Summer 2002-03 Calendar

June 28(Sat): Scharffen Berger Chocolate Tour (*) (Kim)

• Location: Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker 914 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley
• When: Saturday, June 28, 11:00am to 12:30pm
• Meet: 9:30 am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford (for carpooling) or 11am at Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker.
• Send $2.00/person via PAYPAL to: MAKAI9__no_spam__UREACH.COM (This is a privately booked tour just for the group & coupons will be provided for use in the company store).

Enjoy a chocolate factory tour. During our factory tour, you will receive a seminar-style talk about our company, the history of chocolate, the process of making chocolate from beans to bars, and of course, sample our signature chocolate products while immersing yourself in the rich aroma of our factory. Open toed shoes and sandals are not permitted in our factory for safety/health reasons.

If you are interested, go to the evite at: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=QJAOPZUTWJLWNVSLQLAN

Be sure to change the response information for yourself by "Click here if you are not: rmhcasino__no_spam__hotmail.com"

Trip leader Kim, k808__no_spam__hotmail.com

Take me to the top!

July 3-6: Cedar Grove/ Rae Lakes Loop (back via Glen Pass) (Klara) (*)

• Destination: Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park
• Leave: Wednesday, July 2, __no_spam__6pm from Bechtel Int'l Center
• Return: Sunday, July 6, late evening
• Driving Time: ~ 5 hours each way
• Length of Hike: 46 miles (~ 12 miles/ day), very strenuous because of high elevation gain!
• Elevation Gain: ~7000 feet (~2000m): trail climbs from 5035' (1535m) at the trailhead to 11,978' (3651m) at Glen Pass and back down

The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, if not in the entire Sierra. Situated beyond Glen Pass, and between the Sierra Crest and the King Spur, these lakes are a scenic paradise.

The plan is to leave on Wednesday July 2nd after work around 5-6pm or very early July 3rd (suitable to group members), and start at the trailhead (latest) 11am. We will hike 11miles from 180 Road-end through Paradise Valley up to the Upper Paradise Camp with app. 1600feet elevation gain. Friday we will continue passing Woods Creek, Dollar Lake and hike up to Rae Lakes, this will be a strenuous 14miles with a 3900 feet elevation gain, this day will be the most difficult of the whole trip due to the elevation. We will camp at Rae Lakes and spend half of the next day to relax and enjoy the views and scenery. Saturday noon we will hike up to Glen Pass, the higest point of this loop and then hike down to Vidette Meadows. This is a 7 mile hike including a 1400 feet elevation gain. We will camp at Vidette meadows and descend the last 14 miles through Bubbs valley down to the start.

I read that Glen Pass may be impassable to hikers until mid-late July. I will get information about the conditions up there from the Ranger station and change the route if necessary so we would go back the same way as we came if necessary.

This will be a very strenuous trip including over night camping at high elevations. Please make sure you are equipped and in sufficient physical shape to make the trip.

If you are interested, please sign up by sending a message to klara.palme__no_spam__roche.com (please cc it to Kpalme__no_spam__web.de) with the following information:

1. Full name
2. Phone numbers (incl. cell phone)
3. Do you have a tent? stove? bear canister?
4. Do you have a car? How many can fit into your car with gear?
5. Best time of your last 46 mile run? (just kidding!)

I hold a wilderness permit for 6 people, which is the maximum size of the group.

Trip "leader": Klara work: (650)-855-5834 home: (650)-938-0628

July 4-6 Mineral King Backpacking (Amit) (*)

• Destination: Mineral King Valley
• Dates: July 4,5,6
• Length: ~8-9 mi per day
• Elevation: ~2000 per day
• Driving: ~275mi each way

I have heard people using superlatives to describe the scenic grandeur of the Mineral King valley, a glacial canyon "hemmed in by the peaks of the Great Western Divide" just south of Sequoia Nat'l Park. Recently I did a little climbing in the area and it felt as if those superlatives weren't powerful enough. I came across more wildlife than hikers dring my 2 day trip (assuming the latter is not "wild life", given that I am in the wilderness, I am confused by the perspective:) and certain sections of the trail were carpeted by bloom of wildflowers.

This should be a relaxed and easy *SNOW FREE* backpacking trip for the long weekend where the goal is to explore the lakes and passes within 10 miles of the trailheads.

Initially I thought about doing a longish backpacking trip in the region, but last weekend we encountered some ice fields at elevations >10,000ft. One of them was particularly nastly at 8:30am, when the snow was hard, and Heyning had to use his ice-axe to cut out steps before I dared to traverse it. Although I expect the snow to melt soon, I'd rather not risk it with a heavy backpack on.

