Get OUT! The Newsletter of the Ventana GLS July, 2002 Volume 1, No 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 1. Pride Was a Hit! 2. Fun Membership Quiz 3. Great Outings Coming Up! 4. Outings and events 5. Rating system for outings 6. Waivers 7. Who we are, subscription info, great links, other details ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 1. "Pride Was a Hit!" by Wen Minkoff, Acting Chair Thanks to everyone who helped out at Santa Cruz Pride! Our strong showing at the event wouldn't have been possible without all those who lent a hand. Another big thanks goes out to the businesses that donated prizes: Bugaboo and Bookshop Santa Cruz. Over the course of the day we saw old friends, met a lot of wonderful folks, and gave away not only our nutty trail mixes, but also those neat raffle prizes. Eric H. won the fabulous grand prize tent donated by Bugaboo, John and Jr. won the second prize Marmot lumbar pack (also donated by Bugaboo), and our own Tina M. (from Loma Prieta GLS) won the gift certificate from Bookshop Santa Cruz. If you're new to GLS, hope to see you on the trail, or at one of our other events soon! And remember, Gay and Lesbian Sierrans welcomes all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer, intersex people and their allies. Come out and join us! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 2. "Fun Membership Quiz" by Marcia Quackenbush, Acting Membership Chair Ready to impress your friends with your cunning intellect? Think you can win top prize in that obscure trivia category, "Queer Organizations"? This little quiz will help you hone your skills. Get ready to knock their socks off at your next party. A. You're a GLS member if: (a) you wear at least 2 pieces of drag on all GLS outings; (b) hike in time to classic pride chants like, "Hey hey, ho ho, homophobia's got to go!"; (c) pay dues to the Sierra Club and Ventana GLS. B. Benefits of GLS membership include: (a) a more fulfilling social life; (b) a warm fuzzy feeling inside because you're doing something good for the gay community and the environment; (c) the chance to become an official outing leader, vote in GLS elections or serve on the GLS board; (d) yes, yes, all of the above! C. You can join GLS by: (a) filling out membership forms for Ventana GLS and the Sierra Club, and mailing checks to the appropriate addresses; (b) filling out membership forms for Ventana GLS and the Sierra Club, and mailing checks to the appropriate addresses; (c) either "a" or "b". Answers: A-a; B-d; C-c. Ready to sign up? When we get our website up, we'll have a cool link for you to go to. But for now, send your snail-mail address to our acting membership chair at quam@etr.org, and ask for a copy of our membership form. We'll send it out to you right away! How much will it cost? You can join Ventana GLS for as little as $12 (more if you want, of course!), and introductory Sierra Club memberships start at $25. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 3. "Fabulous Outings Coming Up" by Wen Minkoff Come out, have fun and support GLS! This month we'd like to call your attention to two exciting events later this summer. We know your social calendars fill up early, popular folks that you are, and so we're letting you know way in advance so you can join us! Let's enjoy some GLS fun close to home! We're having a GLS Beach Bonfire and Membership party on Saturday, August 10th. Come on out to Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz for fun in the sun followed by a toasty bonfire. We'll have fire, fun and food! What more could you want? For more details, check out the full write up in this month's newsletter. Then, go home, rest for a couple weeks (or fill your time with our other great events) and then join us for our fundraiser campout over Labor Day Weekend (August 30-Sept. 2). We're going to Loon Lake in Eldorado National Forest, near Desolation Wilderness. It's sure to be a fantastic three days of hiking, swimming, and socializing. GLS leaders will provide a variety of hikes (from your few mile calf- stretcher along Loon Lake to a full day of Desolation Wilderness's mountain lakes). Of course, no GLS campout is complete without a potluck, so Saturday night we'll eat in style and then sit around the fire. For more details, see