
What we’re about
http://www.socialfundation.com for the full calendar.
All the best in one place!
Think of this as Summer Camp for Adults.
In our digital world the more online, plugged in and connected we become the more disconnected we become from others. This group, with intention uses social medial to be Social in Real Life.
The mission of this group is its name.
Los Angeles is vibrant and diverse city. We have the opportunity to explore it and make new friends while doing so. Meetup is one of the few (maybe only) websites dedicated to having it's participants get offline and do things in reality.
There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met. (William Butler Yeats )
EVERYONE IS WELCOME INTO THE GROUP!
This is a place where everyone can just come as they are, and mingle with people who are like them AND who are NOT like them. We are not limited, restricted or exclusive by age, gender, gender preference, national origin, relationship status, etc. To put it more simply this group is open to all. All ages, all genders, all sexual orientations, all types - And that includes you!!!
There are plenty of meetups that exclude based of one reason or another. Or there plenty meetups where people self segregate. This meetup is neither of those. Diversity is coveted here. People are not monochrome and neither are we. You will fit in perfectly and find a lot of folks who just like you in certain aspect, and differ from you in others. It's the good kind of variety of life.
Some events on this group may specify limits at times. Those will be clearly noted when needed. At times they may be age delineated, or even gender related. Limits are placed often as a means to control size. The event can then be repeated/recycled with a different limit range. If there is an event you really wish to go to with a limit, . . . please contact me. You can be the impetus and the catalyst for the next event in the different limit/range. Other times the limit can be waived or bent as needed.
Challenge yourself and importantly, BE yourself and expand your horizons and comfort zone. Let your hair down! Go wild! Be open minded and be non-judgmental. The group is based off quality events to bring people together from positive social interaction. Anyone who wants to explore an alternative, bohemian, experimental, strange, obscure, weird, wild, absurd, bizarre, avant garde, unconventional, wild-at-heart side of Los Angeles is welcome!
In the interest of making events successful . . . I will spread events across other meetup groups to bump up attendance. For as you know, . . . sometimes people don't show up. Some Organizers get really bent out of shape about that. I do however know that life happens. Even if it's 10 mins before the event. Just change your rsvp. No worries. No harm-no foul. There is not any sort strikes or penalty system, and there is nobody keeping score. The exception will be if it is listed as a "no flake" event. On those you gotta give good notice of changes. It's about fun and community. What I have found is that by being mellow and and having good events more show up. We tend to have 80% or more attendance. I approach with compassion. So if you don't make one event or another. . . try and make it to the next, or the one after that. When you do make it, .. . . we will be glad you are there and all are welcome.
Here are the basics of group rules.
Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life.
Avoid Put Downs.
Speak For Yourself.
Listen To Others.
You Have The Option To Pass.
Expect Unfinished Business.
While there are flexible attendance rules. There are sex/gender related rules. As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place. Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general. It's just not cool. Meetup is about real life and not virtual. Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent. And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender. You can always use new good friends. And this is one way to make/meet them. Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group. Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
These rules apply here AND on like-minded sister groups. So it also applies on the following
More to Explore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://tr.im/MoreToExplore
I wanted to do that . . . just not alone ! ! ! . . . . https://tr.im/IWantToDoThat
Outdoor Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://tr.im/OutdoorAdventures
Bucket List Journeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://tr.im/BucketList
Legendary Urban Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://tr.im/UrbanAdventures
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion. Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed. If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested. Here is the rule of thumb. Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal. Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The rules simplified.
• No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
• No outside links
• Great Copy
• Great Pix
• 4 weeks notice is best.
• List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules. Not too complicated. They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Let's talk a little more about age: Are you in your 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s ? (btw some write 20's 30's 40's 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's ). I am often asked "What age range is this group?" 20 40 maybe? 30 50 perhaps? Or even 60 70. Forties ( forty's forty ), Fifties ( fifty's fifty ) of sixties ( sixty's sixty ) or older does matter. 24-39 3000 20+ 30+ 50+ 60+ & under or over. We are just aiming at good community.
Yeah, . . . All that is great, . . . But I still have one question, . . . What age is your group?
Age is a state of mind. And our state (this group) has no borders.
