Veteran's Day: Veni, vidi, vici Vulture Peak, 20 miles/5,100'

This hike was originally posted for Monday 12th, the Federal Holiday for Veteran's Day. Date now changed to Sunday 11th--the actual Veteran's Day.

This was the first 20-miler I posted a few years ago, all because ...

They made me do it! Okay, so here’s where it all started: I posted 15-milers and at the end they’re saying, “What—was that it?! … Can’t we go just a little farther … please? … You made me drive all the way here for a little walk in the park? … I thought I was going to get a workout here … Wasn’t this supposed to be a strenuous hike?!” The tribe spoke, there was no turning back, and the 20-milers began.

This is a great starter hike for those of you ready to take it up notch. It you can handle 15-milers without getting wiped out, then you'll probably be fine on this one. And then a whole new world of opportunities open up. You can join us when we do these for the 2nd time:

Jameson Lake, 20 miles/3,000'

Noon Peak, 21 miles/4,100'

Sisar/Nordhoff, Chief Peaks, 20 miles/5,200'

Last Chance Trail, 22 miles/7,500'

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Vulture Peak on the left, Old Man Mountain on the right.

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Vulture Peak from Old Man Mountain: you can see the sheer dropoff.

Apart from the mileage and elevation, this is one of the easiest--wide open fireroad nearly the whole way, and much less strenuous than most of my trailblazing hikes. There's no trailblazing on this one, so it's a breeze.http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/f/4/event_57264052.jpeg

At the peak. It looks like there's an observatory on top. From our 4/7/10 hike.

The reward is stunning views of the vast Matilija Wilderness, several mountain ranges, ocean, islands, and a most exciting sheer dropoff. That's the best part--throwing rocks off the top and listening for nearly a minute hearing them cascading down the mountain.

If you've been a "no show," at any Meetup, don't sign up here. Meeting place isn't mailed to "no shows."

Please, no guests. I'm bringing friends as guests but everyone else must be signed up at Fun in the Sun Club Meetup, thereby agreeing to Meetup's Release of Liability (https://www.meetup.com/terms/).

Start Time: 6:30AM in Ventura for carpooling.

Meeting Place: Will be sent to participants by day before hike.

Stats: 20 miles/5,100'.

Terrain: Fireroad, short single track, and 0.3 miles easy bushwacking with some rocky boulders up to the summit.

Pace: I go slower than normal on 20-milers, maybe 2.5mph moving average/2mph overall average because of a long break at the top. The group stays together for safety so speedsters will have to hold back and not rush ahead.

Bring: Treking poles if you like using them;The ten essentials--including food for all day, first aid kit, at least 4L water, which includes 2 bottles to stash en route (pick up on return).

Wear: Layers, including warm layers like down, a jacket, hiking shoes/boots with lug soles, hat for sun. I recommend a beanie hat for warmth too. It's a cool day and even cooler at 6,000'.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/e/0/event_57264032.jpegWide open fireroad. From our 4/7/10 hike.http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/e/a/event_57264042.jpeg

There are huge "mud plops," going up to the summit. What are these? From our 4/7/10 hike.

Dogs: Well behaved leashed dogs welcome as long as you bring enough water for them and if they've done 20-milers before. Please clean up after your dog.

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