The International Wanderers

Mon, Nov 3 · 19:00 PST

Cyprus...a hikers delight! Moderate hiking-doable by all regular Wanderers

Location not specified yet

Itinerary:
Cyprus Zoom Meeting Itinerary.docx
Cyprus packing list.xlsx
Notes from walking company:Cyprus Routedescription_10_days.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

Thu, Jan 22, 2026 · 19:00 PST

Patagonia Lakes District

Location not specified yet

Itinerary:
Patagonia Lakes Districk Itinerary.docx

****Wanderers that did the first trip will get first dibs on this trip. Then people that speak spanish and then....people that are willing to drive and are great drivers will get special preference!🤣

Unlike the dramatic glacial landscapes of El Calafate or the jagged granite spires of Torres del Paine, Argentina’s Lake District offers a gentler yet equally captivating version of Patagonia. Here, the scenery is shaped by lush temperate forests, sparkling alpine lakes, and rolling ridgelines rather than sheer rock walls and ice fields. The hiking is more varied and often more accessible, weaving through native woodlands, along lakeshores, and up to panoramic summits with fewer crowds but no shortage of natural beauty while still capturing the wildness of Patagonia.

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Patagonian Peaks & Lakes: A Journey from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes
This unforgettable hiking trip begins with a flight into San Carlos de Bariloche, the gateway to Argentina’s Lake District, where snow-capped peaks, deep blue lakes, and lenga forests set the stage for a classic Patagonian adventure.
From the airport, we head south to El Bolsón, a laid-back mountain town beneath the dramatic face of Piltriquitrón. Here, we warm up with moderate to strenuous hikes through the Andean foothills, with trails leading to natural wonders like Cascada Escondida, Cajón del Azul, and the high ridgelines of Cerro Piltriquitrón itself. This region is known for its accessible backcountry refugios and well-marked paths, as well as its vibrant artisan scene and organic food culture.
Next, we travel north to the Llao Llao Peninsula, a scenic area tucked within Nahuel Huapi National Park. While the trails here are gentler, the rewards are immense—panoramic viewpoints over Lake Nahuel Huapi, hidden lakes like Lago Escondido, and dense forests of coihue and arrayán trees. We’ll tackle trails like Cerro Llao Llao and the Sendero de los Arrayanes, with options to extend hikes to more remote lookouts.
From there, the journey continues along the iconic Ruta de los Siete Lagos, one of South America’s most scenic drives. This winding mountain road connects pristine lakes and rivers framed by snow-dusted peaks and forests, offering countless trailheads along the way.
We finish in San Martín de los Andes, a charming alpine town on the shores of Lake Lácar. From here, we set out on hikes into Lanín National Park, home to the towering, glaciated Volcán Lanín and a network of trails ranging from lakeside walks to demanding climbs. Treks such as the Sendero a Laguna Rosales or Mirador Bandurrias deliver stunning views and a sense of Patagonia’s wild vastness.
About Hiking in This Region
Patagonia’s Lake District is a hiker’s paradise. Trails here range from gentle lake circuits to rugged alpine climbs. Elevation gains can be significant on some hikes, especially those reaching panoramic viewpoints or high ridgelines, so good fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. Expect a mix of terrain: forest paths, rocky ascents, open meadows, and hanging bridges over glacial rivers. Weather can shift rapidly—even in summer—so layering and waterproof gear are key.
This trip is designed for those ready for moderate to strenuous hiking, with daily excursions typically ranging from 4 to 6 hours. Hikers should be prepared for altitude changes, uneven trails, and occasional stream crossings. The effort is well worth it: every step brings you deeper into Patagonia’s awe-inspiring beauty.

Fri, May 1, 2026 · 19:00 PDT

Cliffs, Castles & Celtic Paths on the Emerald Isle of Ireland

Location not specified yet

Itinerary:
Ireland.docx
May 1–17, 2025

### Trip Overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the heart of Ireland, from the lively streets of Dublin to the remote cliffs and emerald isles of the northwest. With spectacular moderate hikes, cinematic scenery, island adventures, and warm local charm, this trip blends outdoor exploration with cultural immersion. Our group will travel together in a private 32 passenger bus with our own driver AND personal guide — Con O’Donnell, a longtime member of our hiking group.

### Planned Highlights-some changes to be expected

• Dublin sightseeing, including Trinity College & the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, and historic castles
• Hikes at Giant’s Causeway, Malin Head, Mount Errigal, Glenveagh, Aranmore Island, Glencolmcille, and Sliabh Liag
• Scenic journey from Donegal to Dingle with stops at Sligo, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and Adare
• Iconic hikes on the Dingle Way and the Kerry Way
• Evenings in colorful towns with music, pubs, and local culture

### Day-to-Day Summary

May 1: Depart San Francisco
May 2–3: Dublin sightseeing and hop-on-hop-off bus tour
May 4–7: Letterkenny based hiking — Giant’s Causeway, Malin Head, Ards Forest, Mount Errigal, Glenveagh
May 8: Ferry to Aranmore Island — hike and overnight
May 9–11: Donegal based hiking — Glencolmcille, Sliabh Liag
May 12: Scenic drive to Dingle via Sligo, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty, Adare
May 13–14: Best of the Dingle Way hikes, transfer to Killarney
May 15–16: Two days hiking the Kerry Way highlights, return to Dublin
May 17: Fly home

It is moderate hiking with a challenge or two thrown in!

### Cost

• Double Occupancy: $3,000 per person (this is a bit higher than usual due to the dedicated bus and driver we will have)
• Single Occupancy: +$700
• Airfare: Approx. $1,200 round-trip nonstop SFO–Dublin
• Business class approx. $4,400

We can take about 18 people. Everyone will go on the waiting list. People that have been hiking regularly in 2025 on the longer day hikes will get first dibs!
Please be aware that all ADDITIONS AND ADD ONS TO THE TRIP NEED TO BE DONE AFTER THE ESTABLISHED TRIP.

Thu, May 21, 2026 · 16:00 PDT

Redwoods Hiking Retreat at Mendocino Woodlands St. Park! Memorial Wknd

Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association, 39350 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino, CA, US

4 nights and 3 full days of hiking on trails that most of you never knew existed. You will spend this time deep in the redwoods in Mendocino. The trails are SPECTACULAR, and we will never leave the park. Each day is 5-13 miles of hiking. You also will have time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate! Those forests have something special...trust me!!

You have the alternative to also take a shorter walk with Diane Evans and using the park map to guide you

You will be assigned a tent cabin, put on a meal team to provide, cook and clean up for one meal in the dining hall. All other meals will be provided and served to you.

This is $250 pp. for the event pp.

• $250 pp for the event. You are welcome to check in any day, but it is REQUIRED that you stay until Monday to be part of the "clean up and get out" effort.
• If you stay offsite, in a vehicle parked in the parking lot or in your own tent in the small tent area there is fee of $150 pp. to participate.

We will be staying in the tent cabins. 2-3 to a tent unless you WANT 4. You can group yourself up, if you like. Otherwise, I will be organizing the cabins. If you have designated roommates that you have already planned on, please indicate in the comments.

More details to follow BUT mark your calendars and get your $100 deposit in and once you have completed the camper information sheet as well, (Camper information for Mendocino Retreat 2025.xlsx) you will be assigned a tent cabin, roommates, meal team and added to the RSVP attending list.

Send your checks to Leigh Skizewski 2305 Lytton Springs Rd Healdsburg,CA 95448.

Events:
Thursday...early bird welcome at 5:00 pm. Feel free to come Thursday or Friday!
Dinner will be served around 6:30
Friday Morning:
Official start at 8AM. Breakfast and self-serve picnic station will be available for your lunch.
We will do a 9-13 mile moderate hike. You are welcome to turn around and return to camp at any time. With a swim available. We will have a dinner team for Friday night.
There will be a special appearance from the Wanderer Thespians. There will be a short comedy skit presented after dinner. Watch out! The drama skills will amaze you. Hopefully we will have the famous director, Susanna again!
Saturday
8AM Breakfast and self-serve picnic station will be available for your lunch.
9AM We will do a 9-13 mile moderate hike. You are welcome to turn around and return to camp at any time. The craft corner will be open in the afternoon. Last year we did nature journaling.
Dinner will be served by a meal team and then we will have the Wanderer Variety Show. We take any entries to the show. It would be great if you come up with something, but if you want to simply watch, that is fine!
Sunday
8AM Breakfast and self-serve picnic station will be available for your lunch.
We will do a 9-13 mile moderate hike. You are welcome to turn around and return to camp at any time.
We will make the rounds to see all of the tent cabins that decorated and declare a yearly winner. There is a tent cabin contest every year. Please feel free to enter or not!
Dinner will be served by a meal team and then we will have our anniversary party!! We will once again have live music by the fire.
Monday
Breakfast to be served by a meal team.
Final awards and badges to be presented and then we clean up and get out!