Club Information

General Hike Information

Directions to Trailheads

Pictures

Previous Quarters

Club History

Fall 1999 Calendar

If you have trip suggestions but can't come to the meeting, please send your ideas by e-mail to Arturo (crespo___{{AT))___cs.stanfordEDU) before the meeting.

A tentative agenda for the meeting is:

1. Organize potluck food.
2. Opening speech by the outgoing president.
3. Vote on new constitution.
4. Election of club officers 1999-00.
5. Trip planning for the fall quarter.
6. Other topics.

Oct 9 Point Lobos and Monterey Bay Kayaking [John]

• Length of hike: Approx. 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: mostly flat
• Meet: 7.45am at the Bechtel International Center
• Driving Time: about 2 hr (each way)
• Park URL: http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us

Following the hike, there will be an optional kayak trip. Beginners are welcome. The cost is $25 and we will paddle for a few hours until we want to go in or are tired. This will be weather dependent. We will go with: Adventures by the Sea. Bring suitable layered clothing per the instructions. Bring some quarters for parking whether or not you intend to drive.

READ INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO BRING AND EXPECT
We will be renting shared sit-on-top kayaks (safe). You will have to sign a waiver to rent. When you rent the kayak and paddle your are entering into a deal with the kayak renter - not Stanford Outing Club. You will have a lifejacket but I would not recommend kayaking to people who cant swim. You should bring a towel and clothing to change into after the trip. You would be very foolish not to being good waterproof sunblock (35+), UV blocking sunglasses and a hat (all whether or not you are normally concerned by the sun - you get baked when on water).

People wishing to kayak should email the 'leader' hossack___{{AT))___yahoocom (John). The $25 will be payable if you cancel or don't show unless I find someone to fill your space so think about this. I will keep a waiting list. I would like to know numbers by end of Tuesday evening.

People not wishing to kayak and may spend time in Monterey or Carmel or go home depending on numbers and what the drivers want to do. The leader will be kayaking if the weather permits.

Optional dinner in Montery (most likely).

Departure time 7:45 AM Saturday 9th October at Bechtel International Center on Stanford Campus

Return time may be after 7pm depending on dinner etc.

Trip "leader": John Hossack hossack___{{AT))___yahoocom

Oct 9 UCSC Farm Harvest Festival [Mike]

Music:

• Dance Around Molly (Irish music) 11:30-1:00
• Mariposa (Folk music for grown-ups and kids) 1:30-3:00
• Later Alligator (Cajun music) 3:30-5

Workshops:

• Apple Tasting 11:30-1:30
• Saving seeds from your garden 12:00-1:00
• Garden-fresh cooking with an international twist 1:00-3:00
• Feathered Friends in the home garden 1:30-2:30
• Growing California native plants in the garden 3:00-3:00

Continuous Events:
Farm tours, Food and produce sales, Hay rides, Wreath Sales, Kids and crafts games, life lab gardening activities, display of rare breed chickens and turkeys, apple juice tasting.

Admission is $3 for general public. Free for kids 12 and under.

Harvest Festival proceeds benefit the public education work of the Friends of the UCSC Farm and Garden and the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, a six-month training program in organic farming and gardening sponsored by the UCSC Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food System, and the Friends of the UCSC Farm & Garden.

For driving directions look in http://www.ucscEDU/general_info/maps.html. Go to the Campus Facilities Parking lot and follow signs.

Sorry, no carpools will be organized from Stanford. If you have any further questions, call the organizers at (831) 459-3240 or (831) 459-3248. You can also call Michael Bitsko at (831) 457-8633

Oct 16-17 Mt Whitney [Marcin] (*)

• Length of hike: Approx. 25 miles
• Elevation Gain: 6500 feet
• Meet: Friday morning at a TBD location
• Driving Time: about 7 hours (each way)
• Limit: 6 people

My contact info: Marcin Porwit mkporwit___{{AT))___cs.princetonEDU H 650-856-9403 W 650-633-6012

Oct 17 Forest of Nisene Marks [Mike]

On the tenth aniversary of The Big Quake, we'll hike a 15 mile loop through the Forest of Nisene Marks, passing the epicenter along the way. This will be a fairly difficult hike, not only because of its length, buat also because there are some steep grades and rough trails involved. Starting at 200 feet above see level, we'll climb to 1600 feet for a spectacular view of Monterey Bay. Our route include trails, fire roads and an abandoned railroad.

