The following is just a sampling of upcoming GLS outings in November and December. Our full newsletter is now posted in the secure member area. Make sure to join in order to access our full newsletter- with even more outings listings, special events and interesting articles. Our elist will mail you up to date communication with hike reminders and any last minute detail changes. For further information about specific outings, contact the hike leader. Looking for additional carpool information for a certain hike? Members can use our facebook site to connect with other interested GLS members.

Saturday, November 7
Visitacion Valley Greenway Project Work Party, San Francisco
Paget Valentzas pagetsf@hotmail.com
Rating: Conservation
GLS is not only out in nature, we are out in the community helping the Visitacion Valley Greenway project. Nearing completion after nearly a decade of planning and hard work, the parkland is anticipated to incorporate a native plant garden, children's play garden, various fruit and street trees, public art made by school children and community members, agricultural crops, herb gardens, a Senior Pavilion, job training, and horticultural classes. GLS volunteers will weed, prune, plant and learn about how the community transformed these empty lots into beautifully designed public open spaces. The Greenway is maintained through community participation in partnership with the Recreation and Parks Department. Please RSVP to pagetsf@hotmail.com ASAP so we can give the organizer a rough head count. Meet at 10 am at the Children’s Play Garden on Teddy Avenue near Rutland in Visitation 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. Work will end between noon and 1. Join us afterwards for a well-deserved lunch and more socializing. From the East Bay: Cross the Bay Bridge to US-101 South. Take the exit toward Paul Avenue. Turn left onto San Bruno Avenue. Turn right onto Campbell Avenue. Turn right onto Rutland Street. From the South Bay: Take US-101 North toward San Francisco. Take the exit toward Brisbane/Cow Palace. Merge onto Bayshore Boulevard. Turn left onto Arleta Avenue. Turn right onto Rutland Avenue.

Sunday, November 8
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Hike
Ather Hussain sagsfo@yahoo.com
Maxwell Love maxwell.v.love@gmail.com
Rating: 2B
This moderately strenuous 7 mile hike is for people in good physical shape. We start at the Higgins Purisima Creek Parking lot, take Purisima Creek trail upstream to Soda Gulch, and the Harkins Ridge trail completes our loop. Total elevation gain on this hike is around 1150 feet. At the hike conclusion, for those interested, we will drive to nearby Pescadero Bakery for a post-hike picnic to enjoy their famous artichoke bread. Rain cancels. Bring your lunch, water, layers, and sturdy hiking shoes. Sorry, no dogs allowed. San Francisco folks interested in carpooling can meet at Starbucks under the Safeway sign at Market & Dolores at 8:15am for a prompt departure at 8:30am. You can also meet us at the trail head around 9:30am. Directions: Drive south from SF on 280 or Hwy 1. Using the CA 1/19th Ave merge with 280 as your starting point, drive 14 miles south on 280, take exit 34 onto CA 92 west and drive 8 miles to the junction with Hwy 1. Turn left (south) on Hwy 1 and drive 1 mile, then turn left on Higgins-Purisima Rd (aka Higgins Canyon Rd). Drive 4.5 miles on this narrow, winding road to the trailhead on the left side of road (just past the tiny white bridge). Pit toilet near the trailhead, no fee. Allow an hour of travel time from SF.

Saturday, November 14
Angel Island's Immigration Station and Perimeter Road Hike
Jenna Slovis jslovis@gmail.com
Paget Valentzas pagetsf@hotmail.com
Rating: 1A
Hi GLSers- this week, the new winter ferry schedule came out and there are some changes for the SF schedule that conflict with our newsletter write up. Please pay attention to the ferry time changes below. We will be meeting at 11am on Angel Island now. Don't worry- for those of you who want to be on the docent tour, we will be holding the same amount of spots whether you take the SF or the Tiburon ferry (we will have a leader at each location.) It is still first come, first serve at the ferry departure spots if you want to secure a spot for the docent tour. A California State Park and Wildlife preserve, Angel Island is one of the finest historical sites in the Bay Area and includes military garrisons and compounds from every major war dating back to the U.S. Civil War. Take a ferry to Angel Island and meet our group in front of the snack bar at 11am. We will do a 5 mile hike around the island with great views of the bay as we wind past old barracks, abandoned military buildings, lush eucalyptus forests and across high bluffs. Along the way, we will enjoy a 2pm special docent tour of the newly opened and renovated Immigration Station, a museum that will introduce you to Angel Island's infamous past as the "Ellis Island of the West" ($7 per person additional for the tour). Although anyone can do a free self-guided tour at that time, we only have 15 spots for the docent led tour. Priority for sign-up will be given on a first come basis at each of the Ferry departure sites that morning. Bring lunch, water and layers. We will depart back to the mainland on our respective ferries. From Tiburon to Angel Island: Tiburon Ferry - 30 minute ride Departs 10am- arrives AI 10:20am Returns 3:30pm- arrives Tib 4pm $13.50 Round Trip www.angelislandferry.com. From SF (Pier 41) to Angel Island: SF Ferry - shorter ride going, longer coming back-there are 2 stops Departs 10:35am- arrives AI 11am Returns 3:50pm- arrives Pier 41 at 4:55pm $18 Round Trip www.blueandgoldfleet.com