Here's a rough plan, we'll modify this based on the experience of the group. On Friday we take the Franklin Pass trail, camp at the Franklin/Farewell Jct, day hike to Franklin Pass. Sat'day we day hike to Farewell Gap depending on the snow conditions, and/or hike back, and up to Mosquito Lakes. Time permitting we have the option of dayhiking upto Monarch Lake, climb up the Sawtooth Pass via a steep scree slope for an absolutely breathtaking view of the Columbine lake. By my estimate, the slope of the pass on the side of the Columbine lakes should still be covered with snow, which only adds to the grandeur. Each day we hike about 9 miles, mostly withOUT backpacks.

I expect people to bring the following among the essentials:

1. warm clothes
2. bug cream (just in case Mosquito lake decides to live upto its name)
3. extra pair of shoes/sandals/socks for stream crossings
4. hiking poles (we may encounter occassional ice fields)

Enough said. Please get back to me (abedajna__no_spam__yahoo.com or amit.bedajna__no_spam__oracle.com if mail bounces from the yahoo account) with the following info:

1. Name/phone number:
2. When can you leave on Thursday
3. If you can drive and, if so, how many people you can accomodate
4. If you drive stick shift
5. If you have a tent/water filter/stove/utensils/bear cannister
6. Backpacking experience in short

Point Reyes Tomales Point Trail (Craig)

• When: Saturday, July 5
• Meet:8:45 am Bechtel, or 11 am Trailhead
• Distance: 9.4 Miles
• Elevation Change: 900 feet
• Bring: the usual stuff, including a warm layer
• Cost: Mileage plus optional dinner afterwards

Directions:

• Take 101 North 7.5 Miles past the Golden Gate Bridge
• Exit on Sir Francis Drake Blvd., and follow that west until a T (about 45 minutes)
• Take a right Route 1 N for 150 yards
• Turn left on Bear Valley Road
• Turn Left on Sir Francis Drake Highway, and drive 5.6 miles
• Turn Right on Pierce Point Road, and follow 9 miles to Pierce Point Ranch Park

For those of you who can't get out for the whole 4th of July weekend, but want at least a day off, please come along. I tried this trip once before, and got fogged out as can happen during the summer. At least right now, Saturday looks like it will be a good day up there.

The route is simple: 4.7 miles out to the Point, and 4.7 miles back. As 9-milers go, it's fairly flat and easy. The views of the ocean are supposed to be wonderful, and there is lots of wildlife, including a herd of Tule Elk which are usually spotted.

If we finish early, we may spend a little time relxing on McClure's Beach. Then we'll head off to an optional dinner afterwards, likely at Cafe Reyes, then home.

I will not be at Bechtel, so if someone would like to volunteer to coordinate driving from there, please e-mail me. No need to respond otherwise, unless you have a question.

Craig Foster, trip "leader", cfoster01__no_spam__yahoo.com, (925) 443-1616 (please do not call between 9 pm and 8 am)
Take me to the top!

July 7-11 Desolation Wilderness (Ksenia and John) (*)

• Echo Lakes - Mt Tallac - Lake Aloha
• Length: 20 miles (+ 3-mile hike to Mt Tallac)
• Total Elevation gain: 2300
• Difficulty: Moderate

Mid-week is an excellent time to enjoy this beautiful and popular area of the Desolation Wilderness, with its stunning peaks and glacially-formed valleys and numerous lakes.

Itinerary:

Tuesday Hike to Gilmore lake via Triangle Lake and Glen Alpine trail (5.5 miles)

Wednesday Optional day hike to Mt Tallac to 9700 elevation (3 miles roundtrip) Hike to lake Aloha, via Susie and Heather lakes Camp at Lake of the Woods (5 miles from Gilmore lake)

Thursday Hike out to the trail head (5.3 miles) Time permitting, stop at South Lake Tahoe for a dinner buffet at one of the casinos

Please supply the following info:

1. Name/phone number
2. If you can drive and, if so, how many people you can accommodate
3. What are your preferred meeting places in the Bay Area
4. If you have a tent/stove/bear canister
5. Backpacking experience in short

This is a moderate trip suitable for people with limited backpacking experience. Pace will be moderate, with stops to take a dip in the lakes on the way. For more information on Desolation, access http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/wild/deso/

Please email to kegorova__no_spam__yahoo.com to sign up. To make a permit reservation, I will need to know the number of people in the group, so please get back to me by Tuesday AM. If you have questions, you can reach Ksenia at 408-802-3154 (cell).
Take me to the top!

July 19 (Sat) Forest of the Nisene Marks (Julio)

• Destination: The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
• Date: July 19, 2003 (Saturday)
• Total length of hike: About 10 miles
• Total elevation gain: 1100 feet (approx.)
• Further information on Forest of Nisene Marks State
• Park at URL: www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/nisene
• Driving distance/time: 50 miles / 1.25 hour approx. each way
• Cost: Mileage + $2 day use fee
• RAIN CANCELS
• Meet: 9:00 am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford
  10:30 am at Porter Family Picnic Area Parking Lot
• Estiimated finish time: 4:30- 5:00 PM (back at trailhead)
• Possible dinner afterwards at Manuel?s Mexican Restaurant in Aptos -- known for its very good Mexican food and Margaritas
• bring: lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, coat, all the usual stuff.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers an interesting landscape shaped by a variety of forces including earthquakes, large landslides, fire, and man. Some of the highlights of the park include a lovely deep narrow canyon surrounding the Aptos Creek, a range of tree types including Coastal Redwoods, madrone, various oaks and Douglas fir, lovely views of the Pacific Ocean, and the epicenter of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. Due to the coastal climate of this park and the shade of the forests, this park is an ideal location for a comfortable summertime hike.

