Explore LA like We Don't Live Here

1st Holiday Mixer of the season: Potluck@Hollywood Sculpture Garden (free event)

Sat, Nov 7 · 4:00 PM PST

The Hollywood Sculpture Garden, 2430 Vasanta Way, Hollywood, CA 90068, USA, Los Angeles, CA, US

The Hollywood Sculpture Garden is really a neat place . . . AND WE GET TO VISIT AND HAVE A SOCIAL THERE!!!

It's located on private property and not normally open to the public. So it is indeed a special thing for us to go.

(for free)

Now . . . About this event: It is outdoors in a super-funky, pretty and cute location of The Hollywood Sculpture Garden.

This is intended as a "New To Meetup Mixer." Meaning if you are new to Meetup, or new to the group, been in the group for a while but not attended an event or even just new to the city, . . . then come.

A perfect way to meetup some quality people over some even better wine.

And very perfect if this is your first meetup ever!! Come join us.

If you are an existing member, . . . then you are equally welcome. After all . . who will be the welcome wagon for all the new people?

Now . . . A little bit MORE about this event:

Sunset is expected for 4:55 PM

4 PM Event STARTS
4 to 5 PM . . . General arrival window.
4:55 PM . . . . Sunset (if all goes according to plan)
6:00 PM . . . . The light show begins
4:0 PM to 8:59 . . . General socializing & art appreciation over food and drinks.
9:00 PM Event Ends
9:01 onwards . . . the night is young. Head off to other cool places with new friends.

Oh!!!!!! One other thing

It's Pot-luck/Drink-luck.

Your ticket for entry is a dish or a drink. Bring anything that is good to share for serve 10 people. Or a nice bottle of wine, or dozen beers (if cheap beer), 6 pack of craft beer.

We will provide the tables, dishes, plastic-ware, cups, napkins, etc.

Frist: RSVP
SECOND: Be sure to Fill out the Attendees Form so have name on guest list https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9
Third: Pick up a dish or drink to bring to the event.
Fourth: Show up (at the event) with your best self and be ready to be social and have fun.

I know what you are thinking . . .

• will this be fun?
• is this a cool place?
• will there be people as cool as me there?
• or even . . . . I'm not cool & I am shy/introverted . . .
• will I be able to fit in and enjoy too?

And the answer is yes to all.

WATCH THIS!!! Here is a vid from an actual event we did there. It was summer of 2021. Watch the whole thing and you will see the food/wine . . . the place, . . . where we hang out and how. As well as what it looks like at day and nite. AND . . . you get of feel of the people, place and vibe. (reg link to the vid) https://youtu.be/xm3TLYKLHqI
And to see pix from past visits. https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGoqMzDfCuFT4NDJA

The Plan:

• Event Starts 4:00 PM
• We socialize . . . Catch Sunset.
• Then more socialize and the the lights will go on.

Question: Tell me about this socialize thing?
Answer: It's a Potluck. Bring a dish. OR bring Merlot. Then social happens from there.

Question: The cost for all this?
Answer: FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE. And bring a dish or drinks.

PARKING: Parking is tight to non-existent the location. The Google Form will used to make sure you have ALL the best parking info.

This event is cross posted to several meetup groups. So there will be plenty of folks.

Some goals for this event . . .

• To make new friends.
• To make more friends.
• To go to new places.
• To be more social (in real life).

NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Race, Color, Religion, Ethnicity, National Origin, Political Affiliation, Relationship Status, Gender, Gender Preference, or even Belly Button Lint.

We welcome all, . . . and that includes you.

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat. Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia!!

Fri, Dec 4 · 7:00 PM PST

LAX AIRPORT, 1 World Way, LOS ANGELES, CA, US

A Meetup trip in December . . . what can be a better gift for the holidays?! Join our travelers group on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Southeast Asia as we explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam & Cambodia (Dec 04-18, 2026)

As with all our tailor-made Meetup trips, our expert guides will lead us off the beaten path to uncover the authentic charm of each destination, while comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine ensure a truly immersive travel experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, finishing with the wonders of Cambodia.

