"Adventure Backpacking Camping Daytrips & Hiking Outside OC"

UPDATE: This is canceled due to cold and rainy weather. Maybe we can try in July or August when the snow melts and the weather is better. - For app users reading this on your phone - it's easier to view this on a larger screen and web browser via a computer/laptop/tablet - https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/events/259754368 - Everybody is busy and your time is limited. My intention isn’t to waste anyone’s time. If interested in this trip, reading this description is recommended. Because sometimes people don’t read until the end, I’ll mention this near the top. 1) This trip is flexible. Arrive anytime on Friday or Saturday...your choice. Depart anytime on Monday (Memorial Day). You also can choose what activities you want to do. 2) Heavy snowfall this winter means some trails at higher elevations might be challenging and have some snow. Consider bringing or renting microspikes, snowshoes, or crampons, etc. https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/your-ultimate-snowshoeing-guide https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/8-places-winter-hiking-mammoth-lakes 3) Not all trails will have snow. Hikes to lakes at lower elevations (Mammoth basin, Convict Lake, June Lake, Mono Lake, etc.) should be accessible by driving and easy walking. Bishop and Mammoth have visitor centers where we can ask about hikes that are snow-free and can be done with regular hiking shoes/boots. 4) If some don't want to hike, feel free to ski, snowboard, fish, mountain bike, kayak, relax, soak in a hot spring, etc. https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-travel-when-western-ski-resorts-close-20190328-story.html https://snowboarding.transworld.net/news/mammoth-mountain-snow-country-open-july-4 https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2019/03/07/record-winter-snow-extends-epic-ski-season-into-spring-and-summer 5) Bringing dogs or kids is fine. Some hiking trails in/near Mammoth allow dogs. Some other camping events on Meetup might prohibit kids. I admire parents who introduce their child(ren) to the outdoors and respect parents who encourage kids to take a break from tv, video games, phones, computers, etc. So parents and kids are welcome to join. https://travelbabbo.com/mammoth-lakes-kids ____________________ It helps if people contact me directly (via Meetup) with answers to some questions. If there’s room and I feel okay about someone attending, then I’ll reply and include my Paypal and Venmo. $40 per person/adult. Kids are usually free*. Those who contact me, confirm, and pay will be saved a spot at our campsite. We’re sorry if room isn’t available for everyone, and some people can’t go. If any guy (who has never met me) wants to attend, near the bottom is an additional request that involves sending me a photo/selfie of yourself. I’ll elaborate/clarify later. Sometimes people try to communicate with me in the comments section, and imo, it’s inconvenient. Plus, Meetup sometimes doesn’t notify me of comments, so I might not see questions/comments immediately, so messaging me directly is preferred. ____________________ https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/5-reasons-not-miss-spring-mammoth-lakes https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/7-things-do-spring-mammoth-lakes - http://www.mammothsnowman.com/mammoth-mountain-web-cams https://www.facebook.com/visitmammoth https://www.facebook.com/VisitEasternSierra https://www.facebook.com/groups/ilovethesierra ____________________ If you're an experienced hiker, then several moderate / strenuous hikes are available to choose from (but some trails at higher elevations might still have snow and be possibly closed / unsafe). If you're new or nervous about camping, then that's fine too. Plenty of easy hikes to lakes are available, and are accessible by car and a short walk. Anyone & everyone can witness the many pristine lakes (along with mountains, trees, and the majestic outdoors). If you've never camped before, then this would make for a great, first-time camping experience. You don't have to be an intense, hard-core hiker because there are plenty of flat and short-distance trails. If hiking isn't your thing, consider other activities such as skiing, snowboarding, fishing, kayaking, etc. Mammoth has convenient amenities like grocery stores / markets, Starbucks, restaurants, etc., so you can still have access to civilization while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Cell phone reception is good in town and okay at the campground. Roads to Mammoth basin are paved and safe to drive on. In late May, tire chains shouldn't be needed. If anyone has never been to Mammoth or Eastern Sierra, then here's your chance to finally go. ____________________ Drive time is around: 5 - 6 hours from LA - https://goo.gl/maps/jsc8KwB9nzk 5.5 - 6 hours from OC - https://goo.gl/maps/m97M5hAL1ct If anyone arrives late on Friday night (e.g. 11pm or later), and wants help setting up their tent in the dark, I'll bring extra lights, and lend a hand and foot. ____________________ Our camping trips are intended as fun and friendly get-togethers to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Everyone