, whenever their renewal date occurs.
We currently have 31
hike leaders on record or in training, and would very much welcome others. If you have favorite spots you’d like to
share with others, contact Outings Chair,
Russ Hartman, about becoming a hike leader.
It’s not difficult and it’s the best way to contribute to and sustain
GLS.
Magdalena
Bay
Early in February, a group of GLS and SF
Hiking Club members visited Magdalena Bay, a special reserve for the protection
of the Pacific gray whale in Baja Mexico. The whales migrate here, from their
feeding grounds north of Alaska to court, breed, give birth and simply frolic
in the warm, calm waters of Baja's Pacific bays. Once we settled into our
beautiful bay side beach camp nestled in the sand dunes, we took daily
excursions into the bay for close up encounters with the magnificent and
friendly gray whales. Other activities included hiking the spectacular wind
swept dunes and remote Pacific coast, kayaking and bird watching in mangrove
estuaries, and evening naturalist presentations on local flora and fauna with a
special focus on gray whale natural history and behavior. Just as the gray
whales return yearly to Magdalena Bay (providing visitors with such a unique
and interactive experience), we hope to do the same. See
photos on the backside of the calendar.
Special Thanks
GLS is run entirely by
volunteers and couldn’t continue without the generous support of those members
willing to donate their time and skills.
FEBRUARY
Hike Leaders
Marta Friedman, Russ
Handzus, Jim Houillion, Pam LoPinto, Claudine Offer, Kelly Sandlin, Jill
Schalet, Jenna Slovis, , Cate Steane, Erica Tucker, Paget Valentzas, Renee
Sharp, Andrew Szeri, Seth Adams, Andrea Mackenzie, Stephanie Clarke, Peter
Klehm. Even if a hike was cancelled, GLS
appreciates the pre-trip planning and willingness of its hike leaders to lead
outings.
FEBRUARY
Newsletter
Jill Schalet, Carol Pederson, Russ Hartman and each of you at the
mailing party.
Profile
of GLS Hike Leader
Paget
Valentzas
This newsletter we are going to profile one of our
star hike leaders – Paget Valentzas. Paget has played a major role
in training many of our newer hike leaders. Her easy going style and positive attitude
have inspired many of our members. We wanted to share some of Paget’s
thoughts with you.
What is your favorite hike in the Bay Area
and why?
I love any of the trails on the west side of Mt.
Tam that meander along coastal hills that tumble down toward the
sea. The views can be great in all directions: south to
SF and beyond, to the west, glimpses of the Farallon Islands and Pt. Reyes to
the north. On foggy days, it is misty, magical; in the springtime
the green, grassy slopes can be awash in wildflowers, and during the rest of
the year, the golden hills are classic California. Combining one of
those trails with a dip into Muir Woods to be in the cool, damp calm of the
redwoods is always a treat—especially on hot days.
What inspires you to lead and teach others?
Sigh, I’m a big nerd with a didactic
streak. I enjoy sharing places I love and tidbits I find interesting
with others. The best thing about teaching Kindergarten is that
5-year olds are totally awestruck by the simplest things and constantly remind
me of how amazing life is. GLSers might be a tad more jaded, but
still generally have a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
Piece of advice for new hike leaders or people
interested in leading?
DO IT!!! It’s the best way to develop a
sense of belonging with GLS, get to know people, be of service while doing
things you like to do. If you’re considering it, ask any hike leader
you kind of know, feel comfortable with (or have the hots for), to co-lead a
hike with you. Start with something simple that you know well and
love. Co-lead with a variety of leaders. We never stop
learning new things from others.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to
you on a hike?
Ingrid
and I, naked on a granite slab at river’s edge on the Lyell Fork of the
Tuolomne, engaged in x-rated activities in a very compromising position, were
so caught up in the moment and deafened by the crashing of water on boulders
that we managed not to notice a group of hikers until they were upon us.
No
part of this Newsletter may be reproduced without written permission. If you’re
interested, contact any member of
the
Governing Committee (see page 7).