Our hike will begin at the Porter Family Picnic Area and take us through the shady lush Aptos Creek canyon along sections of the Loma Prieta Grade trail and Mill Pond trail. We will then begin to gradually climb up to the site of the epicenter of the Loma Prieta earthquake on the Aptos Creek Trail. After stopping to view this historic site, we will continue along Aptos Creek in the shade of the forest and gain in elevation. We will then rise more rapidly along the Big Slide Trail where we will be treated to very nice views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean. We will then close our loop and descend back to the Aptos Creek and the shade of its canyon and forests. As we hike along the Aptos Creek to return to our starting point, we will take time to view some of the historical sites along the way.

DIRECTIONS from Stanford to the Porter Family Picnic Area of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park:

• Take the I-280 SOUTH ramp towards SAN JOSE
• Exit to HIGHWAY 85 heading TOWARD GILROY
• Exit to HIGHWAY 17 South (SANTA CRUZ DIRECTION)
• Exit to HIGHWAY 1 South (MONTEREY DIRECTION)
• Go a bit more than 6 miles.
• Take the STATE PARK DRIVE EXIT to APTOS
• Turn left at the stop light at end of the exit ramp
• Cross the overpass and proceed to stoplight at intersection with Soquel Drive
• Turn right at the stoplight onto SOQUEL DRIVE
• Continue on Soquel Drive through the VILLAGE OF APTOS until a STOP SIGN
• Turn LEFT at the STOP SIGN onto APTOS CREEK ROAD
• Drive 0.8 miles to the ENTRANCE STATION
• Drive 2.7 miles to the PORTER FAMILY PICNIC AREA where we will park and meet.

July 19-20 Lightweight Backpacking - Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (Peter and Doug) - org. meeting 7/15 (*)

• Dates: July 18-20
• Length: 30 miles total (aiming at 15 miles per day)
• Elevation: 3,500ft loss, 4,000ft climb
• Driving: about 5 hours one way
• Total weight carried: 20 lbs or less (includes everything on your back except water weight). This is why it is called a lightweight trip ;-)
• Difficulty: Strenuous normally but with light packs should not be too bad, especially as we do the big descent first and hike slowly back up hill with many waterfalls en route.

Lightweight gear "seminar"

• Date: July 15 at 7pm
• Location: Outside the Coffee Shop, Tressider Union, Stanford University

This is lightweight 30 mile one-way trip along the valley of the beautiful Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. Due to the distance and elevation gains/loss plus lightweight requirements it is aimed at more experienced backpackers who have done this type of distance before. Now could be a good time to realize that by lightening your load you can not just move faster, but will get less tired and enjoy the hiking and scenery more.

If you are curious about what lightweight means and how the equipment differs from most of the heavy stuff staff at REI will try and sell you, then please come to Doug Beasley's (trip co-leader) lightweight gear seminar. You don't have to sign up for this - just come along. We will have a weighing scale to demonstrate the differences in weight in common backpacking items such as different types of sleeping bags, tents and backpacks. These are known as the "big 3" and it is where you can get the biggest weight reductions in your gear.

As for the trip itself, I have permits for 10 people total and the plan is to leave on Friday afternoon/evening and return Sunday night.

If you are interested in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne trip including sticking to the 20 lb weight limit then please email me with the following :

1. Name
2. Backpacking experience level - have you done this length of trip before?
3. Do you have a car you are willing to drive
4. If yes, how many can your car hold for the drive to Yosemite
5. If yes, can your car hold 5 people with packs for the short 25 mile drive from campsite to trailhead
6. When can you leave and from where? (Bonus points if you can leave early and get us two campsites in the Tuolumne Meadows - if not I have several other reasonable options)
7. What weight is your tent and can you share it? Tents/tarps are mandatory pieces of gear (but can be shared) as is some form of rain jacket or poncho.
8. Do you have a water filter and if s which one? We will take a combo of filters and chemicals - part of group gear. We will provide bear canisters, also part of group gear.

The cost of the permit is $5 per person plus park entrance fees ($20 per car), shared camping costs for Friday night and driving costs to be shared.

"Leader" : Peter McColgan (plumeria__no_spam__earthlink.net)
"Co-leader" : Doug Beasley (dougbeasley__no_spam__yahoo.com)
Take me to the top!