the write up below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 4. OUTINGS & EVENTS July/August, 2002 These are events being led by Ventana GLS Outing Leaders (except as noted). Our events are also listed at the Loma Prieta GLS website (http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/gls/index.html). Check it out for additional LP-GLS listings. SAN FRANCISCO GLS FUNDRAISER Thursday, July 4 - Sunday, July 7 LASSEN EXTRAVAGANZA SF Bay Chapter GLS invites Ventana GLS members to participate in our annual Lassen Extravaganza on a space available basis. They will be in a group site for 50 people at Butte Lake Campground, Lassen Volcanic National Park, about 4.5 hrs NE of Bay Area. Send your check now to secure your spot on the space available list. Notifications to those with email addresses will be sent by June 16. Notifications by postal mail will be sent by June 17. For more info go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GLSLassen/. Or contact Pam LoPinto at pamlo@pacbell.net, or Peter at trip_leaders@yahoogroups.com. Cost: $30/person. Include SASE or email address. Send check payable to GLS/Bay Chapter to: Attn: Lassen trip, GLS/Bay Chapter, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Suite I, Berkeley, CA 94702. Wednesday, July 10, 6:00 pm UPPER UCSC POTLUCK Rating: Easy (1A2) Doesn't an evening stroll stimulate your appetite? It does ours! Join us for a hike along the UC section of the Chinquapin trail and on over into Upper Wilder Ranch. After about 2 miles, we'll stop at the top of the Eucalyptus Loop for a petite potluck. Bring along your own plate, napkins, water and eating utensils, as well as an easy-to- serve dish to share. We'll watch the beautiful light of early evening while we eat, and then hike back. Sunset at 8:30. Bring water and a flashlight. Shortcut version: meet at the Empire Grade trailhead at roughly 6:45 and hike in a mile for the potluck (let us know you're coming so we look for you). Contact leaders for directions. Leaders: Marcia Quackenbush (, Sondra Moore. Saturday, July 13, 10:00 a.m HABITAT RESTORATION WITH CNPS (NATURAL BRIDGES) Rating: Easy GLS will join the California Native Plant Society in restoring habitat at beautiful Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Any folks who want to stretch their legs afterwards can explore the beach or go for a walk together on West Cliff Drive. Please bring gloves, comfortable, layered clothing, something to drink, and lunch or a snack. Tools will be provided. Natural Bridges is on the 3B bus route from the Metro station. This event is co-listed with BiOutdoors. For more information contact Laura Goodhue () Wednesday, July, 17, 6:00 pm NISENE MARKS WEEKNIGHT TRAINING HIKE Rating: Easy to moderate (2A2, depending on speed of group) SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL! Come stretch your legs on this weeknight hike at the Forset of Nisene Marks in Aptos. We'll do 4-6 miles, depending on the speed and interests of the group. We'll walk to the Epicenter of the Loma Prieta Quake, and perhaps continue a little beyond that if there's time. Bring water, a snack, an extra layer, shoes appropriate for trail walking, and a working flashlight. Meet at the Porter Family Picnic Area parking at 6 pm. For more information or directions, contact Wen () or Olga (Monterey leader) (). Sunday, July 21, 10 AM - 2 PM TOUR DE FRENCHY: WHARF TO WHARF BIKE TOUR Rating: Easy to moderate The Tour de France is this month, but we're celebrating in a different way. Take this roundtrip, campy bicycle tour of the Santa Cruz to Capitola coast. Your guides will point out scandalous gay "sights of interest" along the way! Paved streets, rolling hills, gorgeous coast views, and dirty book stores (this is not an endorsement). You must bring your own bike and helmet. Presented in both English and French, just to keep in the spirit of things. Meet at Santa Cruz Lighthouse/Steamer's Lane. Leader: Todd Bowser (tbowser@cats.ucsc.edu). Wednesday, July 24, 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM FULL MOON HIKE IN UCSC MEADOW Rating: Easy to moderate Come watch the full moon rise above Santa Cruz. Full views over the glistening Monterey Bay. Potentially, we'll see some rare Mexican Fruit Bats and Owls. Less than 2 miles