© Gay
& Lesbian Sierrans 2007
Taming the Wild, Wild West in a Dress or Let’s Give the Villain the Slip
Paget Valentzas, (415) 227-2026
Cate Steane, (510) 531-9345
Kelly Sandlin, (925) 862-0255, kellysandlin@comcast.net
GLS members Paige Mendicino
and Kelly Sandlin are producing a melodrama with the Sunol Repertory Theatre
and they have a block of tickets reserved for GLS. Come out and boo the villain, cheer for the
hero, and say awwwww for our adorable
heroine. Audience participation always
makes for a fun performance. Tickets are
$12.50 and proceeds benefit the Sunol Glen School. For seating in the reserved section, please
mail checks (payable to Sunol Repertory Theatre) to Kelly Sandlin at P.O. Box
416, Sunol, CA 94586. Checks must be
received by March 1. Additional tickets
will be available at the door. For the
play only, meet at Sunol Glen School at 7:45 p.m. Curtain goes up at 8 p.m. Or
meet at 5:45 p.m. for optional pre-show dinner at Gold India Restaurant on Main
St. in Pleasanton. Email Kelly for
directions to restaurant and/or school.
Tennessee Valley to Muir Beach Loop
Paget Valentzas, (415) 775-2620, pagetsf@hotmail.com
Join me on this moderate hike over the northern
headlands. We’ll be hiking along open
grassy hillsides with dramatic coastal views.
The route is just under 8 miles climbing up and down a number of steep
hills. Bring water, snacks, and lunch;
wear layers. Heavy rain cancels. Call the leader between 8 and 9 a.m. on Sunday
morning if uncertain. Sorry, dogs aren't
allowed on the trail. Directions: From Highway 101,
take the Stinson Beach/Hwy 101 exit.
Southbound travelers turn right immediately after exiting, and then left
on Shoreline Hwy. at the stoplight.
Northbound drivers cross beneath the freeway and continue straight at
the stoplight. In less than .5 miles,
turn left onto Tennessee Valley Rd. and follow to the end. Meet at the signpost at west end of parking
lot near the trailhead at 10:30 a.m. Carpool: Meet under the Safeway
sign at Church and Dolores at 9:30 a.m. for a 9:45 a.m. departure.
Point Reyes Whale Migration and Elephant Seals
Jenna Slovis, (415) 577-9367, jslovis@hotmail.com
Cate Steane, (510) 531-9345, csteane@sbcglobal.net
Join us in the Point Reyes Headlands during the most
spectacular time of year: the peak of migrating gray whales, elephant seals,
and wildflowers. We will meet in the
Drakes Beach parking lot at 10:30 a.m. The shuttle bus (roads are closed to
cars this time of year) will take us to the Chimney Rock Trailhead. The 2 mile round-trip hike to Chimney Rock
will afford excellent views of the breeding elephant seals, as well as some of
the best whale watching spots in the park.
Well- trained docents staff the overlook to answer your questions. If time allows after we return to the visitor
center, we can hike the Drakes Beach trail, providing scenic lookouts onto the
bay's protected waters (2.5 miles RT.) Bring: Binoculars, sun protection,
water, lunch, and $5 for the shuttle bus. Dress in layers. If heavy rain cancels, we’ll take public transportation and
explore the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
(www.aquariumofthebay.com). Two carpool options: East Bay –
Meet Cate at El Cerrito Plaza BART station near the ticket machines or Jenna at
San Francisco - Safeway sign at Market and Dolores, both departing at 9:15 a.m.
Saturday,
March 17
Visitacion Valley Greenway Project Work Party, SF
Paget Valentzas, (415) 775-2620, pagetsf@hotmail.com
Lisel Blash, (415) 305-5493, lblash@yahoo.com
RSVP: March 15, pagetsf@hotmail.com
Rating: Conservation, educational, fun!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making something
green! GLS is not only out in nature, we
are out in the community helping the Visitacion Valley Greenway project create
a green pedestrian thoroughfare, outdoor classroom and recreational space along
six blocks that progress up the hill.