Saturday, November 14
San Francisco Staircase Hike
Russ Hartman 650-355-2243
Rating: 1B
For a great work out in place of the Stairmaster, we’ll explore the city’s Forest Hills and Golden Gate Heights areas with their concentric streets connected via wonderful staircases. We’ll meet at 9:30 am outside the Forest Hills Muni Station (served by Muni K, L, & M lines, as well as Muni buses 36, 43 & 44), and fan out from there, exploring a very grand staircase and others that are less grand, with wonderful private gardens and vista views around every corner. Be prepared for lots of up and down climbing! We’ll cover several miles and be back at Forest Hills around 1:30 pm. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, dress for cooler temperatures, and bring lunch, snacks, layers, and water. Well-behaved, leashed dogs OK on hike. Continuous rain cancels.

Sunday, November 15
Black Diamond Mines- Stewartville Loop
Chris Coan ChrisCoan123@comcast.net
Rating 2B
We will be covering a lot of different terrain on this loop in Antioch. This area used to be part of California’s largest coal mining area from the 1860’s to the early 1900’s. We will pass a few tailing piles and barred mine entrances. We will meet at the end of the park road near the bathrooms at 10 am. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring lunch and snacks and plenty of water. Any rain cancels so call me before 9:30 am if you are in doubt. Directions: From Highway 4 in Antioch, take the Somersville Road exit and go south, staying in the left lane as you approach and pass Buchanan Road. At 1.5 miles, follow Somersville Road as it continues straight, while the main road, now called James Donlan Blvd., bends sharply left. At 2.6 miles from Highway 4, you reach the entrance kiosk. Pay park entrance fee then continue another 0.9 mile to a large parking area. The trailhead is at the south end of parking area.

Sunday, November 15
Extreme Tidepooling Adventure, Davenport Landing, Santa Cruz
Jenna Slovis jslovis@gmail.com
Rating: Wet and Wild
You will get wet on this amazing adventure exploring tidepools, swimming and floating through sea caves, and witnessing sea creatures eye to eye with our naturalist guide Kim Powell of Blue Water Ventures. Afterward, we will have a beach BBQ with mussels (harvested from a low impact area) and potluck fixings. Special GLS/SFHC rate of $28 ($36 if you would like to rent a wetsuit from Kim.) Contact jslovis@gmail.com ASAP if you would like to participate- we only have room for 16 folks. 1pm-5:30pm

Saturday, November 21
Corona Heights Habitat Restoration Workparty, San Francisco
Jim Houillion 415-552-3542
Rating: Conservation
Join in 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’ll be weeding out these non-natives, checking out what’s happening with the good stuff, and generally getting ready for seeding and planting which we’ll do when the rain has wet the soil. Because of the holiday conflicting with our usual last Saturday of the month workparty, this month’s will be held 1 week earlier than usual. Meet on the north side (parking lot is the south side) of the Randall Museum, which is at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt Way, San Francisco. Remember: dress in layers, wear hat, sunscreen, & sturdy shoes, and bring water. Tools & gloves provided. 10:00 AM to noon-ish.

