Cinco de Mayo Bash- a Gentler Hike, Non-Gentler Party at Casa de Wild and Deasy!

On May 5, 1862, in the Mexican city of Puebla, 4,000 ill-equipped Mexican troops whipped up on 8,000 invading French troops in the first loss suffered by the Napoleonic forces in 50 years. It proved a Pyrrhic victory, as the French captured Mexico City a year later and installed an emperor who ruled for several years, until pressure from the US handed self-rule back to Mexico. Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th (Mexico declared independence from Spain at midnight on September 15, 1810), and Cinco de Mayo is at best a regional celebration in Mexico.

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In the States, however, it's an excuse to blow off work and stuff yourself with tacos, chips and salsa, and margaritas. Post-hike, Laurie and Mike will be cranking out tacos and pouring adult beverages. They ask that you bring guacamole/chips, salads, side dishes, desserts and other beverages. Please post what you're bringing to the fiesta in the comment section of this page so we don't end up with the notorious 14 bags of Cool Ranch Doritos. Remember that whatever you bring will be in your car for a couple of hours during the hike and plan accordingly with an ice chest if need be.

Space is limited- keep your RSVP current and timely so everyone possible can attend (no-shows will be ridiculed mercilessly and made to wear ill-fitting clothes to all future events). Directions to the fiesta will be provided at the hike- it's close by, in Newbury Park.

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We'll keep the day's hike historical, too. In 1776, while Minutemen were repelling those bastard British from our country, Juan Bautiste de Anza was leading 198 settlers from Mexico to San Francisco. We've got a party to get to, so we'll stop a little shy of San Fran, but we'll echo Juan's footsteps along the Los Robles Trail- the only national historical trail in all of California.

We'll do 800' of total elevation gain, spread out nicely, and add a little bonus loop through Oak Creek Canyon to give us 5 miles.

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Directions: From the 101 in Thousand Oaks, turn south on Moorpark Road. Drive 0.5 miles to the parking area at the corner of Greenmeadows Ave., where Moorpark Rd. deadends.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.