has many options of things to do on the weekends. You all could be doing several other things/activities. Our trips are an opportunity to get away for the weekend, meet some new people, and have some fun exploring our beautiful planet with others who appreciate life. Maybe you’ll have an awful, awesome, or awe-none time. I don’t promise or guarantee anything. Ultimately, it’s up to each person to decide if they want to go or not. Clearly I’m a bad salesman. ;) I never try to convince/persuade anyone from joining. ____________________ The campground has potable water, restrooms with sinks (running water), and toilets that flush. The campground does not have electricity or showers, but a nearby RV park and another campground should have showers available for $5 - 10. https://www.visitmammoth.com/public-showers-campers http://climber.org/data/showers.html Everyone should bring/buy their own food, but if anyone doesn’t have a cooler, Mammoth has some markets/grocery stores and restaurants. Parking at the campground is limited...so carpooling will help. ____________________ If anyone is new to Meetup, please disregard / ignore the RSVP list. The majority of people who signed up will not go. I’ve planned several camping trips, and for some unknown reason, usually what happens is many people sign up, but a fraction are serious about going, so the RSVP list means nothing. People can easily change their mind, get busy, not want to drive, not be able to get a ride, make other plans, etc...so the number of people who signed up does not accurately reflect the number who will actually go. My guess is 10 - 20 people might go. If anyone is new to Meetup or afraid/scared of camping with strangers---that’s totally normal and human. My suggestion is to not go. We don’t want to worry about you and we rather make room for others who want to go. So if anyone is nervous, hesitant, or maybe about going, it’s totally fine if you don’t go. ____________________ I'm not a mind-reader, so if anyone is interested in attending, please contact me directly (message me on Meetup) with answers to the following questions: (1) Do you want to drive or ride with someone else? If you can drive others, how many passengers can you accommodate? What day & time do you want to leave SoCal? What city/area are you leaving from? (This helps with finding you a carpool buddy). (2) Do you have your own camping gear (e.g. tent, sleeping bag, mat/pad/cot, etc.) ? (3) Do you understand you are responsible for bringing / buying your own food? (4) Do you understand some hiking trails (higher elevations) might have snow? (5) You can later change your mind, but as of now, when do you want to arrive (Friday or Saturday) ? (6) Do you plan on hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or doing something else? (7) Question for drivers --- The campground has limited parking space. We'll try to squeeze 2 - 3 vehicles per site. If we exceed our allocated parking spots, are you willing to park nearby (such as an overflow area) ? You can still drive your vehicle to drop off your stuff at the campsite, but are you will willing to park elsewhere if needed? - If using Meetup via the phone app or a computer (e.g. web browser), look for my name/profile (wise|man) under Attendees, and then click a shortcut for messaging me (e.g. an envelope icon shortcut or "message"). Please message “wise|man” instead of using the comments section. Thank you. - If anybody is new to camping and doesn’t have some camping gear/equipment, or wants help coordinating carpooling or tent sharing, just lmk. After messaging me your answers, a $40 contribution will be collected via Paypal or Venmo. Leftover money will be used to buy some items to help a few homeless individuals. More info on the campsite & final details will be sent to those who confirmed & paid. ____________________ Something new for 2019: If any guy has never met me before, in addition to the aforementioned questions, I will also ask each guy to send me a photo of yourself. If possible, hold up a piece of paper with 3 things: my name, your name, and the date. Email it to [masked] or text it to[masked] Totally understandable some guys might not want to do this (inconvenient, a pain/hassle, etc.). If anyone doesn’t want to do this, that’s your prerogative. - FAQ Q: Why don’t you ask women to send a photo? A: Because I’m sexist. After 20+ camping trips of encountering 400 to 500+ people who attended one of my camping trips, I don’t remember any woman harassing a man, but a few guys have bothered women, so now I’m taking extra precaution with just guys. ____________________ Dear ladies, If anyone is thinking about going, please look at the RSVP list. If any guy seems weird or creepy, or messaged you out of nowhere, or makes you feel uncomfortable, just lmk. I trust women's intuition, so if you don't want someone to attend, just lmk. ____________________ Dear gentlemen, After the news in 2017 with sexual abuse, harassment, inappropriate behavior, #MeToo movement, etc., I want to be more vigilant and careful with who joins. I've planned numerous camping trips, and surprisingly, many women have attended. By default, I take on an over-protective brother/father role