Exploring Ledson Marsh - Hike and Potluck in The Wine Country - Sonoma County

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/c/2/event_211419362.jpeg

This will be about a 12 mile hike w/ about a 1500' elevation gain that is moderate to strenuous (due to mileage, and of course depending on your condition), to the southern region of the park. One we haven't visited before unless you were w/ me on this hike a couple years ago. The southern portion of the park is quite different from the lake region and this is the only place to find a marsh in the park. At the marsh we typically find ducks, and sometimes the endangered red legged frogs. On the trail we typically see turkeys, deer, vultures, and crazy people. I've mentioned the latter to the rangers and they say that if I stay out of the park there won't be any crazies. Go figure!

We'll have our typical vino/snack break about half way to the marsh, and then have lunch at the marsh. This will be a full day of fun, and I expect we'll be done around 5:00

We'll go for dinner after the hike at a restaurant about a mile down the road that has good pizza, pasta and other Italian delights.

Oh and the beer's not too shabby either ;-)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/3/e/event_211442622.jpeg

Along the way we'll pass various wildflowers and meadows, take in two different overviews of the lake, head through a forest, and maybe find those crazy dried fruit thingies we played w/ the last time we did this one.

In other words, they'll be plenty to see that we might not typically take in.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/3/d/event_435912349.jpeg

I expect the weather to be warm enough for us to jump in the lake on the way back - which is the part I love. If so, be prepared for some wet fun! The dip is obviously optional.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/6/d/event_435912397.jpeg

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/4/6/event_180070822.jpeg

What To Bring:

Vino and cups

Good Hiking Boots/shoes

Layered clothing, hat, sunscreen

At least 1 liter of water (2 is better) refrigerate overnight than top w/ ice in the a.m.

Vino and Snacks for our vino/snack break during the hike

Food, and more food: Meats/cheeses/breads/crackers, dried fruit/nuts/seeds, chips, dips, salsa, cut up sandwiches, wraps, deserts - be creative!

Drinks -vino, beer, tea, juice, whatever

If you've been on any of my hikes you know what to expect.

$5 activity fee

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/3/a/event_240031802.jpeg

Your sense of humour is an absolute must!

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/f/f/2/event_435912274.jpeg

Directions:

From Hwy 101 take Hwy 12 East and when it hits the street, keep going straight about 2 miles 'till it T's at Summerfield Dr. Turn Right there and go 3 blocks and turn Left on Carissa, which you'll follow up the hill to the clearing and park there.

GPS 38.437169, -122.653268

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/e/e/event_225603822.jpeg

Picnic Tables, Potluck, Good Company, and Vino!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/f/1/6/event_225603862.jpeg

This is a combined event w/ other Meetup grps, so it will be a good opportunity to make new friends.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/1/1/8/event_280789432.jpeg