What we’re about
Welcome! I created this group in 2012 because I was hiking in a world dominated by morning people. So on the hunch that there might be a few more people like myself, I decided to make a group that does not hike in the mornings. After all, God created mornings for sleeping in, right? This is the one characteristic that makes the PM Hikers different from any other hiking club.
Much to my joy I had a lot of hikers thank me profusely for the group, and several have even told me that the PM Hikers has changed their lives! There is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone tell you that!
So what about beating the summer heat? Instead of hiking in the morning, just hike in the evening! If you think that's weird or scary, I think you will discover that the trails and the views are just as beautiful at night, and will open a new dimension of awe to complement that feeling when hiking in daylight.
That does not mean we only hike at night. Rather, we do not begin our hikes between the hours of midnight and noon. Thus, a 23:59:59 start time is as acceptable as one that begins at 12:00:01.
I know it's awkward when you first hike with people you do not know at all, but if you hike with us you will discover that the members are FRIENDLY, nice people. You could easily make some friendships for life. I certainly have.
If you are new to hiking, read the hike descriptions and send a note to the leader if you are not sure about something. Hiking can be quite physically demanding, but many members are beginners, so don't be afraid.
Watch your step on the downhill,
Kurt Godden
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- AHA FUNDRAISER HIKE - Fish Canyon/Piano Box Canyon, Castaic37773 Templin Hwy, Castaic, CA
This hike still represents the month of February as the American Heart Month.
Please join me on this fundraiser 8 mile hike, and donate $8 to the American Heart Association (AHA) at https://www.heart.org. We are good people hiking for a good cause.
FUNDRAISER DETAILS
- To sign up, please donate $8.00 to AHA (details below).
- I donated $8 and received an email confirming my donation.
- My receipt number is DGEVMURP.
- I uploaded a screenshot of my donation into the photo gallery.
- When you RSVP please provide the receipt number of your donation.
- This will show me that you have donated and want to hike with us.
- I will then move you to going.
- Let me know if you have questions.
HOW TO DONATE
- Go to https://www.heart.org
- Click the “Donate Once” button
- Enter $8 and click Donate
- Select “Keep my one-time $8 gift”
I opted to pay the transaction cost which changed my total to $8.70 - You will be asked to enter your personal info and to select your payment option
- Once you have completed entering your info and clicked the final button, you will receive validation of your donation via email, in PDF format
- For your tax records, download your PDF and file it
ABOUT THE HIKE
Fish Canyon to Piano Box Canyon is 8 miles, out and back, with an elevation gain of 720’. We will encounter some inclines but not steep, the only major hill is the asphalt road going down and coming back up to the cars.We will meet at the white gate at 11:45am and depart promptly at noon. A National Park Pass IS required, you can:
- Purchase a one day pass at Big-5.
- Purchase an Annual Pass at the U.S. Forest Service https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r5/passes-permits/recreation:
- Adults: $80
- Seniors: $20
- Seniors only: purchase a lifetime pass for $80 - Parking is free
- Dogs are allowed but must be leashed
Bring 2 or 3 liters of water, Lunch/Snacks/Electrolytes/Food for energy, sunscreen. Wear good hiking shoes/boots, bring poles, hats, jackets, sweaters, etc.
The hike begins on a stretch of asphalt road that descends about ½ mile, and crosses over a bridge to a dirt road that we will follow for a short distance before splitting off to the trail through Fish Canyon, and continuing to our destination at the entrance of Piano Box Canyon.
We will wander through amazingly beautiful canyons, home of over 30 types of endangered species that live in this area, including the California Condor.Fish Canyon is interspersed with portions of an old concrete road that was built in the 1930s. We will cross a creek (or dry creek bed) several times before reaching Piano Box Canyon. Along the way, we will pass an old campground that was closed after a flood washed out the road in 2002. There is an old Chumash hut (‘ap) that we can explore. We will then split off the main trail onto a single track wooded trail toward Piano Box Canyon.
At Piano Box Canyon we will rest and have lunch or snacks. Before heading back we will have time to explore the area and enjoy the steep and dramatic beautiful canyon walls of reddish/orange rock. Just at the entrance of Piano Box Canyon are remnants of machinery of an old dilapidated mine.
DIRECTIONS
- Address: 37773 Templin Highway, Castaic
- Google Coordinates: 34.602419, -118.670603
- Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B036'08.7%22N+118%C2%B040'14.2%22W/@34.6024201,-118.6712467,179m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d34.602419!4d-118.670603?authuser=0&entry=ttu
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
- From the Los Angeles area, take the I-5 Freeway North. Exit at Templin Highway and turn right at the bottom of ramp.
- From the Bakersfield area, take the I-5 Freeway South. Exit at Templin Highway and turn left at the bottom of ramp.
- Follow the curvy road (do not turn off it), about 10 minutes max, all the way until it ends at a closed white gate/concrete barrier. You can park along the road beside it. Leave nothing showing in your vehicle.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
•You release the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous and accidents can happen.
• You are responsible for your own safety and well-being. You take full responsibility for their own actions.
• These rules apply to any guests you may invite. - Mozart's Requiem Featuring the Conejo Valley Choral Society, Oak Park5450 Churchwood Dr, Oak Park, CA
Calling all classical concert enthusiasts!
Come experience Mozart's Requiem featuring the Conejo Valley Choral Society and chamber orchestra, and our multi talented PM Hiker, Kim Noller, and her beautiful singing voice.
Requiem is Mozart's final piece and was not finished at the time of his death in 1791. A completed version was written by Franz Xaver Sussmayr in 1792 and was presented to Count Franz von Walsegg in memoriam of his wife's death.
The piece is exhilarating, challenging, and beautiful.
There are two opportunities to attend:
Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 7:00 pm, and
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow.
I will be attending the Sunday concert.Tickets are now on sale and they go fast, so don't wait too long. You can buy your tickets on-line here,
https://www.conejovalleychoralsociety.com/season.- Regular Admission: $25
- Military/ Senior: $20
- Student: $10
The concert will be held at:
Church of the Epiphany
5450 Churchwood Dr, Oak Park, CA 91377 - Mozart's Requiem Featuring the Conejo Valley Choral Society, Oak Park5450 Churchwood Dr, Oak Park, CA
Calling all classical concert enthusiasts!
Come experience Mozart's Requiem featuring the Conejo Valley Choral Society and chamber orchestra, and our multi talented PM Hiker, Kim Noller, and her beautiful singing voice.
Requiem is Mozart's final piece and was not finished at the time of his death in 1791. A completed version was written by Franz Xaver Sussmayr in 1792 and was presented to Count Franz von Walsegg in memoriam of his wife's death.
The piece is exhilarating, challenging, and beautiful.
Following the concert will be a reception with wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres out in the Vineyard.
Tickets are now on sale and they go fast, so don't wait too long. You can buy your tickets on-line here,
https://www.conejovalleychoralsociety.com/season.- Regular Admission: $25
- Military/ Senior: $20
- Student: $10
The concert will be held at:
Church of the Epiphany
5450 Churchwood Dr, Oak Park, CA 91377
