The Loma Prietan
November 2002
Activities Calendar
Backpacking
Explore the California wilderness. For one
year of newsletter send $12 check to Backpack Section, Ginny Fleming, 887 Roble Avenue
#3, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Complimentary newsletter sent upon request. Meetings are held second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Steve Stearns chair, 650/941-8676.
Day Hiking
All hikes by the Day Hiking Section are open to the general public--Sierra Club membership is not required. All participants are required
to sign a standard liability waiver. The hike schedule is available at www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/dayhiking/. Hikers new to the group are required to call the hike leader
in advance. The hike rating system is as follows:
Distance:
2 = 5-10 miles
3 = 10-15 miles
4 = 15-20 miles
5 = 20-25 miles |
Elevation:
B = 1000-2000 feet
C = 2000-3000 feet
D = 3000-4000 feet
E = 4000-5000 feet |
Nov. 2 Tennessee Valley Sat. 4E. From Tennesse Valley, we'll hike to Muir Beach and on to Cardiac Hill on the slopes of Mount Tam, then down through Muir Woods and across the road to the Dipsea Trail for a return via the Miwok, Coyote, and Fox trails, with possibly a visit to the beach at the end of the day. Includes some unfamiliar trail segments, notably the Pirates' Cove Trail, Heather Cutoff, and Coyote Trail. Meet at Edgewood & I-280 P&R 8 a.m. or at the Tennessee Cove trailhead at 9 a.m. Leaders: John Wilkinson 408/947-0858 or jwilkinsonca@sbcglobal.net;
Nancy Fitzsimmons 408/957-9683 or pkclimber@aol.com.
Nov. 9 Sanborn to Saratoga Gap Sat. 4D. About 18 miles and 3,800 feet of elevation gain. From Sanborn we'll climb up to Skyline Ridge and through Castle Rock State Park, up to Saratoga Gap and back along the Skyline Trail. Please call the leader if you have not hiked with this group before. No-host carpool at Page Mill and I-280 P&R 7:30 a.m. or meet 8 a.m. at Sanborn County Park in the lower parking lot (first right after kiosk). Parking is $4. Leader: Dee Booth rdbooth@att.net.
Nov. 9 Mt. Tamalpais Sat. 3C/4D. We will hike to the summit then down around the north side of the mountain. No-host carpool 7:30 a.m. at Edgewood & I-280 P&R, or meet at Mountain Home at 8:45 a.m. Contact leader
if you have not hiked with this group before.
Also listed with SF Bay Chapter. Leader: Richard Boyden 650/355-4168 richardboyden@earthlink.net.
Nov. 16 City Vistas Hike Sat. 4C. We will begin our adventure at the Sun Dial and find as many staircases, gardens and vistas possible as we make our way to Potrero Hill District for lunch and return with passage through St Francis Woods. Carpool: Edgewood and I-280 at 8 am. Leaders: Ruth Knotek 650/583-7466 and Fran Allen 408/996-1356.
Nov. 17 Fairfax Loop Sun. 3C. A beautiful hike on Mt. Tam's northside trails. Pace will be moderate-to-brisk. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Fairfax Parkade. Leader: Brian Chan 415/861-8956.
Nov. 23 Mt. Tam Sat. 3/4C. Join us for a hike that begins at Mtn. Home and on to the beach for lunch. We will return via the Dipsea Trail through Muir Woods. Call if you have not hiked with the group before. Suggested carpool: Edgewood and I-280 at 7:30 a.m. or meet at Mtn. Home at 8:40 a.m. Leaders: Fran Allen 408/996-1356 Dot Reilly 415/585-1380 (optional dinner afterward).
Nov. 28 Thanksgiving morning hike Thur. 2B. Meet at Windy Hill parking lot on Portola Road (near the Sequoias) in Portola Valley at 8:30 a.m. for a 9.5-mile hike. Heavy rain cancels. Maia Pindar 650/812-4019 (W),
650/367-1256 (H), maiapindar@yahoo.com.
Nov. 30 Black Mountain Sat 4C/D. Join us on this loop through Rancho San Antonio. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at rest rooms at Rancho San Antonio.
