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The International Wanderers

Santa Rosa, CA, US

258 members · Public group

Organized by Leigh

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What we’re about

This is not a regular group. Please do not ask to join UNLESS you have hikes regularly with the Sonoma County Wanderers. This is a sub group of the Sonoma County Wanderers. You need to first be an active member of the Sonoma County Wanderers. Once you have an established hiking record (20+ hikes) with the Sonoma County Wanderers and are ready to hit the road and see distant parts of the world then you are ready to join this second group! This is a hiking and traveling group. Adventure and fitness are the name of the game!!

Most important fact to be aware of!!

There is limited availability on the trips. If you are serious about traveling out of Sonoma/Marin county with the group then you will need to have a STRONG presence on the moderate-strenuous and strenuous Sonoma County Wanderer hikes with the organizers...Leigh, Joseph or Yannick. We have found that Annabel and similar hikes will NOT prepare you for hiking outside of California. I will always put the hikers that have been recently hiking the long strenuous and moderate- strenuous hikes consistently on the list first. Those are the hikers that are going to be prepared for these trips. Another hiking habit to develop to prepare for these trips is to sign up for multiple day hikes in a row without a day break in between. The trips sound exciting and adventurous but they are not for everyone. If you truly enjoy the moderate 2-3.5 hour hikes the best and find yourself gravitating to those choices, then a SIGHTSEEING international trip is more suitable for you rather than a trekking trip.

Upcoming events (4+)

Fri, 5 Sept 2025, 7:00 pm PDTDiscover Austria- E-Bike and hike trip!
Needs location
Itinerary
Austria September 2025.docx
Bike portion
https://travefy.com/trip/6yw9rqwt7p2sqz2a64ymwkn3f6nq5dq
When we were in the Dolomites this past summer we had a HF Holidays guide named Trevor that has hiked more than 200 different hiking trips in Europe. When I asked him his favorite place, he without a hesitation said Mayrhofen. I think we need to go! We will be combining a self-guided ebike trip with hiking in Mayrofen. The tricky part about this trip is that you would need to be interested in BOTH hiking and biking.
We will be BIKING in the Corinthian Lakes area on mostly bike trails.

Hiking in Mayrhofen offers a truly unique alpine experience, nestled in the heart of Austria’s Zillertal Valley. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and verdant meadows, the region caters to all levels of hikers, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Whether you prefer leisurely walks through tranquil valleys or more challenging high-altitude treks, Mayrhofen's trails promise breathtaking vistas at every turn.
As you explore, you’ll be treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The dramatic Zillertal Alps provide the perfect backdrop, with the opportunity to encounter glaciers and cascading waterfalls. One of the highlights is the Ahorn Plateau, easily accessible via the Ahornbahn cable car. Here, panoramic views stretch across the valley, and wildlife such as ibex and marmots can often be spotted in their natural habitat.
Mayrhofen's trails are dotted with traditional alpine huts, where hikers can rest and enjoy hearty Austrian cuisine. These cozy retreats offer a taste of authentic alpine culture, with specialties like Kaiserschmarrn and Tyrolean dumplings to refuel you along the way.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the High Alpine Nature Park Zillertal Alps awaits. This protected area invites you to hike through untouched landscapes, home to diverse flora and fauna, and some of the highest peaks in Austria.
With a network of cable cars, including the Penkenbahn and Ahornbahn, reaching the higher elevations is easy, ensuring that the spectacular views are within everyone’s reach. In addition to hiking, Mayrhofen’s vibrant outdoor culture also attracts climbers, paragliders, and mountain bikers, creating a lively atmosphere that enhances the sense of adventure.
Hiking in Mayrhofen is more than just a trek through the mountains—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, experience alpine hospitality, and create memories in one of the most scenic corners of the Austrian Alps.
Continuing our outdoor adventure, the nearby Carinthian Lakes region offers an equally enchanting experience for cyclists. With its crystal-clear lakes, rolling hills, and idyllic countryside, it’s a haven for bikers of all levels. The well-marked cycling paths wind through charming villages, past serene lakes, and across lush meadows, providing stunning views and a refreshing rides.

