Sunday, August 10
Hike: Nisene Marks
Let's enjoy a long and strenuous hike, about 10-12 miles, 1500' elevation gain. It should be mostly shady and cool. Bring enough water and lunch. Meet in Monterey/Seaside at Home Depot at 8:30 a.m. or in Aptos at the park entrance at 9:00 a.m. Call leader before for car shuttle arrangements. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Tuesday, August 12
Senior Walk: Lighthouse Field/ Neary Lagoon
3-mile walk from Lighthouse Field to Neary Lagoon to Santa Cruz Wharf. Bring lunch or eat at one of the Wharf's restaurants. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Lighthouse Field parking area at 9:50 a.m. $2 carpool. Leader: Pat Herzog, 458-9841.

Tuesday, August 12
Hike: Ewoldson Trail
This gorgeous 4-1/2 mile lollipop loop with 1,600' elevation gain follows McWay Creek through dense coastal redwood forest to a panoramic overlook of the Big Sur coastline. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride, Carmel. Call for reservation; if trail still closed, we'll do something similar. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, August 13
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, August 15
Bike Ride: PG to Marina
Let's explore the links in the trail through Monterey and Sand City and see how they connect with Rec. Trail and the Fort Ord bike path. Meet at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove at 10:00 a.m. at the start of the Rec. Trail. Arrive with your bicycle in working condition with the tires properly inflated. Our route will be almost all on paved bike trails, with some streets at the Marina end and behind Costco in Sand City. Relatively flat ride with a few short, sharp hills. Be prepared for headwinds and some congestion on the trail, especially around Fisherman's Wharf. 30 miles at a leisurely pace. Helmets mandatory. Bring water and lunch to eat at Lock Paddon Park in Marina. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Saturday, August 16
Hike: Pescadero Creek Co. Park
An 11-1/2 mile hike through this 6500-acre redwood-forested watershed along one of the major creeks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We'll hike the Old Haul Road Trail and sections of the Pomponio, Bear Ridge, Canyon and Tarwater Loop Trails. See old-growth redwoods and deposits of tar in Tarwater creek. This is a reschedule of a hike canceled in May. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 8:30 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $6 carpool. Leader: Ed Gilbert, 685-8389.

Saturday, August 16
Moonlight hike: Pinnacles
We'll start with a potluck dinner at the campground and begin our hike around 6:00 p.m. Should still be warm enough to wear short sleeves for the entire hike. Pinnacles is a great place for a night hike given the unique geologic features and open sky making it easy to walk by moonlight. Not to be missed! $5 fee for camping and pancake breakfast. Call for reservation early. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253 or .

Sunday, August 17
Walk: Carmel River Beach
How about a Saturday morning saunter from Carmel River Beach to Monastery Beach, returning via the bluff trail? Enjoy breathtaking views of Point Lobos and listen to the surf. 3 miles. Wear comfortable shoes; dress for the weather, wind breaker recommended. Bring water and snack. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the parking lot at Carmel River Beach at the lagoon (south end of Carmelo in Carmel). Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Tuesday, August 19
Senior Hike: Rincon Trail
This is a new hike from the Rincon parking lot on Hwy. 9 to the Pogonip. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at the Rincon parking lot on Hwy. 9. Bring lunch, water, $3 carpool. Leader: Helena Cantin, 438-4253.

Tuesday, August 19
Hike: Nisene Marks
This 6-1/2 mile loop on the Bridge Creek Trail 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 leave at 8:45 a.m. sharp from gas station by Home Depot in Seaside. Leave from parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Call for reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Saturday, August 23
Walk: Elkhorn Slough Reserve
This slough was once the outflow point for the Central Valley's Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers to the Pacific Ocean (the western Sierra Nevada watershed) before the San Andreas Fault broke the Golden Gate geologic ridge a long time ago. 5-6 miles with 500' elevation gain. $2.50/ person entrance fee + carpool contribution. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Hwy. 1 Mar Monte exit to carpool. Call Nick for additional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Sunday, August 24
Hike: Salinas River State Beach
We'll hike 4 miles south from 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 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 miles with no elevation gain. Leader: Eugene Sobka, 449-0873.

Tuesday, August 26
Senior Walk: Pot Belly Beach
Leader will take us along the back way down to the beach past museum and Cement Ship. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. To go direct, take Hwy. 1 to Park Ave. exit, right at stop sign to Kennedy. Park on street. Bring lunch, water, $1 carpool. Restrooms available. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803.

Tuesday, August 26
Hike: Mill Creek
This 5-1/2 mile in-& out 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 leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride, Carmel. Call for reservation; If trail closed, we'll do something similar. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Thursday, August 28
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 30
Hike: Big Basin
From Big Basin Park Hdqrs., we'll go up Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail to East Ridge Trail and back with lunch at Sky Meadow. 8 miles with 600' elevation gain. Bring lunch, water. Wear good hiking boots. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 9:30 a.m., at Felton Faire at 10:00 a.m., or at Park Hdqrs. at 11:00 a.m. Leader: George Jammal, 706-4233.

