Tuesday, June 2

Hike: Mill Creek Redwood Preserve
This 5 mile hike with 250' elevation gain takes us along a beautifully terraced trail to a spectacular coastal overlook. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Friday, June 5
Hike: West Molera
We'll hike up Hidden Trail and Ridge Trail enjoying views of Pico Blanco and Post Summit. 8 miles with 1200' elevation gain. After lunch we descend via the Panorama Trail and Bluff Trail, with views of the ocean and Point Sur. Bring lunch, water, and a sweater or windbreaker as the ocean breeze can be cold even at this time of year. Optional: bring sandals or aqua shoes for a possible river crossing. Meet at the Rio Road Park & Ride at 9:30 a.m. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372-7427.

Saturday, June 6
Hike: Mt. Madonna County Park
Find more mariposas in our local foothills behind Watsonville. 6 miles with 1200' elevation gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Mar Monte exit in Aptos to carpool. Call Nick for additional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Saturday, June 6
Walk: Ft. Ord Dunes S.P.
Let's explore our newest state park and see what's to be seen on a short beach walk. Getting there is half the fun. Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the parking lot on the east side of Hwy. 1, near the site of Stilwell Hall. From the Lightfighter exit off Hwy. 1, go left on 2nd Ave., left again on 1st Street, and follow the signs along 5th Street to the 8th Street bridge. It's a funky approach to a state park, but the park itself is worth finding, and it's free! Call the leader by Friday if you'd rather ride with her from some central meeting point. Dress in layers, bring water, a snack, and optional binoculars. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.

Sunday, June 7
Walk: Carmel River Beach
How about an early morning walk from Carmel River Beach to Monastery Beach via the hill and back via the Bluff Trail. Enjoy views of Point Lobos and listen to the surf. 3 miles. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; wind breaker recommended. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the parking lot at Carmel River Beach at the lagoon (south end of Carmelo in Carmel). Call leader to reserve a space and for meeting time. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Pinnacles National Monument offers rock spires, shear-walled canyons, oak woodlands, and over 16,000 acres of designated wilderness. Photo by Erica Crawford

Sunday, June 7
Hike: Pinnacles by Moonlight
Hiking the Pinnacles by the light of the moon is a very euphoric experience. It gives you the feeling one might have on another planet. It is therapeutic for the mind and soul. It is mesmerizing. The weather will be perfect for an ancient volcano hike. Call a week in advance, so your call can be answered. 10-12 miles. Leader: Esperanza Hernandez, 678-1968.

Sunday, June 7
Hike: Vicente Flat
Closed for most of the last year due to fire the trail is even better thanks to the hard work of the VWA. Sweeping coastal views, cool breezes, great wildflowers and unusually free of poison oak. An interesting look at what the fire has taken and left, we'll hike 10 miles with 2000' elevation gain to the camp and back. Wear layers, sturdy boots and bring 2 bottles of water and lunch. Leaving at sears 41st ave at 7:15 or meet at the Rio Road park and ride at 8:00. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, June 9
Senior Hike: Loch Lomond
We'll start at Glen Corrie picnic area which is the first parking lot on the right after entrance, then walk down to the launch ramp area, and along lakeside to a picnic area for lunch. Some steep hills. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Felton Faire before 9:50 a.m. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool and share of entrance fee. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803.

Tuesday, June 9
Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve
On this 7-mile loop with 2000' elevation gain we hope to see the unusual "Golden Ear Drops."� We'll take our strenuous hike at an easy pace through a redwood forest along a lovely creek up to vistas overlooking the rugged Garrapata and Big Sur coastlines. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we'll depart at 8:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, June 10
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.

Tower Butte. Photo by Judy Frosch

Friday, June 12
Potluck & Slides
Judy Frosch, traveler-photographer-kayaker, will show unique slides of Lake Powell taken during twenty-five separate weeks spent on the lake during a four-year period. 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. Donations of $1 or more for projector maintenance would be appreciated.

Saturday, June 13
Hike: Medicine Buddha to Nisene Marks
Join me on this beautiful trail from Medicine Buddha to Nisene Marks. This hike involves a car shuttle. We'll begin at the Medicine Buddha Center, turn off on a connector into Nisene Marks, then end at Porter's picnic area. Lunch will be at Hoffman's Historic Site. 8 miles with 1100' elevation gain. Please call for more details. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 428-2796.