Meet at the International Center at 8:00am, or at the park (Porter Family Picnic Area) at 9:30am. Please note that there's no drinking water available in the park. Fill your canteens before you leave home.

Optional dinner in Aptos or Santa Cruz after the hike.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a little hard to find, primarily because you enter it by going through a shopping center! But if you consult a Santa Cruz map and/or follow these directions, you shouldn't get lost...

1. Take Highway 17 to Santa Cruz, then continue south on Highway 1 towards Watsonville and Monterey.
2. After driving approximately 6 miles on Highway 1, exit at "State Park Drive." (Do not take the similarly-named "Park Avenue" exit!).
3. At the botton of the exit ramp, turn left towards Aptos, and continue over Highway 1 until you come to the T-intersection at Soquel Drive.
4. Turn right on Soquel Drive. It will soon go underneath a railroad bridge and then curve left into the small town of Aptos.
5. Take the first left turn after the railroad bridge, onto Aptos Creek Road. It will go over a railroad track, through the "Aptos Station" shoppig center and into the park. (If you soon see the Pacific Rim Buffet on your right, you are in the correct road.)
6. Follow Aptos Creek Road until it ends at the Porter Family Picnic Area, about three miles. This is where we'll start the hike. (Aptos Creek Road is narrow, winding, and mostly unpaved. It is also a favorite haunt of joggers and bicyclist. Drive carefully!)

This hike is organized by Michael Bitsko, who hasn't visited the park for at least two years. But if you call him at (831) 457-8633, he'll try to answer your questions.

Oct 24 Sibley Volcanic Preserve (Berkeley) [Mark]

• Length of hike: 6 miles
• Elevation gain: mostly flat
• Meet: 12 noon at the Bechtel Center, Stanford
• Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Optional dinner in the Krishna temple in Berkeley

The total length of hike is about 6 miles. The hike will be easy, not much elevation gain or loss, and we will take it easy, go slow, and enjoy nature.

Meeting time at Bechtel International Center: 12 noon, Sunday, October 24

Trip leader: Mark Galecki (650)322-2108

After the hike, if there is interest, we will sample the wonderful vegetarian cousine at a Krishna temple in Berkeley. Hare Krishnas are famous for the best vegetarian food in the known universe. They have weekly food sampling, free and open to the public, in their temples. The temple in Berkeley has this event every Sunday at 7pm. It is free, but it is nice to bring a donation, say $5 or $10.

Because this is a religious organization, I feel I have to clearly state our expectations and some "ground rules". We are going there only to sample the food. It is OK if they ask to pause to observe some ceremony. It is not OK if they ask to actively participate in any ceremony. In such an event, we should politely leave. If anybody from our group feels uncomfortable in any way, we should also leave. We can only go there if there is interest, otherwise, we will simply return to Stanford. I personally called the head devotee and he assured me the religious observances are finished by 7pm, and the food event starts at 7pm, and that the public is welcome to join.

I would expect we should be back at Stanford in any case by 10pm, but please treat this as a guideline only, and don't hold my feet to the fire...