July 25 (Fri) Lick Observatory Concert and Telescope (Mohammed)

July 26-27 Desolation Wilderness (Doug) (*)

• Sign-ups Required - See Below!
• Dates: July 26-27
• Departing: Saturday July 26th at 05:45am, Stanford, Bechtel Center
• Returning: Evening on Sunday July 27.
• Length: Roundtrip, One day distance is 6.5 miles
• Elevation: (Day 1: +1400',-780') optional climb of Pyramid Peak Sunday ~10k'.
• Difficulty: Easy to Low Moderate - Open to beginners w/ basic gear(sleeping bag, pad and backpack)
• Driving: 225mi each way
• Spots available on permit: 6
• Cost: ~$27 for Permits, water taxi, and mileage (see below)

I have a permit for travel in Desolation Wilderness at Lake Tahoe and would like to invite you to come along. There will be plenty of lakes, granite, swimming and fishing. I believe Desolation Wilderness offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northern Sierra, and the route I've chosen will take us through the nicest area and views of Desolation. Also, there is some really nice trout fishing in some of the lakes there, so if you have a valid California fishing license, bring your fishing gear.

I've reserved the maximum number of reservable spots available within the zone I selected, so the trip will be limited to 6 people total. Desolation Wilderness has a restrictive quota and zone system that limits where we camp on our first night. http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/eldorado/visitor/desowild.htm

Here is my plan for the trip:

Meet at the Bechtel Center at Stanford on Saturday Morning at 5:30am and leave at 5:45am. Due to the time of departure, all people must meet at Stanford, no exceptions.

We then go to the ranger station along the way and pick-up the permit.

Everyone takes a fun boat taxi across Echo Lakes to bypass 2.5miles of hiking (each person needs $7 each way to pay for taxi). We start our hike at the northeast end of Echo Lakes. We hike along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), past Tamarack Lake and Lake of the Woods. After that we come to Lake Aloha, a beautiful, all granite area, with hundreds of tiny granite islands dotting the lake. The view is stunning. There will be time to stop for a swim here. We proceed along the PCT to the northwestern end of Lake Aloha and go through Mosquito Pass. Shortly after that we reach our destination of Clyde Lake, a very nice lake in a granite bowl that has limited visitors. Good chance of catching trout here, too.

Sunday we hike out either the same way or if people want we can go a little cross-country and climb Pyramid Peak. Those that don't want to climb can wait a couple of hours at the shore of Lake Aloha and swim, etc. This is completely optional and based on the responses I make a decision whether there will be a climb. Sunday will be leisurely.

Link to 800k Map of route: http://cjserver.stanford.edu/dbeasley/downloads/desolation2003.pdf

Sign-ups and Lottery: To sign-up for the trip, please fill out the questionnaire below and send to me if you are interested in coming along. I'll gather all the responses and get back to everyone who gets a spot or is waitlisted by Tuesday Morning, July 22nd. I will be conducting a lottery for the spots on the trip so you don't have to reply quickly. All responses must be received by 6pm Monday July 21st. Two spots at most will be for previous backpacking trip leaders and will also be selected via lottery. Those previous trip leaders not selected for the trip leader spots will then be put in the general lottery pool for the remaining 3 spots.

Questionnaire:

• Name:
• E-mail:
• Work or home phone:
• Cell phone:
• Can you Drive your own car for this trip and carry people:
• How many people can fit in your car w/ gear:
• Do you have a backpacking tent:
• How many people total can sleep in your tent(s):
• What is your backpacking experience level, # of trips or years:
• Have you been a backpacking trip leader within the last two quarters:
• Have you been backpacking in Desolation Wilderness before:
• Are you interested in optionally climbing Pyramid Peak:
• Are you interested in being waitlisted if you are not selected in the lottery:
• Costs:
  • Overnight Wilderness Camping fee = $5/person
  • Wilderness Permit Reservation Fee: $1/person
  • Boat Taxi fee x2 = $14/person
  • Mileage: 225miles one-way - $0.15/mile =
  • If four people per car, then approximately $17/person
  • Total approximate cost per person:$27.00

Please contact Doug at dougbeasley__no_spam__yahoo.com to sign-up or ask questions about the trip. Take me to the top!

Aug 3 (Sun) Oyster Picnic

• Date : Sun, Aug 3
• Meeting Place : 9:30am, Bechtel
• Cost : Carpool and some $ for oysters

Yup, it is time for another trip to the oyster farm up at Tamales Bay!

The coming weekend should be nice and warm so please come join us on Sunday for a trip up to the oyster farm for some fresh oysters and whatever other recipes the other folks for the day dream up.

I cannot quite remember how many times we have been there but here are some links to other posts so that you get an idea of what goes on during a trip there ...

• http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/summer02.html#JUN30
• http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/fall01.html#SEP30
• http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/summer01.html#JUN30

Anyway, here is some contact info for the place :

Tamales Bay Oyster Co 15479 Highway 1 Marshall, CA 94940 (415) 663-1242

They are located on the west side of HWY 1, about midway between the turnoff to Point Reyes Station and Marshall.