Sunday, August 31
Hike: Soberanes Creek/Rocky Ridge
This is a 5-mile loop with 1700' elevation gain. 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. 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, September 2
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, we leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday - Saturday, September 3 - 6
Backpack: Yosemite
Visit the Cathedral Lakes region, among the most sublime high-country areas in the park. This 3-night, basecamp outing is suitable for first timers as well as experienced backpackers. Individual commissary. Contact me for details. Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908, or .

Saturday, September 6
Hike: Nisene Marks
6 miles with car-shuttle from Cabrillo College to the Safeway in Aptos. We'll take the Scout Trail up over the ridge to the Aptos Creek Fire Road then follow the Split-Stuff, Vienna Woods, Terrace and Oak Ridge Trails to the Old-Growth Loop Trail in the Marcell's Forest section of the park. View the fascinating Twisted Grove, and the grove with the largest old-growth redwoods in the park. We end with a trek along the Aptos Rancho Trail past a gorgeous vertical fern grove. One shallow, unbridged creek crossing. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $1 carpool. Leader: Ed Gilbert, 685-8389.

Saturday, September 6
Hike: Fort Ord Dunes
Let's explore the new State Park, Fort Ord Dunes. Hopefully it will have opened. There is a short boardwalk up to the dunes, several level old roads or trails parallel to the highway, and dunes down to the ocean. 6-mile loop. Walking through the sand may be strenuous but a lot of fun. Bring water, lunch, binoculars for bird watching. Meet at Seaside Home Depot at 9:00 a.m. Definitely call before. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Tuesday, September 9
Senior Hike: Cabrillo College
This is a new hike. About 3 miles with uphill. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. Bring lunch, water, $1 carpool. Leader: Brooke Ewoldsen, 475-6188.

Tuesday, September 9
Hike: Glen Deven
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 hike out onto a ridge for spectacular views. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, we leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for reservation. Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, September 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.

Sunday, September 14
Hike: Pogonip
We'll see the haunted meadow, sacred oak, kilns, and other thrilling sights. 6 miles. Bring lunch and water. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center. Leader: Sheila Dunniway, 336-2325.

Sunday, September 14
Hike: Palo Corona Ranch
Rescheduling the July 6 hike, we'll hike up and down ranch roads and arrive, via one route or another, at the Corona Cabin for lunch. Hopefully none of the ranch will have burned, and we'll have the usual splendid views of the Santa Lucia foothills. Be prepared for 10-12 miles and 2000' elevation gain. Call for reservation and other information. Leader: Larry Parrish: 622-7455.

Sunday, September 14
Walk: Asilomar-Pebble Beach
A 4-mile loop starting on neighborhood streets and then thru dunes out to Point Joe and back along the beach boardwalk. Beach wildflowers, possible wildlife to be seen. Meet across from the Fishwife Restaurant on Sunset Dr. and Asilomar Blvd. in Pacific Grove at 9:00 a.m. Back about noon. Bring water and a snack. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Tuesday, September 16
Senior Hike: Point Lobos
Leader's favorite place. Park at Whaler's Cove, and hike the North Shore Trail, Allen Cypress Grove, Sand Hill Trail to Piney Woods for lunch. About 3 miles on good trails with some moderate uphill. Heavy poison oak. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Whaler's Cove about 10:30 a.m. Dress for weather. Bring lunch, water, $6 carpool, and share of entrance fee. Leader: Pat Herzog, 458-9841.

Tuesday, September 16
Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve
This 4-1/2 mile loop with 900' elevation gain has 8 bridged creek crossings, a redwood forest and spectacular views. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water and lunch. Arrive early, we leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Saturday, September 20
Hike: Quail Hollow/ Loch Lomond
A 7-mile combination hike including a 3-1/2 mile trek through Quail Hollow Ranch Park and a 3-1/2 mile trek through Loch Lomond Reservoir Park. Quail Hollow, with its sandy and rocky terrain, has views of Ponderosa Pine (rare relics of cooler and moister times), second-growth redwoods, and mature dwarf redwoods that grow only 18-20 feet high. After a moderate shuttle to Loch Lomond, with its gorgeous reservoir, we'll hike through a mixed second-growth redwood, madrone and oak forest and along the reservoir banks. Bring plenty of water, lunch, $4 carpool, and share of entry fees. Meet at Santa Cruz County Government Center at 9:30 a.m. or at Felton Faire at 10:00 a.m. Leader: Ed Gilbert, 685-8389.

Saturday, September 20
Walk: Point 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 Lace Lichen trail. There are usually wildflowers still out and some wildlife to see. Meet at SaveMart on Carmel Rancho Blvd. at 9:00 a.m. for a short carpool. Bring snack, water, and optional binoculars for close-ups of animals. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Sunday, September 21
Hike: Big Basin
Time for the ÒSea to Tree trailÓ again. We'll take the bus from downtown Santa Cruz to park headquarters. Always a great, mostly downhill hike to the sea, through the redwoods to the waterfalls. 14 miles. Meet at the Metro Center at 8:20 a.m. Must have exact fare for bus. Call for more details. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.

