Get OUT! The Newsletter of the Ventana GLS April, 2003 Volume 2, No 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 1. Message from the Chair Springing 2. Announcements Next GovCom meeting 3. Outings and events this month 4. Outings and events beyond 5. Rating system for outings 6. Waivers 7. Who we are, subscription info, other details ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 1. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR SPRINGING by Wen Minkoff, Chair I am definitely feeling spring, and I'm sure you do too. A great time to come out for a hike with GLS and enjoy the warmer air, longer days and good company. I have a couple short announcements to share. THE PERPETUAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. Yes, we could still use your help on tasks great or small. We'd love some help preparing for our Pride activities, beach bonfire and fundraising camping trip, all coming up over the summer months. Let us know if you can help. You can e-mail me at wen@qbabe.com. LATER START TIMES FOR EVENING HIKES. We're trying out some later start times for the weeknight hikes. In May and June, most will assemble at 615 for a prompt 630 departure. Let us know if this works better for those of you trying to get to hikes after work. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS NEXT GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, April 24, 730-930 PM. We meet at the Sierra Club Office in Santa Cruz (1001 Center Street, next to Actors' Theater), and our meetings are open to all Ventana GLS members. (Please RSVP ahead of time at the e-mail below, or with one of the GovCom members. We occasionally have last-minute changes of our meeting place.) To place an item on the GovCom agenda, or find out more about how Ventana GLS works, contact ventana_gls_info@yahoo.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 3. OUTINGS & EVENTS THIS MONTH April, 2003 These are events led by Ventana GLS Outing Leaders. We've also included events in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area led by other GLS groups, and some (but not all) of the wonderful outings hosted by Loma Prieta GLS. Ventana GLS events are listed at our Web site (http//ventana.sierraclub.org/gls ). Loma Prieta GLS events are listed at (http//lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/gls/index.html). We cross list many of our events. Wednesday, April 2, 6PM UPPER WILDER/GRAY WHALE NIGHT HIKE Rating 1A2 or 2A2, depending on speed of group Join Wen and Herbie as they explore the quieter side of Wilder. We'll hike around 6 miles, with minimal elevation gain/loss. Wear boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. Bring water, a snack, rain gear and a flashlight (we will be hiking in the dark, so check those batteries!) Meet at the Chinquapin trailhead on Empire Grade. Contact leader for directions. Heavy rain cancels. Leader Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com). Co-leader Herbie Lee (herbie@cats.ucsc.edu). Saturday, April 5th, 330 PM - 700 PM HENRY COE SUNSET HIKE and POTLUCK Rating 2B2 (6 miles/1300') Join us at Henry W. Coe State Park and enjoy spring flowers and a potluck meal while watching the 634 p.m. sunset with breathtaking views of the valley. We'll hike through wooded areas of oak, madrone, and giant manzanita; starting on the springs trail towards Bass Pond, and then taking the Forest Trail loop back. For the sunset, we'll head to Eric's Bench on Monument Trail to enjoy the potluck meal. Bring a potluck item that is easy to share, sturdy shoes, water and a working flashlight. Dress in layers. Heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. $2/vehicle parking fee. Meet at 240 PM at the Cottle Road Park-n-Ride for carpooling, or at the Corral Trailhead at 330 PM - see directions on the Henry Coe website http//www.coepark.parks.ca.gov/directions.html. Leaders Sondra Moore (sondra@411powertools.com), co-leader Andria Michele Wood (graceandease@yahoo.com). (This is a Loma Prieta GLS event.) Thursday, April 10, 600 PM POGONIP DOG FRIENDLY WEEKNIGHT HIKE Rating 2A2 Pogonip is one of the few natural areas around Santa Cruz with a good selection of dog-friendly trails. People like them, too! The trails are varied, and there is some elevation gain and loss (a few hundred feet). 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. Sunset is at 739, with a 58% moon transiting at 825. So if it's clear, we'll have good light. Bring an operating flashlight anyway (always!). And bring along some water and a snack. Wear layered clothes ("Pogonip" means "icy fog," after all), and hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. Meet at the Spring Street entrance. Contact Sondra for carpool planning from Los Gatos. Leaders Marcia Quackenbush (marciaqjazz@yahoo.com), Sondra Moore (sondra@411powertools.com). Saturday April 12 9 am - 5 -pm BIG BASIN HOLLOW TREE HIKE Rating 3B2 (14 mi / 1500 ft) The Berry Creek falls loop is not the only loop at Big Basin. Come explore a less visited part of the park with us. We'll hike 2 miles