Saturday, December 13
HIKE: GROVER GULCH / BATES CREEK
A 6-mile loop beginning from the Land of the Medicine Buddha. We’ll hike up through beautiful Grover Gulch, into the southwest corner of Nisene Marks, and return along the ridge above Bates Creek. This moderate hike, with a 500' elevation gain, passes through second-growth redwoods and allows views of many of the features of the Land of the Medicine Buddha. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $2 carpool. Leader: Ed Gilbert, 685-8389.

Saturday, December 13
Hike: Old Coast Rd. to Big Sur
This unpaved road in Big Sur makes a lovely long hike. It’s 11 miles up and down through fern-lined redwood canyons with views out to the coast and inland to Pico Blanco. Car shuttle. Expect moderate to strenuous hills at a leisurely pace. Bring lunch and water; meet at the Rio Road Park and Ride at 9:00 a.m. Bring water and lunch. Rain cancels. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Saturday, December 13
Hike: Bonny Doon Preserve
This Fish and Game Preserve burned in a very big way this summer. Although now closed, I have been told by a F&G ranger that it will be re-opened by December. It will be interesting to see Mother Nature’s fire management methods in this fire-prone area. 6 miles with 800' elevation gain. If it’s closed, we’ll do something else, probably in the Bonny Doon area. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center to carpool. Rain cancels. Call Nick for additional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Sunday, December 14
Hike: Moss Landing
Fish Fry anyone? Let’s hike over to Phil’s at Moss Landing and back again. We’ll walk north from the lot off Potrero Road along the beach to the “island,” and return by an inland route. Meet at Home Depot in Seaside (near the gas station) at 10:00 a.m. Wear layers, bring water, optional binoculars, and $$ for gas and chow (or you could bring PB&J to eat on the beach). If coming from further north, meet us at the end of Potrero Road in Moss Landing by 10:30 a.m. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.

Sunday, December 21
Hike: Waddell Creek/ Big Basin
Starting at Hwy. 1 we'll hike the Skyline to the Sea Trail and McCrary Ridge to the Mt. McAbee overlook and return via the Howard King and Skyline to the Sea Trails with a short side trip to Berry Creek Falls. 12 Miles, 1700' elevation gain. Dress in layers, bring lunch and plenty of water. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 8:30 a.m. to carpool. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, December 23
Hike: Garzas Creek
Our 4-1/2 mile loop with 900' elevation gain takes us through a redwood canyon and along Garzas Creek with six picturesque crossings. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Thursday, December 25
Chapter Executive Committee meeting
The Chapter Executive Committee meets at 7:30 pm. Call Chair Rita Dalessio at 659-7046 for meeting place.

Saturday, December 27
Hike: Russian Ridge
This Preserve is off Skyline Blvd. above Palo Alto. We'll walk on the westerly side of Skyline in open and hopefully sunny grasslands. 7 miles with 1000' elevation gain. You'll see an ancient seamount (marine volcano). Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center to carpool. Call Nick for additional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Monday-Saturday, December 29 - January 3
Carrizo Plain Work Party
Celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next in one of our new national monuments. The Carrizo Plain near San Luis Obispo, is a vast grassland, home to pronghorn antelope, tule elk, kit fox, and a wide variety of birds. A welcome hike Dec. 29, 3-1/2 days of service modifying barbed wire fencing, and a full day for hiking and exploring are planned. Accommodations at Goodwin Ranch included. Limited to 12 participants, $30 covers five dinners. For more information, contact leader: Craig Deutsche, , (310-477-6670), or co-leader Melinda Goodwater, , (408-774-1257).

Tuesday, December 30
Senior Walk: Watsonville - Wetlands
Let's say goodbye to 2008 by enjoying a 3-1/2 mile mostly level walk around the Watsonville & Struve Sloughs. There are egrets, herons, mallards, mud hens, etc. to enjoy. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at the Nature Center, 30 Harkens Slough Rd. at 9:50 a.m. Lunch at Ramsey Park. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. No facilities. Rain cancels. Leader: Beverly Meschi, 475-4185.

Thursday, January 1
New Year's Hike: Garland to my place
From Safeway Mid Valley, we'll carpool to Garland Ranch and climb up all the way to Snively's Ridge for a sunny lunch spot. Then we'll turn west through Carmel Valley, down to Holt Road and back. But wait, you are all invited to Kaffee und Kuchen at my condo, Mid Valley Garden Homes #53, to celebrate the New Year. 8 miles and 1500' elevation gain. Bring water and lunch, optional hiking poles, and wear sturdy shoes. Moderate pace. Meet at Mid Valley parking lot opposite WaMu at 10:00 a.m. Call for a space. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Saturday, January 3
Hike: Mt. Madonna Park
We'll look for fetid adders tongue from the Sprig Lake entrance off Hwy. 152. 7 miles and 1200' elevation gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Mar Monte exit off Hwy. 1 in La Selva Beach to carpool. Call Nick if you need additional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Monday, January 5
Hike: Silver Peak's Lion's Den
Requires a very early start and $10 for a very long carpool. Silver Peak Wilderness is as beautiful as the Ventana Wilderness, so please come and join me on this strenuous 12-mile hike. Must call leader a week in advance for meeting place and time or call will not be returned. Leader: Esperanza Hernandez, 678-1968.

Tuesday, January 6
Hike: Glen Deven Ranch
Our 7-mile hike with 800' elevation gain takes us into a lovely canyon and along redwood-lined Garrapata Creek. After lunch, we'll explore the ranch house, a writer's studio, and then go out onto a ridge for spectacular views. Arrive early, leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Bring water & lunch. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, January 7
Hike: Nisene Marks
Floods, earthquakes, wildfires and logging with mills and railroads have shaped the history of this 10,000 acre park created in 1963. We'll enter the park from a trail in back of Aptos on a private road to the Old Growth Loop and the Oak Ridge Trail. Bring water and lunch for a stop along Aptos Creek mid-day. 8 miles with downhill at the beginning of the day and uphill at the end. Meet at Sears 41st Ave to carpool ($1) or call for directions to the trailhead. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.

A Point Barrow, Alaska polar bear struggles for survival. Photo by Jeff Barnes

Friday, January 9
Potluck & Slides: On the Edge— Species at Risk
This presentation is by Jeff Barnes, a widely-traveled wildlife photographer and an interpreter for the California State Parks. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring food to share and your own washable plate, cup, utensils, and serving utensils. We love home cooked meals or dessert, but store-bought items (minimum value $5) make great contributions too. This event will be hosted by Randy and Carin Chapin at 612 Arroyo Seco, Santa Cruz. For directions call the Chapins,
425-1749 or George, 335-7748.

Saturday, January 10
Hike: Wilder Ranch
Our hike takes us through open meadows and several beautiful forested areas. Lunch at the top of the Eucalyptus Loop with a sweeping ocean view. 10-mile loop, 900' elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $1 carpool. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475.

Saturday, January 10
Hike: Fort Ord Dunes
Finally, the Dunes west of the Highway are open and ready to be explored by us. We'll walk up the steep dunes through sand and over ice plant to the former site of the Fort Ord Officer's Club, then move south and eventually down to the beach. WeÔll look for a space between the dunes and come back on one of the old military roads. 6 miles (or longer if you want) with some struggling up and down the dunes. Bring water and lunch, hiking sticks, binoculars, and wear layers; it may be windy by the ocean. Heavy rain cancels. Meet in Seaside at Home Depot near the gas station at 10:00 a.m. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Tuesday, January 13
Senior Hike: Upper UCSC
This is a newer hike on new trails at UCSC. About 3 miles. Call leader for full description. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. To go direct, call leader. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Xavier Ballard, 430-8292.

Tuesday, January 13
Hike: Carmel to Pebble Beach
This nice lollypop loop begins in Carmel and leads into the quiet forest of Pebble Beach. Lunch gives us the option of a sandwich at Poppy Hills Golf Course. We'll hike 6-1/2 miles with 750' elevation gain. Arrive early, we leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, January 14
Hike: Sierra Azul Mt. Umunhum Area
We'll be hiking right below 3,486' Mt. Umunhum (considered a sacred mountain by the Ohlone) along the Bay Area Ridge Trail which will eventually circle all of the bay area. The preserve has more than 17,000 acres of unspoiled rugged, steep terrain. We'll hike along a wide trail with scenic views of the south bay. Since we are on the top of the ridge, we'll pass over deep ravines and riparian corridors with seasonal or year-round water flow. We'll hike out to Mt. El Sombroso and return on the same trail for a 10-mile hike from the end of Hicks Road in Almaden. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:00 a.m. or park at the trailhead at the top of Hicks Road at 10:00 a.m. Carpool: $4. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.

Wednesday, January 14
Santa Cruz County Group Executive Committee meeting
The Santa Cruz County Group Executive Committee meets at 7:00 pm at the Group's office, 1001 Center St. Call 426-4453 if you need directions.

Saturday, January 17
Hike: Carmel Valley to Jack's Peak
A short but interesting hike up Roach Canyon in Carmel Valley, up a moderate incline to Jack's Peak. Let's try to work off a little of that remaining holiday excess. 6 miles, with 1000' elevation gain. Possible return via Martin Canyon if brush isn't too overgrown. Possible short car shuttle. Meet at Save Mart/Bagel Bakery at 10:00 a.m. to carpool. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.