and need to look out for everyone. We've been lucky in having some good guys attend, but a few have been questionable, and therefore, that’s why we now have to be more judicious and cautious. Believe it or not, I’m a Jane Austen-liking, hopeful romantic. At least 6 group members have met through my meetup events and started dating. I’m happy whenever two people can connect (as long as there’s mutual interest/attraction). However, I also need to be vigilant and diligent. It probably is not easy for some women to go camping with strangers, and whenever other women put trust in me and are willing to attend, I need to look out for their safety and well-being. I have enough to stress about: ...will people arrive safely (no accidents, flat tires, speeding tickets), have food, water, and all the camping gear they need, sleep okay, stay warm, not get lost / injured, etc… So if you’re a guy who is interested in attending, please “be cool.” If you can help me have one less thing to worry about, it preserves my sanity. So if any women attend, thank you for being respectful toward them. ____________________ More info will be sent as the date approaches. Everyone can discuss and choose what they want to do on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. For example, if some want to stay the whole weekend in Mammoth, that's fine. Another option is to spend one day in Mammoth (such as Saturday), and then another day (such as Sunday) for exploring areas such as June Lake (June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Parker Lake), Mono Lake, Lee Vining, or Lundy Lake. If anyone likes ghost towns, Bodie State Historic Park is possible. Past years, a few people went to a brewery in June Lake and Mammoth, so if anyone likes beer, that's one idea. Also, some went to a natural hot spring (in the late afternoon or evening) to relax after a long hike. Different hiking trails are available in Mammoth and Eastern Sierra. Links to websites with more info are posted below (scroll down). On Monday, when heading home, one option is to stop at Convict Lake, Alabama Hills, or Manzanar National Historic Site. If anyone has never gone to Mammoth before, peruse the map on the 2nd page of - http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FallColorMap2017.pdf Technically it's for "Fall Colors" in Autumn, but the map shows the popular areas around Mammoth (Eastern Sierra). Mammoth is # 10 on the map. ____________________ Photos: https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=29239175 https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=27989400 https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mammoth https://www.instagram.com/visitmammoth https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/easternsierra https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/easternsierras ____________________ If anyone can drive and is open to carpooling...or if anyone wants to go, but is looking for a ride: - Post a comment and maybe others will respond - Check the comments section if maybe someone else is offering a ride or needs a ride - Let me (Wiseman) know because sometimes people message me (and they might not post a comment), so I can also try to connect people for carpooling. Note: If you successfully connect with another person for carpooling, please let me know b/c it helps me coordinate the campsite assignments for # of people and vehicles per campsite. In past camping trips, some people became friends through carpooling. Yes, riding with a new person might seem awkward, so feel free to exchange social media, or talk over the phone, or meet for coffee or a hike beforehand to break the ice and become more comfortable with one another. ____________________ Hiking in / near Mammoth: https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/mammoth-lakes http://hikingwalking.com/index.php/destinations/ca/ca_ses/mammoth_lakes https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/easy-hikes-around-mammoth-lakes https://www.mammothtrails.org/activity/29 http://www.visitcalifornia.com/destination/spotlight-mammoth-lakes - Hiking outside Mammoth (Eastern Sierra): https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/bucket-list-guide-hiking-eastern-sierra http://www.hikingwalking.com/index.php/destinations/ca/ca_ses https://www.monocounty.org/things-to-do/hiking/top-10-trails https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/inyo-national-forest https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/john-muir-wilderness https://www.hikespeak.com/sierras/inyo-national-forest https://modernhiker.com/park/inyo-national-forest ____________________ Hot Springs: https://whenyouwander.com/5-best-free-hot-springs-in-mammoth-lakes-california https://nobackhome.com/hot-springs-near-mammoth https://fittowander.com/2015/05/03/hot-springs-mammoth-california ____________________ Examples of recommended items to bring: - Sleeping bag + pillow Sleeping pad / mat or air mattress Tent (or share with someone who has one) Appropriate clothes, socks, & shoes Toothbrush, toothpaste, & other hygiene items / toiletries Lip balm / chapstick Hand sanitizer or baby wipes / wet naps Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat or a bandana