We begin in Hanoi, where history and culture come alive, then sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Step back in time among the imperial treasures of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of charming Hoi An, and feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We conclude your adventure at the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hanoi; explore Ho Chi Minh sites, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter cyclo ride & water puppet show
• Visit rural craft villages: conical hat & incense making, home-hosted lunch, village walk
• Ha Long Bay cruise: limestone islands, floating villages, cave visit, Tai Chi & sunset views
• Hue: Perfume River boat ride, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb & Imperial Citadel
• Scenic Hai Van Pass train to Danang; explore Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Marble Mountain
• Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO), visit tailor shops, pottery village & organic farm with cooking class
• Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels; War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace & Ben Thanh Market
• Mekong Delta cruise: coconut workshops, sampan ride, orchards & lunch in riverside village
• Siem Reap: dinner with Apsara dance, Angkor temples (Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat)
• Cambodian cultural immersion: monk blessing, village crafts & cooking, Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise

For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: Click Here to fill out our info request form

Trip Itinerary:

• Hanoi – 3 nights
• Ha Long Bay (cruise) – 1 night
• Hue – 2 nights
• Hoi An – 2 nights
• Ho Chi Minh City – 3 nights
• Siem Reap – 3 nights

Price per person, double occupancy: $4400
(we match roommates for those willing to share and save)
Price for single room: $5300

RSVP with your email address to receive complete information and itinerary. To secure your spot on this trip, please submit a $450 deposit.
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees)
Fill Out this FORM if you are making a deposit
Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.

***Airfare from/to the US not included. Contact Anna for a quote***

Click Here to Message Direct to Anna.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.

We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun events

We do a monthly Zoom with Q & A on all our overseas events.
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.

Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!

SOT 2000318-10

Awesome NYE Camping: Calcite Mine Slot Canyons, Galeta Meadows, Font's Point.

Thu, Dec 31 · 2:00 PM PST

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA, California, CA, US

This is easy camping, moderate hiking and a culture vulture tour all in one! AND Meteor Showers AND Night Photography opportunities.

This event is ALSO a NYE Alternative festivity or gathering. A more sedate appreciation of the world and the people in it. Celebrated together around a campfire.

The itinerary

Thu, Dec 31:

• Arrive when you can (anytime after 2PM)
• After sunset . . . Galeta Meadows at night.
• NYE at midnight.
• Quadrantids Meteor Shower before and after.

Fri, Jan 1:
Sunrise at Font's Pont for the ambitious
Hikes at Calcite Mine Slot Complex
Galeta Meadows (in the daylight)
Font's Point in the late afternoon (for those that missed it)

Sat, Jan 2
Two Options . . .
For those with a 4X4 . . . Sandstone Canyon and Arroyo Tapiado
OR
For those who want a good hard hike . . . Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge . . . The worlds largest wooden trestle railroad bridge that is also semi abandoned.
A third option is Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon (Slot Canyons)

Sun, Jan 3 (on the way home)
Obsidian Buttes
Mud Volcanoes
Salvation Mtn
East Jesus
Bombay Beach
The Dinos at Cabazon.

We will pack in a LOT!!!

"The Slot" A short but AWESOME hike
and (the slow version)
Galleta Meadows in Anza-Borrego
Font's Point (this is optional)
This vid shows The Slot and a lot of Font's Point The whole flat lakebed parts we are not going to

I also suggest you just google "Font's Point Sunrise" in google images.

Cost? $105 Per Person.

• Payment Link (click the payment link to take care of payment)

You do not need a paypal to use the link. You can use any credit or debit card. Click continue as guest.

Mainly this will be what is called Tent Camping or Car Camping.
Meaning most folks will be in tents and our cars are parked nearby and easily accessible. Thus you can bring lots of gear easily.

You do bring your own tent, sleeping gear and food.
This way it's the kind of food you like and you can make meals when you wish. Also . . . the logistics of us providing tents and food and making meals would fill up a cargo truck.

What are you providing?

• We will be providing tons of of hardwood firewood.
• Stove Burner for community use.
• Hot water for instant meals and teas.
• The site for up to three nights camping.
• Leading Activities/Schedule
• The social
• The campfire time
• The meetup

What are the restrooms and showers? Is there electricity?
Use your car to charge your phone.
There will be flush restrooms and coin-op showers

Is this dog friendly? Yes. Dogs OK on the trail (mostly).

Is this kid friendly? Yes.

To attend this event:

• RSVP on this event. (then)
• Payment Link (click the payment link to take care of payment)(then)
• Click Here and fill out our google form

You can also fill out the form if only interested and want to stay in the loop.

Got questions?
Click Here to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)
and/or
Click Here for our Local Camping Zoom Q & A (once a month) 7:30 PM
Meet others attending, be social. Come to the zoom and ask any questions about the event.
Also:

• General Policies Including: Notice of Non-Discrimination, General Refunds Policy, Cancelation Policies as well as General Liability and Safety Policies/Procedures/Practices
• Carpool info
• Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR
• Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD

Main Event Link
Pix from a previous time we went
AND lastly:
To see and join our other events

Q What about food?
Fri eve is a Potluck as people arrive as they arrive. People will arrive to midnight even. Late is OK

Q Carpools How does this carpool thing work?
A When you sign up your info is taken. 1 week before the event carpool info will go out all as a matrix and matching is done then.