to the start of the Hollow Tree trail loop. The loop itself is around 10 miles. We'll get to see awesome views from the Skyline-To-The-Sea ridge top. Bring a lunch, trail snacks, plenty of water, and warm clothes for the cool bits under the redwood trees or if its windy on the Skyline ridge top. Meet at Los Gatos park-n-ride lot at 9 a.m. Heavy Rain cancels but light rain does not. Leaders Cathy Roberts cdrdash@yahoo.com Tina Mazzei tina_mazzei@yahoo.com (This is a Loma Prieta GLS event.) Wednesday, April 16, 6PM UPPER UC AND WILDER FULL MOON NIGHT HIKE Rating 2A2 Does this sound fabulous? We have sunset at 744 and a full moon rising at 811. That's worth getting outdoors to see! Join us for a hike along the UC section of the Chinquapin trail, on over into Upper Wilder Ranch and around the Eucalyptus Loop. The full hike will be about 9 miles and involves a couple miles of dark trails, even with the full moon (we'll be under the trees). Shortcut version Meet at the Empire Grade trailhead at roughly 645 (we should be there between 645 and 700), and do the 6 mile Chinquapin Trail-to- Eucalyptus Loop only. (If you're shortcutting, let us know so we look for you.) Bring water, snack and an operating flashlight (required). Contact leaders for directions. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders Marcia Quackenbush (marciaqjazz@yahoo.com) and Kate Goodnight (kategoodnight@hotmail.com). Saturday, April 19, 9 am - 5 pm HENRY COE MOUNT SIZER AND THE NARROWS Rating 4E Join us for this spring classic, which features great views, wildflowers, and fun in the water. Starting from Coe headquarters, we'll do some up and down before tackling the serious ascent to Mt. Sizer via the notorious Shortcut Trail, then enjoy some lazy rambling along the ridge before descending to Los Cruzeros and the Narrows, where we get to play in the stream. A gentle climb out from China Hole leads to the well-travelled trails back to Headquarters. Bring lunch, water, protection from sun and wind, and alternate footwear for the narrows. Heavy rain cancels, light rain does not (the weather is part of the fun). Meet at Tamien Park-and-Ride at 9 or at the trailhead at 10. Leaders John Wilkinson (jfwilkinson@sbcglobal.net); Cathy Roberts (cdrdash@yahoo.com). (This is a Loma Prieta GLS event.) Wednesday, April 23, 6PM UPPER WILDER/GRAY WHALE POTLUCK HIKE Rating 1A2 or 2A2, depending on speed of group What is better than a gorgeous evening hike at Upper Wilder Ranch? A gorgeous evening hike that includes food! We'll hike from the Chinquapin Trailhead on Empire Grade to the picnic tables at the Eucalyptus Grove. After dinner, those with enough energy will tackle the Eucalyptus Loop. We will hike approximately 6 miles, with minimal elevation gain/loss. Wear boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. Bring water, a potluck dish to share, your own place setting (plate/bowl and silverware), rain gear and a flashlight. The hike will likely end in the dark, so check those batteries! Meet at the Chinquapin trailhead on Empire Grade. Contact leader for directions. Heavy rain cancels. Leader Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com). Co-leader Kieren Jameson. Saturday, April 26, 930 a.m.-330 p.m. PT. LOBOS DAYDREAMS AND POETRY Rating 2A2 Come to Big Sur for an amazing day! In the past, we've had up to 20 people join us on the extraordinary 6 mile Pt. Lobos perimeter loop hike. We've seen spectacular cliffs, beautiful coves, sea otters, and herons. Binoculars recommended! We're including a literary component for this event, so bring a brief poem or prose piece from a favorite author if you'd like. You can also just come to walk, listen and daydream. We'll stop at several particularly scenic places and read for a few minutes (think "mobile salon"). Keep the pieces short - 2 minutes is a good guideline, although we welcome pithy one-liners and very short poems as well. Nature themes encouraged. Bring lunch, water, sunblock, hat, hiking shoes or sneakers, an extra layer and rain jacket. There is a day use fee, around $3/car. Carpooling Santa Cruz Meet at the Government Center (corner of Ocean and Water) at 800 a.m. for prompt 815 departure. Carpooling Monterey Meet by the old Crossroads Theater at Rio Road in Carmel at 900 a.m. Otherwise, meet us at the Sea Lion Point parking area at 930. Warning These parking areas sometimes fill early. If you arrive late, we'll be start along Sea Lion Point Trail, heading in a generally southern direction towards China Cove. More information about Point Lobos at http//pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us . Leaders Wen Minkoff wen@qbabe.com; Marcia Quackenbush marciaqjazz@yahoo.com; Kim Fitzpatrick kim_dove@hotmail.com. Saturday, April 26th, 1030 AM - 2 PM WILDER RANCH OFFROAD RIDE Rating 3B2 (12-15 miles, 1000' gain) Enjoy great views of the ocean and wildlife on this intermediate- level mountain bike ride at Wilder Ranch State Park, near Santa Cruz. We'll ride fire roads and technical singletrack, through grassland and the coastal redwood forest. Bring helmet, water, lunch/ energy food, sunscreen, an extra layer, and the usual supplies. Rain within 48 hours cancels ride. Co-listed with BiOutdoors and Different Spokes (www.dssf.org); all orientations welcome. Meet in the parking lot near restrooms at 1030AM. Parking is $3/car. Contact leader to confirm, or for carpooling info. Directions Wilder Ranch is 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. The sign is on the right if you're going north away from Santa Cruz. If you're going south on Highway 1 - towards Santa Cruz - stop and turn around if you cross Western Drive. Leader Rob Yang (backpack@rhysw.com). (This is a Loma Prieta GLS event.) 