Mark

Oct 30-31 Henry Coe Halloween Costume Pseudo Backpack Extravaganza [I-Ching & Liz]

• Length of hike: 2.6 miles to campsite + day hikes (TBD)
• Meet: Saturday 9am at Bechtel or 10:15am at Henry Coe
• Return: Sunday afternoon
• Driving time: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes each way
• Cost: $3-4 for campsite plus carpool costs
• Park URL: http://www.coepark.parks.ca.gov/groupinfo.html

If you've wanted to try backpacking, but want to ease into it slowly, or if you've wanted to backpack without the hassle of filtering water (or drinking iodized water), have a nice roaring campfire, bring gourmet food, and wear costumes, this is your chance. In this out-of-the-ordinary outing club trip, we get one "support vehicle" to carry water, firewood, and if we still have space left, tents! With the campsite only 2.6 miles (but 2270 ft. elevation difference) from the trailhead, we can load up our backpacks with foods of the heavier (and tastier) variety and the prerequisite Halloween costume.

We plan to camp at The Manzanita Point group campground, a scenic area on the southern end of Pine Ridge. The sites are well spread out and are shaded by ponderosa pines, oaks, and giant manzanitas. The sites are a relatively easy 2- to 3-mile hike from the Visitor Center. The primitive sites have no water, but each site is equipped with a fire ring and at least one picnic table, and pit toilets are located nearby. Each of the sites will accommodate up to 50 people. (note: I only plan to take 10-15, I can't keep track of more)

Treated water is available at Coe headquarters. Bring containers to hold as much water as you'll need during your stay. Although there is no treated water available in the camp, the water in nearby Bass Pond can be filtered and boiled for drinking. Rabbit Spring, at the end of a little trail below site 10, often flows in winter and spring but is sometimes dry in summer and fall.

After we set up our camp Saturday morning, we will do a short hike nearby (maybe to China Hole). Saturday night, we plan to have a Halloween party at our campsite (see "My Rules" below). Sunday morning, we can do another short hike, or pack up and head home. I plan to be at Park Headquarters by 4:30pm.

Email one or both of the group leaders by Saturday October 23 if you're interested and let them know the following:

1. Do you have a large vehicle you're willing to drive (or let someone else drive) to the campsite on a wide unpaved road? (note: it's very important that we get a support vehicle to make this trip a success, or we'll have to filter water and skip the campfire!)
2. Do you have a tent? if so are you willing to share?
3. Do you have a stove (what kind?)? ditto
4. Do you have a water filter (just in case)? ditto
5. Can you drive (if you haven't volunteered for support vehicle)? if so, how many people can you take? And from where and when do you plan to depart?
6. Can you play any instrument or sing? I-Ching Chang (ic1___{{AT))___netzero.net)
   Liz Pang (lizpang___{{AT))___alumni.stanford.org)

   My Rules

   • Each person must dress as an identifiable character, so we all get a chance to guess who you are supposed to be. The costumes don't have to be anything fancy, just enough to convey the character. In fact, homemade costumes are probably more interesting because it takes a lot more creativity. The character could be based on a real or fictional person. Examples include cartoon characters, celebrities, historical figures, movie/TV characters, opera/musical/play characters.
   • Each person should have a warm sleeping bag (can be rented at REI), a sleeping mat (can buy cheap foam ones at Wal-Mart or REI), two lunches, one dinner, and snacks.
   • Each person should bring something to share, or tricks will be administered for people who didn't bring treats! (This is Halloween after all.)
   • Gourmet food preferred. It's fun if everyone brings something from their ethnic background. I'll provide more info on cooking gear once I know what the group has.
   • Guitar, flute, fiddle, even accordion, bagpipes, and other musical instruments welcome!
   • Campfire songs a plus
   • No whining allowed, cheerful disposition preferred

   Park Rules

   VEHICLES. The Manzanita Point Group sites are hike-in sites. However, a single support vehicle is allowed to make one trip in (weather permitting) to haul water, firewood, and supplies. No buses or large vehicles are allowed. The support vehicle should remain at the campsite and be driven out when the group leaves. Support vehicles are allowed only on the road between park headquarters and the assigned campsite, and they must not be driven back and forth to pick up second loads or late arrivals. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARRANGE IN ADVANCE TO CARRY ALL YOUR GEAR TO THE SITE IN ONE TRIP. TELL YOUR GROUP MEMBERS THAT IF THEY ARRIVE LATE, EVEN AFTER DARK, THEY CANNOT BE DRIVEN TO THE SITE BY THE SUPPORT VEHICLE, THEIR OWN VEHICLE, OR PARK STAFF VEHICLES.