Hi All!
I am in the process of finalizing Austria in September and I need to have a better idea of who is committed. A deposit is due now of $175.00. The deadline is by 11/5/2024.
Leigh Skizewski
2305 Lytton Springs Rd
Healdsburg,CA 95448

The check will be shredded if you don't get on the trip. You will have until the zoom call to be reimbursed the $$ if you change your mind. After the zoom, you are committed!😀

Need to know facts about the trip!

Group size 16-20

Leaving around 9/15 give or take a day or two Home by appx October 4th

Plan on 2 days of travel

1 day of relaxation after arrival

5 days of hiking Moderate-Strenuous hiking with short hikes available on some days with Patty Lassen. You are welcome to take a break day at any time since we are at the same hotel the entire time. You are also welcome to turn around on any hike, if it stops being fun for you and return on your own.

1 Transfer day from Mayrhofen to Villach

5 days of e-biking (you can opt for a regular bike) around 35 miles a day. You will be expected to participate in the Tuesday or Friday bike rides as preparation for this.

6 days at the same hotel in Mayrhofen

the bike trip is two or 3 different accommodations.

1 or 2 nights in Munich

I recommend that you extend and see more of the area. You will be dropped at Munich Airport and all extensions should be planned from there or you can forgo the included transport to Munich and leave from Villach

I ask that everyone arrive at the same time. Please do not arrive in advance of the group. You are free to leave anytime you like.

Cost of trip outlined in itinerary
22 attendees+17
Mon, 6 Oct 2025, 8:00 am PDTWarm Springs Arm of Lake Sonoma!!! 24 miles 4500 2 days Hike one day or two!!
Needs location
Backpack and camp at Old Sawmill campsite, if you like or do a car shuttle on each day with me!!

We are headed around Lake Sonoma. We will be going counterclockwise starting from The Ranch parking lot. We will do 13 miles and 2500 ft. the first day and then 12 miles and 2200 ft. to finish the loop and come back to our cars.

Those of you that want to backpack, and camp ...can at Old Sawmill Campground!!! Those that want to hike with me, can and shuttle back to our cars in the afternoon! The next morning we will shuttle back to the access point closest to Old Sawmill and we will hike in to meet you and start the second day! If you aren't from the area of Lake Sonoma and don't want to backpack, you still can opt to stay in Healdsburg. Hotel Vinea is offering rooms for $111 for the night~
I had previously collected $100 checks from some of you when it was going to be a boat supported back packing trip. I have shredded all of the checks.
I will have the Old Sawmill campground reserved for Monday night.

For those of you that haven't enjoyed visiting Lake Sonoma, here is the info!! Lake Sonoma is a man-made reservoir in northern California, that was created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam on Dry Creek. Completed in 1983 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the dam was built to provide water supply, flood control, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding area. Towering 319 feet high and stretching 3,000 feet across, the dam helped transform the landscape, creating a beautiful reservoir that serves as a valuable resource for the region. Lake Sonoma's location in Dry Creek Valley, a fertile region renowned for its vineyards and agricultural heritage, only adds to its charm, blending nature with the area's deep-rooted wine culture.
Before the valley was flooded to form Lake Sonoma, the region was a patchwork of farms, ranches, and vineyards. Dry Creek Valley remains famous for its world-class Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, and though the reservoir altered part of the landscape, it also added new dimensions to the area's appeal. Today, Lake Sonoma serves as an important water resource and a habitat for wildlife, including steelhead and coho salmon, supported by the fish hatchery built nearby.
Hiking the Warm Springs arm of Lake Sonoma offers a special way to experience the area’s natural beauty. This arm of the lake extends into the scenic, forested hills and provides hikers with a variety of trails that wind through oak woodlands, manzanita groves, and chaparral-covered ridges. The trails often offer stunning views of the lake’s deep blue waters below, framed by rugged hillsides. Hikers can also spot local wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds as they trek through the quiet, shaded paths. The terrain can be steep in places, but the rewards are plentiful, with overlooks providing panoramic views of both the lake and the surrounding Dry Creek Valley. This section of Lake Sonoma is perfect for those seeking a mix of challenge and tranquility in a setting that showcases the natural beauty of Sonoma County. It will take us two days to do the entire hike!
12 attendees+7
Mon, 20 Oct 2025, 9:00 am PDTOne of the most scenic bike rides in the US!! Lake Tahoe Roundabout!!
Needs location
We can take about 16 on this trip. We will need a sag wagon that we all can take a short shift driving. Participants with emergency bike repair knowledge with get 1st dibs. Most will be on electric bikes, but any well-maintained bike will do!

