Quince de Mayo! Hike at Wildwood, Party at Casa de Wild/Deasy

This will be the only AM hike this week.

On May 5, 1862, in the Mexican city of Puebla, 4,000 ill-equipped Mexican troops whipped up on 8,000 invading French troops in the first loss suffered by the Napoleonic forces in 50 years. It proved a Pyrrhic victory, as the French captured Mexico City a year later and installed an emperor who ruled for several years, until pressure from the US handed self-rule back to Mexico. Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th (Mexico declared independence from Spain at midnight on September 15, 1810), and Cinco de Mayo is at best a regional celebration in Mexico.

And since the Mexicans don't care about Cinco de Mayo, why should they care if we celebrate on Quince de Mayo? Unless the Mexican consulate returns my calls before the 15th, the Trailblazers are gettin' their party on.

We'll meet at Wildwood Park to stretch our legs with a lightweight hike before driving over to party central to see who the real lightweights are. Mileage and elevation? Don't worry about it- you can handle it.

What you really need to know is what to bring to the party (aside from your fabulous self). Laurie and Mike will be cranking out tacos and pouring Salty Chihuahuas (no, I don't know what the hell they are, either, but I'm fairly certain PETA won't be protesting). They ask that you bring guacamole/chips, salads, side dishes, desserts and other beverages. Please post what you're bringing to the fiesta in the comment section of this page so we don't end up with the notorious 14 bags of Cool Ranch Doritos. Remember that whatever you bring will be in your car for a couple of hours during the hike and plan accordingly with an ice chest if need be.

Space is limited- keep your RSVP current and timely so everyone possible can attend (no-shows will be ridiculed mercilessly and made to wear ill-fitting clothes to all future events). The guest option is turned off.

Party like we hike- responsibly. Carpools are a great idea, especially if they're with a designated driver. Check to see who's in your area, then contact them about riding together.

(photo above is of the Wildwood Park Indian cave, not Casa de Wild/Deasy)(I think)

Directions:

From the 101 in Thousand Oaks, turn north on Lynn Road and continue 2.6 miles to Avenida De Los Arboles, then turn left. Continue for about a mile to the end and turn into the Wildwood parking lot on the left.

From the 118, travel west to the 23, exit at Avenida De Los Arboles and turn right. Drive further than you remember having to drive to this trailhead (10 or 15 minutes). Turn left into the parking lot when the road ends.

Watch for cross traffic coming from the right when you turn into the parking lot- they don't have to stop. Parking is ample and free.

Directions to the party will be given out later- it's a short drive from the trailhead.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.