Sunday, November 22
Tomales Point – Point Reyes National Seashore Hike
Salvatore Manzi salvatoremanzi@mac.com
Ather Hussain sagsfo@yahoo.com
Rating: 2B
This 9 mile hike offers many pleasures along the stunning Tomales Point Peninsula - Tule elk roam free, and many varieties of birds can be spotted along the coast. Panoramas of the distant Marin Coast and unusual formations along the peninsula likewise are a crowd-pleaser. Total elevation gain on this hike is around 900 feet. At the hike conclusion, we may add a short extension down to McClure's Beach. Bring water, snacks, lunch and sturdy hiking shoes. This hike can be very windy so dress in layers and bring a wind breaker. Sorry, dogs are prohibited here. Rain cancels this hike. San Francisco folks interested in carpooling can meet at Starbucks under the Safeway sign at Market & Dolores at 8:15am for a prompt departure at 8:30am. You can also meet us at the trail head around 10:00am. Driving directions: From US 101 in Marin County, exit Sir Francis Drake/San Anselmo. Drive west on Sir Francis Drake Road about 20 miles, to the junction with CA 1, turn right, drive 0.1 mile, and then turn left onto Bear Valley Road. After about 2 miles, Bear Valley Road ends at Sir Francis Drake Blvd; turn left. Continue on Sir Francis Drake Blvd about 5.5 miles, then turn right onto Pierce Point Road. Drive about 9 miles on Pierce Point Road to the signed Tomales Point Trailhead, a short distance from McClures Beach, at the end of the road.

Friday, November 27
Sausalito Staircase & Marin Headlands Loop Hike
Russ Hartman 650-355-2243
Rating: 1B
This day-after Thanksgiving hike will help you work off some of those extra turkey pounds. From the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, this approx. 5-mile hike will follow the waterfront into Sausalito, then climb a long series of stairs and streets up to the Headlands and back to our starting point along several ridge trails with incredible bay and ocean views (on a clear day). Wear sturdy shoes, wind and sun protection, and bring lunch and water. Any rain cancels. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Carpools: Meet at 9:30 am under Safeway sign at Dolores & Market Sts in San Francisco for 9:40 departure. Directions: From San Francisco, cross Golden Gate Bridge and take Alexander Ave. exit, turn left at end of ramp and go under freeway, then turn right onto Conzelman Rd. and almost immediate left into parking lot for day users. Public transportation: Take Muni busses #28 or 29 to Golden Gate Bridge and walk across Golden Gate Bridge, then cross under freeway via stairs from vista parking lot.

Saturday, November 28
Lands End and Presidio Hike
Jenna Slovis jslovis@gmail.com
Rating: 2A
Showcasing some of SF's most scenic vistas, we'll walk the Coastal Trail at Lands End, then continue through Seacliff to Baker Beach and the Golden Gate. We'll head into the Presidio to see some of its hidden treasures and return to Lands End via Lincoln Park- about 8 miles total hiking on a variety of surfaces including dirt, sand, and city streets. Bring lunch and water and don't forget your layers. Heavy rain cancels. Directions: From Geary Blvd, head toward the Cliff House. Stay right onto Pt. Lobos Ave. Take El Camino del Mar north to its end at the Battleship Memorial parking lot. We will start from parking lot at 10am. Informal carpools can depart from San Francisco Market St. Safeway at 9:15am.

Saturday, December 5 (please note this is a new date, the newsletter lists the old date)
GLS Holiday Party
5:30-8:30 PM at the SF LGBT Community Center, 2nd floor Rainbow Rm
Join us for an evening of camaraderie, celebration, and a silent auction fundraiser! The holiday party is a way to meet new folks and see old friends, to recognize hike leaders and other key volunteers, to eat good food, and to learn about events planned for the new year, etc. For more information, see the article in this newsletter. GLS provides the beverages, please bring a potluck item to share. The Center is located at 1800 Market Street in San Francisco, the party is in the Rainbow Rm on the 2nd floor. We hope you can join us!

Saturday, December 5
Redwood Regional Park - French Broom Removal
Chris Coan ChrisCoan123@comcast.net
Rating: Conservation
From 9 to 1 pm please join me in helping to displace French Broom from the park so that native species have a chance to grow. Tools will be provided. Bring work gloves and dress to protect legs and arms from scratching bushes. Meet at 9 am at the Skyline Gate staging area (8500 Skyline Blvd., Oakland) in Redwood Regional Park. Bring plenty of water, lunch. We can take a short hike at the park afterwards. Directions: Take Hwy 13 to Park Blvd. and exit. Go east on Park (towards hills) to Mountain Blvd. and turn left. Take Mountain to Snake Rd. and turn right. Follow Snake a short distance to Shepherd Canyon Rd (don’t turn left, just go straight and you’ll be on Shepherd Canyon) and follow it up to Skyline Blvd. Turn right and go 1/3 mile to Skyline Gate.