Earplugs Flashlight / Headlamp Portable chair Cell phone charger cable (car adapter) or portable charger Water Water bottles or hydration pack Food (and cookware) Towel, soap, shampoo, & flip-flops / water sandals Swimwear (for hot spring) Music or games https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html ____________________ * Some other camping events on Meetup might prohibit kids. I admire parents who introduce their child(ren) to the outdoors and respect parents who encourage kids to take a break from tv, video games, phones, computers, etc.. So parents and kids are welcome to join. I usually ask for a payment per person (adult), so kids who attend are free. As long as there’s space/room at the campsite, and the child genuinely wants to attend, and it’s not a large # of kids (boys/girls scouts, youth group, etc.). Some people on Meetup don’t want kids to attend, but I try to be cool, understanding, and supportive of parents. However, we want to avoid a situation where a kid is dragged to camping trip and doesn’t want to be there (foul/negative mood, tantrum, drama, etc.)....so thank you for your cooperation. ____________________ Photo Source/Credit: AllTrips, Backcountrycow, Mammoth Lakes Tourism, OC Register, Peter B. Kunasz, & Transworld Snowboarding

Update: Since the weather in Northern California and Oregon is inclement, I'm leaning toward going to Utah. The weather in late May looks like it'll be warm, and heat up in June. Things changed for me, and therefore I might start this road trip around May 25 because I have to be back around May 31. If June is better for any of you, feel free to lmk if you want to plan something, and maybe other members will join you. If anyone is interested/available to go to Utah, feel free to email me directly to discuss & coordinate. ______________________________________ Hi. I'm thinking of doing a road trip in late May and/or early June. - One idea is to visit places in Utah such as: - • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park • Arches National Park • Canyonlands National Park • Dead Horse Point State Park • Capitol Reef National Park - https://goo.gl/maps/uSpCTwHRsReJ4aJ68 - One concern is the weather might be warm/hot. - I personally have gone to Zion and Bryce Canyon before, so I don't plan on going, but if anyone else really wants to go, stopping by might be possible if time permits. Also, if anyone wants to go to Page, AZ to see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, that might be possible. ______________________________________ Another idea is after our Memorial Day weekend trip to Mammoth, to continue going up to Northern California and Oregon to visit places such as: - • Lake Tahoe • Lassen Volcanic National Park • McArthur-Burney Falls • Crater Lake National Park • Waterfalls @ Umpqua National Forest - https://goo.gl/maps/zQG4yNmG8AptyPnC8 - One concern is snow. For example, apparently Crater Lake National Park sometimes has closed roads and/or hiking trails due to snow in late May and June... ...but if the waterfall trails are accessible at McArthur-Burney and Umpqua, then I'm still open to going. ______________________________________ This is currently a tentative idea. I might travel to Hong Kong around this time, but if not, I'm thinking about a road trip for 4 - 7 days to either Utah or Northern California & Oregon. Start and end date can be flexible (late May or early June). If anyone else has any of these places on their bucket list, feel free to lmk if you want to go, (including dates), and we can discuss & coordinate logistics. My initial idea is to camp / boondock in the various areas. If anyone wants to drive themselves, that's totally fine. That obviously gives you flexibility and freedom to arrive/leave whenever and go wherever you want. ______________________________________ Photo Source/Credit: Earth Trekkers, Get Your Guide, Medium, National Park Foundation, The American Southwest, Trover, Visit the USA, Visit Utah, & Wikipedia

Hi. This is different. https://liferollson.org/santamonica Many of you have various options of things to do and places to go on Saturday, but if anyone doesn't have any plans and is looking for something to do, consider this unique event. A non-profit called Life Rolls On helps people with physical disabilities go surfing. Some participants probably don't normally swim, so this cool event makes it possible for them to enjoy being in the ocean water. I personally plan on staying the whole event, but if anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, totally fine. Feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. (Arrive and leave whenever you want). This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event. ____________________ My definition of "fun" differs from others...but if a few people are open to going (feel free to use the comments section to discuss & coordinate carpooling). ____________________ I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work. This event is from Life Rolls On. "Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities. They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes." https://liferollson.org - Their video shows what they're about https://vimeo.com/109601866 ____________________ 2019 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour-2019 - June 1 - Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica July 13 - Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice Aug 24 - Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach Sept 22 - La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla ____________________ Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672 https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On - Videos: https://vimeo.com/109601866 https://vimeo.com/184759861 ____________________ Recommended items to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc. Free snacks and water are sometimes provided. ____________________