Saturday, January 17
Hike: Lick Observatory and Joseph Grant Park
This will be a tour of UC's Mt. Hamilton site (elevation 4200') and observatories, including wonderful views of the Bay Area, Central Valley, and possibly the Sierra Nevada. We'll also see the 36" refractor installed in 1888. A walk into the upper reaches of Joseph Grant Park will be included, time allowing. Because of the long and windy drive, the carpool is $6 so drivers won't be discouraged. Carsick-prone people may want to drive themselves. 1000' elevation gain and 8 miles. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center to carpool. Call Nick to confirm. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Sunday, January 18
Walk: Point Lobos
Let's hope for a clear day to enjoy a mosey round Whaler's Cove exploring the human and natural history of this gorgeous place. Easy-paced mile or so with spectacular views. Bring a snack, water, optional binoculars, and dress in layers. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Rio Road Park and Ride. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.

Sunday, January 18
Hike: Wilder Ranch
We'll hike through the green meadows with great views and plenty of sun in this cooler part of the year. 8-10 mile loop to the top of Wilder Ranch with 1000' elevation gain. Bring food and water. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Santa Cruz County Government center at 9:00 a.m. Only the heaviest of rain cancels! Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, January 20
Senior Walk: West Cliff
We'll walk from Lighthouse Field to Natural Bridges to visit the monarchs in the eucalyptus grove, then take the Nature Trail to Moore Creek Lagoon returning for lunch at Visitors Center. Easy 4 miles. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at 9:50 a.m. at Lighthouse Field parking lot across from Surfing Museum. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Jean Harrison, 425-5447.

Tuesday, January 20
Hike: Nisene Marks
Join us on the West Ridge Trail loop. 7 miles with 1000' elevation gain through a lovely, shaded forest. We might even spot the fetid adders tongue, one of our earliest wildflowers. Arrive early, leave at 8:45 a.m. sharp from Shell station by Home Depot in Seaside or leave from parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30 a.m. Bring water & lunch. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Saturday, January 24
Hike: NISENE MARKS
Hike begins at George's Picnic Area and up through the beautiful redwoods along West Ridge Trail. Lunch at Hoffman's Historic Site. Return by the Loma Prieta Grade. 8-mile loop, 900' gain. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:30 a.m. or the lot behind Aptos Station at 9:45 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $2 carpool. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475.

Sunday, January 25
Hike: Salinas River State Beach
We'll hike 4 miles south along the pristine Salinas River State Beach to the mouth of the river in the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge. After a short break, we'll hike back for an optional lunch at Phil's seafood restaurant in Moss Landing. Excellent opportunities to view shorebirds and marine mammals. From Hwy. 1, take Moss Landing Rd. to Sandholdt Rd. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot on the left after crossing the bridge. (Do not take Potrero Rd. to the wrong parking lot!) 8 flat miles. Rain cancels. Leader: Eugene Sobka, 449-0873.

Tuesday, January 27
Senior Walk: Rio Del Mar/ Seacliff Beach
Hiker's choice of a level 4-mile walk along Seacliff and Rio Del Mar or up Cliff Dr. along a neighborhood for 1 mile and back down to the beach along a little-known path. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave or at Rio Del Mar by Rio Cafe at 9:50 a.m. Dress for weather. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Rain cancels. Leader: Beverly Meschi, 475-4185.

Tuesday, January 27
Hike: Bluff Camp
This lovely 8-mile hike with 600' elevation gain takes us behind the Los Padres reservoir and along the upper Carmel River with one unbridged crossing. Lunch beside the river at Bluff Camp. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, January 28
Hike: Castle Rock
It's a drive up Hwy. 9 to this park on Skyline Blvd. but well worth it for the views of Monterey Bay and spectacular rock outcroppings. This park and its Goat Rock are well known by rock climbers. Our 9-mile hike takes us down to Castle Rock Falls and to the campground for lunch. We'll return through madrone and oak chaparral on the Ridge Trail. The weathering of the sandstone gives it a honeycomb texture called ÒtafoniÓ which is found in only a few places in the world. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:00 a.m. (carpool $4.) or in the parking lot of the park at 10:00 a.m. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.

Thursday, January 29
Chapter Executive Committee meeting
The Chapter Executive Committee meets at 7:30 pm. Call Chair Rita Dalessio at 659-7046 for meeting place.

Saturday, January 31
Hike: Windy Hill
Windy Hill is west of Palo Alto. We'll do a perimeter loop of 10-11 miles with 1700' elevation gain (up and down Skyline Ridge). Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center to carpool. Call Nick for additional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Sunday, February 1
Hike: Soberanes Creek/Rocky Ridge
We'll follow the Soberanes Creek Trail into a verdant redwood grove, then climb steeply to grassy knolls for great views at lunch. We'll descend Rocky Ridge with more fine views. 5-mile loop with 1700' elevation gain. Boots recommended; hiking poles helpful. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Rio Road Park & Ride at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. Call for reservation. Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908.