   Note that groups of fewer than 10 people will not be allowed vehicle access and that no vehicles are allowed to drive to the group site at Poverty Flat.

   FIRES. Build fires only in the pits provided. Gathering wood, either living or dead, is not allowed. Firewood is usually sold at the Visitor Center, but bring your own if you want to play it safe. Please use utmost caution with all fires.

   ANIMALS. Dogs are not allowed at the group sites or in any other backcountry area. Please, for their own good, do not feed any wild animals. Safeguard your food from raccoons and other animals.

   WEAPONS. It is illegal to have firearms in the park or to discharge bows, slingshots, or any device capable of injuring wildlife or people.

   PLANTS. All plants and plant materials, both living and dead, are protected and must not be damaged or collected.

   GARBAGE. Please carry out all refuse and leave your site immaculately litter free.

   Email the trip leaders by Saturday October 23 if you'd like to go (space limited).
   I-Ching Chang (ic1___{{AT))___netzero.net)
   Liz Pang (lizpang___{{AT))___alumni.stanford.org)
   

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   Nov 7 Pinnacles North Wilderness [Mike/Arturo]

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   • Length of hike: 14 miles
   • Elevation gain: 2300 feet
   • Meet: 7:30am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
   • Driving: approx. 2 hours each way
   You must bring a flashlight!

   Pinnacles National Monument is one of this club's favorite destinations. This time we'll take a "new look" at the park by hiking through Pinnacles' north Wilderness, an area that none of us -including the leaders- has ever visited before.

   Starting at Chaparral, we'll hike the unmaintained and partly nonexistent North Wilderness Trail to Chalone Picnic Area, then return over the High Peaks. Part of the North Wilderness Trail was washed away by last year's floods, and we'll have to hike in rocky creek bed instead. The total distance will be about 14 miles, about half of which will be on the unmaintained/nonexistent trail. There will be 2300 feet of elevation gain, in two "humps" of 800 and 1500 feet.

   Be forewarned: this may be a difficult hike. We will also be under a time constraint, since the park gate is locked at 6:00pm. Be sure to bring a flashlight in case we are caught by the dark.

   Meet at the Bechtel International Center at 7:30am or at Chaparral Picnic Area at 9:30am. Chaparral is on the west side of the park; don't make the mistake of driving to our usual starting point of Bear Gulch!

   Optional dinner stop on the way home.

   This hike will be cancelled in case of rain, or high probability of rain.

   Trip "leaders": Michael Bitsko at (408) 457-8633 and Arturo Crespo (crespo___{{AT))___cs.stanfordEDU), (650) 967-0439 (h), (650) 723-9273 (o)

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   Tuesday, November 9: Evening class
   Friday, November 12 - Sunday, November 14: Backpacking Trip
   [Carlos, Kristina, Arturo] (*)

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   Sign-up by Nov 5th required (see below)

   Welcome to the club Basic Backpacking Course, taught by volunteer instructors from the club. The course includes one evening session (6:00-10:00, with a break in the middle), plus a weekend backpacking field trip. The evening session cover topics ranging from choosing a backpack to wilderness safety to minimum-impact hiking and camping. The trip give participants a chance to try out their new skills under the watchful eyes of the instructors, plus receive instruction in such field skills as operation of backpack stoves, bear-bagging, and use of map and compass.

   The class is targeted to people who are familiar with hiking (and perhaps car camping) but who haven't developed the skills to organized a backpacking trip by themselves. In this trip we will be concentrating on basic concepts, so if you have backpacking experience beyond a beginner level, this trip is probably not for you.