Preface: This is different from other typical events posted in this group. Recently and during the past few years, some group members have told me they want to meet new people and make new friends. Last week, one person wrote to me about his personal situation. Based on what he wrote, my conjecture is he is gay...and I thought maybe some group members (who are part of the LGBTQ community) might enjoy meeting and doing stuff together. One idea is to attend a Pride festival / parade. But if anyone wants to plan a get-together for something else, such as for volunteering, hiking, lunch/dinner, movie, or something or some place else, feel free to lmk if you want to host a group event, and we can add it to the group calendar. ____________________ Clarification: I'm heterosexual and was raised with old-school Christian beliefs, but I try to be respectful, open-minded, accepting, and loving of everyone. Totally understandable some might be homophobic, conservative, religious, etc... and may disagree or be offended by this posting. People have complained and criticized me for posting Women's Marches, so some might be bothered and leave this group, which is fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, values, and prerogative. Suum cuique pulchrum est Omnia vincit amor ____________________ Long Beach - May 19 - 20 - http://longbeachpride.com Santa Monica - June - https://www.smpride.com LA - June 8 - 9 - http://www.lapride.org OC - June 22 - http://www.prideoc.com Ventura - August 17 - http://www.diversitycollectivevc.org/pride.html Pasadena - October 12 - https://www.sgvpride.org Laguna - https://www.facebook.com/WestStreetBeach/events ____________________ So if anyone wants to attend this or another event, post in the comments section or email me, and we'll figure out a way to invite other group members to join you and coordinate where/when you can meet each other. ____________________ Santa Monica https://www.smpride.com - " For the month of June, The Pier, Santa Monica Place, Third-Street Promenade and surrounding businesses will celebrate Pride month with an incredible light installation that spans miles of city streets and lights up the sky with a rainbow of colors." "The installation, dubbed “Miles of Pride” will serve as a backdrop for a full calendar of events that bring together community, families and supporters from around the world." "With a focus on family-friendly art, events and community connection, City partners will host food festivals, happy hours, story hours, silent discos and so much more to help us celebrate love in every color." - This is posted on June 1st, but they will have multiple events throughout the month on additional dates/times. Check their calendar at https://www.smpride.com ____________________ Addendum In 2015, this news story appeared: http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/-i-wanted-to-be-a-boy---life-as-a-5-year-old-transgender-child-431696451602 http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/transgender-kids/jacobs-journey-life-transgender-5-year-old-n345131 This might be a taboo, awkward, and uncomfortable subject. I never heard of (or learned about) gender dysphoria before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAHCqnux2fk It's unfortunate some kids (and adults) are taunted, shunned, bullied, condemned, ostracized, discriminated against, and susceptible to high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, beliefs, feelings about LGBTQ, gay marriage, equal rights, etc. Some of my religious friends would not like nor approve of posting these parades/festivals, but this group is intended to be open-minded, inclusive, and loving. Anyhow, despite any differences, hopefully we all can live in harmony and choose love, happiness, acceptance, compassion, peace, and respect instead of hate, judgment, closed-mindedness, ignorance, divisiveness, and violence. - Lastly, if anyone wants more info or wants to volunteer throughout the year, consider: The Los Angeles LGBT Center - https://lalgbtcenter.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach - https://www.centerlb.org/volunteer The LGBT Center OC - http://www.lgbtcenteroc.org/about/volunteer The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-involved/volunteer Gay for Good LA Chapter - https://gayforgood.org/losangeles https://www.facebook.com/groups/44171587413 Gay for Good OC & LB Chapter - https://gayforgood.org/oclb https://www.facebook.com/gayforgoodoclb ____________________ Photo Source/Credit: Onlineevents