Matilija Wilderness from Ojai, 11 miles/3,100', intro to adventure hiking

If it's cool & clear is there really any other choice?! As usual, off we go to the wilderness north of Ojai, in the Los Padres National Forest. Our pace today will be moderate so if you want to see the type of hiking I do, this is a good intro.

We'll start off in the Ventura River Preserve in Ojai and take Kennedy Ridge up to the old Camino Cielo Trail (CCT). It's very brushy up there, so bring loppers to help open up the trail. We'll spend no more than an hour clipping, and the rest of the time will be spent enjoying the pristine wilderness. Lots of stops for snacks, photos, wildlife and taking in the views.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/7/8/event_106807032.jpeg

Our view to the west--Lake Casitas.

Weather is perfect on Friday--sunny, clear, and a cool 57 degrees. It will be gorgeous up there! Click here (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.48165602990584&lon=-119.35272216796875&site=lox&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text) for weather.

Very neat, a triple treat ...

Trailblazing? Technically no, because these are old trails, but since we're doing them for the first time in years, essentially, yes!

Bushwacking? Yes, on an old fireroad. Extremely brushy at the top.

Exploring? Yes, because we haven't been to our endpoint yet.

Time & Place: 8:15AM at trailhead in Ojai. Directions will be emailed to participants.
Level: This depends on your level of conditioning. If you're used to my hikes, or if you're adventurous and can hike 11 miles/3,100' with trailblazing, bushwacking & exploring, this will be your level.

There will be an opportunity to sit and rest at the top, while others forge ahead for 1/3 mile, then they return. So this would be a good chance to see if you my type of hiking without having to do the full thing.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/6/4/event_106807012.jpeg

Robert coming along Camino Cielo Trail. It has some wash-out areas, but easy to traverse. From our 4/1/12 hike.

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Some boulder hopping due to rock slides. Jim, from our 4/1/12 hike.

Type of Hike: Out and back the same way.

Pace: About 2mph moving average, which is slower than my normal pace. So if you want to try a hike with me for the first time and take it easy, this is the one for you. Hikers stay between leader and sweep and no rushing ahead.

Our overall pace will be slower because we'll do about 1 hour of trail maintenance on top, for the last mile of our hike.

Bring: Loppers for trail maintenance. Confirm that you're bringing them on sign-up (there will be a question there). If you don't have them, I recommend these--very lightweight and fit in a backpack:

https://www.meetup.com/fun-in-the-sun-Oxnard/photos/1039449/72613682/

The ten essentials (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials). Protective gloves, e.g. leather or gardening gloves. Trekking poles will get in the way, so they need to be stashed if bringing them. Headlamp, snacks, lunch, plenty water.
Wear: Layers, hiking shoes/boots with lug soles, long pants/sleeves for heavy brush protection. Your clothes could get filthy and ripped, so dress accordingly.
Dogs: Fine, if they're used to this level. Email me if you'd like to bring your leashed dog.

Parking: Free, no permits needed.

How long will this hike take: I don't know, but I think we'll return early evening. You should have no evening plans because we don't want to rush down the mountain.http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/6/e/event_106807022.jpeg

Jim and Steve on the brushy Camino Ceilo Trail. It gets worse farther along. From our 4/1/12 hike.

Terrain: Fireroad, single track, short sections with boulders, grade is very good; nothing too steep.http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/8/2/event_106807042.jpeg

Our view to the east.