COSCA Introduction to Geocaching Hike for National Trails Day

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/5/b/c/event_122618332.jpegTo celebrate National Trails Day on June 2, the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency is putting on an "Introduction to Geocaching Hike" in Thousand Oaks. The event is limited to 15 participants, and you must sign up with COSCA to take part. Use this online registration page (http://corbamtb.com/news/events/?ee=17) to register and for full details. Here is some of the information from COSCA:

While exploring the trails in our beautiful open spaces, have you ever wondered if you're passing hidden treasures beyond what your eyes can see? You are, and they're called geocaches! This hike is for anyone who is curious about the sport of geocaching and would like to try it out. Along the way, we'll stop every so often to search for hidden caches. We'll hike at a moderate pace, but the duration of the hike will be long for the distance because of the caching stops.

Geocaching: Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that uses billions of dollars worth of orbiting satellites to get us within a few feet of a hidden container. From there, it's up to the geocacher to find the container, sign it's log sheet and perhaps exchange some swag. We will pass 15 or so geocaches (http://www.geocaching.com/) along the way. If you sign up at www.geocaching.com (http://www.geocaching.com/) beforehand (it's free) you can log the caches we find. A GPS (Global Positioning System) device isn't required for this hike, but if you plan to bring one along, details on how to get the cache coordinates will be available below. And if you would like to trade some small items of swag with those in the cache, bring them along. They shouldn't be any larger than about the size of a deck of cards, and not worth more than about a dollar.

Statistics: We'll hike 5 miles with about 900 cumulative feet of climbing, starting from Triunfo Community Park. Along the way, we'll have some great views down onto Westlake, and search for 15 or so geocaches. This hike is expected to take 4 to 5 hours.

Registration: The hike will be on Saturday, June 2, 2012, starting at 8:00 am. It is limited to 15 participants, and please, no children younger than 14. Online registration via this form (http://corbamtb.com/news/events/?ee=17) is required to take part. Register every participant individually - no group registrations, please! Registration closes June 1, but we expect a lot of interest so register early to get a spot! (When you complete filling in the registration form (http://corbamtb.com/news/events/?ee=17), you will receive a confirmation email from 'CORBA.')

Directions: Exit the 101 Freeway at Westlake Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Go south for about a mile and then turn west (right) on Triunfo Canyon Road. This will lead you to Triunfo Community Park. Turn left onto Tamarack St and turn into the second parking lot on the left. We start at the far west end of the parking lot.

Map: http://bit.ly/smuhOv

Wear / Bring:

sturdy hiking boots with lugs and good tread. Parts of the route will be moderately steep and possibly slippery. Flip-flops or sandals will not be appropriate! long pants and long sleeves recommended to guard against scratches water hat and sunblock snacks to eat along the way camera GPS loaded with cache locations if you have one, small items to swap, pen or pencil to sign the log sheets Cache Coordinates: A file containing the coordinates and descriptions of geocaches we'll visit is called a 'pocket query.' The pocket query for this hike is not ready yet, but it will be available at least a few days before the hike. You will receive an email when it is ready, with instructions on how to retrieve it.

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This event is cross-posted to the Calabasas Day Hikers (https://www.meetup.com/calabasasdayhikers/events/66193042/). Please sign up for this event on only one group.

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.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!