Slated for completion this year, the Greenway is maintained through
community participation in partnership with the Recreation and Parks
Department. Come help us out working in
the Community, Native Plant, and Herb gardens.
Please RSVP to Paget by March 15th so we can give the organizer a rough
head count. Meet by 9:00 a.m. at the
Cable Car turnaround above the Embarcadero Muni/BART station to catch a 9:13
a.m. brand-new light rail T-Third to Bayshore and Arleta. Alternatively, meet at 10 a.m. at the
Children’s Play Garden on Teddy Avenue near Rutland in Visitacion Valley in San
Francisco. Rain cancels. Dress in layers and wear a hat, sunscreen,
and sturdy shoes and bring water and a picnic lunch. Tools & disposable gloves provided (bring
your own sturdier gloves if you wish) as well as light refreshments—drinks,
water and cookies and/or donuts, possibly coffee. Work will end between 1 and 2
p.m.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival – Fort Mason, SF
Claudine Offer, cell:
(831) 227-0546, Claudine_o@hotmail.com
Rating: Educational and fun
Join GLS members and friends to watch the world’s best
mountain films from the 2006 festival in Banff, Alberta. Experience the
adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world’s
last great wild places — all on the big screen. Come and be inspired for your
own future adventures! Cowell Theater is at north end of Herbst Pavilion at
Fort Mason Center. See www.fortmason.org/directions/index.shtml
for directions and public transit options. Optional short Spring equinox walk
(depending on weather) from Fort Mason
after the films. Tickets on sale now. Ticket
cost: $13 for REI members (if purchased in advance at REI-recommended);
$16 for nonmembers, will-call, and at the door.
Meet GLS group at 6:15 p.m. in the main theater lobby (past the box
office) prior to seating. Doors open at
6:30 p.m. for open seating. For additional details, call any REI Customer Service
Dept.
Carol Pederson, (510) 594-0744,
womnhikr@aol.com
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is a beautiful
park of amazing diversity with an interesting past. Hopefully our timing will be right for
wildflowers. Our hike will be at least 6 miles and up to 8 miles, depending on
the weather and mood of the group.
Nearly the entire hike is exposed, so it can be challenging on a hot
day. There are a lot of hills. We’ll be sure to visit small Rose Cemetery, a
monument to those who lived in the five coal mining towns that thrived in the
area in the late 1800s. Carpools: Meet Carol at Rockridge BART at 9:30 a.m.
It takes about 45 minutes to drive to the park’s trailhead, which is in
Antioch. Bring lunch, layered clothing,
at least 1 quart of water, and wear sturdy footwear. Rain cancels.
Well-behaved dogs with fully stocked owners (leash, water, kibble, and
poop bags – it must be carried out) are welcome; dogs can be off-leash beyond
the parking lot and visitor center.
Corona Heights Habitat Restoration Workparty, SF
Jim Houillion, (415) 552-3542
Join with the Friends of Corona Heights Habitat
Restoration in the monthly workparty at one of San Francisco’s prime native
habitat areas (one of more than 30 in the City’s park system). There are some
100 native plant species at Corona that have survived the effects of human
habitation. Along with the natives there are some 15 very prolific non-natives
that can overwhelm them if left unchecked. We have lots to do! We’ll be
weeding these non-native invasives, which are growing like crazy this time of
year, and tending to the new native seedlings we set out during the December
and January workparties. The more people showing up means the more we can
accomplish. So if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time to do
it! March & April are the height of the wildflower season. So, come see
what nature’s up to. Meet on the north side (parking lot is the south side) of
the Randall Museum at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt Way. Remember: dress
in layers, wear hat, sunscreen, & sturdy shoes and bring water. Tools &
disposable gloves provided (bring your own sturdier gloves if you wish). Work
will conclude around noon.
Sunset and Full Moon Walk in the Marin Headlands
Erica Tucker, etucker72@yahoo.com
Join me for a mellow walk in the Marin Headlands! We will take the proverbial sunset walk on
the beach, and climb to vantage points to enjoy the sunset and moonrise. Well-mannered, leashed dogs welcome on this
walk. Meet at 6 p.m. at the Rodeo
Beach parking lot in the Marin
Headlands, bring a wind layer and a flashlight (just in case!). Rain cancels.
