Women's Wednesday Workout Hike: Ventura River Preserve, 8-12 miles

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Are you willing to take a turn hosting a Wednesday hike? All participants take turns hosting, but you don't need to attend regularly. Come along once in a while if you like. As long as you agree to host about 6 hikes a year, feel free to sign up. Be prepared to say what Wednesdays you can host on sign up. Hosts don’t need experience, nor do they need to know the trails Maps provided, they choose the route/destination ... or leave it to the others to choose. Everyone helps with map reading and trailblazing ...yes! There might be some trailblazing, but normally we're just on trails. There’s no chance of getting lost, especially if regulars are on the hike. Between them, they know all the mapped trails from Ojai to Conejo Valley. This is the perfect opportunity for you if there's a trail you've always wanted to explore and need help with route finding. The group will help you with it. For the whole month of April, we'll take advantage of cool weather to hike in Ojai. Summer temps there are often between 80-105 degrees. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/2/4/2/event_97737922.jpeg

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.

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

Bushwacking? No. The trail manager keeps these trails in great shape.

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

Terrain: Single track, fire-road.

Start Time: Arrive EARLIER. It's a good idea to plan to be there at 8:15AM because that's when the regulars arrive and that's when we like to leave. We'll wait until 8:30AM at the latest. If you're lacing up your boots at 8:30AM, we'll be gone.

Estimated Stats: 8-12 miles, 1,300' - 3,500'. We'll finish before 12:30PM.

Pace: We keep a 3.0mph moving average, and 2.8mph+ overall average--sometimes considered a fast 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. You may want to consider long pants/sleeves because of ticks.

Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome if they can handle the stats. Please clean up after your dog.

Meeting Place: Will be sent to participants.

Leave nothing of value in your vehicle, at this or any other trailhead.