4. OUTINGS & EVENTS BEYOND THIS MONTH Wednesday, May 7, 615 p.m. POGONIP DOG FRIENDLY WEEKNIGHT HIKE Rating 2A2 Pogonip is one of our favorite Santa Cruz natural areas. The trails are varied, and there is some elevation gain and loss (a few hundred feet). 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. Sunset is at 802. So if it's clear, we'll have good light. Bring an operating flashlight anyway (always!). This is one of our "later start" weeknight hikes. Be there by 615. After sign-in and introductions, we'll be off for a prompt 630 departure. Bring water and a snack. Wear layered clothes and hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. Meet at the Spring Street entrance. Leaders Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com); Kieren Jameson. Saturday, May 17, 1000 a.m. FALL CREEK Rating 2B2 A wonderful, mostly shaded hike in a beautiful Santa Cruz spot that usually has surprisingly few visitors. Come enjoy beauty 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 the County Building Parking Lot at the intersection of Ocean and Water Streets in Santa Cruz at 930 a.m. (the corner near the gas station), others meet at the trailhead at 10 am. Leaders Marcia Quackenbush (marciaqjazz@yahoo.com) and Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com). Saturday, May 17, 600 p.m. LEADERS AND FRIENDS PIZZA PARTY WE RECRUIT! Rating Delicious fun! This is a chance to appreciate our current leaders and use our incredible powers of persuasion to lure a few more people into the fold. If you've ever even remotely considered co-leading a GLS event, come share some pizza with us and get to know the GLS outing leaders. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to arrange and co-lead an outing. We can help you plan one this very evening if you're ready (but no pressure if you're not - really!). We'll have limited space at this event, so we'll ask you to RSVP. More details in our next newsletter. Thursday, May 22, 615 p.m. UPPER WILDER POTLUCK HIKE 2A2 Upper Wilder Ranch is "the other side of Wilder," quieter and a little less traveled than the area near the main entrance. Small forests, open meadows, the occasional wildlife sighting, and a possible great sunset make this a five-star hike. We'll hike in from the Empire Grade Trailhead and, if we're energetic, circle the Eucaplyptus Loop Trail before stopping back at the picnic tables for our potluck. Sunset doesn't happen until 815, so we may even be able to see while we eat! Bring along your own plate, napkins, water, and eating utensils, as well as an easy-to-serve dish to share. Be sure to bring a working flashlight. Wear boots or steady sneakers with tread. We'll travel 5-6 miles, with a few hundred feet of elevation loss/gain. Be at the trailhead at 615 for a prompt 630 departure. Leaders Marcia Quackenbush (marciaqjazz@yahoo.com); Deb Vitale (deborah_vitale2003@yahoo.com). Wednesday, May 28, 615 p.m. POGONIP DOG FRIENDLY WEEKNIGHT HIKE Rating 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 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. The sun sets at 819. Meet at the Spring Street entrance by 615 for a prompt 630 departure. Leaders Deb Vitale (deborah_vitale2003@yahoo.com) and Laura Goodhue (lpgoodhue@earthlink.net). Saturday, June 1 SANTA CRUZ PRIDE Rating High on Fun, Pride and Power Yep, Santa Cruz does it again, for the 29th annual GLBTIQ Pride Celebration. The march starts at 1100 p.m. Assemble beforehand to be a part of the fabulous and exciting GLS contingent. Everyone just goes wild when they see our stylish outdoorsey look. We'll have a booth at the rally as well. More details to follow in your next newsletter. For more info about Santa Cruz Pride, check www.santacruzpride.org. Wednesday, June 4, 615 p.m. UPPER WILDER/GRAY WHALE Rating 2A2 Let's hike Wilder again! We love the peace, quiet and beauty of this part of the park in the early evening. We'll hike in from the Empire Grade Trailhead and circle the Eucaplyptus Loop Trail. Join us and enjoy the long, lingering summer evening, and watch the sun set at 824 p.m. (if it isn't fogged over). Bring water, snack, and a working flashlight. Wear boots or sturdy sneakers with tread. We'll travel 5-6 miles, with a few hundred feet of elevation loss/gain. Be at the trailhead at 615 for a prompt 630 departure. Leaders Marcia Quackenbush (marciaqjazz@yahoo.com); Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com). Saturday-Sunday, June 7-8 SAN JOSE PRIDE Rating Continued Fun, Pride and Power Can you find your way to San Jose? Look for Loma Prieta GLS while you're there. Details www.sjgaypride.com. Wednesday, June 11, 615 p.m. POGONIP WEEKNIGHT HIKE Rating 2A2 Join us in another great hike through Pogonip. We'll check on the secret fish pond (well, sort of secret), enjoy the beautiful summer light, and feel incredibly lucky to live where we do. Pogonip trails are varied, there is some elevation gain and loss (a few hundred feet), and the light in the early evening is wonderful. The sun sets at 838 p.m., and we'll have a 90% illumination of the moon. Hikers of all abilities are welcome. 