If so then you may be looking for us!
We do NOT discriminate by age, sex or gender, gender preference, origin, religion, belly button lint, etc . . . .
Do you enjoy friendship, activities, key networking, casual socializing, parties learning, sharing, inspiration? You do!?!?! How about personal and professional development with active nerd adult ( adults ) who like adventure ( adventurers, adventures, adventurous ) stuff that may involve silly dance game ( games ) and cool nerds with addicting, amazing fun? Great!!!! There will be sweet things to discover while engaging in retro revival underground unique geeky exploration of fringe play plus speed punk quirky sophisticated spectacular geek socials with high society making savvy friends. It will be an offbeat odyssey of an outing to nerdy paradise and we will party at random places (see locations below). Come and share fine no flake ( flakes ) fun that is free or inexpensive and goes late into the lovely night. Left, right or center, we will live life together and enjoy.
We do some sports related events. Are you interested in teammates players for your sport or hobby? Such as bowling, trivia, camping, biking, hike, hikes, hiking, snowboarder, snowboarding, ski, skiing, kayaking? Or even related to bmi, exercise, fitness, healthy, lock pong, recreation, recreational, outdoor, york Halloween, mammoth mountain, St Patrick's, Ensenada, un scrabble solitaire poker or more!!! We run the range.
A bigger majority of what we are cultural ( culture ), language, travel, music, arts, festival, performance, crave, dining, exotic, restaurant, food, foodie, architecture, art, artistic, urban, or ballet. But it does not stop there. We also do comedy, concert ( concerts ), cook, cooking, theater, theatre, culinary, cultural, tours, sub-culture, subculture sponge ( sponges ), performances, dances, dancing, museums, musical ( musicals ), bars, foodies, dinner, dinning, bbq, beach, restaurants, trips, cruise ( cruises ), cuisine. And even with all that we still to even more!!! Including, flea n farmer (farmers) market ( markets ), boutique, burlesque, crafting, craft, create, creating, sushi, pho, pizza, tastings, tickets, kim chi, tai kimchi, deserts, eating, festivals, film, films, galleries, games, karaoke, movies, sutra kama karma.And now the important question. Did we miss one? Oh. . . OK then, . . Send that so we can add it to the list.
Aside from the High Brow we do engage in the Low Brow such as wine, beer, drink, bar hopping, dive bars ( dives ), rave ( raver ravers raves raving ), hip-hop hiphop, hole holes-in-walls, crawl crawls, trance techno, dubstep, night nightclub, nightlife, nights. As well as classic club clubbing, clubs eclectic, edm electro electronica, pubs, pub speak, speakeasy, drinks, meet meeting mix mixer mixers mixing, greet, happy hour hours haunts, Did somebody say volunteer mingle? Let's DoLA or make a Timeout and TimeoutLA. LAist anyone?
So the High Brow and the Low Brow get together and make up THE KNOW BROW and that is all about people and who makes us up.
By ethnicity we very much match the instagram ethnic makeup of Los Angeles with Caucasian and Non Hispanic Whites, Latino, Black or African American, Native American,Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and others such as Middle Eastern such as Arab or Israeli, and many more from across the global atlas.
Different than ethnicity is Nationality, or National Origin. And again . . . from that we run the range European, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Pacific Islander, Indian, Taiwanese (Taiwan), Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese ( China, Cantonese, Mandarin ), Hong Kong Mexican ( Mexico ), and more and more. Even USC or UCLA
And that makes for sooooooooo many languages. We like language and the culture it is able to unlock It brings English, Spanish second ESL and ELL and ASL are big here. Hebrew, Yiddish, German, French, And the gamut of others to translate ( translation translator ) with class (classes).
Tolerance is a main tenet here as we are Christian ( Catholic, Mormon, etc), Jewish (Jew Jews), Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, tech Scientology and more. And even Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, Libertarian, Bernie / BernieCrat, or even Trump or Trumpian or Scientologist. This is a big tent and since it's decent social we will all be decent.