Monday, February 2
Hike: Toro Park
A good time to hike this park. It is one that is a sizzler in the summer. It will be a long challenging and beautiful hike. Early start and plan to spend the whole day. You must call me a week in advance for meeting place and time or call will not be returned. Leader: Esperanza Hernandez, 678-1968.

Tuesday, February 3
Hike: Nisene Marks
See Tuesday, January 20 for details.

Wednesday, February 4
Hike: Pogonip
Pogonip Creek and Redwood Creek run right through an area of redwoods and remnants of the coastal prairie between the commercial area off Hwy. 9 and the UCSC campus. It is a habitat of special value given its proximity to the urban center of Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Mission brought settlers to the area in 1791, and was controlled by Mexico in the early 1800s. Only 3 virgin redwoods remain in Pogonip today. Limestone quarries and limekilns are still intact, and we will hike on the roadbed connecting them. We'll start hiking where the Casa del Rey Golf Club was located in 1912 which became a famous polo field in the 1930s. Bring lunch and water for our 8-mile hike. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:00 a.m. or at the end of Golf Club Drive off Hwy. 9 at 9:20 a.m. Carpool $1. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.

Friday, February 6
Hike: Pinnacles
Starting on the west side, we'll hike an 8-mile circle that takes in the highlights of this fascinating National Monument: Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Balconies and Caves. Expect wonderful views and moderately strenuous terrain that includes narrow, steep and maybe wet stretches. Leisurely pace. Bring lunch, water, sturdy shoes and a flashlight for the caves. Meet at MPC parking lot A at 8:30 a.m. (bring change for parking) or Chaparral parking lot, West Pinnacles, at 10:00 a.m. (National Park Service entrance fee). Rain Cancels. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton 372 7427.

Saturday, February 7
Hike: Fall Creek
Enjoy the wintry beauty of Fall Creek. 9-mile loop, 1200' elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center parking lot at 9:30 a.m. or at Felton Faire at 9:50 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $2 carpool. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475.

Saturday, February 7
Hike: Jack's Peak
We'll walk around Jack's Peak clockwise, starting at the elementary school on Olmstead Road (near Monterey airport). 6 miles with less than 1000' elevation gain. Beautiful views of Monterey and Point Lobos. Bring water and lunch. Heavy rain cancels, dribble doesn't count. Dress for winter weather. Confirm by calling. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Sunday, February 8
Hike: Pinnacles
Now that the weather has cooled is the best time to visit my favorite place to hike! Always wonderful views, amazing geologic formations, and usually dryer than the coast. 10 miles with 1200' elevation gain. Bring food and water. Call leader for carpool information. No rain cancellation! Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, February 10
Senior Walk: Sunset Beach
We'll walk both the bluffs and the beach. Moderate 4-mile walk with little steep hills. Dress for weather. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Sunset Beach at the kiosk parking lot at 9:50 a.m. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Rain cancels. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803.

Wednesday, February 11
Santa Cruz County Group Executive Committee meeting
The Santa Cruz County Group Executive Committee meets at 7:00 pm at the Group's office, 1001 Center St. Call 426-4453 if you need directions.

Friday, February 13
Potluck & Slides: Costa Rica
Costa Rica —a nature Photographer's paradise— is a slide show by world traveler Vilma Siebers. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring food to share and your own washable plate, cup, utensils, and serving utensils. We love home cooked meals or dessert, but store-bought items (minimum value $5) make great contributions too. For directions call George, 335-7748.

Thursday, February 26
Chapter Executive Committee meeting
The Chapter Executive Committee meets at 7:30 pm. Call Chair Rita Dalessio at 659-7046 for meeting place.

Sunday - Friday, April 5 - 10
Service trip: Carrizo Plain
This National Monument is famous for open spaces, for abundant wildlife, and for its springtime wildflowers. Fences significantly restrict the movement of the resident pronghorn antelope, and we will modify and remove fences for their benefit. Welcome hike on April 5, three and a half days of service, and a full day for exploring the monument. Use of accommodations at Goodwin Ranch included. Limited to 12 participants; $30 covers 5 dinners. For more information, contact leader: Craig Deutsche, , or co-leader Melinda Goodwater, , (408-774-1257).

Spring and Summer
Channel Island trips
Planning a vacation this May or during the summer? Consider a trip to the Channel Islands with a ranger/naturalist who will lead hikes and give talks. Fundraising event for Sierra Club political programs in California. Dates are May 1-4, July 17-20, August 7-10, and September 11-14. Cost is $950 which includes bunk and all meals. For more info contact Joan Jones Holtz, 11826 The Wye Street, El Monte, CA 91732, .

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