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 Meet at the Spring Street entrance at 615 for a prompt 630 departure. Leader Marcia Quackenbush (marciaqjazz@yahoo.com). Co- leader Jen Stern. Saturday, June 14, 1030 a.m. WHITEHOUSE CREEK TO CHALK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT 2B2 This is a 9 mile hike from Costanoa into Big Basin and back. Weather permitting, we'll have stunning panoramic ocean and mountain vistas. There's a 360 degree view from the 1,607 foot lookout we climb to. The first half of the hike is all uphill and we'll walk at a moderate pace. We'll leave from the General Store at Costanoa at 1030 AM (where there is free parking, good coffee, and breakfast or lunch available!). Please bring clothes and gear for sun, wind, and rain, and wear sturdy boots with good soles. For driving directions to Costanoa see www.costanoa.com. Leader Pam LoPinto (pamlo@pacbell.net). Wednesday June 18, 615 p.m. UPPER WILDER ALMOST SOLSTICE HIKE & POTLUCK Rating 2A2 You may be wondering if we ever get tired of this spot. So far, no. It's a totally wonderful place to be in the evenings. Join us as we hike in from the Empire Grade Trailhead and circle the Eucaplyptus Loop Trail, then stop for our emotionally and nutritionally nourishing potluck. Since the solstice is almost upon us, we'll enjoy one of the longest days of the year. The sun doesn't set until about 830 p.m. and the light of dusk ("civil twilight") will linger until 900 p.m. Awesome! Bring along your own plate, napkins, water, and eating utensils, as well as an easy-to-serve dish to share. Don't forget that working flashlight. Wear boots or steady sneakers with tread. We'll travel 5-6 miles, with a few hundred feet of elevation loss/gain. Be at the trailhead at 615 for a prompt 630 departure. Leaders Deborah Vitale (deborah_vitale2003@yahoo.com), Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com). June 22 to June 29, 2003 WOMEN'S LAKE EXTRAVAGANZA EMIGRANT WILDERNESS BACKPACK TRIP National Sierra Club Event. Trip cost $495 If you wish you were far away dipping your feet in a high alpine mountain stream with majestic mountains at your side then this Emigrant Wilderness trip is for you. Women of all orientations are invited to join us to discover the beauty of pristine lakes surrounded by polished granite. Encountering snow-capped mountains, expansive meadows, and plenty of lakes, we'll travel both on and off- trail through mid-range forests and high alpine country. Share the High Sierra and fabulous vegetarian cuisine with other adventurous women like you. Take a look at the trip brochure for more information www.sierraclub.org. (Click on get outdoors, search for trip, and enter trip# 03267) or go directly to http//www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/03267A.asp (Please note There are a number of people signed up already, but we will have a wait list if it fills, so don't let that discourage you. Last time some of the wait-listed folks got to go). Leaders Sharon Goldau (RangerGrl@aol.com) Wen Minkoff (wen@qbabe.com) Saturday-Sunday, June 28-29 SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE Rating Gigantic Fun, Pride and Power Get details on the really big Pride Celebration at www.sfpride.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- 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, SUBSCRIPTION INFO, 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 membership chair Marcia Quackenbush at marciaqjazz@yahoo.com. We can send you a membership form by e-mail or snail mail. 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, take an approved first aid course, submit an application), and leadership is tremendously rewarding. You don't have to be a super-athlete or ultra-outdoor type, and you don't have to commit large amounts of time. Our primary qualification for leadership is that you enjoy being with others in some of the beautiful natural areas around Santa Cruz. Our requirements are posted at our Web site (http//ventana.sierraclub.org/gls). Anyone can co-lead a hike with an official outing leader. If you don't feel ready to make the Big Commitment, join us as a co-leader. Talk to Wen Minkoff, Kieren Jameson, Deborah Vitale, Laura Goodhue, Sondra Moore or Marcia Quackenbush for details. 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.