No-host carpool at Cubberly 7:15 a.m.
Leader: Roger Pantos 408/735-7821 rpantos@speakeasy.net.
Dec. 7 Henry Coe Sat. 4D. A loop hike from Gilroy Hot Springs to Coit Lake with a possible visit to Pacheco Falls, returning via the Cross Canyon trail. Route may vary depending on conditions. Moderate pace, stream crossings. Meet at 7:30 a.m. Cottle & Hwy 85 P&R or 8:30 a.m. Gilroy Hot Springs trailhead. Leaders: Landa Robillard 408/378-5311 (H), 408/496-5137 (W); John Wilkinson 408/947-0858 jfwilkinson@sbcglobal.net.
Dec. 7 Montara Mtn. Sat. 3C/4D. Commemorate the day on this enchanted mountain, with spectacular views from the summit in clear weather. Be prepared for steep climbs and variable coastal weather. No-host carpool 7:45 a.m. at Edgewood & I-280 P&R or meet at San Pedro Valley County Park visitor center, 600 Oddstad Blvd. in Pacifica, near the east end of Linda Mar Blvd. ($4 parking). Call leader if you have not hiked with the group before. Also listed with SF Bay Chapter.
Leader: Richard Boyden 650/355-4168 richardboyden@earthlink.net.
Family Outings
Family Outings sponsors some weekend activities that are not listed in this section.
If you are interested in adding your e-mail address to a distribution list to receive messages regarding late-breaking weekend outings, please send your e-mail address to Jo Ann Cobb at
jscobb@attbi.com or phone 650/693-9303.
Babes on Backs Thurs. 1A. On Thursdays, a
2-4 mile hike at a local park with children walking, in front or back packs, or in a jogging stroller. Leader: Sonya Bradski, 650/856-9366 or SonyanGary@juno.com.
More Babes on Backs Mon. 1A. On Mondays, a 2-4 mile hike at a local park with children in a back/front pack or jogging stroller. Please
note that there will be no hike on the second Monday of every month. Leader: Alison Hlady 408/481-9468, alisonhlady@yahoo.com.
Exploring Walkers 1A. Weekday afternoon hikes for four- to five-year-olds with a parent.
A 1-2 mile hike at a local park. Leader: Jo Ann Cobb 650/631-9303, jscobb@attbi.com.
Inner City Outings
ICO works with community agencies to provide outdoor activities to youth whose opportunities to participate is otherwise limited. Volunteers of all levels of commitment needed. Programs are with agencies throughout the Loma Prieta region. Mostly weekend trips include day hikes, backpacking, river rafting, and cross country skiing. Phone 408/236-3794.
Gay and Lesbian Sierrans
Visit the GLS Website at:
www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/gls/index.html.
Nov. 17 Henry Coe: Middle Ridge, Frog Lake Sun. 2B2. Enjoy a hike up Middle Ridge to Frog Lake at Henry W. Coe State Park. Bring water, lunch, hiking boots, an extra layer, and raingear. Heavy rain cancels. Meet 8:45 a.m.
at Cottle & Hwy. 85 P&R for carpooling. Leaders: Rob Yang hike@rhysw.com
or 408/930-4374; Sondra Moore sondra@411homerepair.com.
Dec. 7 Sierra Azul Hike Sat. 3C2. Enjoy grassland, oak and madrone forests, and views of the canyons and valley in the shadow of Mt. Umunhum on this briskly paced hike. Bring sturdy boots, water, lunch, an extra layer and raingear. Storm cancels, rain does not. Meet
9 a.m. at Camden & Hwy. 85 P&R for carpooling . Leader: Rob Yang 408/930-4374 or hike@rhysw.com.