Q I don't camp OR I have not camped OR I am a newbie camper. Is this a good start?
A YES!!!! Car is steps from the site. Site is flat and without rocks. Plenty people there to help and be company. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and running water and even showers!!

Q I want to come but don't have a friend to come with.
A Most folks come on their own. After all it is a meetup. You will feel right at home with a good bunch of good people enjoying the stunning outdoors and adventure.

Q I want to do the hiking but not the cultural wasteland stuff.
A That's OK.

TERMS
Payment is Refundable (less any fees) if you cancel more than 2 weeks before the event. Under 2 weeks and credit given for future event.

Rain and Weather: The canyon hikes are carved by water. Rain will reschedule.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: On our event we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion. This is NOT true of all organizers or all groups. Some overtly or secretly limit, exclude, discriminate.
We do not discriminate by age, gender, gender preference, ethnicity, race, color, national origin, disability or family status.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events to.

We welcome all . . . And that includes you.

Poppy Bloom in Antelope Valley. AND Hockney, Llano and Devil's Punchbowl

Sat, Mar 20, 2027 · 8:00 AM PDT

201 S Front St, Burbank, CA, US

The bloom for 2026 is not looking that it will materialize to a "super bloom." It is also looking that there is one larger or more concentrated bloom in the Lancaster area.
Here is the "Poppy Cam" located at the state park. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31189
Check for yourself!!

The other reason for moving . . . the expected date of mid-March 2026 for this event . . . is expected to be 90 degrees with 20mph winds. (the heat is another reason for the low poppies).

The event is being moved to 2027 with hopes there will be a big bloom next year.

IF YOU WISH TO GO ANYWAYS . . . on ANY date in 2026 . . . Message Marc and he will make you an Event Organizer and you can post an event with date / time / and structure that you wish. Here is the link to message Marc https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881

If you have never been here before . . . it worth seeing.

If you have been before . . . it's time to revisit.

Let's get to the event date first . . . The poppies bloom anywhere from Feb to May.

At the moment we are aiming for mid-March

We'll walk some or most of the 8 miles of trails--not all of it.

Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through late May,

Parking Fees
$10 per vehicle
$9 per vehicle with a senior on board (62 and over)
$5 per vehicle with DPR Disabled Discount Card (see below)

Be prepared for wicked strong winds and bring sunblock! The desert temperatures can vary widely and change suddenly, so bring layers for unpredicted changes in weather.

Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or in the visitor center (just like any California Sate Park)

Whether you most enjoy expansive fields or the close-up study of a single flower, this is the place to visit.

Location - Directions The Reserve is located 15 miles west of Lancaster at 15101 Lancaster Road.

From Highway 14: Take the Avenue I exit and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road.

From I-5: Take Hwy 138 east and turn right on 170th Street West. Make a left at the end, onto Lancaster Road. Follow the road two miles.

Carpool? YES!!!!

We will meet at the meet time and address. That location is a designated Park & Ride. It is a free lot that has roving security in the area. So it's safe to leave your car for the day.

We meet and then re-shuffle to then pool and caravan to the Poppies.

Why this location as meet-point? It's rather central. And just off the 5 . . . the main freeway we need to take to get there.

Carpool to our meetpoint? Sure. Post in the comments on the main group posting.

This is a free hiking event that take a little more work to make happen than a quickie local thing. This is not local in-town. As such you will drive to and meet there. OR you will use the carpool info sent a week before to work on setting up a carpool.

To attend this event:

• RSVP on this event (then)
• Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form

The form is a safety thing. If you do not fill it out. You will not be hiking with us.

Got questions?
Click Here to send a Direct Message to Marc

Other notable hiking we have planned:

AFTER the poppies . . . the plan is to go to the location where Hockney shot his photo. It is 45 min away at 126th and Pearblossom . . . Standing on 126th looking south.

https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103QT4

Then go the 200 feet to Llano Del Rio and poke in the ruins (again) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llano_del_Rio
https://la.curbed.com/2017/5/1/15465616/utopia-socialist-los-angeles-llano-del-rio
https://www.lancastermoah.org/single-post/the-llano-del-rio-cooperative-colony

Then drive up to Devils Punchbowl
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/devils-punchbowl-nature-area-so-cal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Punchbowl_(Angeles_National_Forest)

Hike or just view it. It's up to you.

NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint.