ExPloRInG! Arroyo Conejo Creek, Thousand Oaks, 7-9 miles, moderate pace

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/8/b/0/event_65794992.jpegDown by the river ... Arroyo Conejo Creek. This is a mostly-flat walk along the creek, with some elevation gain in the surrounding hills. Depending upon what we're able to do (water crossings), we may take a jaunt in Western Plateau or on the Lynnmere Loop of Wildwood Regional Park.

So if you have an adventurous spirit, and don't mind if we change things up as we go along, this should suit you. You have a say in this too! See a viewpoint you'd like to reach ... just name it and off we go.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/8/a/6/event_65794982.jpeg

Much of our route will be along shady trails, with several stream crossings.

Elyse, on our 4/20/10 hike.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/8/9/c/event_65794972.jpeg

Trailblazing? No, these trails have been trodden before.

Exploratory? Yes, looking for new routes and connections.

Bushwacking? Trails are well-maintained, but there might be high grasses.

Keep our hiking areas clean. One piece per hike, that's all I ask. If every hiker picked up one piece of trash on every hike, our parks would stay beautiful.

Terrain: Single track, fireroad, river crossings with stepping stones.

Type of Hike: Could be a one-way with shuttle, an "out and back" and perhaps a small loop thrown in for good measure. Who knows? We're exploring!

Stats: Probably 7-9 miles and under 1,200'.

Pace: Moderate, with lots of stops for river crossings, photos, views, wildlife, and checking out the trails.

Bring: First aid kit, snack, lunch, water, trekking poles if you have them, water shoes or change of shoes in case you get wet, extra socks, washcloth/small towel to dry your feet.

Wear: Hat, hiking shoes/boots with lug soles.

Dogs: Well behaved leashed dogs welcome as long as they can stay still and keep quiet when horses pass us. Bring water for your dog, unless it's okay for Fido to drink run-off water in the creek. Please clean up after your dog.

Weather: Click here (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Newbury+Park&state=CA&site=LOX&textField1=34.1842&textField2=-118.91&e=0)to check the weather. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/8/9/2/event_65794962.jpeg

Meeting Place: Rancho Conejo Playfields, 950 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, CA.

There are restrooms here.