Peak Climbing
The Peak Climbing Section (PCS) is a group of mountain climbers who rally around the shared enjoyment of being in the mountains and the thrill of climbing. Climbs are usually in the Sierra and don't require technical rock climbing. The PCS meets on the second Tuesday of each month. We have a newsletter, Scree, that contains reports of past trips, announcements of future trips, and articles of interest. For a one-year subscription to Scree, send your name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, and Sierra Club membership number to the PCS treasurer: Arun Mahajan, 1745 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Include a check made out to "PCS" for either $13 or $15 (the $15 includes an optional $2 donation to the PCS). To receive the PCS newsletter online, or to participate in discussions about climbing, send an e-mail to listserv@lists.sierraclub.org with the following text in the message body: "SUBSCRIBE lomap-pcs-announce yourfirstname yourlastname." Newsletters and other useful information about the PCS can be found on the web at lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/pcs.
Rock Climbing
Due to insurance changes, the RCS no longer has Sierra Club trips. Private trips are listed quarterly (or thereabouts) via e-mail. To get on the distribution list, please contact the current chair Hal Tompkins at 650/364-8603 or email tompkins@slac.stanford.edu.
San Mateo Hiking Section
The San Mateo Hiking Section offers moderate hikes three times a week. Hikes start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise specified. Write for our six-month, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday hike schedule. Send a SASE and a $3.50 check, payable to the San Mateo Hiking Section, Sierra Club, to: HIKES, P.O. Box 651, San Carlos, CA 94070. Info: Jocelyn Orr, Hikes Coordinator, 650/964-9028. Please call the hike leader in advance for all these Saturday hikes:
Nov. 2 Waterman Gap to San Lorenzo River
Meet 9:45 a.m. at Waterman Gap (Hwy 9 & Hwy 236 north junction) Carpool: Woodside
9 a.m. Leader: Julie Barney 650/494-2020.
Nov. 9 Huddart Park Leader's Choice. Meet Zwerlien parking area by restrooms. Carpool Woodside 9:30 a.m. Leader: Barbara Sprung 415/922-5730.
Nov. 16 Purisima Creek Redwoods O.S.P. from the top. Meet Purisima N. parking lot
on Skyline Blvd by Country Store. Carpool Woodside 9:15 a.m. Leader: Julia Bott 650/343-8950.
Nov. 23 S.F.Presidio/Crissy Field-Leader's Choice. Meet Park Headquarters near Main Parade Ground. Carpool: Edgewood 9 a.m.
Leader: Bill Freedman 650/344-7774.
Singleaires
Singleaires are friendly, active, single people
40 and up who enjoy outdooor activities and conservation. Hikes are offered each Sunday (1A to 3C) followed by a potluck. For a one-time free schedule, send a business-sized SASE (57¢ postage) to Singleaires, P.O. Box 20952, Castro Valley, CA 94546. See our website: www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/SA or call 510/537-5280 for further information.
For a one year subscription send $12, a business sized SASE (57¢ postage), and proof of membership (Sierra Club newsletter or magazine label, or copy of membership card)
to the above address. Make checks payable to Sierra Singleaires.
Carpools:
- Los Gatos: Municipal Parking Lot. From Hwy 17 S take Los Gatos Saratoga (Hwy 9) exit
- Palo Alto: Park & Ride Lot. I-280 & Page Mill Road
- Woodside: Park & Ride Lot I-280 at Hwy 84
- San Mateo: Park & Ride Lot I-280 at Hwy 92
Nov. 3 Rancho San Antonio 1B. We plan lunch at the shelter, then a couple of 400-foot climbs. Bring lunch, water, and a smile. Light rain does not cancel this six-mile walk. From
I-280 take Foothill exit, go west on Foothill Blvd. Take first right on Cristo Rey (by church) to park entrance. Keep left to horse-trailer parking lot away from restrooms. Carpools: Los Gatos/Palo Alto 11:00; San Mateo 10:45. Hike starts at 11:30. Leader: Bob Segalla 650/962-1316, segallab@yahoo.com. Coleader: Michelle McInaney.
Nov. 9 Butano Trail Work Sat. Join our trail building crew in this quiet state park near Pescadero. Give something back to the parks we hike. No experience necessary. Saturday dinner in the park. Overnight camping optional; no charge. Reservations one week in advance, please, to Herb Lee 650/355-2725 or Hunter Owens 408/247-3517.