Saturday, June 13
Walk: Pebble Beach-Asilomar
This will be a 4-mile loop, starting on neighborhood streets and then thru dunes between fairways, out to Point Joe and back along the beach boardwalk. Quiet neighborhood, beach wildflowers, possible wildlife. Meet across from the Fishwife Restaurant on Sunset Drive and Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove. Call to reserve a place and for meeting time. Bring snack and water. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Sunday, June 14
Walk: Soberanes Coastal Flowers
On our 5-mile walk with 600' elevation gain we'll explore the diversity of Soberanes Point coastal shrub flowers and then the riparian and redwood forest plants of Soberanes canyon. Wildflower enthusiast Bob Hale will be along to discuss the various plant communities and flowers. Arrive early; we'll depart at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Bring water & lunch. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Tuesday, June 16
Senior Hike: Soberanes/Garrapata
Scenic 3-mile walk with lunch on cliffs. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. To go direct, Soberanes is on Hwy. 1, 7.3 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. Look for a grove of cypress trees on the right. There is parking along the road on ocean side. Primitive rest-room. Dress for weather. Bring lunch, sit-upon, water, $5 carpool. Leader: Brooke Ewoldsen, 475-6188.

Thursday, June 18
Hike: Garzas Creek
Our 4-� 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; we'll depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Saturday, June 20
Hike: Butano
Hike through a green canyon between steep ridges. We'll make a loop up the Jackson Flats trail and down the Doe Ridge Trail. Enjoy a sweeping view from the lunch stop at the top of the ridge. Bring water and lunch for the 10-mile hike with 1200' elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 9:30 a.m. to carpool or at the picnic area just past the ranger Kiosk at Butano State Park off Hwy. 1 at 10:30 a.m. Leader: George Jammal, 335-7748.

Sunday, June 21
Hike: Henry Cowell to Wilder
A long meandering hike from the giant redwoods to the oak chaparral, we'll hike from the cool shade of Henry Cowell across the San Lorenzo River, through UCSC to great coastal views on our way towards Hwy. 1. We'll see what's left of the wildflowers. About 12 miles, 1000' elevation gain. Please call for shuttle information by Friday evening. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, June 23
Senior Walk: Capitola Stairs
We'll go up and down stairs (short & long) in Capitola to Depot Hill. 3 miles. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Jade Street Park. Bring water and lunch or eat at one of restaurants in Capitola. Restrooms. Leader: Pat Herzog, 458-9841.

Tuesday, June 23
Hike: Land of Medicine Buddha
This 6-mile loop with 500' elevation gain includes a lovely redwood forest and a beautiful creek. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water and a snack. Arrive early; we'll depart at 8:30 a.m. sharp from Shell station by Home Depot in Seaside or from the back parking lot of the Congregational Church of Soquel at 9:20 a.m. sharp. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Thursday, June 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, June 27
Hike: Arroyo Seco
We'll hike to the old Girl Scout Camp swimming hole for a dip and see what effect the Big Sur fire has had on the watershed. This is the hottest hike I do, so don't do it if you are not heat tolerant. Bring lots of water, and be prepared to walk in water and jump in the swimming hole. Sorry boys, don't expect to see Girl Scouts swimming (except our own), as the Camp was closed more than 30 years ago. 6 miles and a hot 1000' elevation gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Mar Monte exit in Aptos to carpool. Call for more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff 462-3101.

Sunday, June 28
Hike: Soberanes Creek/Rocky Ridge
This 5-mile loop with 1700' elevation gain features great terrain variety. We'll follow the Soberanes Creek Trail into the verdant redwood grove, then climb steeply to grassy knolls for the spectacular view at lunch. Then we descend Rocky Ridge with more fine views. 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.

Tuesday, June 30
Senior Hike: Fall Creek
Shady 3-mile hike in redwood forest partly along creek. Some moderate uphill, rocky in places. Lunch at limestone kilns. After lunch we'll do another mile or so. No restrooms. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Felton Faire near Safeway before 9:50 a.m. To go direct, park in Empire Grade lot up from Hwy. 9. Bring water, lunch, repellant, and $3 carpool. Leader: Beverly Meshi, 475-4185.

Tuesday, June 30
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 and a writer's studio, and then go out onto a Ridge for spectacular views. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Friday, July 3
Hike: Redwood Cyn/Garland Park
We'll hike tree-canopied trails in the East Garzas section of Garland Park in Carmel Valley: Garzas Canyon, Redwood Canyon, and Terrace Trails. Leisurely-paced 4 miles with 500' elevation gain. Bring lunch and water. A hiking pole or two will be helpful for the steeper parts. Meet at Rio Road Park and Ride at 9:30 a.m. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372-7427.

