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Home , Bottchers Gap, Junipero Serra Peak, Pinnacles National Park, Ventana Double Cone

Ventana Chapter ~ Ventana.SierraClub.org Hikes and Outings for Monterey/Carmel & Santa Cruz Dec. 13, 2013 to March 1, 2014 ~ Contact leader to reserve a spot

This is a current listing of the Outings. Please refer to the website: Ventana.SierraClub.org for any additions or changes, and contact the leader for a reservation as most outings are weather dependent. Note that some may require a small fee for transportation

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 Hike: Monterey History Walk: Ramble Walk: Mission Trails & Holiday Walk We’ll explore some of the trails in the north- This beautiful walk is 2-3 miles and 300’ elev. We will start at Colton Hall and walk from ern section of Fort Ord National Monument. gain. We start at the bottom of the canyon on there around town with stops at the Royal Meet at 9 a.m. in REI parking lot, Marina, Rio Road across from the Carmel Mission. We Chapel and Custom House. 3-4 miles, not for a short carpool to the Jerry Smith access will make an elongated loop with possibly much elevation gain, moderate pace. Let’s see point on Intergarrison Road. We’ll walk at some city streets as part of the route. If there how many of the Monterey Angels we can a leisurely pace for around 5 miles through is no fog, there is a nice view of the Mission spot. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Colton Hall at Pacific hilly oak terrain. Bring water and dome. We will make stops at the controver- and Madison in Monterey. Unrestricted a snack, we should be done by 1 p.m. Leaders: sial Flanders Mansion and its neighboring parking is on Pacific Ave above the library or Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427. Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and the on one side of Van Buren above the Police Outdoor Forest Theater. Meet at 9 a.m. at the department. Please, let me know if you are TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2013 trailhead. Call me to reserve a place. Leader: coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, onegisela@ Senior Saunter: Watsonville Slough Martha Saylor, 372-9215. aol.com or 393-4983. A mostly flat walk around Watsonville and Struve Sloughs. We’ll see egrets, herons, mal- TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 lards, etc. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears on Senior Saunter: Antonelli Pond Hike: , Ca 41st Ave. or at the Nature Center, 20 Hawkins We will start our approx. 3 mile walk along Fish and Wildlife Slough Rd at 9:50. Lunch at Ramsay Park. the west side of Antonelli Pond on to Terrace So this is a mild and quite flat walk of about Bring lunch, water, $3 carpool. Rain cancels. Point and visit the Seymour Center. We’ll 5-6 miles, but it is near the ocean, should Leader: Bev Meschi, 475-4185. return to Natural Bridges picnic tables for have migrating ducks this time of year and lunch. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears on will be sunny if the sun is out. Please call WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014 41st Ave. or on Delaware Ave. by entrance Nick for meet time and place. Leader: Nick New Year’s Day Hike: Holt Road/ to Natural Bridges State Park at 9:50. Bring Wyckoff, (831)462-3101. Garland to my Place lunch, water, $2 carpool. Rain cancels. Leader: Our traditional New Year’s Hike takes us Jean Harrison, 425-5447. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 from the parking lot at Safeway’s Mid Valley, Afternoon Stroll: Monterey History carpooling to Garland Ranch, climb up to SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 We’ll meander along above Pacific Street to Snifely’s Ridge, although at a very moderate Hike: Ft. Ord Nat’l Monument/ see where Pelon sat in jail, the cavalry gal- pace, and still a little higher to a sunny spot Toro Creek loped along the beach, and who knows what for lunch. Then we’ll turn west all the way We’re going back here because it will be full else? Meet on the front steps of Colton Hall high up through Carmel Valley, down to sun if the weather cooperates (I’m writing on Pacific St. at 1 p.m. Lots of free parking Hold Road and back to most of our cars. But this as a last minute submittal to Anneliese uphill behind the building. Rain cancels. For wait a minute, you are all invited to “Kaffee for the Jan-Feb newsletter during our Dec more information call me. Leader: Mary Gale, und Kuchen” at my place, Mid Valley Garden 5-7 freeze!). Come to the Toro Creek entrance. 626-3565. Homes #53, to celebrate the New Year. About It will be 7-8 miles and 1000’ uphill. Bring 8 miles and 1,500’ elevation gain/loss. Bring water and lunch. Call Nick for more info, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 water and lunch, hiking sticks and wear and for the meet time and place. Leader: Nick Hike: Fly Agarics mushrooms in sturdy shoes. Meet at Mid Valley parking Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101. Del Monte Forest lot opposite Chase Bank at 10 a.m. Call to con- We’ll zig and zag through the serene pine for- firm. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Anneliese est of Pebble Beach hoping to find beautiful Suter, 624-1467. hallucinogenic or deadly Fly Agaric mush- rooms (red with white polka dots). Bring water and lunch. 5 ½ miles, 750 ft. elevation gain with flora & fauna stops. Arrive early; we depart at 9:30am from the “Haul Road” gate on Highway 68 in Pebble Beach. Call for a res- ervation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Continues on next page SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Afternoon Stroll: Fort Ord Hike: Fort Ord Dunes Hike: Huckleberry Hill National Monument An easy hike through the Dunes and along A short but interesting jaunt up to Have you checked out the new (kinda new...) the ocean, about 4 miles. We’ll go first to the Huckleberry Hill on the east side of Point entrance to the Fort Ord NM opposite Toro new parking lot and the look out where in Lobos. 5 miles with 600’ of elevation gain, Cafe? Neither have I, though I hiked there former times the Military clubhouse was. You through a variety of coastal ecosystems. Bring about 15 years ago. Let’s go see what’s there; if remember, it had been taken down before it water, lunch, and optional camera for unique not enough easy walking, we’ll do a short car would fall into the ocean . We might find a views of . Maybe we’ll spot a shuttle to Creekside and walk from there. few blooming sand flowers and will watch Gowan Cypress or two along the way. Meet at Meet at 1 p.m. at the trailhead parking on birds and high waves. Bring water and a 10:00 AM at the Bagel Bakery near Sav Mart in Highway 68, just east of the San Benancio sandwich, hiking sticks, binoculars and wear Carmel. Leader: Larry Parrish 622-7455 traffic light between Salinas and Monterey, layers; it may be windy from the ocean. Meet on the north side of the road. Bring water in Seaside at Home Depot near the gas station TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 and dress in layers. Not very strenuous, at 10 a.m. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467 Senior Saunter: though we may climb a steep hill slowly to Bike Path to Wilder check out the view. For more info, call ahead!! TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 Approx. 3 miles, mostly flat walk to Wilder Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565. Senior Saunter: Pinto Lake Ranch State Park, to horse corral, cowboy Approx. 3 miles mostly on level ground cabin and outdoor tour of ranch buildings. SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 through an oak and madrone forest. We’ll Lunch at Wilder and return on bike path. Hike: Mount Carmel lunch in picnic grounds. Meet before 9:30 Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears on 41st Ave. or We will climb about 2,200 feet in about four a.m. at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, take 9:50 at Shen’s or 9:55 at the trailhead just off miles to Devil’s Peak with spectacular views Hwy 1 south to Airport Blvd exit. Continue of Hwy. 1 at Shaffer on the left. Bring lunch, of the coast line and then continue 0.6 miles on Airport Blvd, crossing Freedom Blvd to water and $2 carpool. Rain cancels. Leader: to Mount Carmel where the views are not as 2nd traffic light, Green Valley. Go left and Jean Harrison, 425-5447. great but you can say you have been to the continue on Green Valley past Pinto Lake top of Mount Carmel which is a prominent City Park to Pinto Lake COUNTY Park on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 mountain seen from the Monterey Bay Area. the left. Park at the end near the Gazebo. Hike: Del Monte Forest This is about a ten mile out and back which Rain cancels. Bring water, lunch and $2 car- 4-5 miles, with 500’ elevation gain, moderate is strenuous from Bottcher’s Gap to the top pool. Leader: Denise Lucy, 728-6552. pace. Del Monte Forest offers quiet forested of Devil’s Peak with mostly downhill for the trails that are even pretty in fog. We might be return. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle at SATURDAY, 25 JANUARY able to see some mushrooms. Bring water & Bottcher’s Gap. Bring lunch and at least two Hike: Pinnacles / a snack. Meet at parking area at the Old Haul liters of water. Rain cancels. Meet at the Rio North Chalone Peak Road gate on highway 68 between highway Road P & R at 8:00 am. Leader: Steve Benoit, From Soledad take 146 to the West Entrance 1 and Forest Hill Area at 9:00 a.m. Please let 831-394-4234 or [email protected] of the Park and continue from there to the me know if you are coming.. Leader: Gisela Chaparral Parking Lot, our meeting point. Nobinger, 393-4983 or [email protected]. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 The hike is up Juniper Canyon Trail to the Senior Saunter: Carmel Circle High Peaks, then down to the Bear Gulch SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 A 3 mile loop in Carmel. We begin at the Reservoir and up on the Chalone Peak Trail Hike: Pogonip City Park Carmel Mission, walk on the Mission Preserve to North Chalone Peak (3304ft). Elevation On the New Bike Trail Perimeter Loop. So Trail to the historical Flanders House. gain is 1904’. The view is spectacular! With there is a new bike-permitted trail here (sorry, Restrooms at Sunset Center and lunch on some luck we might see condors. Start is Peter) which goes 6-7 miles when connected benches there. After lunch walkers can take at 9:00 a.m. Total distance 13.8 miles. Bring to the other perimeter trails of this very local a shorter route back to the Mission. Return plenty of water, dress in layers, bring gloves location. We’ll also experience about 900’ via Scenic Tour near beach & 13th Ave. and and a warm head cover! Rain cancels. uphill and a little mud if it has been raining. back to the Mission. Meet before 9:30 at Sears For reservations and carpooling call. Leader: Bring water and lunch. Call Nick for more on 41st Ave. To go direct, take Hwy 1 South Burkhard Siedhoff, 831-920-1803. info. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Gov’t to Carmel Crossroads, turn right on Rio Rd., Center at 9:30 a.m. to carpool. Leader: Nick go one mile to park at Carmel Mission. Bring SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101. water, lunch and $5 carpool. Leader: Brooke Hike: to Ewoldsen, 475-6188. Apple Tree Camp TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Starting at Bottchers Gap trailhead, we’ll Senior Saunter: Asilomar North WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 hike up through oak and madrone forest to A 3 mile walk from Asilomar north along Hike: Toro County Park the top of Skinner Ridge, then down to our the coast to Pt. Pinos Lighthouse and return This 5 mile hike with about 800’ elevation lunch spot at Apple Tree Camp. Expect steep, through residential area. Bring lunch or eat gain takes us through a forested valley along rugged trails with views out to the coast and at Fishwife Restaurant. Meet before 9:30 a.m. the Ollason trail then up to oak dotted grass- into the interior of the . at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, take Hwy lands. It’s probably too early for spring flow- At 7 miles and around 1600 feet of elevation 1 south and exit at 68 West off ramp and ers, but we can hope. Bring water & lunch. gain, this hike is fairly strenuous, but we’ll meet at Fishwife Restaurant at 10:30. Bring Meet at the dirt parking area outside Toro take it at a leisurely pace. Bring lunch, lots lunch, water and $5 carpool. Leader: Brooke Park at 9:15 a.m. Please let me know if you are of water, and protection from insects and Ewoldsen, 475-6188. coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, 393-4983 or poison oak. Meet at Rio Road P & R at 9:00 [email protected]. a.m. Rain cancels. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Continues on next page WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Outings Meeting Hike: Hills above Brazil Ranch Hike: Pt. Lobos State Park at Monterey Public Library We are not permitted to hike on the Brazil The left coast never disappoints, and this at 6:30 p.m. Ranch proper. Instead, we will start from unique location is worth doing by the Group Hikes for March and April 2014 are collected. the west on newly opened trails overlook- at least once a year. We’ll go now in hopes of Everybody interested is welcome! ing the Ranch and its horses. The hike is a sun, wave action and critters. It will be about total of 600’ elevation gain/loss on ca. 5 miles 6 miles and 500’ uphill. Bring a windbreaker SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 through high pastures which offer magnifi- if the weather might be like that. Bring lunch Hike : Big Basin/Berry Creek Falls cent views down to the mouth of the Little and water. Call Nick for more info, and for the This 12-mile hike, with 400 feet of elevation Sur River, the Lighthouse and to Pico meet time and place. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, gain, will take us from Waddell Beach to Blanco. Part of the hike is off trail. Bring good (831) 462-3101. Berry Creek Falls and back. We will follow shoes and trekking poles. Don’t forget water Waddell Creek to a lunch stop at the roaring and lunch! Meet at P & R on Rio Road in SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 60 foot falls. Bring water, your lunch, and Carmel at 9:30 a.m. for a short drive on Hwy 1. Hike: East Molera/Post Summit an extra layer. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Call for more information. Leader: Anneliese From the East Molera trail and Post Summit the Santa Cruz Government Center lot at Suter, 624-1467 (3455’) itself, you can enjoy dramatic views of 9:00 a.m. sharp, to carpool. Or on Highway 1, the Big Sur Coast, and of the interior Ventana across from Waddell Beach, at 9:25. Return to SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Wilderness ranging from to the beach by 3:30 p.m., Government Center Hike: Jacks Peak, Another Way to . by 4:00. Please sign up two weeks before the Let’s approach Jacks’ Peak from Carmel This is a strenuous 6-7 hour hike of about hike, on Meet up: Valley. A short but interesting hike of 6 miles 10 miles and 3500’. Meet at the Rio Road P http://www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-Sierra- and 1000’ of elevation gain. Through a & R at 7:45 a.m. Bring lunch, 3+ liters water, Club/ . Call if you have any questions. Leader: meadow and up a fairly steep trail through and rain/wind gear. The last section before Allan Neymark, (831) 457-2505. the pines and oaks. Possible poison oak, so the summit is steep and loose, so if you have come prepared. Meet at Save Mart/Bagel hiking poles you may want to bring them. In SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Bakery at 10:00. Rain cancels. Leader: Larry case of severe weather, we may divert to a less Hike: Garland Ranch Parrish, 622-7455 exposed destination. Limit 12 hikers, so please We’ll hike up to the Mesa via foothill trails, reply to [email protected] Buckeye and Waterfall, come back via Fern, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 with your name and phone number, and we Mesa, and Lupine Loop trails. About 5 miles Senior Saunter: will call you. Leaders: Randy May & Carol with modest elevation gain. Nice valley New Brighton Beach Greenstreet. views, maybe already some early wildflowers. This walk is along the beach in front of New Meet at P & R on Rio Road at 9 a.m. for car- Brighton State Park to Sea Cliff State Park. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 pooling. Please call me to reserve a space or if We’ll return to New Brighton, up the cliff, Walk/Hike: Kahn Ranch wanting to meet at Garland Park. If there has steep but not too long, back to New Brighton How about an easy stroll to a waterfall (IF been rain, the trails may be muddy and there State Park for lunch. Meet before 9:30 a.m. we’ve had rain!) followed by a steep climb might even be some water over the waterfall. at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, take Hwy. up to a viewpoint for lunch? We’ll start on Bring snack/lunch and water. Rain cancels. 1 exit at Park Ave., go right to Kennedy Ave. the Hitchcock trail and descend via a less Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215. and turn right for parking along the street steep route to complete our loop. Anybody to meet at 9:50. Bring water, lunch and $1 wanting only an easy stroll could bring a TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 carpool. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803. book to read trailside, and enjoy the peace Senior Hike: of this beautiful canyon while waiting for Manzanita County Park FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 the others to return. Or the stroller(s) could This is a moderate hilly 3.25 mile hike in Hike: Pinnacles N.P. Juniper get a permit for his/her/their own car (go to North Monterey County. See ocean and Canyon MPRPD site) and drive home whenever. Meet Fremont Peak on a clear day. Lunch at picnic This spectacular but steep trail climbs along at the main parking lot at Garland Ranch tables in park. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears switchbacks to the heart of the High Peaks. (down off the shoulder of CV Rd.) at 9:30 to on 41st Ave or at Manzanita County Park. At the top, we’ll circle through rock forma- form car pools to the trailhead up past CV Call leader for directions. Restrooms. Bring tions along the steep and narrow section Village. Bring lunch, plenty of water, dress lunch, water and $4 carpool. Leader: Bev of the High Peaks Trail and return via the in layers with good boots and poles if you Meschi, 475-4185. Tunnel Trail. We’ll look for Condors and early use them . For more information, call leader wildflowers. 4.3 miles with 1215 feet elevation a week ahead--Kahn Ranch parking permits WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 gain. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Home are required! Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565. Hike: Fort Ord Depot in Seaside (near the gas station) at 9 Our 6 mile loop has about 700’ elevation a.m. or at Pinnacles Chaparral day use area, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 gain, moderate pace. This area is wide open west side, at 10:30. Rain cancels. Leaders: Cath Hike: Toro Park Early Spring with nice views. Bring a hat, water and lunch. Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427. Wildflowers Maybe the spring flowers are out by now. This 5½ mile hike with 800 ft. elevation Meet at the new parking lot for Fort Ord gain has a delightful variety of wildflowers: National Monument (across the street from Indian warriors, footsteps of spring, shoot- Toro Cafe) at 9:15 a.m. Please let me know if ing stars are just a few. Bring water & lunch. you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, 393- Arrive early; we depart at 9:45 from the dirt 4983 or [email protected]. parking area outside Toro Park. Call for a res- ervation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.