Nov. 10 Mission Peak to Monument Peak Sun. 2B 9 a.m. A 10 mile one-way hike from the foot of Mission Peak to Ed Levin Park. First three miles to the top of Mission Peak are strenuous, the rest is easy. If you want to see
what they mean by "being on top of the world", don't miss this hike! Boots, hat and plenty of water are strongly recommended. Heavy rain may cancel. Directions: From I-680 take Calaveras Blvd (Hwy 237) E through Milpitas to L into Ed Levin Park at sign. Go through park gate to upper end of Sandy Wool Lake. We will shuttle from there. Carpools: Los Gatos/Palo Alto 8 a.m. Leader: Mike Abeles 408/257-3783. Coleader: Carol Arnoldy 408/298-9043.
Nov. 10 Annual Big Basin Dedication Hike to Singleaires' Friendship Grove Sun. 1A, 12 noon. We will dedicate trees to our members who have passed away in the last year. We will share memories of friends who already have trees dedicated to them. We will have lunch in the grove; bring lunch/water/something to share. Shortened hike available for members who prefer a super short hike. Heavy rain cancels. Meet in front of the snack bar opposite park headquarters. Parking fee. Directions: From Saratoga take Hwy 9 W approx. 13 mi. to Hwy 236. Go 8 miles to Big Basin Park Headquarters. Carpools: San Mateo 10:15; Palo Alto 10:30; Los Gatos 10:45. Leaders: Judy
Pugh 408/264-5493 and Joyce Regan Goar 530/477-5050.
Sierra Singles
Sierra Singles are energetic, single adults, with typical ages from the 20's to 40's who enjoy hiking, biking, volleyball, backpacking, skiing, dancing, movies, rafting, potluck dinners, conversation, and much more. Our schedule lists 50-75 events each month. To receive a one year subscription, send $20 (along with proof of membership in the Sierra Club) to Sierra Singles, P.O. Box 391775, Mountain View, CA 94039. Nonmembers are welcome at our events on a trial basis. For a partial schedule visit us on the Web at lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/lpss or contact our hotline at 408/795-3237.
Nov. 10 Sun. 2 p.m. Newcomer's Social Hike/Chat. Come enjoy this beautiful hike for our regulars to welcome visitors and new members. Our fun rules: Say hi to most people; ask their names and favorite interests; introduce them to others; and share the fine art of intergender
palaver. We'll keep an easy pace through four miles of mostly flat trails, with some short hills (and perhaps a few dusty/muddy spots). Afterwards, we'll enjoy refreshments outside behind the very rustic Alpine Inn. Bring trusty shoes, layered clothing, water, and a hat (the trail has little shade). Heavy rain cancels. Directions: From I-280 in Palo Alto, exit at Alpine Road and go west (towards the hills) for just over 2 miles. Turn left at Arastradero Road, then immediately turn right into the Alpine Inn parking lot. Park at the far end, where we'll meet. (Do not park near the restaurant.) Leader: Thomas Hatfield 650/224-1208 or
tawmess@hotmail.com.
Dec. 6-13 Explore Sedona, AZ. Sedona with its towering red rocks is one of the most beautiful and memorable Southwest locales. Its vistas are found in many movie westerns, it has unique shopping, and it's considered to be a spiritual and artistic vortex. $425 covers airfare, accommodations, car rental, and most meals for 7 days. Send three self-addressed envelopes (one with double postage), your contact phone numbers, and e-mail address. Make a deposit check for $225 to "Sierra Singles" and send to leader Joel Smith, P.O. Box 2866, Cupertino CA 95015. For questions call 408/252-6120 or leave a message at 408/799-4278 or joelsmith01@yahoo.com.
Ski Touring
The Ski Touring Section (STS) organizes cross-country ski trips to the Sierra and elsewhere. Meetings are the first Monday of each month, November through May. Membership at $5 per year entitles you to electronic distribution of our newsletter Track; $15 per year brings you
a hard copy. Send check payable to STS c/o Treasurer Jim Gibson, 826 Lana Ct., Campbell, CA 95008-6009.