on paved trails and dirt fire roads, with a hilly terrain. We'll take it leisurely to enjoy the views. Fog bank cancels. Meet at UCSC West Remote Parking Lot, first right inside West Gate off Empire Grade. You must confirm to get through the guarded gate at UCSC! Leader: Todd Bowser (tbowser@cats.ucsc.edu). Wednesday, July 31, 5:30 pm WILDER/GRAY WHALE WEEKNIGHT HIKE Rating: Easy to moderate (2A2) This is the quieter and less traveled area of Wilder. We've had some great summer hikes out here. We'll travel 5-6 miles, with a few hundred feet of elevation loss/gain. Wear boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. Bring water, a snack and a flashlight. Sunset is at 8:16, but if we linger we may still experience some darkness. Meet at the trailhead off Empire Grade Road. Contact leaders for directions. Leaders: Marcia Quackenbush (, Wen Minkoff (wen@cats.ucsc.edu). Thursday, August 8, 5:30 pm WILDER RANCH WEEKNIGHT HIKE Rating: Easy to moderate (1A2 or 2A2) Ready for a stimulating walk in the fine salt air of the coast? The Wilder Ranch main entrance sets us up for a hike along the Ohlone Bluff trail where we can take in those great views of the Bay. We're on the bluffs most of the time, but descend onto the beach for part of the hike. Depending on the pace of the group, we'll cover 4-6 miles. Wear layers (it can get breezy), and good boots or steady sneakers with tread. Bring along a snack and water. Meet at the Wilder main parking lot. There's an entrance fee, but they don 't always collect it that late in the day. Alternatively, you can park outside the park on Highway 1 and hike a short ways to the parking lot. Sunset is at 8:08, so we'll be out of the park before then. Leaders: Marcia Quackenbush (,Larry Friedman Saturday, August 10 5-9 pm "BEACH BONFIRE AND MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION PARTY" - FUN IN THE SUN AND AFTER SUNSET Rating: 1A-Fun! Bring a friend or two to introduce to GLS! Join your Ventana GLS friends at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz for fun in the sun followed by a toasty bonfire. Walk on the beach, play frisbee, meet new friends or visit with old ones. Swim if you dare! Once you've worked up an appetite, settle in around the fire and enjoy some outdoor cooking. We'll have hot dogs (vegggie and regular), chips, beverages, and s'mores for over the fire. Please bring a flashlight, something to sit on (blanket, towel, beach chair), and extra layers (such as a polarfleece and wind jacket). Don't forget your sense of fun and adventure! Well-behaved dogs on leash welcome, subject to beach regulations. Donation requested ($5-$25) to help cover costs and support GLS operating expenses. Meet the (Acting) Ventana GLS Board & Board Candidates. Info: Wen Minkoff (). Sunday, August 11, 10:30am--5:00 pm TAN BARK TRAIL in BIG SUR Rating: Moderate (2B2) Join leaders from 3 fun GLS chapters (Bay, Loma Prieta and Ventana) on the Tan Bark Trail. This is located about 10 miles south of Big Sur State Park (34 miles south of Carmel) and delivers 8 miles of Big Sur magic. We'll walk through a shady canyon, past redwoods and climb to an ocean overlook. The route may also include a jaunt down to Partington Cove to watch the otters and other marine life. Carpools will leave from Santa Cruz (8 am) and Monterey (9:30). Or, meet us at the trailhead at 10:30. Please bring lots of water, lunch, sunscreen, a sun hat, shoes suitable for the trail, and an extra layer (in case of wind). Contact the leaders for carpool locations or more information: Wen Minkoff (), Olga Porter (mudra1@earthlink.net). Thursday, August 15, 5:30 PM WEEKNIGHT POGONIP HIKE Rating: Easy to moderate (1A2 or 2A2 ) Join us in a hike through Pogonip, one of Santa Cruz's small treasures. The trails are varied, there is some elevation gain and loss (a few hundred feet), and the light in the afternoon and early evening is wonderful. Hikers of all abilities are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs. (Dogs must remain on leash at all times). Depending on the pace of the group, we'll cover 4-6 miles. Bring water, a snack, an operating flashlight, and layered clothes. Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. Sunset at 8 pm. Meet at the Spring Street entrance. Leaders: Marcia Quackenbush () and Wen Minkoff (). Saturday, August 17, 10am-4pm FALL CREEK Rating: Moderate (2B2) A wonderful, mostly shady summertime hike in a beautiful Santa Cruz spot that usually has surprisingly few visitors. Come enjoy beauty, companionship and a little solitude from the greater world. We'll trek along the creek and see different forest habitats, including an impressive variety of indigenous ferns. This is a moderate (not an easy) hike. Plan on about 10 miles, a creek crossing or two, and a couple of longish uphill pulls. Wear good boots, bring water and lunch. Carpool leaves Long's lot on Mission (in Santa Cruz) at 9:30 am, others meet at the trailhead at 10 am. Leaders: Marcia Quackenbush (), and Tina Mazzei. VENTANA GLS FUNDRAISER Friday, August 30-Monday, September 2. LOON LAKE LABOR DAY CAMPOUT, ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST Various Ratings (1A2 to 3C2, dependent on hikes offered.) Join us at Loon Lake in Eldorado National Forest near Desolation Wilderness for a weekend of hiking, swimming, and socializing. Arrive Friday evening, set up camp. On Saturday, enjoy a short (5 mile) walk long the lake, or continue into Desolation Wilderness to visit some of the area's mountain lakes on a longer (9-16 mile) hike. Saturday night, we'll have one of our famous "where did all this fabulous food come from?" potlucks, followed by s'mores and stories around the fire. Sunday, we'll offer yet more hikes and another evening campfire. Monday, we'll linger over brunch and good conversation before we head back to the real world. This trip is limited to 25 people, and we expect it will fill up, as we are inviting other GLS chapters to join us. Cost: $35 if you are a member of *any* GLS section. $45 for non-members (it only costs $12 to join most GLS sections). Note: This trip is a fund-raiser, which means a portion of the fee goes to help Ventana GLS in its operations. Your fee will cover three nights of camping, firewood for communal fires, and s'mores fixings for after our Saturday evening potluck. You are responsible for bringing the rest of your food and all equipment. Reservations: To guarantee your spot, we must have payment. Make checks out to "Ventana GLS" and send to: Wen Minkoff, 517 Buena Vista Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Please RSVP via e-mail (wen@cats.ucsc.edu) to let Wen know you've sent your check. We'll send a confirmation of your reservation and a participant form when we receive your check, and you will receive details (e.g. directions, participant list, more detailed hike descriptions) closer to the date. Cancellation policy: Refunds will only be issued if your spot can be filled with someone from the waiting list (or if you find someone to take it). Leaders: wen minkoff (wen@qbabe.com), Kieren Jameson, and more... LOMA PRIETA GLS FUNDRAISER Friday September 27 - Sunday September 29 YOSEMITE SMORGASBORG Rating: 3D2 - 5E2 Join us (40 of us!) for our yearly Yosemite Extravaganza. We'll meet in Yosemite Friday evening around a campfire, undertake our hikes early Saturday morning, then treat ourselves to a fabulous Sunday brunch buffet. In past years most everyone has hiked up Half Dome (17 miles round trip, 5000 feet of elevation gain. Whew!) Recently we've added Clouds Rest (14 miles, 3500 feet of elevation); and this year John will lead a new hike from the valley floor to the top of Mt. Hoffman. (Too many miles and feet to count!) Of course, there will always be those who merely take short hikes in and around the valley, or just sit by the river and read. The options are endless. The only requirement is that you have fun. And we always do! Space is limited to 40. As we are advertising in all California GLS newsletters, we will definitely sell out. So contact John as soon as you can. NOTE: This trip is a fund-raiser. Cost for the trip is $45, which includes accommodations at Housekeeping (spartan) and breakfast the morning of the hike. However, as the actual cost per person is less than $45, a portion of the fee will help the GLS in its operations. Also, only a check in John's hands assures you a space on the trip or the wait list. Period. No exceptions. Confirmation and specific details of the weekend will follow his receipt of this check. Leaders: Dave Ellison (david_ellison@nhusd.k12.ca.us) and