Optional post-hike dinner at Fish on Harbor
Drive in Sausalito. Directions:
Directions: From 101,
just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Alexander Ave exit. Turn right and then take your first left onto
Bunker Road. Pass through a tunnel and
continue 2.5 miles to the end of the road at the Rodeo Beach parking lot. Restrooms at trailhead.
Erica Tucker, etucker72@yahoo.com
Kelly Sandlin, kellysandlin@comcast.net
Have you always wanted to explore the large island in
the middle of the Bay? Please join us
for a boat ride to Angel Island, a hike circumnavigation, and a climb to the
788’ summit of Mount Caroline. Meet at
Ayala Cove (where the ferries land on Angel Island) at 11:00 a.m. Bring water, lunch, camera, layers, and money
for the ferry and $3 park entrance fee.
Sorry, no dogs allowed. For more info on the park, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468. Ferry
options: From Tiburon, take the 10:00 a.m. ferry, 3:30 return, $10.25 RT
http://www.angelislandferry.com/. From
SF Blue and Gold Fleet from Pier 41, depart 10:35 a.m., 3:50 return $14.50 RT. www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
Kelly Sandlin, (925) 862-0255, kellysandlin@comcast.net
Join me for a hike in my neck of the woods out in
Pleasanton Ridge Park. We’ll start at a
little known private entrance to the park, walk out to the Turtle Pond and back
along the easy, mostly flat, Sinbad Creek Trail. Then we’ll take the moderately steep Bay Leaf
Trail to the top of the Pleasanton Ridge. With its valley view and sweeping
meadows there should be wildflowers galore.
From the Ridgeline Trail we will connect with another part of the Sinbad
Creek Trail for the return. Bring lunch,
water and sunscreen. Directions: From SF and East
Bay: 580 east to 680 south to Sunol exit. This is the one AFTER Sunol Blvd. /
Castlewood. Turn right off of exit, then
left at first stop sign. Drive about
half a mile or so to the next stop sign.
Turn right, pass over the bridge, and then turn right onto Main St. in
Sunol. Follow Main St. and look for
Towne Hall on your left. Turn right onto Kilkare Rd. Drive about 4 miles to the end of Kilkare Rd.
and park at meeting area. Well-behaved
dogs are welcome in this off leash area.
Weekday Afternoon Beach Walk: Ft. Funston
Paget Valentzas, (415) 775-2620, pagetsf@hotmail.com
Come along on this late afternoon beach walk at Ft.
Funston. We’ll do a loop from the Ft.
Funston parking lot, mostly walking in sand, with relatively steep hills at
start and end of the walk. Dogs and children
welcome. Bring water; be prepared for
heavy winds and lots of dogs. Meet at
the Viewing Deck by the Parking Lot at 5:30 p.m. Barring monsoon rains, this walk will take
place. If you need a ride, contact Paget
by 9 p.m. the night before to meet at the Balboa Park BART station.
Friday-Saturday, April 20-21
Earth Day and John Muir’s Birthday at the Presidio:
3 Weekend Events!
Paget Valentzas, (415) 775-2620, pagetsf@hotmail.com
Jim Houillian, (415) 552-3542
Lisel Blash, cell: (415) 305-5493, lblash@yahoo.com
Russ Hartman,
outings@glshikes.org
1) Friday,
April 20—Conservation Camp-Out
Have you ever camped in the Presidio? Few people have, but if you join GLS’ work
party April 21, you can be one of the few, the proud to do so. A little-known Presidio treasure, Rob Hill
Campground is the only National Park campsite in San Francisco. It is situated
at the Presidio’s highest point in a stand of eucalyptus trees overlooking
Baker Beach and the Pacific Ocean. If interested, contact Paget, Lisel,
or Jim for more info. To secure a space,
send $5 payable to GLS to Paget Valentzas, 880 Franklin St. #307, San Francisco, CA 94102 by April 10,
2007. Campers will be sent a packet with
more information about the events, directions, etc. once we receive your
registration.