Nordic Voice, the STS conservation committee, promotes the interests of back-country skiers through involvement in public access issues. For more information, see our website lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/sts or contact Dave Erskine, STS chair, 408/556-1090 or zeaphod@juno.com.
Loma Prieta Paddlers
Loma Prieta Paddlers share paddling interests (mostly whitewater kayaking), trips, practice, conservation. Meetings at 7:30 p.m., 2nd Wednesday of each month (except December) at Western Mountaineering, El Camino at San Tomas, Santa Clara. Steve Avery, Chair 650/966-8784. Trip schedule is posted to our website and List Server.
Roll practice: Tuesdays, 8:00-9:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. All kayakers welcome; $5 per boat. Contact Tom Musolf for further info at TMusolf@LeapFrog.com.
Black Mountain Group
The Black Mountain Group of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter invites you to hike with us. Our activity schedule is sustained by volunteer leaders. If you want to lead a hike
or other activity, please contact our activities coordinator, Paul Worden, 650/857-1623. We prefer moderate hikes combining good exercise with good companionship, appreciation of nature, and plenty of variety. If you are unsure about times, meeting places, or requirements for a hike, please check with the leader for details. Always bring plenty of water and lunch, unless indicated otherwise. Dress for the weather and be prepared for changes. We recommend boots for general hiking. To automatically receive our schedule by e-mail, contact bmg-request@cometric.com. Our schedule is at http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/bmg and includes links
to other Sierra Club groups.
Nov. 2 SF City Hike Sat. 3B (12 mi, 1500ft). This is a restaurant lunch hike. Bring plenty
of water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
We will climb some of SF's most beautiful hills and steep stairs to vista points. Be prepared for moderately paced sweaty climbs. Probably 10-12 miles. Carpool: No-host carpool, Edgewood and I-280 P&R at 8:30 a.m. Trailhead: Fort Mason at 9:15 by Green's Restaurant. Leader: Cindy Lockhart 650/324-0384.
Nov. 9 Point Reyes National Seashore
Sat 3B (14 mi, 2000ft). We will hike the Tomales Point Trail in hopes of spotting tule elk (6 miles). Then we will head to the Estero trail (7.8 miles). Bring warm clothes and join us after for dinner at a local restaurant. Carpool: Edgewood & I-280 P&R 7:30 a.m. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Diane Medrano 650/964-0689.
Nov. 10 El Corte de Madera OSP Sun. 3B. With the return of cool days, enjoy a brisk and quite steep hike at this shady preserve. We'll stop at times to enjoy the natural history of fall in the woods, such as fallen leaves, berries, fruits, and banana slugs. No host carpool 8 a.m. at Page Mill and I-280 P&R or Woodside Rd. and I-280 P&R. Or meet at 9 a.m. at Skeggs Point (Caltrans vista point), Skyline Blvd., 4 miles north of La Honda Rd/Hwy 84. Bring lunch, water, etc. Leader: Chris MacIntosh, 650/325-7841.
Nov. 13 New Member Meeting Wed. 7:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 Bayshore Road, Palo Alto for an inspirational slide show describing the Sierra Club's activities and brief presentations by representatives of the chapter. Open to everyone. Refreshments provided. Contact: Thoi Pham 408/227-7600.
Nov. 16 Montebello Ridge New Member Hike
Sat, 2B (7 mi, 1000 ft). Open to anyone interested. Regular members, welcome our new members. New members and wannabes, find out what it's all about. Scenic figure-eight through two local parks in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Carpool at 10 a.m. at Page Mill and I-280 P&R. Bring lunch and liquids; boots recommended; rain cancels. Leader: Paul Worden 650/857-1623.
Nov. 24 Henry Coe Park Sun. (9 mi, 2000 ft). Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Page Mill and I-280 P&R or at 9:45 a.m. at the Bell Station entrance to Henry Coe State Park. Carpool into the park, hike Woodpecker Trail to County Line Road to Dutch's Trail to Purple Pond to Yellowjacket Pond, side trip to scramble up Tie Down Peak, and back to the cars on Tie Down Trail. Bring lunch and liquids. There is no water at trailhead. Leader: Libby Vincent 650/424-8731.