The cost for the 2 nights and tours will be about $350 pp double occupancy. If you opt to stay at the Santa Rosa ski Club on Sunday night (so that you don't have to drive on Monday morning) it will be $40 more.

Join us for a 3 day romp around Lake Tahoe! We will enjoy a GORGEOUS bike path for about 30% of this ride and we will have a dedicated bike lane for about for about 50% of the remainder. There are short portions on a narrow curvy rd. Make sure you would be comfortable with that.

We will leave from Truckee Monday morning and head to Kings Beach for the first night. Along the way we will meander our way along the Truckee River until we veer slightly off our route to visit historic Ganlibakken Ski Area and then a stop at the Tahoe Maritime Museum and the Tahoe City Museum. We will check to see if we can see the huge trout from Fanny Bridge. We will have lunch at
The Bridgetender in Tahoe City. We then will head for Watson Cabin and Carnelian Bay. We end our day with a Wet Woody at Gar Woods Bar and Grill and then go check into our lodging. This day is about 30 miles and 1200 ft.
The following day we head out for a busy day of biking and exploration. 10 miles along our route after enjoying the beauty of Sand Point and Bonsai Rock, we are in for a special treat, a tour of Thunderbird Lodge at 9:30. We continue on and have a late lunch in South Lake Tahoe and continue on to our lodging for the night. This day is about 38 miles and 2300ft. We will have dinner on the water at the Grove beach bar and grill that is right by our lodging.
Our last day is a delight. We start at Tallac Historic site. The Tallac Historic Site, nestled along the southwestern shores of Lake Tahoe, offers a vivid glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the early 20th-century elite who once summered there. Comprising three grand estates—Pope, Baldwin, and Valhalla—the site is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and natural beauty. We will take a detour into Fallen Leaf Lake, enjoy Eagle Falls, visit historic Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, check out D. L Bliss state park. We then make our way back to Truckee to end our scenic and historic 3 day bike ride! We do about 40 1700ft miles this day.

This is basically a "save the date". Details could change.
16 attendees+11
Mon, 3 Nov 2025, 7:00 pm PSTCyprus...a hikers delight! Moderate hiking-doable by all regular Wanderers
Needs location
Itinerary:
Cyprus Zoom Meeting Itinerary.docx
Hiking in Cyprus is a truly captivating experience, offering a blend of diverse landscapes, rich history, and a mild climate that makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The island's varied terrain includes the majestic Troodos Mountains, where dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views create a hiker's paradise. Along the coast, trails like those on the Akamas Peninsula provide breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches adding to the charm.
Cyprus is steeped in history, and many trails wind through ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and historic villages, allowing hikers to step back in time as they explore. The Kyrenia Mountains, for instance, are home to medieval castles and ancient settlements, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The island’s Mediterranean climate ensures that hiking is possible almost year-round, with mild winters and pleasant spring and autumn seasons. In the higher elevations of the Troodos Mountains, snow adds a magical touch to the winter landscape, while spring brings trails lined with vibrant wildflowers. Cyprus is also rich in biodiversity, and hikers may encounter a variety of plant and animal species, including the island’s unique mouflons, as well as numerous birds and reptiles.
One of the most appealing aspects of hiking in Cyprus is the tranquility. Many trails are peaceful and less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. The island's well-maintained network of trails, is,is clearly marked and provides informative insights into the surrounding areas.
Adding to the allure of hiking in Cyprus is the warmth and hospitality of the Cypriot people. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, Cyprus is a destination that promises an unforgettable hiking adventure.

The 12 days will be appx $1700
The airfare will be about $1700
22 attendees+17

Past events (450)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025, 11:00 pm UTCFinal zoom for Austria-final small payment amount and final details!!!!!!
This event has passed
1 attendee

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