Matilija Wilderness Hike, 14.5 miles/4,500'

Our adventure today will suit you if you're a trailblazer--willing to go where others haven't been in decades. The plan: "Out and back" hike, i.e. we hike one way up, and the same way back. So you can stash frozen water bottles on the way = no need to carry it all uphill. Do not sign up if you've been a "no show" at any Meetup. Your RSVP will be changed to a "no."

No Guests. Everyone must be a Fun in the Sun Club member and signed up individually.

Trailblazing, Exploratory? Bushwacking? Yes, yes, and yes. Triple treat ... whoohoo! It's so difficult to find local trails that haven't been trodden, but because this old trail hasn't been used in at least 20 years, it will be like new territory for us.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/9/f/8/event_174103512.jpegPace: Moderate to speedy. Pace will be set to that of the slowest hiker so we'll stay together as a group, with participants between leader and sweep. No rushing ahead, no tigers or turtles, we don't leave anyone behind.

Meeting Place: Meeting place in Ojai will be sent by 10/2 only to those who answered "yes" to the sign up question, "Do you promise to bring your loppers for this hike?" OR, those who emailed me promising to bring them.

Estimated Stats: 14.5 miles/3,900-4,500'

Bring: The ten essentials. Loppers--not garden clippers; they won't even make a dent. If you don't have them, see above for one place where to find them. Trekking poles if you like using them, gloves (garden gloves fine), headlamp, food for all day, 4L+ water recommended.

Wear: Layers (including lightweight jkt), hiking shoes/boots with lug soles, hat. Long pants/sleeves made with strong fabric. They could get ripped/torn so dress accordingly; leather or garden gloves

Dogs: Leashed dogs okay if they can handle the stats.