What it comes down to is we are making new friends ( friend freind freinds ) and to be friendly. Almost like finding your entourage Made up of Men (man men's mens) and women ( woman women's ) and non-binary too. Members may be young or old, married, single ( divorce divorced separated and never married ) or coupled (couple as part of a committed relationship / relationships ). Many are likely singles and looking to date in one way or another. Going on dates or dating is fine. But it does NOT happen via using the group like Tinder, Match.com, POF or eharmony.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed. Why such a rule?
Because it is heterosexist of you to assume that all people are interested in you. Like is says above there are married or those in committed relationships. There is is also the range of sexual preference in the group. Gay, lesbian girls lgbt lgbtq queer bi poly swing swinger swinging and any sort of variation such as transsexual and transgender. We do accept all. Even rs40 and rso40. We do NOT accept SpeedDating or Speedating or whatever you call it. It's forbidden.
Whoever you find cute, hot, sexy or find attraction to that comes in person. Plenty a match and romance or spark may happen. You may find your love (or lover). But you also may just make great friends girlfriend ( girlfriends ). It's just down to good decent social. Conscious communication and engagement that makes for self-improvement and improvement of others. Conversation and network or networking of professionals. That's just smart l33t leet api entrepreneur groupting that will lead to inspirational international consciousness.
We just added Game of Thrones GOT and The Walking Dead viewing parties.
Where do you do events? We do them ALL OVER!!!! I have taken the time to look at past events and the cities they have happened in and near and put it together with the upcoming location too. Our groups IS different, . . . we DO range all over the city. Here are where we HAVE BEEN, and where we are GOING!! All of it is obscure or obscura.
So I have gone in great detail to cover who we are and what we do. This is accurate and verifiable by going to our past events and looking that what we have done. This is all fact based on the breadth, scope and mission of this group.
If you have made it this far. Then watch this and then, . . .get off social media and on meetup. The social part of social media. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWnXmDfVZg
This group is also very Reddit and Redditor affiliated. As such redditors events will be doing activities that do involve meme memes dank redidit subeddit snu snoo lurker boardgames board gaming gamer video cardgames card cards against humanity computers anime internet upvote downvote vote secret santa harry potter wow world warcraft karma programming digg cheap low cost nsfw league legends wtf youtube hearthstone twitch csgo narwhals bacon bacons midnight overwatch lol bernie sanders front page reddiyt r/all homepage android apple iphone mac samsung s6 s7 s8 r mobile funny dota dota2 nba politics discussion pokemon aww askreddit app apps comicon comic con convention disneyland disney diy diablo rams dodgers raiders cosplay star trek wars trekkie scifi sci-fi science fiction gif troll thrones got comment comments ama til today i learned ask me anything steam pc independent yorker independents artemis jackbox jack box com firefly serenity citizen& something comedy urban nightlife foodies friendship sierra wine food drinks dining american ny karaoke
And the other members will have events involving cuisine recreation organizations snowboarding recreational fitness pubs eating culinary consciousness psychology philosophy growth conversation snowboarder theatre theater performances movies films creating galleries museums speak easy speakeasy opening nights music film festivals dancing street performance literature hikes greet tastings tours crawls outdoor activities beer * " ! +
left eclectic couple couples mel town mixing jason la professionals business lovers lover exercise referral hike boating boat hollywood adventurers ballet eow tips asian downtown dtla ladies lady socal oc orange county english esl korean strategy jewish yid yiddish jew hebrew catholic healthy california connect hot christian cute beach wednesday ivy south bay pasadena woodland hills men man male gay european realities parents americans newly inland empire southern thai japanese chinese vietnamese filipino service empowerment females female law badminton mountain biking cooking book zandra sub-culture holes-in-walls hidden haunts seminars art classes, 3,000 jan 2017 boutique twist organized welcome boxing line camping archery trivia architecture classes burlesque baseball beat flee kyaking chi early morning adventures skin walls deserts small venues farmers trips written spoken word soooo losangeles los angeles ucla usc cantonese westside west ass artistic arts citizen cook crafting dances dinning learning festival foodie girl jews mens organization snowboardingsocal tip wall hong kong
BTW Don't look here
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Our Featured Bucket List Meetups:Salkantay Trek, Everest Base Camp, Dana - PetraLink visible for attendees
Overseas travel takes a lot of planning in advance. Flights, Time-off, dog sitters . . . Here are our Featured International/Overseas Events so you have the time to get things planned to be able to join.