Directions to
the campground, see http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/upload/PresidioParkMap.pdf. Rob Hill Campground is right below Fort
Winfield Scott near where Washington and Harrison Blvds. Converge. In a
nutshell, the campground is located on the west side of the Presidio. Rain
cancels.
2) Friday, April 20—Potluck Dinner and Bonfire
We’re throwing a birthday party for John Muir, founder
of the Sierra Club (born April 21) and for Earth Day! Even if you aren’t spending the night, we
hope you’ll join us for an evening of food, fun, and friendship--all with an
environmental twist. Meet at the Rob
Hill Campground campfire (see directions
above) around 6:30 p.m. with a dish to share. Participants are encouraged to bring a poem to
recite, a tale to tell, a song to sing, a letter to write, a cause to promote,
or just to sit back and enjoy. Bring
your own plate, cup, eating utensils and napkin. GLS will provide drinks, firewood, and
charcoal for a barbecue. Please RSVP to
Paget by April 19 so we can get an idea of how many people are coming just for
the campfire. Rain cancels.
3) Saturday, April 21—GGNRA Conservation Work
Meet at the Rob Hill Campground (see directions above) at 9:30 a.m. if you’d like to join the group
doing something to help maintain Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of
the world's largest urban national parks.
Please RSVP to Paget by April 15, so the organizers can better prepare. Rain or
shine!
Earth Day Festival at McLaren Park
Russ Hartman outings@glshikes.org
Rating: Conservation, educational, fun
To culminate Earth Day weekend, Nature in the City, a
project of San Francisco-based Earth Island Institute, is hosting a community
festival in McLaren Park, one of San Francisco’s largest but least visited
parks. Planned activities include music
in the Jerry Garcia amphitheater, art exhibits, nature walks, habitat
restoration projects, native plant sales, activities for parents and children,
and informational booths by a variety of community organizations. Festivities
start around 1 p.m. and continue until approx. 6 p.m. Contact Russ to volunteer a couple hours at
our GLS booth to hand out informational cards and promote GLS, or just stop by
to say hello. For more information, see
http://natureinthecity.org/projects.php#0.
Jill Schalet
RSVP to jillonthego@hotmail.com
The mailing party is a way to
socialize and help out too! We label,
stamp and tape the newsletter together.
Pizza and drinks are provided for this event. Make new friends and help us out. We meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Sierra Club Bay
Chapter, 2530 San Pablo Avenue near Dwight in Berkeley.
Evening Hike: Sunset Stairways and Hilltops
Lisel Blash, (415) 305-5493, lblash@yahoo.com
This is a transit-friendly urban power-walk on hills and
stairways of a part of town usually thought of as flat—the Sunset
District. Leave the stair-stepper at the
gym and come and do the real thing after work.
We will meet at the bench on the east side of the entrance to the West
Portal MUNI Station (near The
Philosophers’ Club) at 5:40 p.m. and make our way through the lovely
neighborhoods and hilltop parks of West Portal, Forest Hills and Golden Gate
Heights and visit an astonishing community art project. This hike is not a loop; it will end at 9th
Ave in the Inner Sunset. This spot
allows easy transit access back to West Portal Station (via the MUNI #43 or #44
bus to Forest Hill Station and then via the K, L, or M lines back to West
Portal) or downtown or points east via the N-Judah line. This walk is about 3.5 miles but involves a
lot of steep climbing. Flat, comfortable
shoes are recommended—there are some dirt trails. As usual in SF, weather is unpredictable, so
bring appropriate layered clothing.
Optional dinner afterwards at local vegetarian restaurant. Rain cancels—call or email hike leader with
questions or to check hike status.
Renee Sharp, (510) 410-9196, fireandgrit@yahoo.com
Paget Valentzas, (415) 775-2620, pagetsf@hotmail.com
Rating: 2B
about 7 miles, steep up/down
Mission Peak rises steeply to 2517 feet elevation behind
the city of Fremont. If it's clear,
views from the top include Mt. Hamilton, Mt. Diablo, Mt. Tam, and maybe even
the Sierra. The wind can be strong and cold at the peak, where we'll have lunch
so dress in layers. Also know that the
trail is very exposed. Bring
lunch/snacks, at least 2-quarts water, sunscreen and hat. Rain cancels.
