The Happy Zazzy Caper 'round Zuma Canyon

Revised in celebration of the 72 day budget passed by Congress on 9/30. Everybody has their own opinion!

The hike is about 10 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain. You start out in a dirt parking lot and walk into a wonderful canyon. Then you climb up the hillside and up the ridgeline to a great viewpoint of Zuma Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

For funsies, we then keep going, making our way along two backcountry fire roads, into the Santa Monica Mountains, before following a trail to the other side of Zuma Canyon. We then start coming down the mountain, Mother ocean in front, the wind rushing through the chaparral loud enough to drown out your humming of your favorite Jane's Addiction song.

Bring: a camera if you like, 2 quarts water, comfortable shoes/ boots, sunscreen, and lunch/snack.

No toilets at the trailhead, but there are plenty of fast food restaurants along the way to Zuma Beach from Santa Monica. I like the Jack in the Box (just saying "Ultimate Cheeseburger" makes me think of that superhero family) by the Malibu Pier, but I don't know how the bathroom is.

No dogs, please.

Rain, Mudslides, Fire or other Act of God cancels.

Recommended reading for this hike: All the King's Men (to help us understand why some people get into politics, and get out of it), A Walk in the Woods (so that we have something to talk about on our hike, and compare to the recent movie), and Yukon Ho! (because Calvin & Hobbes should be considered essential reading).

Liability Waiver to be filled out at the trailhead (or meet up point, if you show up there). Carpooling is encouraged but not enforced by anything other than stern looks. The dirt parking lot is free and big enough for a large number of cars, but may get a little dusty at times.

Normal human sacrifice rules remain in effect with leader opt out included. Daniel may agree to share one of his snacks with the person with the craziest pair of sunglasses (people named Elton John are not eligible for this contest).

And we still need to think happy thoughts about the next federal budget! 72 days can come and go quite fast!