Jun 28-Jul 11, 2025 Spain and Portugal with Running of the Bulls! (waitlist only)
Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Sep 15-24, 2025 Bali & Singapore: From Animal Sanctuaries to Urban Elegance
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Oct 19-31, 2025: Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile Cruise
Feb 08-18, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28-Mar 11, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI and Dubai Extension
Mar 29-Apr 09, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 05-14, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jun 27-Jul 06, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari! "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"
Jul 05-14, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Sep 09-20, 2026 France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese, Cooking Lessons
Sep 20-Oct 03, 2026 Meetup on the Orient Express
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands ExpeditionDo you have questions on ANY of the above?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!The most simple thing is to send a meetup message to https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date at 6pm Pacific time.
Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgbRSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
- Our Extraordinary, Life-Changing Trip to Katmai and Lake Clark National ParksTed Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage, AK
Details
***
RIGHT OFF THE BAT, PLEASE KNOW: It is not necessary to participate in the entire trip. It is possible to participate in either park segment of the trip singly. However, this possibility must be discussed in full with the trip participants and agreed to by Michelle Mozell who has the sole/unilateral right to make this decision.
***
As many of you are aware, eight years ago, I began a renewed journey to backpack again.
I began with Yosemite, then, every California National Park.
Then, the entire West.
This quickly morphed into my desire to backpack/kayak all sixty-three National Parks in the United States.
By the end of 2024, I backpacked/kayaked/boat-camped/car-camped/visited all fifty-one US National Parks in the “Lower 48,” plus the National Parks of Hawai’i and the Virgin Islands*.
To do so, I designed and led twenty-four carefully-planned trips, most of which appeared right here on Meetup.
But, then, what was next?
The EIGHT ALASKA NATIONAL PARKS, of course.
To get this accomplished, I planned THREE trips to backpack or kayak all eight parks.
Our FIRST trip, in May, was an extraordinary adventure to the first of Alaska's eight National Parks, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. On this fifteen-day expedition, we cruised via ferry for four days through the breathtaking Inside Passage, arriving in charming and quirky Juneau for a three-day exploration. Then, we ventured into Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, where we enjoyed five days immersed in its raw, unspoiled, and unforgettable beauty. Included was an all-day catamaran tour to the base of the 250-foot, blue-hued Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. The highlight of the voyage is a guided three-day, two-night kayaking and tent-camping journey into Glacier Bay’s resplendent Beardslee Islands.
Our SECOND trip, in July and August, was labeled here within Meetup, "Our Extraordinary, Life-Changing, 17-Day Trip to FIVE Alaska National Parks," wherein we traveled throughout central Alaska by car, airline, bush-plane, boat taxi, kayak, shuttles, and four-wheeler to be fully immersed within the five breathtaking "central" Alaska National Parks:
Denali National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & PreserveOur THIRD trip, is this one: a trip to beautiful Lake Clark and bear-full Katmai National Parks in September.
Therefore, today, I'm excited to invite you to join us in this THIRD of three extraordinary adventures to Alaska, our nation's magnificent "Last Frontier."
*****
HERE IS OUR ITINERARY:
DAY ONE, September 12, 2025: Fly to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport via Alaska Airlines. (I will fly from Sacramento International Airport and arrive at 6:47 pm.) Arrive Anchorage. Shuttle to our hotel (TBD). Check in. Meet up. Explore Anchorage. Dinner together. Evening at our hotel.
DAY TWO, September 13, 2025: Awaken early. Breakfast at the hotel. Shuttle/Uber to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to board our Alaska Airlines flight (Flight 2175 at 11:02) to King Salmon Airport in King Salmon. Arrive. Shuttle to Katmai Air to board our 1:30 to 2:00 flight to Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park (KNP). Set up our first night’s stay in the Brooks Camp Campground. Set up our extra two-man tent. Explore KNP. Go look for bears at one of the many viewing platforms. Stay safe from bear encounters. Dinner at the Brooks Lodge Restaurant**. Return to the campground. Watch for the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. Spend the evening in wild, wonderful, and bear-full KNP.
