ChesePoe Canyon Stroll: Share a spooky poem/story and snacks

As a prelude to Halloween, I propose hikers bring some piece of writing by Edgar Allan Poe (often misspelled as Edgar Allen Poe) or similar, join us in a 3.5 mile stroll through oak shaded trails in the lovely Cheeseboro Canyon (street is named Chesebro), while stopping for a little entertainment consisting of a piece, quote, snippet, or idea along with your favorite grog at a picnic bench along the way.

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The HIKE:

There is maybe 600 feet of gain/loss during this mostly flat hike on mainly fire roads. It's basically the lowest loop shown here: http://jayesh.profitfromprices.com/Hiking_Cheesboro-Palo_comado_loop1.htm (http://jayesh.profitfromprices.com/Hiking_Cheesboro-Palo_comado_loop1.htm). We will go up the Modelo trail over a hill to the Palo Camado connector trail and down into Cheeseboro Canyon, where we will find some picnic tables to enjoy a snack and discussion on what makes writing really scary or some such nonsense before following the Cheeseboro Canyon trail back to the cars sometime after dark.

I'll probably bring my 11 -year old daughter so others with kids are welcome to join too. Thus, I will be going slowly, perhaps stopping more often than usual.

Dogs on leash are permitted in this NPS area of the Santa Monica Mountains NRA ( http://www.nps.gov/samo ), but will limit our chances of seeing wildlife.

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The Senses:

I LOVE the canyons in this area. If one can dodge whizzing mountain bikes and galloping horses, it is often possible to spot wildlife around sunset here. I thought of Poe because of the season and the fact that crows tend to roost in the oak trees in the canyons here after dark. One night as I wandered weak and weary, a murder of crows suddenly took to flight from the tree just overhead and there was a moment.

The Mind: You can find Poe everywhere. Go ahead and OPEN that old box you have in the garage (or the back of your brain) from your high school or college days. I DARE you to do it! Or go look at sites like http://poestories.com/poetry.php . I've said it before and will write it again, nothing worthwhile is protected by copyright laws.

It will take us about 2-7 hours to complete this hike (likely closer to 2.5 hours) depending on the level of terror, entertainment, and libations. It WILL be dark as we hike out so make sure you bring a flashlight! There are no city lights and no cell service in this area, and a waning gibbous moon that will not light the darker recesses of Cheeseboro Canyon.

Distance: ~3.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 600'

Difficulty: Easy, a steep section or two

Hounds: Yes, if leashed per State law and not too Baskervillian

Restrooms: No

Water Fountain: No

Parking: Free. Park OUTSIDE the gate because it closes at sunset.

Trail: Single track and Fire Road

Sunset: 18:24

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, mountain bikes, horses, leavings of horses, leavings of horses left behind by the film industry, the film industry, madness, unnamed Usher like diseases that make the brain appear dead when it is only sleeping (often induced by the entertainment industry), the entertainment industry. Madness.

Directions and Parking: From the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, take the Chesebro exit and go north. On the north side of the freeway, follow the road as it curves left. At the stop sign on Chesebro Road, turn right and drive for about 3/4 miles, over the single-lane bridge, and turn right into the Cheeseboro parking lot. Park in the lower lot OUTSIDE the gate that will close at sunset. Walk up the road a few hundred yards to the upper parking lot.

Disclaimer / Release of Liability: You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite and to all your individuated personalities that may or may not emerge under the influence of moonlight and grog.

"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."