Saturday, July 4
Swim/Hike: Arroyo Seco
This outing has also been called an amphibious hike. We start at the Arroyo Seco parking lot and hike about 3 miles to get into the water. We'll wade and walk upstream through several small waterfalls, then have to swim through deep ponds and the narrow gorge to reach the big waterfall. When we are lucky, we'll climb it and enjoy lunch further up in the sun. Only real good swimmers and energetic hikers are encouraged; kids over 12 years of age with parents are welcome. Put your food in double plastic zip lock bags in an old rucksack. Wear tennis shoes or water sandals with toe protection and a bathing suit underneath your hiking outfit. A rubber mattress or a floating device are nice to float downstream. Bring water, lunch, sunblock, and a hat. Bring $ for carpool. Reserve the whole day. Call for reservation and time. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Sunday, July 5
Walk: Limekiln S.P. or ??
There's nothing like a cool stroll in a redwood canyon on a hot summer day, and Limekiln S.P., 55 miles south of Carmel, has the best redwoods around. Sad to say, at this writing in early May, the park is closed because of last summer's fire, and doesn't answer the phone. So we'll have to wait for further information. Meanwhile, we'll plan to go down to Big Sur and have fun in the sun, shade, or fog in some nifty place. Where in Big Sur would not be fun? Call leader by Thursday, July 2, to see when and where to meet; by then she might know something! Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.

Tuesday, July 7
Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve
Our 6-mile hike with little elevation gain winds along Williams Creek through a serene redwood forest. We'll see a nice variety of ferns and flowers including spectacular Leopard Lilies. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we'll depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, July 8
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, July 10
Potluck & Slides
Rima Joseph will present slides from her multiple dives around Hawaii over the past few years. This event will be hosted by Randy and Carin at 612 Arroyo Seco, on the westside of Santa Cruz. For directions call George, 335-7748. 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. Donations of $1 or more for projector maintenance would be appreciated.

Friday - Sunday, July 10 - 12
Service Trip: Nevada Wilderness Restoration
Eastern Nevada's White Pine County has MANY new wilderness areas. We'll help the BLM's Ely office enhance wild values as we put up vehicle barriers, rehab old routes, or remove old guzzlers; specific area to be known later. 3-day car camp service trip with Vicky Hoover; central commissary ($15); or 415-977-5527.

Saturday, July 11
Hike: Big Basin
We'll hike the Trail Beautiful, Meteor and Hollow Tree loop. This is one of the Park's oldest trail loops, so old that State Parks has renamed Trail Beautiful to something much less romantic. Expect a probably hot 8 miles with about 1200' elevation gain, steep in places. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center to carpool. Call for more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff 462-3101.

Saturday, July 11
Walk: Carmel River Beach
See June 7 for details.

Sunday, July 12
Hike: Soberanes Creek/Rocky Ridge
See June 28 for details.

Monday, July 13
Hike: Vicente Flat
Car shuttle will be needed for this wonderful hike. Mostly downhill with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Redwood Trees. We'll benefit from the magnificent, hard work Mike Heard, the VWA Trail crew leader, has done on this trail. HATS OFF TO MIKE! Call leader a week in advance for information. Leader: Esperanza Hernandez, 678-1968.

Tuesday, July 14
Senior Hike: Roaring Camp/Cowell
We'll walk from railroad cars thru Roaring Camp to trails and climb to top of Bear Mtn. where we'll have lunch. Restrooms. 3 miles with some uphill. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. To go direct, take Graham Hill Rd. to Roaring Camp, drive past Roaring Camp entrance to Roaring Camp Dr. on your right for parking. Bring water, lunch, $3 carpool. Leader: Helena Cantin, 438-4523.

Tuesday, July 14
Hike: Maple Falls
This 6-mile Nisene Marks hike with 700' elevation gain takes us through a lovely forest along beautiful creeks and eventually to serene Maple Falls. Some agility is required. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we'll depart at 8:45 a.m. sharp from Shell station by Home Depot in Seaside or from parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Thursday - Sunday, July 16 - 19
Backpack: Yosemite National Park
Experience the amazing Cathedral Lakes region, among the most sublime high-country areas in the park. This three-night, base camp outing is suitable for first timers as well as experienced backpackers. Individual commissary. Space for 8 only. Contact leader for details. Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908, .

Tuesday, July 21
Senior Walk: Wilder Bluffs
This is a reverse of our usual Wilder Bluff walk. We'll walk the bluffs for about 3 miles on easy, flat trails with great ocean views. Compost restroom. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Shen's Gallery at King & Mission Sts. before 9:50 a.m. To go direct, drive about 2 miles past Wilder Ranch entrance until you see a "Quilted Fish"� sign on your right. Park in lot to the left (repaved). Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Janet Schwind, 425-3845.