Saturday, December 5
Mount Diablo
Ruth Lorenz 510-647-5265
Rating: 2C
Join us on a trek up the north side of Mount Diablo along a scenic ridge which offers beautiful views of rocky slopes just starting to turn green again! We will have lunch just below the summit and return along a creek ravine. Depending on group preference, the hike will be from 6 to just over 8 miles with up to 2200 feet elevation gain. Be prepared for a reasonably brisk pace and some rugged, occasionally steep trails. Wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring lunch and two liters of water. Heavy rain cancels; in case of light showers bring rain gear and avoid cotton. Carpool: Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Rockridge BART station near the bottom of the escalators. Hike starts at 9:50 from the Mitchell Canyon staging area. Directions: Take Hwy. 24 to Walnut Creek. At the 680 junction, take the Ygnacio Valley Road exit. Go about 7.5 miles through Walnut Creek, turn right on Clayton Road, go one mile, turn right on Mitchell Canyon Road and drive one mile to the staging area. Parking is $5.

Sunday, December 13
Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge Tour
Chris Coan ChrisCoan123@comcast.net
Rating: Conservation
Meet me at the gated entrance at 10:30 am. This refuge is located along the San Joaquin River and was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established to protect endangered plants and insects. I will take the group on a tour of the Dunes explaining the local history of the area and the three endangered species that reside on this 55 acre piece of land: the Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose, Contra Costa Wallflower and the Lange’s metalmark butterfly. We will stroll on a relatively flat dirt road approximately 1.5 miles. Bring water, dress according to the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Directions: Take Highway 4 towards Antioch and exit A Street/Lone Tree Way. Turn north onto A Street. Turn right (east) onto Wilbur Avenue. Turn left (north) onto Fulton Shipyard Road. Cross over the railroad tracks and turn right into the second gravel driveway. The refuge is on your right. 501 Fulton Shipyard Road, Antioch, CA.

Saturday, December 19
Corona Heights Habitat Restoration Workparty, San Francisco
Jim Houillion 415-552-3542
Rating: Conservation
Join 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’ll be planting native seedlings and weeding out non-native invasives which have gotten an early start. Because of the holidays conflicting with our usual last Saturday of the month workparty, this month’s will be held 1 week earlier than usual. Meet on the north side (parking lot is the south side) of the Randall Museum, which is at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt Way, San Francisco. Remember: dress in layers, wear hat, sunscreen, & sturdy shoes, and bring water. Tools & gloves provided. 10:00 AM to noon-ish.

Sunday, December 20
Gossip Rock Hike
Cate Steane csteane@sbcglobal.net
Rating: 2B
Few GLSers know about Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks, probably because you have to drive through miles of the most godforsaken stretches of Hayward to get there. But it's worth the trip. We'll enjoy dramatic views in this little known, lightly traveled park. The terrain is mostly rolling pastures with some trees along the creeks. There are some steep climbs. We will, appropriately, have lunch at Gossip Rock. We'll take in the visitor center, which displays artifacts from the ranching and farming history of Hayward area. For carpools, meet at Rockridge BART for a 9:30 AM sharp departure. Directions to the trailhead, map your way to Tamarack Drive and Palmetto Drive in Union City – the trailhead is right by that intersection. Wear layers, sturdy footgear, sun protection. Bring raingear, lots of water, lunch, snacks, and gas money for carpool driver. Well-mannered dogs welcome.

Saturday, December 26
China Camp Bay View Trail
Jenna Slovis jslovis@gmail.com
Rating 3A
We will conquer the Bay View Trail, the most ambitious hike anywhere along the shore of San Pablo Bay, to access the park's most remote reaches. All your hard work will pay off with panoramic vistas of San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay, Mount St. Helena, Mount Diablo, Angel Island, and San Francisco. We will depart at 10am sharp from China Camp Village. 11.5 miles, 600 feet elevation gain. Directions: From US 101 in San Rafael, take North San Pedro exit and drive east for 5 miles to China Camp Village. Informal carpools can depart from San Francisco Market St. Safeway at 9am. Bring lunch, water and layers. Heavy rain cancels.