   Activities

   • Tuesday Nov 9th: class at Stanford 6-10pm. In order to come to the trip you must come to the class. We'll have a break in the middle and people are welcome to have food/snacks during the class.
   • Friday, November 12 - Sunday, November 14: Backpacking Trip. We will announce the destination of the trip during the evening class. The trip will be about 8mi each way with no more than 2000ft elevation gain. We are planning to leave on Friday around 6pm. The first night will be in a developed campground. We will be returning to Stanford late on Sunday.

   Cost

   The group will share all costs (permits, group material, etc.) evenly, but we don't think this will be more than $7-$10 per person. In addition, people should consider the cost of carpooling (about $15 per person), and the cost of renting any needed equipment (for reference, at Western Mountaineering rental rates are: sleeping bag $15, sleeping pad $3, tent $15, pack $25).

   Sign-ups

   Participation is limited to 9 people. To sign up for this trip answer questions below and send per e-mail to crespo___{{AT))___cs.stanfordEDU. To give a fair chance to everybody, the selection process will be as follow: All reservations received before Friday November 5th at 5pm will have an equal chance (we may need to conduct a lottery). Reservations received after that will be first come, first served. As usual, past hike leaders will have priority in the signup.

   To sign up, please answer the following questions in an email to crespo___{{AT))___cs.stanfordEDU:

   1. Your Name.
   2. Your phone number.
   3. Write a short paragraph describing your hiking/car camping/backpacking experience.
   4. Are you willing to drive and how many people can your car seat?

   Instructors:

   Carlos Guestrin
   Kristina Woods
   Arturo Crespo
   

   We think this is going to be a fun and exciting trip where people can learn about backpacking, experience wilderness and, hopefully, feel comfortable enough to organize their own trips.

   For further questions, email Arturo at crespo___{{AT))___cs.stanfordEDU or call at 650-723-9273 (o) or 650-967-4039 (h).

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   Nov 13 Montara Mountain [I-Ching]

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   • Length of hike: approx. 10 miles
   • Elevation gain: 2x1600 feet!
   • Meet: 8:30am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
   • Driving time: 45 min (each way)
   Hike description (excuse me for copying a previous hike description): This is a strenous hike where we hike up and down Montara Mountain near Devil's Slide twice. We start at San Pedro Valley Park and hike up to Montara Mtn (1600 feet), where we will have great views of the Pacific Coast if the fog stays away. Then we take a fire road down to Montara State Beach, where we relax and have lunch. Bring warm clothes since it can be cold on the beach this time of year. The hike back to the cars is a real killer, because we now have to climb up 1600 feet (again!) to get back to Montara Mountain. We take the Brook Falls Trail down to San Pedro Valley, though there is probably no water in the waterfall now. I plan to be back to the parking lot around 3:30pm and go directly back to Stanford, but if some people want to hang out at the beach and stay by the coast for dinner, we can probably arrange the carpools accordingly. For more info, see http://www.slip.net/~leeway/sanpedro.html or http://www.cardiffgiantcom/ptped.html

   Bring: sunscreen, warm clothes, lunch, 2 liter water/drinks, some $$.
   Trip "leader": I-Ching Chang (ic1___{{AT))___netzero.net)

   How to get to San Pedro Valley Park (but we carpool from Stanford):
   Take 280 north to 92 west to 1 north.
   Follow Hwy One to Linda Mar Blvd. Head east on Linda Mar Blvd.
   until it deadends at Oddstead Blvd. Turn right on Oddstead, go about 100 feet and turn left into the park entrance at Rosita Road.
   Entrance fees are $3.00 per car.