Continues on next page TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 ATTENTION MEMBERS! Senior Hike: Cowell River Loop Sierra Club Ventana Chapter’s Trail Guide This loop walk is along the river through a and Map to the Northern Los Padres Forest redwood forest, 3 miles w/slight uphill. Meet is available on line at REI for $14.95 plus before 9:30 a.m. at Sears on 41st Ave. To go shipping at the link below. All proceeds from direct, take Hwy 17 exit at Mt. Hermon Rd. to sales go to our Conservation work: Felton. Take left at Hwy. 9 to Henry Cowell http://www.rei.com/product/616587/ State Park entrance. Pay at kiosk and take trail-guide-to-the-los-padre-national-forest- first right into camping/parking area. Bring northern-section-trail-map-7th-edition lunch and water. Leader: Perry Brohmer, 1-650-793-3987. The Chapter wants to thank all our Outings and Hike leaders for their years FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 of service to the Club. Through them, our Hike: Point Lobos members are able to enjoy and explore our Our 5 mile loop with minimal elevation gain many parks and wilderness areas. In order takes us along tree-clad headland trails with to allow us to keep members updated on magnificent views. We will probably see a outings and hikes and attract new members, variety of wildlife and certainly wildflowers. please send your email address to: chapter@ Bring water & lunch. Meet at the Rio Road ventana.sierraclub.org P & R near the Bank of America in Carmel before 9:00 a.m. Please let me know if you are All our hikes are offered FREE to the coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, 393-4983 or community. What better way to advocate [email protected]. for the natural world than to show it to you. Breath in the salty pine scented air and take SATURDAY, MARCH 1 in the grand landscapes, and know there is Hike: Pinnacles Nwational Park/ no other place like this on earth. Sign up Mount Defiance for one or more of our hikes and we’ll show From Hollister take 25, then 146 to the you our surrounding wilderness up close Pinnacles East Entrance Visitor Center. and make it personal. After you’ve enjoyed We’ll meet at the Peaks View parking lot at one of our hikes, please consider becoming a 9:30 a.m. Elevation gain is 2000’, distance 6 member and joining your 6000+ Monterey miles. The trail is not well established. Some Bay neighbors in protecting these natural areas will require some negotiation through wonders for generations to enjoy. overgrown brush and steep inclines. Long pants, long sleeves and gloves would be wise Go to www.Ventana.SierraClub.org to wear. Bring a small lopper and/or fold- and join for as little at $15 a year. ing saw if you have one. Mt. Defiance offers spectacular views of the High Peaks and the North- and South Chalone Peaks. Bring plenty of water, dress in layers! Rain cancels. For reservations and car pooling call. Leader: Burkhard Siedhoff, 831-920-1803.

ATTENTION, PLEASE NOTE: On Tuesday, March 25, the venue for the hike will be Ano Nuevo State Park. This year one group will be booked for the official Elephant Seal Viewing walk. If you wish to join this group, you must pre-book and pay $7 for your ticket by Tuesday Feb 25 to Irene Lennox, 457-2690. No cancellations.