Couple of things to remember. Bring your own picnic. Only thing they sell onsite is oysters (and lots of it). Also, bring sunscreen, change for oysters and carpool and lots of water.

We should be done about mid-afternoon but return time flexible per carpools. Paul
chanpaul "at" stanfordalumni.org
More details will be posted in the week prior to the event.
Take me to the top!

Aug 7-10: Mineral King Backpacking, Sequoia National Park (Craig) (*)

• Depart: Late Thursday (or very early Friday) August 7 (8)
• Return: Early evening Sunday
• Distance: Approximately 31 miles over 3 days
• Elevation change: 4000 feet
• Maximum Elevation: 12343 feet
• Driving time: about 6 hours each way
• Cost: mileage, camp sites Thursday ($12 per site), wilderness permit ($15 total)
• Maximum number of people: 8

This is definitely a 3-day trip, so please don't reply if you cannot take Friday, the 8th off.

We are going to the same area the Amit raved about in about in July: http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/summer03.html#AUG9b but we will be travelling further in and doing all backpacking. It should be a great trip, but we will encounter some steep climbs and high elevations, so this is not a trip for novices.

We will leave the Bay Area Thursday night and drive down to the southern part of Sequoia and camp at the Cold Spring Campground. We will leave the next morning on a 31 mile loop that will take us over Franklin Pass, around some alpine lakes (Little Claire, Coumbine) and back over Sawtooth Pass. This is supposed to be beautiful alpine country which has breathtaking views, steeps climbs, and a relatively light load of visitors.

If you're interested, let me know the following information

• Name:
• e-mail:
• Are you willing to drive?
• If yes, how many people can you fit, with gear?
• Do you have:
  • a backpacking tent (number of people)?
  • a stove?
  • a bear cannister?
  • a water filter?

Have you led an Outing Club trip in the past year? How much backpacking experience do you have?

When can you leave? From where? Craig Foster
trip "leader" cfoster01__no_spam__yahoo.com
(925) 443-1616 (note the different summer number)
More details will be posted in the week prior to the event.
Take me to the top!

Aug 9-10 Sierra Peak Climbing (Arturo) (CANCELLED) (*)

Aug 10(Sun) Castle Rock Park Hike (Himanshu)

• Destination: Castle Rock State Park
• Date: Sunday, Aug 10th, 2003
• Total length of hike: About 6 miles
• Total elevation gain: 800 feet (approx.)
• Further information about the hike and Castle Rock State Park can be found at http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/castlerock.html And http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=538
• Driving distance/time: About 45 minutes approx. each way
• Cost: Mileage.
• RAIN CANCELS
• Meet: 10 am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford 11 am at Castle Rock State Park
• Estimated finish time: 2:00 PM (back at trailhead)
• bring: lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, all the usual stuff.
• AFTER the Lunch: Decide by ears
• Address: 15000 Skyline Blvd Los Gatos, CA 95033-8291

DIRECTIONS

• Take 101 S towards San Jose
• Exit CA-85 S towards Cupertino 9.8 miles
• Take Sarotoga Ave Exit
• Turn Right on Sarotoga 1.8m
• Left on Big Basin Way 0.5m
• Right on Big Basin Way/Congress Springs Road 6.9m
• Left on Skyline Blvd 1.9m
• And Park will be on your right hand side.

Aug 15-17 Dinkey Lakes Wildnerness (Paul) (*)

• Location : Dinkey Lakes Wildnerness, Sierra National Forest
• Meeting Time : Friday 8/15 evening
• Return Time : Sunday 8/17 evening
• Driving Time : Est 5 hours each eay
• Length of Hike : 10-15 miles
• Elevation Gain : ~2000ft (at elevation)

It is time again to head to the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness which is part of the Sierra National Forest near King's Canyon National Park. This would be visit #3 in as many years, with highlights of the trip including a climb of Dogtooth Peak and also lots of swimming in the cool alpine lakes up at that elevation.

General plan now is for a Fri early evening departure, camping overnight near the ranger station at Dinkey Creek and then an early headstart on Sat to camp near one of the 10 or so lakes in that area. We will climb Dogtooth either on Sat afternoon or Sun morning, and return to the cars by Sun afternoon for the drive back.

Having been on this same trip numerous times, I would say that the view of the High Sierras from the top of Dogtooth Peak (10,302ft) is one of the highlights! You can check out the following links to photos & trip descriptions from past trips for a feel of the place. Most of the way up Dogtooth is a Class I/II scramble which does not require the use of any specialized climbing equipment. The final 50 feet or so experiences significant exposure and we have stopped at this point in past years.
http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Um=92825906403&Un=644267596&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3FshowSlide%3Dtrue&UV=65654272290_20434389903
http://cjserver.stanford.edu/cjpics/Dinkey_Lakes_Jun02/
http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Um=47348711203&Un=1447767965&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3FshowSlide%3Dtrue&UV=245526440723_11434389903
http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/spring02.html#JUN08a

Please ensure that you have the necessary basic backpacking gear. These include well-fitted backpack, sleeping bag rated to 15F or lower, sleeping pad, boots with good ankle support, wind/waterproof outer shell and insulating layers.