John Wilkinson (jfwilkinson@sbcglobal.net) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- 5. RATING SYSTEM Example Rating : "3B2" breaks down to a Distance of 10-15 miles, Elevation gain/loss of 1001-2000 feet, and Terrain of rough trail (boots recommended). The first number indicates the number of miles: 1 = less than 5 miles 2 = 5-10 miles 3 = 10-15 miles 4 = 15-20 miles 5 = more than 20 miles The second letter indicates cumulative elevation gain: A = less than 1000 feet B = 1001-2000 feet C = 2001-3000 feet D = 3001-4000 feet E = more than 4000 feet The last number indicates type of terrain: 1 = road or smooth trail 2 = rough trail (boots recommended) 3 = trail with some cross-country 4 = cross-country 5 = special equipment needed ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 6. WAIVERS All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver. If you would like to read the liability waiver before you choose to participate on an outing, refer to: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or contact the Outings department at (415) 977-5630 for a printed version. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 7. WHO WE ARE, OTHER DETAILS VENTANA GLS is the Gay/Lesbian Sierrans section of the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, covering Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We welcome participation by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals and our allies. Our goals are to increase appreciation of the environment, encourage members to inform themselves and act on environmental and conservation issues, and offer opportunities for outings and events that build appreciation for and commitment to the environment (and to have a fabulous time while we're doing it!). HOW TO CONTACT US: E-mail at ventana_gls_info@yahoo.com. Snail mail to GLS/Ventana Chapter, PO Box 604, Santa Cruz CA 95061-0604. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: You can become a GLS member by joining the Sierra Club and GLS. Membership is not required to participate in outings or receive the e-newsletter. It is required if you want to become an outing leader, vote in GLS elections or serve on the GLS Governing Committee Board. Get more information by e-mailing acting membership chair Marcia Quackenbush at quam@etr.org. MAKE A DONATION. You can make a donation to Ventana GLS or the Sierra Club. For GLS, make checks payable to "Ventana GLS" and send to the attention of our treasurer at the snail mail address above. For the Sierra Club, make checks payable to "Sierra Club" and send to Sierra Club, P.O. Box 5296, Boulder CO 80322-2968. BECOME AN OUTING LEADER. It's easy to do (co-lead two hikes with an official outing leader, become first-aid certified, submit an application). Our requirements are the same as the Loma Prieta GLS. See their website for details (http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/gls/index.html). We'll have this info posted on our website when it's up and running. Anyone can co-lead a hike with an official outing leader. If you want to check it out, or don't feel ready to make the Big Commitment, join us as a co-leader. Talk to Wen Minkoff, Danielle Benoit, Laura Goodhue, Sondra Moore or Marcia Quackenbush for details. TO PLACE AN ITEM ON THE GOVERNING COMMITTEE AGENDA or find out more about how Ventana GLS works, contact ventana_gls_info@yahoo.com. CARPOOLING INFORMATION: We encourage carpooling to outings and events. Santa Cruz carpool locations include the Long's Lot on Mission Street (1700 Mission; meet in the lot, park on the street if you're not driving) and the County Building at Ocean and Water Streets. The Sierra Club assumes no responsibility concerning transportation. Carpooling is at the sole risk of the participants, both driver and passengers. QUESTIONS ABOUT SPECIFIC OUTINGS: Contact the leader listed in the description. Be aware that last-minute e-mails may not be received by leaders before the events. When possible, make contact a couple of days before an event. YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER because you subscribed to the Ventana GLS Newsletter Group list. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: ventanagls_newsletter-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com