Tuesday, July 21
Hike: Pebble Beach
We'll hike a figure 8 through serene pine forests and open meadows of Pebble Beach. Lunch gives us the option of a Poppy Hills sandwich. 6-� miles, 850' elevation gain, moderate pace with flora & fauna stops. Arrive early; we'll depart at 9:30 a.m. sharp from the Safeway parking lot recycle shed on Hwy. 68 in Pacific Grove. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Saturday, July 25
Hike: Butano
Let's stay cool under the redwoods on an 8-10 mile moderately-paced hike in Butano State Park. Our total gain will be around 1200'. Please call for more details. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 428.2796.

Tuesday, July 28
Senior Hike: Nisene Marks
Shady 3-mile hike beginning at Marcel's Trail, cross creek and view twisted tree & hidden garden. Moderate ups and downs. Lunch at George's picnic area. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. To go direct, park at kiosk near park entrance. Primitive restroom. Bring lunch, water, repellent, $1 carpool and share of entrance fee. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803.

Tuesday, July 28
Hike: Nisene Marks
This 6-� mile loop on the Bridge Creek Trail in Nisene Marks with 900' elevation gain takes us through a lovely redwood forest and along beautiful creeks with several crossings. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we'll depart at 8:45 a.m. sharp from Shell station by Home Depot in Seaside or from parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

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

Saturday, August 1
Hike: Castle Rock
It's a drive up Hwy. 9 to this park on Skyline Boulevard, but it is well worth it for the views of the Monterey Bay and spectacular rock outcroppings. This park and its Goat Rock are well known by rock climbers, and the park has an interesting history. Our 9-mile hike will take us down to Castle Rock Falls and around to the campground for lunch. We will return through the madrone and oak chaparral on the Ridge Trail. Bring lunch and water and meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 9:00 a.m. (carpool $4) or in the parking lot of the park at 10:00 a.m. Leader: George Jammal, 335-7748.

Saturday, August 1
Hike: Pt. Lobos
We'll start this 4-mile hike around beautiful Point Lobos at the highway, to Whaler's Cove, out to the Pit and back, to the top of Whaler's Knoll and return via southern trails. There are usually wildflowers out and some wildlife to see. Meet at the Rio Road Park & Ride to carpool. Bring snack, water, and optional binoculars for close-ups of animal life. Call leader to reserve a space and for meeting time. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Tuesday, August 4
Hike: Jacks Peak
Jacks Peak offers quiet, forested trails with spectacular views of Monterey, the Bay, and Carmel Valley. 5-� miles with 700' elevation gain. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we'll depart at 9:30 a.m. sharp from the NW corner of Whole Foods parking lot in Monterey. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Friday, August 7
Hike: West Molera
See June 5 for details.

Saturday, August 8
Hike: Santa Cruz Mountains
Please call leader for the location and details of this hike or check the website for update. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 428-2796.

Sunday, August 9
Hike: Andrew Molera SP
We'll start by climbing the ridge to great coastal views and drop to the beach for a leisurly lunch on the sand. Afterwords we'll meander along the bluffs before wading across the Big Sur River and out to Molera Point for an interesting look towards the beach and a walk back via the Headlands trail. 10 miles 600' elevation gain. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen! Meet at Sears 41st ave at 8:00 or Rio Rd park and ride at 9:00. Leader John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, August 11
Hike: Mill Creek Preserve
This 5-� mile in-&-out hike through redwoods with 250' elevation gain takes us along a beautifully-terraced trail to a spectacular coastal overlook. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we'll depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, August 12
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.

Photo by Nancy Huguenard

Friday, August 14
Potluck & Slides
This presentation is from Nancy’s March 2009 safari in Tanzania with all of the usual African safari animals plus lots of birds and lots of telephoto close-ups. 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. Donations of $1 or more for projector maintenance would be appreciated. For directions call Nancy, 423-5509.

Monday, August 17
Hike: Pinnacles with Meteor Shower
The peak for the Perseid Meteor Shower will be around August 12, but there will be a full moon that might prevent us from seeing meteors then, so let's try on this date. Call for information a week in advance. Leader: Esperanza Hernandez, 678-1968.

Sunday & Monday, August 23 & 24
Lobby Day
Join Sierra Club members from all over California in Sacramento to lobby legislators for renewable energy, water conservation, improved air quality, and park protection. Training on Sunday and Monday work the halls of the Capitol. Contact Annie Pham, or 916-557-1100 x 107.

Thursday, August 27
Chapter Executive Committee meeting
The Chapter Executive Committee meets at 7:30 pm. Call Chair Rita Dalessio at 659-7046 for meeting place.

Summer
Channel Island trips
Planning a vacation this 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 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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