DAY THREE, September 14, 2025: Awaken when we wish. Prepare and enjoy our breakfast either in camp or at the Brooks Lodge Restaurant. Explore, explore, explore more bears in the park. Dine within the Brooks Falls facilities**. Enjoy the morning within the Brooks Camp Developed Area. Explore more KNP. Go look for more bears at one of the many viewing platforms. Stay safe from bear encounters. Dinner at the Brooks Lodge Restaurant*. Return to the campground. Ready for our backpacking evening tomorrow night. Watch, again, for the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. Spend another wonderful evening under the billion-star sky of KNP.
DAY FOUR, September 15, 2025: Awaken early. Have breakfast early either in camp or at the Brooks Lodge Restaurant**. Store our non-backpacking gear inside the extra two-man tent brought for this purpose. Then, walk to the staging area for our tour shuttle to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (“VTS”) by 8:00 am. Depart at 9:00 am to tour the heart of KNP via the road to VTS. Enjoy the 2.5 hour guided tour of VTS inside the steaming and bubbling site with a park ranger guide. Leave the tour and our guide to set up camp within the VTS. Set up our electric bear fence***. Carefully explore the area. Have dinner together along the River carefully aware of the possible presence of bears. Return to our campsite. Start a campfire, if permissible. Enjoy the darkening Alaska evening deep within the near-Arctic outback. Spend our evening snuggled warmly in our tents.
DAY FIVE, September 16, 2025: Awaken early. Have breakfast deep in the Arctic wilderness. Pack up camp. Hike up to Three Forks Overlook. Hike up the Ukak Falls Trail. Have lunch. Hike back to camp to ready for our return shuttle to Brooks campground at 2:30 pm. Set up our tents. Go look for more bears at one of the many viewing platforms. Stay safe from bear encounters. Dinner at the Brooks Lodge Restaurant**. Return to the campground. Ready for our return to Anchorage the next day. Watch, once again, for the Northern Lights. Have dinner together at either the restaurant or in our campground’s meal area. Spend our last evening together under the endlessly starry Alaskan sky.
DAY SIX, September 17, 2025: Awaken. Breakfast together. Pack up and shuttle to board our 9:30 to 10:00 Katmai Air flight to King Salmon Airport in King Salmon. Shuttle/Uber to board our Alaska Airlines return flight (Flight 2176 at 12:53) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage. Purchase two nice bottles of wine. Shuttle to our hotel (TBD). Check in. Dinner in Anchorage or our hotel. Evening in our hotel.
DAY SEVEN, September 18, 2025: Awaken early. Breakfast at our hotel. Shuttle/Uber to Merrill Field airport. Meet up with my brother. Board our 3:00 pm Lake Clark Air flight to Port Alsworth Airport in Port Alsworth in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Shuttle to our stay at Aerie on Lake Clark. Have a drink and dinner with its owner. Spend the evening at the bed and breakfast.
DAY EIGHT, September 19, 2025: Awaken and have breakfast at the bed and breakfast. Ready for backpacking and our overnight in the wilderness. Secure our suitcases with the bed and breakfast staff. Explore Port Alsworth and the Lake Clark Visitor Center. With our gear, hike along the Tanalian Falls Trail to Tanalian Falls. Hike to the falls. Have lunch.
Then, either****:
a) Continue our hike along the Kontrashinuba Lake Trail to our Kontrashinuba Lake campsite along its shoreline. Set up our tents and electric fence****. Explore the area always alert for the presence of bears. If we are prepared and licensed, fish in the lake’s pristine waters for Arctic Char and Lake Trout. Have dinner along the shoreline. Settle down within our tents deep within the Alaska outback under the expansive near-Arctic sky.
or
b) Return to Port Alsworth and hike to the boat launch to begin our ride to Tommy Island with Dennis Fowler of Sailing Lake Clark. Set up camp within our electric fence enclosure*****. Explore the island. Prepare dinner outside our enclosure along the shoreline. Look for wildlife. Settle into our campsite as the sun begins to wane. Enjoy the broad Alaskan evening sky as we settle in safely on a deeply forested island centered well within Lake Clark. Watch for shooting stars and a possible Northern Lights. (I will assuredly be very thankful that I am able to begin my very last evening of backpacking/kayaking/boating/camping every American National Park in North America.)
DAY NINE, September 20, 2025: Awaken early. Have breakfast along the shoreline. Pack up camp.
Then, either:
a) Hike back to Port Alsworth on the Tanalian Falls Trail.
or
b) Ready for our return boat trip with Dennis Fowler. Boat back to Port Alsworth.
Walk to Aerie on Lake Clark. Settle in for our second night there. Ready our dinner with the owner. Chill our bottle of wine. Enjoy our last evening in the park on her back patio watching the beautiful Alaska horizon. Fall asleep in our comfy beds very thankful for being able to live this amazing life!
DAY TEN, September 21, 2025: Awaken early and have breakfast. Ready for our return flight. Arrive at 8:30 am at Port Alsworth Airport to board our 9:00 am Lake Clark Air flight to Merrill Field airport in Anchorage. Uber to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Board our flights home. My Alaska Airlines flight home to Sacramento International Airport is scheduled at 2:37 pm.
* Please read the "About Us" section on our "Backpackers of the American West" Meetup page for a fuller description of my National Park visits.
** It is my understanding that Brooks Camp Campground campers are permitted to use the Brooks Lodge facilities, including the showers and the dining area.
*** We may use an electric bear fence while at the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes; however, the National Park Rangers and concessioners suggest that none will be necessary.
**** We will either camp along Kontrashinuba Lake or on Tommy Island. Daily, last-minute circumstances will dictate which option is chosen.
***** We WILL use an electric bear fence at either location (unless an unforeseen event negates this planning).
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND:
- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE PRESS THE “ATTEND” BUTTON BY 8/22/25, THEN: CALL ME AT 602-292-0753 TO DISCUSS.
- Of course, you may call me at any time prior to pressing the "Attend" button and before 8/22/25 at 602 292-0753 to discuss the trip fully.
- Please know that PRESSING THE "ATTEND" BUTTON DOES NOT GUARANTEE PARTICIPATION. ONLY A CONFIRMATION OF PARTICIPATION BY MICHELLE MOZELL. Therefore, for possible participation, you must first discuss this trip with Michelle Mozell at 602-292-0753.
- It is not necessary to participate in the entire trip. It is possible to participate in either park segment of the trip singly. However, this possibility must be discussed in full with the trip participants and agreed to by Michelle Mozell who has the sole/unilateral right to make this decision.
- The minimum of participants is TWO; the maximum is FOUR.
- You are responsible for all individual transportation to, from, and within our scheduled itinerary AND any individual transportation you separately secure within our scheduled itinerary. NO individual transportation is provided. We will discuss this THOROUGHLY.
- THIS WILL BE A VERY PRICEY TRIP. TOTAL COST TO YOU IS TBD. Many costs will be shared by participants equally. Many costs will be borne by each participant singly. As we progress, these costs will become known. Periodic payments/deposits based upon this progression will be required.
- IMPORTANT: Due to this trip’s difficulty in securing certain essential reservations, as a confirmed participant on this trip, we each shall agree that, from time to time, some payments/deposits shall be required that are, by their very nature, non-refundable. These deposits shall be fully discussed in detail before each deposit is due.
- For most evenings that do not include backpacking or camping, overnight accommodations have been pre-booked, but not yet paid for, including hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. For a few evenings, as of this posting, accommodation choices are yet to be made. Pricing for these accommodations varies widely. Therefore, it is our desire to include all participants in the final booking process before confirming. It is also our desire to share, as equitably as possible, the cost of the confirmed overnight accommodations among our trip's participants. As each night's stay is confirmed, I will seek to update our itinerary with active hyperlinks to each venue's website.
- NO meals are provided, except breakfast, if offered by the hotels. The hotels are, as of this posting, TBD. THEREFORE, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER MEALS FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE TRIP.
- NO BACKCOUNTRY FOOD, WATER, SNACKS, OR SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED. THEREFORE, BRING SUFFICIENT FOOD, WATER, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES FOR ALL BACKPACKING, HIKING, AND TOURING ADVENTURES.
