Wednesday Women's Wander: Ventura River Preserve Hike, 7-10 miles

Are you willing to take a turn leading/choosing a Wed AM hike? Can you read a map and follow a route? If so, feel free to sign up for this hike. This is really a "wander" and a group effort of looking at a map and learning the trails together. Another volunteer can do this next week.

Each week, participants take turns choosing the route and leading the hike.

This is the perfect opportunity for you if there's a trail you've always wanted to explore and need help with the map reading/route finding. The group will help you with it. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/6/2/event_83822402.jpeg

Ventura River Preserve,

Karen, Camille, Kelly

on 1/4/12.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/6/8/event_83822152.jpeg

For the whole month of January, we'll be in the Ventura River Preserve on Weds. After it rains, it's hard to cross the river and get into the preserve without getting wet. So let's take advantage of the easy river crossings while we can.

Ventura River Preserve crossing, Kelly on 1/4/12.

No "no shows." Don't sign up if you've ever been a "no show" at any Meetup. Your RSVP will be changed to a "no."

Please, no guests. You must be signed up at Fun in the Sun Club Meetup, thereby agreeing to Meetup's Release of Liability (https://www.meetup.com/terms/). Don't show up without signing up here first. Thank you.

Trailblazing? No, these trails have been trodden before, but maybe not by us.

Exploratory? Yes, following the map and looking for the route.

Bushwacking? Probably not. Trails are in good shape.

Type of Hike: Leader's choice, anything possible.

Terrain: Single track, fireroad, river crossing with boulders.

Start Time: Arrive EARLIER. It's a good idea to plan t be there at 8:15AM so if you get lost or there's traffic, you'll still be on time. We'll leave when everyone arrives and wait until 8:30AM at the latest. If you're lacing up your boots at 8:30AM, we'll be gone.

Estimated Stats: 7-10 miles, 1,300' - 1,600'. We'll finish before 12:30PM.

Pace: About 3mph moving average--sometimes considered a brisk pace, but it's all relative. Participants stay behind the leader. No rushing ahead, no tigers or turtles.

Bring: The ten essentials. Trekking poles if you like using them.

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

Dogs: Leashed dogs okay if they can handle the stats and stay still while horses pass us. Please clean up after your dog.

Directions: Will be sent to participants.