Carpools - Eastbay:
Meet Renee at the base of the Oakland-Rockridge BART escalator at 9:20 a.m. for
a prompt 9:30 a.m. departure. The drive from Rockridge BART to the trailhead
takes about an hour. San Francisco: Meet
Paget under the Safeway sign at Market and Dolores at 9:00 a.m. for a prompt
9:15 a.m. departure. The drive from here takes a little over an hour. Trailhead (refer to a map) - take
I-880 to Fremont, take the Warren Ave/Mission Blvd exit and drive east 1.5
miles. Turn right on Stanford Ave and go 0.5 miles to the trailhead parking
area. You may have to pay to park. The hike starts at 10:45 a.m. Sorry, no dogs permitted.
Corona Heights Habitat Restoration Workparty, SF
Jim Houillion, (415) 552-3542
See write-up for
March 31 for details about this ongoing restoration project. Join with the
Friends of Corona Heights Habitat Restoration in the monthly workparty at one
of San Francisco’s prime native habitat. Meet on the north side (parking lot is
the south side) of the Randall Museum at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt
Way. Remember: dress in layers, wear hat, sunscreen, & sturdy shoes and
bring water. Tools & disposable gloves provided (bring your own sturdier
gloves if you wish).
Jim Houillion, (415) 552-3542, conservation@glshikes.org
This is a California Native Plant Society field trip,
led by botanist Mike Wood, that will have a GLS contingent. It might come as a
surprise, but Yerba Buena Island, located only 4.5 miles from the California
Academy of Sciences and only 1.5 miles offshore, was entirely overlooked by
early botanical explorers. The island was placed under military control in 1868
and has been off-limits to the public for 130 years. As part of the Base
Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC), the Navy began identifying surplus lands no
longer essential for military operations. Rare Plant Committee co-chair
Mike Wood conducted a two-year floristic study of the island for the Navy’s
base closure environmental analysis. Join Mike for a circumnavigation of this
natural geologic feature. We’ll also participate in a botanical survey of the
best example of foothill needlegrass (Nassella lepida) grassland to be found
anywhere in San Francisco County. We’ll search for the locally rare dune gilia
(Gilia capitata ssp. chamissonis), fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum),
Dutchman’s pipevine (Aristolochia californica), and other delights. There are
no trails or sidewalks so we'll have to walk single-file along some busy and
narrow roads. The terrain is steep and challenging - recommended for strong
hikers with good balance. The field trip will begin at 10:00 a.m. Group size is
limited. To reserve your spot contact Jim Houillion,
conservation@glshikes.org, 415-552-3542. Public transit to the Island is
available from the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco.
Other Events of Interest
Friday-Monday, March 9-12
Death Valley Camping Trip
John Wilkinson, (408) 947-0858,
johnfw1@mac.com
Tina Schiffman, bschiffty@yahoo.com
Pam LoPinto,
pamlo@pacbell.net
Join us for GLS Loma Prieta’s 10th annual Death Valley
Campout. Five reserved campsites at Furnace Creek can accommodate up to 25
campers. Death Valley offers countless opportunities for exploration and
adventure. Hike Golden
Canyon, scramble up Thimble
Peak, explore old mining sites,
take a starlight stroll through the dunes or just hang out at the pool. We plan
to offer a variety of hikes from easy to strenuous. Three nights camping
will cost just $20. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. All GLS chapters are
invited to join us. Certified hike leaders from any GLS chapter are welcome to
lead or co-lead hikes. To sign up, send a check for $20 made out to GLS/Loma
Prieta Chapter to John Wilkinson, 210 South
First Street #309, San Jose, CA 95113.
Contact John for more information.
Friday- Easter Sunday, April 6-8
GLS Loma Prieta Pinnacles Camping Trip
Rita Hester,
lunakatz@earthlink.net
Pinnacles National Monument is the remnant of an ancient
volcano formed approx. 23 million years ago and is located directly over the
San Andreas Fault. Just 60 miles south of San Jose, it is known for its quiet
and solitude. Spring wildflowers are legend, and whole hillsides of shooting
stars have been seen from the High Peaks trail. Caves formed from fallen
boulders and water erosion are another attraction in the park. 30 miles of
hiking trails vary from long flat walks by a river to 2500 foot elevation gains
over 10 mile loops. The campground has a swimming pool and small grocery store
and is located just outside the Monument. We can accommodate 12 campers.
Two nights of camping is $20. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Members of all GLS chapters are invited to join us. Certified hike
leaders from any GLS chapter are welcome to lead or co-lead hikes. To sign up,
send a check for $20 made out to GLS/Loma Prieta Chapter to: Rita
Hester, 124 Dimond Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. If you are
interested in leading a hike, please contact Rita with details.
Private Guided Whale Watch Kayak Tour
Jenna Slovis, (415) 577-9367, jslovis@hotmail.com
Rating: Educational and Fun!
Although not an official GLS event, this is being
arranged specifically for GLS members and friends. Come explore the Monterey
Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where we hope to see California gray whales
which are present in the sanctuary this time of year. We’ll also look for the
more common residents as well, such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and
sea birds. This trip is appropriate for
athletic beginners or those with some kayaking experience. Our approach to this
trip is conservative, but our search will take us off shore, in ocean swell
and/or chop. We will use double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to
use. The trip begins at 9 a.m. in Santa Cruz and ends around 1:30 p.m. Cost is $60 per person. Please email Jenna ASAP if you would like to
confirm a spot on the trip (our previous kayak trips have sold out quickly!)
Lobos Creek - Inside the Fence! A GGNRA event
Jim Houillion, (415) 552-3542, conservation@glshikes.org
This is a field trip, led by National Park Ranger
Michael Chasse, that will have a GLS contingent. One of the last free-flowing creeks in San
Francisco, Lobos Creek serves as a drinking water source for the Presidio. As
such, the public is generally not allowed access to the creek. Here’s your
chance to go “inside the fence” and explore the oak and willow riparian
wonderland of Lobos Creek! Participants will enjoy the creekside vegetation such
as horsetails, bulrushes, and one of the few San Francisco occurrences of
western goldenrod (Euthamia occidentalis). Efforts to diversify the coast live
oak and arroyo willow riparian understory will also be highlighted. Time
permitting, the group will also explore the restored dune scrub habitat
adjacent to the creek. The field trip will begin at 11:00 a.m. Because the
number of participants must be limited, please contact Jim
Houillion to reserve your spot and for meeting location.
For web links to other GLS
sections,
visit the Sierra Club’s GLS page
at
San Jose Area
GLS/Loma
Prieta Chapter Sierra Club
3921
East Bayshore Road, Suite 204
Palo
Alto, CA
94303
lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/gls/
Santa Cruz Area
Ventana
GLS
Sierra
Club Santa Cruz County Group
P.O.
Box 604
Santa
Cruz, CA
95061-0604
ventana.sierraclub.org/gls/
Sacramento Area
Mother
Lode Chapter-GLS
P.O.
Box 160511
Sacramento,
CA 95816
motherlode.sierraclub.org/gls/
Los Angeles Area
GLS,
Sierra Club
P.O.
Box 1300
South
Pasadena, CA
91031-1300
angeles.sierraclub.org/gls/
San Diego Area
San
Diego GLS
sandiego.sierraclub.org/gls
Denver, CO Area
Denver
GLS
c/o
Nancy Kivlen
900
Auraria Parkway, #203
Denver,
CO 80204
France off the beaten tracks by 2 native lesbians. Don’t be a tourist, be our
guest on our escorted tours for small groups of 8 in Southeastern France:
nature, history, culture, gourmet food and sport (golf, tennis). www.frenchescapade.com, (866) 483 5713.
Gay & Lesbian Sierrans