If you are interested to head out but this all sounds a little daunting to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. As in past years and most of my other trips, I'm glad to have less experienced folks on the trip so that more people can be introduced to this beautiful area.

I would like to keep the group size manageable so please reply ASAP if you are interested with the following :

• Name
• Contact Number (Day/Evening)
• Do you drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle?
• Are you willing to drive and how many passengers can you take?
• Do you have any of the following items? (Tent, stove, water filter)
• Prior backpacking/climbing experience.

And finally, because of the nature of the trip, I'm obliged to point out that climbing is a dangerous sport and personal discretion is advised. We must be prepared to turn around at any point as conditions dictate. I will not be bringing a rope or harnesses and will terminate the trip if conditions at any point require their use.

Paul Take me to the top!

Aug 15-17 Emigrant Wilderness (Giles) (*)

• Depart: Friday afternoon/evening
• Return: Sunday Evening
• Distance: 18 miles
• Elevation change: ~1500ft, most of it down.
• Maximum Elevation: 9000ft
• Driving: 4 hrs each way
• Costs: Carpool + 2 dinners
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Limit: 10 people

Emigrant Wilderness is a glorious part of the Stanislaus National Forrest just on the north-west edge of Yosemite. This means that the scenery is wonderful and the crowds are sparse. It's famed for its fishing potential (bring a rod if you have one, and a fishing lisence) and for its mosquitos (take along the DEET).

Emigrant Wilderness is a glorious part of the Stanislaus National Forrest There is a nice, though longish, loop from Burst Rock to the Crabtree camp that goes out to Deer Lake. The plan for this trip is to shortcut this about 2/3 of the way along by visiting little-known Toejam and Leopold lakes.

This hike is fairly easy as far as distance and elevation change is concerned. However, remember that it does involve some altitude. There will also be about 5 miles of route-finding which may well involve a reasonable amount of scrabbling.

We will meet up and camp at the Burst Rock trailhead, and do a breif car shuttle (1/2 hr) saturday morning. Then we hike out along the Burst Rock trail, past Powell Lake and into Whitesides Meadow. Just beyond here we turn off the trail to head into Toejam lake. We'll camp here or at Leopold lake, try the fishing (remember that it won't be stocked, however), swim and explore the rest of the area.

Sunday we will begin by finding and climbing down Tom's Canyon - about a 600ft descent. This should not be technical, but may well involve some scrabbling. The bottom of the canyon is supposed to hold a lovely meadow and to exit out onto Piute on the Crabtree Trail. From here it's another 6 miles to Crabtree camp, a car shuttle and home. In doing this we'll pass beautiful Camp lake, and given an early start can also make excursions to Gem and Bear lakes.

Sign Up:
If you would like to come along, get back to my by Monday, August 11 with the following

1. Name/Home Phone/Work Phone/Number of people.
2. Can you drive? How may passengers can you take including gear?
3. Can you bring a stove and a pot?
4. can you bring a water filter?
5. can you bring a tent? how may people will it accommodate?
6. Will you be fishing? What's your probability of providing dinner? (I'm kidding.)
7. If leaving from Stanford at 5 isn't convenient, when/where is?

Trip "leader"
Giles Hooker
gilesh__no_spam__stat.stanford.edu
(650) 326 9368
Take me to the top!

Aug 16 Big Basin, Berry Creek Falls Loop (Sundeep)

• WHEN: Saturday, August 16, 2003
• MEET: Bechtel, 9:30 am, or Big Basin HQ, 10:45 am
• DISTANCE: approx. 11 miles
• ELEVATION CHANGE: +-600 ft.
• BRING: Whatever you fancy. FYI, this is a very shaded hike.
• RAIN POILICY: Rain cancels. But hey, what are the chances of it actually raining?
• DRIVING TIME/MILEAGE: 1 hr / 40 miles.

DIRECTIONS

Exit 85 at Saratoga Road. Turn right and head west on Saratoga Road. After a few miles, you'll encounter a signal. Pick up Highway 9 here; take a right and drive through the quaint shopping area of Saratoga. The road then begins to climb into the mountains. Stay on 9 as it winds through the mountains for 12 miles. You will then see a sign for Highway 236/Big Basin. Turn right onto Highway 236 and continue on this road for 9 miles until you come to Park Headquarters.

