Sunrise to Sunset Hikers

Need to get back in shape after my knee injury. We will start kind of a slow pace until we get stronger. This hike is a workout level 2 designed to challenge your endurance. This will be on going unless otherwise posted. Our pace will be an hour to hour and a half, figure 15 to 20 minute miles. The trail has great inclines to push through to prepare for some mountain hikes to be posted later. Bring water as needed. We start at 6:00 prompt so we can take advantage of the daylight, although bring flashlight. Due to the nature of the workout we have no sweep on this hike, so you must be familiar with Turtle Rock or hike with someone who is. If you have not done this hike before, this may not be the one to start with since the pace will be challenging for the trail. This is part of my weekly workout as I try to get myself back in shape, hope you can join me. When the days get longer I will change the time to a later post for convenience, and location for variety DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.

Join Meetup friends on Wednesday evening for a relaxed, beginner hike on the beautiful Aliso Creek Trail. We will conclude the hike with dining and dancing at Cook's Corner. ABOUT THE HIKE: This 4.6 mile gentle downslope/upslope (400 feet elevation loss/gain) route from Cook's Corner is a paved bike trail with National Recreation Trail designation having lovely views of the Aliso Creek wet lands. On Wednesdays, Cook's offers an all you can eat, five buck, pasta/salad/toast dinner special, plus a full menu of additional dining options. We dine as a group in an informal, outdoor, patio setting. As a country/blues/rock band will be playing live at Cook's, hikers have been known to take over the dance floor! The hike is a 90 minute, relatively safe, out and back, easy paced, scenic, beginner hike that begins and ends at Cook's, with a short rest stop at the midpoint. Hungry hikers arrive back at Cook's to dine on the patio around 7:30 PM with the pasta buffet closing at 8 PM. After dinner, the hikers turn into dancers; the band will close for the evening around 9:30 PM. If you can't make the hike, feel free to join us for the dining and dancing. This mid-week Meetup is a fun and relaxing way to get some exercise, dine, dance, and socialize with your hiking buddies. ADDITIONAL NOTES: Restrooms are available at Cook's, but not on the trail. A flash light is recommended during the Winter months when we hike in the dark. While the bands at Cook's are "hot," evenings on the patio can be cool, so bring a jacket. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From the 5 Freeway, take El Toro Road inland, approximately five miles to Cook's Corner. El Toro Road turns into Santiago Canyon Road at Cook's Corner. DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.

About this Hike: Join us for this special hike in beautiful Balboa Island and crossing over on the ferry to the Peninsula. We will be walking down E Oceanfront along the boardwalk as far as we can. Then continuing onto E. Oceanfront Blvd. to Channel Rd. arriving at the Jetty. You will have time to enjoy the Park,Jetty and the Wedge. This is a special area of serenity and beauty. Enjoy watching the boats coming in and out of the jetty or watching the waves break at the Wedge. We return to E Oceanfront along the boardwalk and then we will take the ferry back to Balboa Island. We will then continue our hike over to the Village Inn for dinner. ** We will be changing the dinner venue periodically ** Important** This is an advanced beginner hike. It is a flat hike. The distance is 5.2 miles. Important** We will have our first bathroom opportunity on the Peninsula and then again at the Balboa Pier. About Dinner: We will be having dinner at The Village Inn. I have a reservation for us and we well arrive around 8:15pm-8:30pm. The village Inn is located on Balboa Island at 127 Marine Ave. DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.

Join Meetup friends for a fun, relaxing, evening hike on the beautifully maintained and scenic Shady Canyon Trail in Irvine. ABOUT THE HIKE: This out and back trail provides for a flexible pace that accommodates beginner and experienced hikers alike. The route follows a multi-purpose trail that includes your choice of either paved or hard pack dirt. The trail provides lovely views of the Sand Canyon Reservoir, the Strawberry Farms Golf Course, and the naturally vegetated adjoining hills of Sand Canyon. Our mid hike rest stop is the Turtle Rock Community Park, with rest rooms and drinking fountains, where we will regroup for 5/10 minutes... returning the same route to our trail head parking area. SUMMARY: Distance: 5.5 miles round trip Elevation gain/loss: approximately 500 feet Total hiking time: approximately two hours Level of Difficulty: Beginner ADDITIONAL HIKE NOTES: This is a relatively safe, year round evening hiking experience. Depending on the time of year, a flash light becomes helpful. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Shady Canyon Trail. AFTER THE HIKE: There are several reasonably priced restaurants adjacent to Starbucks within the Quail Hill Shopping Center for those that wish to stay for dinner following the hike in a lovely outdoor patio setting. They include Sharkey's, Natraj's Tandoori, Nalu's Island Grill, Lucca Cafe, Subway, etc. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The Meetup location is just off the 405 Freeway, take Sand Canyon south and turn into the Quail Hill Shopping Center. Driving North on I-405: Take the Sand Canyon Ave exit toward Shady Canyon Dr (0.3 mi), turn left at Sand Canyon Ave (0.4 mi), at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Quail Hill (0.2 mi), and then turn left at Passage (the destination will be on the right). Driving South on I-405: Take the Sand Canyon Ave exit toward Shady Canyon Dr (0.3 mi), turn right at Sand Canyon Ave (0.2 mi), at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Quail Hill (0.2 mi), and turn left at Passage (the destination will be on the right) MEETUP LOCATION: Entering the Quail Hill Shopping Center, the Starbucks Meetup location is on the right or south side of the Center. DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.