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   Nov 16: Meteor Shower in Stanford Dish

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   • Length of hike: 3-5 miles
   • Elevation gain: moderate
   • Driving time: None
   • Meeting time: 11:59pm, Bechtel
   • Rain policy: rain/overcast night cancels hike
   • Return time at Bechtel: late!!!, at each person's convenience
   • Equipment: hiking boots, very warm windproof jacket, flashlight, blanket to sit on
   • Extras: Each person should bring something to share: home made cookies (hint hint), a really good cheese & crackers, or something special of your choice.
   For all of those of you who enjoy seeing meteor showers, if weather allows (i.e. we can see the stars) we will be doing a very short hike on tuesday night to someplace near the Stanford dish. Meteor showers are unpredictable, so we may or not get lucky, but since you will be in company & warm dressed, it should be an enjoyable evening. To make the evening extra special bring something edible or drinkable to share.

   Trip "leader": Erik Peterson, erikpeterson___{{AT))___emailcom, Mobile 650-270-1040

   From: http://www.seti.org/leo.html
   "Imagine watching a sky filled with thousands of glowing meteors, streaking silently to Earth. Few folks alive today have seen such a spectacle. But your chance to witness this heavenly fireworks display may be coming in November, as the Leonid meteor shower douses our planet.
   Comets, which have been characterized as dirty ice balls, slowly evaporate and fragment as they orbit the Sun. The small pieces of debris that trail in their path become meteors. The Leonids, shooting stars that appear to come from the constellation Leo (hence the name Leonid), are seen every November as Earth crosses the debris path of comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Most years, assuming optimal conditions, you might see 10 meteors per hour during the Leonid shower. But the parent comet, Tempel-Tuttle, makes a pass through the inner solar system once every 33 years. When it does, thousands, and possibly hundreds of thousands of meteors pelt the upper atmosphere.
   This November 16-19, 1999, you might be able to witness a major Leonid storm, especially if you are in Japan or east Asia. For those living in North America, the best time to be on the lookout for these stratospheric streakers is between midnight and dawn early on the 17th, when Leo is in the night sky to the northeast. As the constellation rises, more meteors will be visible. According to Leonid experts, observers can expect to see 200 to 5,000 meteors per hour under good circumstances (the higher numbers only apply to east Asia). Of course, the actual numbers are somewhat unpredictable.
   
   How to watch
   
   Viewing the meteors is no more difficult than lying back on a lounge or deck chair and looking up at the sky. If you're in a colder clime, don't forget the warm clothing. You won't need either binoculars or the neighbor's fancy telescope. Stay away from bright lights, as they will compromise your night vision. If you need to use a flashlight to avoid bumbling in the dark, cover it with a red filter if possible.

   How do you know for sure the meteors you are seeing are really part of the Leonid storm? Simple. Keep a ruler handy and when you see a celestial streak, just hold it up parallel to the meteor's path. Following the path straight back should lead to the constellation Leo if this is a member of the celebrated storm.

   It is best to start your observation after 11 p.m., especially because the Leonid radiant rises in the sky after midnight. Look toward the southeast. More meteors will become visible as the radiant moves higher in the sky.

   Remember that the date switches at midnight, so you should begin your meteor storm watch at 11 p.m. on the 16th and until the early morning of the 17th."

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   Nov 20-21 Lake Chabot [Kat Cai] (CANCELED)

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   This event has been canceled. Sorry for the inconvenience.

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   Nov 20 Point Reyes full moon hike [Erik Peterson]

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   • Length of hike: 10 miles
   • Elevation gain: none
   • Driving time: 2 1/2 hours (unfortunately)
   • Meeting time: 10:30am at Bechtel International Center
   • Rain policy: rain doesn't cancel the hike
   • Return time at Bechtel: late!!! (around midnight)
   • Equipment: hiking boots, very warm windproof jacket, flashlight
   • Optional dinner in the way home.

   This hike was my initial introduction to Pt. Reyes, and ever since I've been wanting to repeat it. So thanks to Mark both the introduction on the original hike (back in January), as well as most of the description below:

   For a map of the park, park description, & some nice pictures check out: (Tomales Point is the northernmost point of Pt. Reyes) http://www.gorpcom/gorp/resource/us_ns/ca_ptrey.htm

   This Saturday, Nov 20th, we will hike to Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore. This will be an afternoon hike. We will hike the length of the northern peninsula in the Seashore to its end at Tomales Point. The peninsula is surrounded by ocean, and it is 5 miles long and only about 1/2 mile wide. We will aim to arrive at Tomales Point shortly after 3pm, in time for a deep low tide. This will allow us to explore the tidepools and see up close the fascinatinating marine creatures such as starfish and corals. We will come back by the full moon. On our way we will see the magnificent herd of 400 tule elk, which is fenced off at this narrow and open peninsula.