Nov. 30 Castle Rock Sat 2B. (6 mi, 1000 ft). Moderately paced with scenic views overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains. Meet at 10 a.m. at Page Mill and I-280 P&R or 10:45 a.m. at Castle Rock State Park parking lot off Skyline near Highway 9. Bring lunch, liquids. Boots recommended. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Shawn Britton 408/551-0722.
Dec. 8 Portable Potluck Party Sun. Join us for BMG's traditional perambulatory potluck, featuring short hikes between courses at different locations, and a good old time to celebrate the holidays! Details are pending (see the Dec. LP) but the location will be in Palo Alto.
Guadalupe Regional Group
Guadalupe Regional Group includes mid- and south Santa Clara County and all of San Benito County, but all Sierra Club members are welcome. For a free copy of the monthly newsletter, The Guadalupan, ($6/year subscription) or info, call Group office, 408/554-0442 and leave name and address, or write Sierra Club/Guadalupe Group, P.O. Box 549, Santa Clara, CA 95052-0549. Group meets monthly on 3rd Thursday 7:30-9:30 p.m. for slide program and refreshments at Harker School in San Jose. Members and guests welcome at any meeting or hike. For meetings, BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) and help reduce waste!
Rain may cancel hikes; call leader if questionable. For dog hikes, dogs must be well behaved--friendly, come on call, voice or leash control. Dogs are allowed off-leash on trails; on-leash in picnic areas, parking lots. Meeting and trip schedule below. For added trips, see
The Guadalupan, published first week each month, or call Marj Ottenberg 408/867-4576.
Nov. 3 Off-leash Dog Hike Sun. Beach or Mission Peak (might be cool enough by then). Dogless hikers also welcome; bring lunch, liquid (for dog, too, and leash), and layered clothes. Call leaders for details on Nov 1 or 2. Leaders: Bob and Marj, 408/867-4576.
Nov. 4 Group ExCom Mon. 7:30 p.m. Any member welcome. For site, agenda, call Teresa, 408/296-5821 after 9 p.m.
Nov. 9 Castle Rock State Park Sat. 9 a.m. Easy-to-moderate hike at gentle pace. For meeting place, call leader: Linda Barbosa 408/778-7122.
Nov. 21 "Hetch Hetchy, the Lost Twin" Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Guadalupe Group meeting at Harker School (directions above). Ron Good, Exec. Director of "Restore Hetch Hetchy" presents a slide/video program about the natural and human history of the Valley and a win-win outcome for Hetch Hetchy Valley and
for the SF Bay Area water and power users. Refreshments served, BYOC!
Dec. 2 Group ExCom Mon. 7:30 pm. Any member welcome. For site and agenda call
Teresa at 408/296-5821 after 9 p.m.
Dec. 7 Guadalupe Group Holiday Party Sat. 7:30 p.m. Bring hors d'ouevres, a dessert or your favorite wine to share. We'll provide hot and cold beverages. For location, call Marj at 408/867-4576.
San Carlos/Belmont Regional Group
The San Carlos/Belmont Regional Group meets monthly (except July and August) usually on the 3rd Sunday. We emphasize rather easy hikes close to home and programs relevant to our two cities (with a few exceptions for variety). Visit our web site, home.att.net/~sierra.club/ or call and leave a message for Bob at 650/592-2166.
Pot Luck Meetings: Call the host to make your reservation and for the meeting location. Please bring your own table service and food (main dish, salad, or dessert) to serve about six. We customarily contribute $1 per drink serving at the social time to defray costs. Usually social time starts after 5:30, dinner at 6:00, business meeting and program from 7:00 until 9:00. Hikes: Call leader for meeting time & location.
Nov. 17 Wim de Wit (650/369-8416) will take us to the Daniel's Nature Center in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Potluck at the home of Bonnie McClure in San Carlos; RSVP 650/591-5057. San Carlos Parks and Rec Director Barry Weiss will be the speaker.