Tuesday, September 23
Senior Hike: Waddell/Big Basin
5 miles on tree-lined dirt roads. Sun & shade. Some uphill. We'll take the Marsh Trail to Nature Center for lunch. Prepare for sun, heat, dust, fog, or wind. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at 9:50 a.m. at Shen's (Mission & King). Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803.

Tuesday, September 23
Hike: Point Lobos
Our 6-mile grand loop with minimal elevation gain takes us along tree-clad headland trails with magnificent views. We're certain to see a variety of wildlife & wildflowers. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, we leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for reservation; if trail closed, we'll do something similar. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Thursday, September 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, September 27
Hike: Big Basin
Sempervirens Fund is currently pursuing an acquisition which will allow us access the Chalks Trail fire road north of Chalk Mtn. to the most remote areas of Big Basin SP up to the former Sandy Point Fire Station at the top of Gazos Creek Rd. 7 miles with 1100' elevation gain. Some uphill off-trail scrambling, which means boots, long pants, and a hiking stick (optional). If that hike is not possible, we'll walk up to Chalk Mtn. from Whitehouse Canyon Rd. (same distance, 1300' uphill). Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Center to carpool. Call Nick to find out status. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.

Saturday - Sunday, September 27 - 28
Service trip: Carrizo Plain
Your opportunity to visit and to assist an outstanding and relatively unknown national monument. Saturday is National Public Lands Day and we'll assist monument staff and join with other volunteers working on improvements for the Selby Campground. Sunday is for recreation. Our group will plan a moderate hike in the Caliente Mountains. The views are spectacular, and the monument is known for its number and variety of raptors. Contact leader Craig Deutsche, 310-477-6670, .

Sunday, September 28
Hike: Salinas River State Beach
See August 24 for details. Leader: Eugene Sobka, 449-0873.

Tuesday, September 30
Senior Hike: Rincon/UCSC
3 miles starting at the Rincon parking area on Hwy. 9. through one corner of Pogonip and up onto UCSC along Fuel Break Rd. to Chinquapin Rd. Lunch in wooded area by dorms. Lots of uphill. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or go direct to Rincon parking area. Bring lunch, water, $3 carpool. Leader: Brooke Ewoldsen, 475-6188.

Tuesday, September 30
Hike: Tan Bark Trail
Our strenuous 8-mile in-and-out hike with 2000' elevation gain parallels Partington Creek, then through redwoods to the Tin House. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Lunch with spectacular views of the Big Sur Coast. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, we leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for reservation; if trail closed after the fire, we'll do something similar. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Saturday, October 4
Hike: El Corte de Madera Preserve
A 9-mile loop starting from the entrance parking area on Star Hill Road. We'll hike the El Corte De Madera Creek Trail 3.6 miles to the main entrance near Skegg's Point on Skyline Blvd. Then the Tafoni, Fir, and Methusela Trails back to our start. Along the Tafoni Trail we'll take a side trip to a large sandstone formation with shallow caves and honeycomb depressions reminiscent of outcroppings at Castle Rock State Park, though it seems to be made of softer and more fragile material. Spectacular views to the sea along the ridge top and near the creek headwaters. The canyons are filled with second-growth redwoods and Douglas fir. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 8:30 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and $8 carpool. Leader: Ed Gilbert, 685-8389.

Saturday, October 4
Hike: Soquel Demo Forest
This large forest is situated north and above Nisene Marks. Strenuous 10-mile loop with 1500' elevation gain on forest roads and trails, mostly shaded, shared with mountain bikers. Bring water and lunch, snacks for breaks. Meet in Seaside at Home Depot at 8:30 a.m. or at the Corralitos Meat Market at 9:15 a.m. Definitely call before. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Sunday, October 5
Hike: Los Padres National Forest
Depending on the extent of the recent forest fires in our National Forest, we'll hike somewhere in the northern sections of Los Padres. Either Devil's Peak, Danish Creek, Big Pines, or Bluff Camp. Expect 8-12 miles and 2000' elevation gain. Please call within a week of this hike to confirm the location, meeting time & place, etc. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.

Tuesday, October 7
Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve
6-mile hike with little elevation gain along Williams Creek through a serene redwood forest. We'll see a nice variety of ferns and flowers. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, we leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Wednesday, October 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, October 10
Bike Ride: Pebble Beach
Meet at 10:00 a.m. outside the Fishwife restaurant in Pacific Grove (Hwy. 68 and Asilomar Blvd.) Please arrive with your bicycle in working condition with the tires properly inflated. We'll ride along paved streets for about 15 miles, enjoying ocean scenery and stopping at viewpoints. About 2 hours. Helmets mandatory. Bring a lunch to eat at the end of the ride in the leaders' back garden. Hosts will provide cups of English tea. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

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


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