   For those of you who are interested, here are some timings:
   Low Tide: 2:40 PM PST 0.42
   Sunset 4:55 pm
   Moonrise: 3:39pm

   Please bring hiking boots with good traction soles - the tidepools are very slippery! Please bring flashlights just in case - but we will try to go back using the light of the moon. Dress very warmly - remember, this is an open peninsula that stretches into the ocean: it will be very windy.

   Rain does not cancel this hike - if it rains in Point Reyes, the leader will present alternative ideas.

   Dinner plans: optional dinner in San Rafael or San Francisco.

   Lunch plans: bring your lunch!

   Follow this link (http://www.nps.gov/pore/points/wildview.html#tuleelk) for a site with the tule elk information.

   Here is a description of our hike from the GORP website: Tomales Point Trail (approx. 10 mile) This open trail through the Tule Elk Range offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 3 miles to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained. but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other hrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. Beware of fog and wind, which can limit visibility and make this hike more challenging. (Begins at the end of Pierce Point Rd., 40 min.driving time from Bear Valley.)

   Trip "leader": Erik Peterson. Email: erikpeterson___{{AT))___oneboxcom, Ph: 650-270-1040(c)

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   Nov 24-28 (Thanksgiving) Havasu Canyon (Wed AM - Sun PM) [Marcin] (*)

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   *** Sign-up required by Friday, November 19, 1999
   • Length of hike: 11 miles to campsites + day hikes
   • Meet: Wednesday, Nov. 24 VERY early at a TBD location
   • Return: Late Sunday, Nov. 28
   • Driving Time: approx 12-14 hours each way
   • Cost: $12/person entry fee + $9/person/night campground fee for a total of $30-40, plus carpool costs
   • Elevation Gain: 2200 feet down/up
   • Limit: 12 people?
   Havasu Canyon is a branch of the Grand Canyon. It is a beautiful area with fascinating rock formations and spectacular waterfalls. This trip will focus mainly on the water, with day hikes to the three waterfalls and an excursion to the mouth of the canyon, where the Havasu river empties into the Colorado. We hike in Thursday morning, trekking down to Havasu Campground and dropping 2200 feet in the process. From there, Moody Falls is just a short hop away. Friday we would do a dayhike to the Colorado river, and Saturday leaves us with a short trip to Beaver Falls and possibly other diversions. It also allows us to hike out Saturday afternoon, camp near the cars and head home early Sunday morning.

   The campgrounds provide pit toilets and potable water as well as tables, but nothing else. Campfires are not allowed. You must pack out all trash. There is no water at Hualapai hilltop (the trailhead), so have full canteens for the hike in. There will be no water until Supai Village, about 8 miles in. There are apparently a couple of overpriced, understocked "general stores" in Supai village, but don't count on them for anything crucial.

   If you want additional info, check out http://www.haugheycom/havasupai/ and http://www.great-adventurescom/destinations/usa/arizona/havasu.html

   You really should have some backpacking experience under your belt for this one (the Outing Club intro trip is probably sufficient). Temperatures are in the 65-70 degree range during the day, and in the mid-40's at night. Chances for precipitation are low. I wasn't planning on bringing a tent, but YMMV.

   If you want to come, let me know the number of people in your group, what car you have (if you're willing to drive), and (in case we want to bring them) whether you have a tent and stove. Everyone is responsible for their own personal gear.

   My contact info:
   Marcin Porwit, mkporwit___{{AT))___cs.princetonEDU, H 650-856-9403, W 650-633-6012

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   Dec 5 Mt. Diablo [I-Ching]

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   • Length of hike: 9 miles (roundtrip)
   • Elevation gain: 2200 feet
   • Meet: 7:05am (Yawn! Go to bed early Saturday!) at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
   • Driving: approx. 1 hour 35 minutes each way
   The leader is lazy and has decided that we'll tag along on a hike lead by the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association instead (they have them on the first Sundays of the month). It should be fun to learn about the geology of the places we hike.

   Here's the description she found on the Web (http://www.mdia.org/events.htm, under "Autumn on the Mountain"):
   December 5, 1999, Sunday 9:00am >>> one of MDIA's First Sunday Hike Series Mt. Diablo Summit on the Trail Through Time (Mt Diablo Interpretive Association)
   Leader: Ken Lavin (925) 686-9393, e-mail bklavin___{{AT))___aolcom
   meeting place MP-12
   We'll climb Mt. Diablo on the Trail through Time. Learn about this interpretive trail under development and Trek 2000 to be held this Spring. Strenuous hike of 9 miles (roundtrip) with a 2,200 foot elevation gain and a 100 million year time change.
   MP-12 Uplands Picnic Area, Rock City, Mt. Diablo
   The outing club leader has already called the MDIA leader, so there's no need to call him unless you would like more info on the hike. The plan is to meet at Bechtel International Center and carpool to Mt. Diablo, or you can meet us directly at the Uplands Picnic Area at 9am. Since the MDIA's hike is cancelled in case of rain, we'll do a hike somewhere else if the weather for Mt. Diablo looks bad. The leader will leave a message on her answering machine in that case.

   Optional dinner afterwards either in Walnut Creek or somewhere near Palo Alto, depending on when we finish and how hungry people are.

   Trip "leader": I-Ching Chang at ic1___{{AT))___netzero.net (650-813-2209)

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   Dec 12 Henry Coe (Hunting Hollow) [Arturo]

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   • Time: Sunday 7:30am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
   • Driving time: 1h 15' (each way)
   • Distance: 11.2 miles
   • Elevation gain: 2550 feet
   • Park URL: http://www.coepark.parks.ca.gov/
   • Rain Policy: rain doesn't cancel the hike
   • Optional dinner in the way back.
   • Map and hike profile: http://www-db.stanfordEDU/~crespo/outing/coe99
   Join us in exploring the Southeast region of Henry Coe State Park. Henry Coe is the largest state park in Northern California, with 89,000 acres and 200 miles of trails. The park has a terrain that is very rugged, varied, and beautiful, with lofty ridges and steep canyons.

   The route we'll follow starts at the Hunting Hollow entrance (870ft). From the entrance, we'll head South-East, following a tributary of the Coyote Creek in a gentle uphill through the Hunting Hollow. Close to the head of the creek, we turn North and start climbing uphill to the Phegley Ridge (at 1950ft). But we don't follow the Ridge, instead, we head North and we start going downhill to the end of Coon Hunters Gulch. At the Gulch we continue North-West, heading uphill again towards Wilson Camp, and to the highest point in our hike, Wilson Peak (2651ft). Wilson Peak, our northernmost point, is an old friend of the Outing Club, as we visited it last year (it was our southernmost point in last year's hike). From Wilson Peak, we head South-West, in a relatively steep downhill, to return to our cars. The hike will be 11.2mi with a total elevation gain of 2550ft.

   This is the first time that the Outing Club (and the leader) are going to that area of the park, so everybody must help with map reading and route finding. If you have a map of the park, please bring it. Long pants are recommended as ticks are common in this area. You should also bring a working flashlight and lots of energy-rich food since this will be a long day. Also, bring enough water for the whole day as there are not reliable water supplies on the trail (nor the trailhead).

   Trip "leader:" Arturo Crespo (crespo___{{AT))___cs.stanfordEDU), 650-967-4039(h) 650-723-9273(o)

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