Name: Matilija Wilderness Hike, 14.5 miles/3,700'
Start: 2012-10-07T08:15:00-07:00
End: 2012-10-07T11:15:00-07:00

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/5/7/2/event_72613682.jpegThis hike is open only to hikers who can contribute by bringing their own loppers. Note that loppers aren't garden clippers ... they wouldn't even make a dent!

As of 9/1/12:

16 of these are available at Home Depot in Camarillo, 805-389-9918. SKU#046561169725. Fiskars Titanium PowerGear Anvil Lopper. Weight only 13oz, 15" long. 1.25" cutting capacity. $22.97+tax. Not available at their online store.

Our adventure today will suit you if you're a trailblazer--willing to go where others haven't been in decades. The plan:

"Out and back" hike, i.e. we hike one way up, and the same way back. So you can stash frozen water bottles on the way = no need to carry it all uphill.

Hike up 7 miles of open fireroad and single track. Spend 1 hour going along an old unused trail. This is where you'll need your loppers. Everyone helps equally. In 1 hour, we usually only get 1/4 - 1/3 mile along these types of trails. Turn around and head back on this old trail. Hike all downhill 7 miles to trailhead (picking up your frozen water bottles on the way). Do not sign up if you've been a "no show" at any Meetup. Your RSVP will be changed to a "no."

No Guests. Everyone must be a Fun in the Sun Club member and signed up individually.

Trailblazing, Exploratory? Bushwacking? Yes, yes, and yes. Triple treat ... whoohoo! It's so difficult to find local trails that haven't been trodden, but because this old trail hasn't been used in at least 20 years, it will be like new territory for us.

Pace: Moderate to speedy. Pace will be set to that of the slowest hiker so we'll stay together as a group, with participants between leader and sweep. No rushing ahead, no tigers or turtles, we don't leave anyone behind.

Meeting Place: Meeting place will be sent by 10/6 only to those who answered "yes" to the sign up question, "Do you promise to bring your loppers for this hike?" OR those who emailed me promising to bring them.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/3/d/8/event_95893272.jpeg

Estimated Stats: 13.5-14.5 miles/3,300' - 3,700' elevation gain.http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/b/f/e/event_64852222.jpeg

Views of Old Man Mountain and Vulture Peak.

Bring: The ten essentials. Loppers--not garden clippers; they won't even make a dent. If you don't have them, see above for one place where to find them. Trekking poles if you like using them, gloves (garden gloves fine), headlamp, food for all day, plenty water, e.g. 4L+.

Wear: Layers (including lightweight jkt), hiking shoes/boots with lug soles, hat. Long pants/sleeves, gloves (leather or garden gloves) for the bushwacking part

Dogs: Leashed dogs okay if they can handle the stats.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/3/c/e/event_95893262.jpeg

We'll see this rock--double face mask.

Gorgeous lake views from the peak, with Jameson Lake (top) and Lake Casitas (bottom):

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/b/e/a/event_64852202.jpeg

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/b/f/4/event_64852212.jpeg

Fun in the Sun Club

Fun in the Sun Club

Matilija Wilderness Hike, 14.5 miles/3,700'

Fun in the Sun Club

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