DESCRIPTION

This is a pretty good summer hike as almost the whole trail is well shaded. The highest point of the hike is the park HQ at 1000 ft and the lowest point is the Berry Creek falls at 400 ft. So we would be going down 600 ft at the first half (well, more like the first 2/5th) and then go up 600 feet in getting back. It is a relatively easy hike and should take us about 6 hrs to finish. So expect the hike to finish around 5-5:30 pm. We would be taking a lunch break at the viewing platform at Berry Creek falls, which should be a couple of hours into the hike.

There will be an optional dinner afterwards. Make sure that you carpool with like minded (dinner/non-dinner) people.

Any questions, feel free to contact me, Sundeep Abraham. email: snkabraham__no_spam__yahoo.com . Ph: 650-799-0989. Take me to the top!

Aug 22-24 Lost Coast (Lothar) (*)

This, most popular King Range hike offers one of the few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the U.S. Hikers can view sea lions, tidepools and spectacular spring wildflowers.

Links:

• Leaving: Thursday (8/21) afternoon 5 pm
• Returning: Sunday evening (8/24) around 10 pm
• Meeting: Bechtel International Center, Stanford

It will be a 25 miles hike, partly on the sand. That's why we will need 3 days for the hike, 8+ miles per day should be a good distance. The hike starts in the north at Mattole and ends at Black Sands Beach. The transport back to the start - to the cars - can be done with a commercial service. The time for the shuttle will be about 2 1/2 hrs.

We can use campgrounds for overnight. It would be nice if we plan for two group dinners on Fri and Sat night.

Costs will be for campground fees, shuttle service and transportation to the start point and back.

If you are interested, please sign up until Tuesday, August 19th, with following information:

• Name
• E-mail
• Phone #s (work, home, mobile)
• Do you have a car and can you drive ? How many fit in your car (with gear) ?
• Do you have a tent? If yes, how big?
• Do you have a stove, fuel, cookware?
• If Stanford is really inconvenient, where would you want to leave from?
• Can you help plan the dinners? Any ideas? (decide on the menu and help with shopping)

Aug 23 (Sat) Montara Mountain (Julio)

• Destination: McNee Ranch State Park/ Montara State Beach
• Date: August 23, 2003 (Saturday)
• Total length of hike: About 10 miles
• Total elevation gain: 1700 feet
• Further information on Montara Mountain/ McNee Ranch State Park at URL: http://plants.montara.com/mrsp.html#directions
• Driving distance/time: 40 miles / 45 minutes - 1 hour approx. each way
• Cost: Mileage
• RAIN CANCELS
• NO NEED TO RSVP
• Meet: 9:30 am at the Bechtel I-Center, Stanford 10:45 am at trailhead in McNee Ranch State Park
• Estimated finish time: 4:00- 4:30 PM (back at trailhead)
• Optional dinner afterwards in Half Moon Bay
• bring: lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, coat (remember it might be somewhat cool at the coast), all the usual stuff.

Montara Mountain offers spectacular views, an unusual tall mountain at oceanside with a steep climb, and a relic of granite which was once close to the Los Angeles Basin many millions of years ago. Due to its close proximity to the ocean, wonderful views of the ocean and coast greet the hiker at each turn. With the cooling influence of the nearby ocean, a hike up Montara Mountain is an excellent outing for the summer months.

Our hike will begin at about 100 feet elevation at the trailhead just off Highway 1. We will work our way up the mountain on North Peak Access Road and stop for lunch mid-way on the route to North Peak. While working our way up the mountain, vegetation along the trail will transition from a few tall eucalyptus, cypresses, and Monterey Pines to sagebrush, pampas grass, and chaparral. We will then stop at North Peak (elevation 1840 feet) and enjoy the panoramic views we have rightly earned. After reaching the North Peak, we will descend by partially retracing our steps and then exploring the San Pedro Road Trail and the Gray Whale Cove Trail, which will return us to our starting point.

DIRECTIONS from Stanford to the trailhead parking lot at McNee Ranch State Park.

• Take the I-280 NORTH ramp towards SAN FRANCISCO
• Exit to HIGHWAY 92 heading west TOWARD HALF MOON BAY
• In Half Moon Bay, turn right onto HIGHWAY 1 HEADING NORTH
• Drive 8 MILES NORTH and look for a GATED FENCE ON THE RIGHT just after Montara Beach.
• Parking for a few cars is available here. Other small lots are also available somewhat to the north and south of the trailhead.
• We will meet at the gated fence which is the site of the trailhead.

Aug 30- Sept 1 Trinity Alps (Johnny) (CANCELLED) (*)

Aug 30-Sep 1 Lassen Volcanic National Park (Amit) (*)

• Destination: Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Dates: Aug 30, 31, Sep 1
• Length: Average 10-11 miles/day (mostly without backpack!)
• Elevation Change: negligible
• Driving: ~250mi each way
• Group Size: I have permit for 10 people, if more decide to join, we have to find a co-"leader".

Idea borrowed from last year's John Brown's trip. So the objective is to see pretty much everything there is to see at Lassen (-:). I am thinking of camping at the Rainbow lake. Itenary includes a climb of Lassen Peak, a trip to Cinder Cone/Painted Dunes (that should be a 13-14 mile dayhike) and a hike to Bumpass Hell.

Please check out John's description from last year at: http://www.stanford.edu/group/outing/summer02.html#JUL18 This week I'll try to find some interesting variation on this basic overall plan.

Please get back to me at abedajna__no_spam__yahoo.com with the following info, I'll confirm and send details this weekend. Previous trip leaders and experienced backpackers get preference.

• Name/phone number:
• Earliest can you leave on Friday:
• If you can drive and, if so, how many people you can accomodate:
• You'd be comfortable picking people up from Stanford/San Jose/SFO/East Bay:
• If you have a tent/water filter/stove/utensils/bear cannister:
• Backpacking experience in short:

Aug 30- Sept 1 Five Lakes Basin, Tahoe National Forest (Doug/Johnny) (*)

• Sign-ups Required - See Below!
• Dates: August 30-September 1
• Departing: Saturday August 30th at 08:00am, Stanford, Bechtel Center
• Returning: Evening on September 1
• Length: 15 miles total - 5 miles a day
• Elevation Gain: 2500 feet total
• Difficulty: Easy- Open to beginners who have basic gear(sleeping bag, pad and backpack)
• Driving: ~200 miles each way
• Spots available: Variable, maybe up to 16
• Cost: mileage of $.15/mile/persons in car.

Welcome to a three-day relaxing backpacking trip to the Tahoe National Forest west of Donner Summit off of Highways 80 and 20. This is a loop trip with travel of only 5 miles a day. The area that we are going to has many alpine lakes, high vista views and granite. The highlight of the trip is the Five Lakes Basin area. We'll be camping under the stars, far away from city lights, so we should also have a good view of Mars, at its closest to Earth in many thousands of years -- bring a binocular or small telescope if you have one.

Here is our plan for the trip: Meet at the Bechtel Center at Stanford on Saturday Morning at 7:45am and leave at 8:00am. For this trip, all people must be able to meet at the Bechtel Center at Stanford. We will be driving on Highway 80 most of the way. There will be a 4-6 mile section of dirt road before getting to the trail head. The dirt road is passable by normal vehicles, high-clearance NOT required, though it will be dusty.

This is a national forest so there are no permit restrictions and the size of the group will be limited to what is manageable and by the number of vehicles that can fit everyone. If you are willing to drive your vehicle and take passengers you get priority on this trip.

I haven't decided yet if we will hike this loop clockwise or counter-clockwise, but I'm leaning on doing it clockwise. If counter-clockwise, Saturday, we hike five miles to Five Lakes Basin. We'll get to camp early so we'll have time to fish or swim. On Sunday we hike 5 miles to Rock Lake and will again have time to fish, swim, or just relax. Monday, we again hike another 5 miles out and if we have time, get to enjoy Carr Lake for some swimming and fishing. After we leave to return home, we will stop at Ikeda's in Auburn to have some dinner.

Here's a link to a map of the trip. It's a 600k pdf. http://cjserver.stanford.edu/dbeasley/downloads/FiveLakesBasin.pdf

Sign-ups: To sign-up for the trip, please fill out the questionnaire below and respond to my email of dougbeasley__no_spam__yahoo.com . People will be notified the morning of Wednesday August 27th if they've made the trip or not. If there are many responses we'll place people not selected on a waiting list. We will be selecting people based the number of total responses, number of vehicles offered to drive, and group gear available. Even though the National forest has no permit restrictions on the number of people in a party, we'll be limiting the size of the group to help manage the logistics and minimize the impact on the environment. Please reply by the evening of Tuesday August 26th. Questionnaire:

• Name:
• E-mail:
• Work or home phone:
• Cell phone:
• Can you Drive your own car for this trip and carry people(on dirt road):
• How many people can fit in your car w/ gear:
• Do you have a backpacking tent:
• Is your tent Free-standing:
• How many people total can sleep in your tent(s):
• Do you have a stove and/or water filter:
• Have you backpacked before:
• Have you been a backpacking trip leader within the last two quarters:
• If you have been a trip leader, then which trips did you lead:
• Are you interested in being waitlisted if you are not selected:

Costs: Mileage: ~200miles one-way - $0.15/mile/4 people a car = $15/person

Your trip leaders are Doug and Johnny. Please contact Doug at dougbeasley__no_spam__yahoo.com to sign-up. If you have questions, email either Doug or Johnny (jng99__no_spam__stanford.edu). Take me to the top!

Sept 13-14 Tuolumne Meadows (Eng-Shien) (*)

Sept 20-21 Point Reyes Kayaking (Karen) (*)

Sept 20 (Sat) Russian Ridge Sunset Hike (Craig)

Sept 25 (Th) Fall Quarter Potluck and Planning Meeting

Oct 25-26 Doug's Secret Fishing Spot (Doug) (*)