- There is NO INTERNET CONNECTION in most of Alaska, especially in the backcountry of the National Parks. Be prepared to be out of COMMUNICATION FOR MUCH OF THE TRIP. BRING A SATELLITE PHONE AND/OR A PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON(PLB)/SATELLITE MESSENGER (such as a Garmin InReach or a SPOT).
- NO “trip cancellation/interruption/travel insurance” or “emergency evacuation insurance” are provided. No health insurance is provided. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO PURCHASE ALL INSURANCES, ESPECIALLY "EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE," THAT YOU DEEM NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE BEFORE YOU GO. Call me to discuss!
- There is NO GUARANTEE whatsoever that we will see bears, especially catching salmon in Brooks Falls. However, the probability of doing so always remains high.
- All reservations are final confirmation dependent and may change at any time. THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT ANY RESERVATION IS FULLY SECURE.
- Bring your National Park Pass to enter the parks.
- BRING YOUR PASSPORT and/or all other necessary forms of identification.
- PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETUP AFFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO THE FULL LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY on Meetup’s Backpackers of the American West's website: (see: Meetup's Backpackers of the American West Rules and Regulations).
- MICHELLE MOZELL RESERVES THE SOLE/UNILATERAL RIGHT TO CANCEL, ALTER, OR MODIFY THE TRIP ITINERARY AS SHE DEEMS NECESSARY AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.
- Photo citation: "iStock."
- The Dana to Petra Trek w/ bonus of Wadi Rum. A Jordan Discovery Adventure!USO- SD Airport, San Diego, CA
Our Meetup group is off on another thrilling hiking adventure to exotic faraway lands! This time, we are trekking in Jordan, where breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, narrow gorges, and vast plains unfold against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.
The Dana to Petra trek, also known as the Dana Wadi Trail, is one of Jordan's most renowned hiking experiences. It takes us through a diverse range of landscapes, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural encounters.
The trek begins from Dana village, a charming and ancient small town, known for its stone houses and traditional architecture. It is located in Jordan's largest nature reserve - Dana, which also gives the name of the trek. The Dana Trail spans a variety of ecosystems, from lush woodlands to arid desert.
In addition to the amazing hiking experience, our Meetup trip provides a unique cultural exposure. We will have the opportunity to interact with local Bedouin communities and even stay in a Bedouin camp, experiencing their hospitality, traditional food, and way of life.
The trek culminates in the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Entering Petra from the "backdoor" via the Monastery (Ad Deir) is a unique experience, offering a less crowded approach to this iconic archaeological site.
The actual trek from Dana to Petra covers approximately 50 miles and it will take us 6 days. The trek is considered moderately challenging, with some sections requiring good physical fitness due to rugged terrain and long distances.
The whole trip, however, is 12 days as we are spending some time sightseeing and visiting some of the amazing tourist spots of Jordan. In addition to Petra we will see Amman, Madaba, Mt Nebo, Dead Sea and Aqaba at the Red Sea.
Limited size to 24 attendees total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.
Price per person, double occupancy: $3990
(we match roommates)
Single Supplement $710 or total price for a solo accommodation: $4700
The only way to secure your spot is a $350 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit LinkDeposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit******Airfare from/to the US is not included********
Message direct to Anna (flights and itinerary)
Message Direct to Marc (trekking and trip information)Inclusions:
· Meet & assist at Amman International Airport and arrival and departure transfers
· 10 Nights accommodation at hotels and camping sites
· Meals as described in the itinerary
· Transportation except during the hike
· Entrance fees as per the program
· Professional Archaeological Licensed English-Speaking Guide through all touring days only
· Professional Licensed English-Speaking Hiking Guide during hiking days (6 days: day 3 – day 8)
· 6 Full day Camping equipment, such as tent, mattress, blankets, water, bathroom, showers, 3 meals a day, luggage transfers
· Bottled water every throughout all days
· 3 hours tour in Wadi Rum by the open Bedouin
· Portage at Airport & Hotels.
· All applicable taxesWe offer a 9-day optional extension to Egypt: Pyramids, Sphinx, Nile cruise & more. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.
For people who are not interested in the hiking option, we have a regular trip (not involving hiking) from Petra to the Pyramids, with Nile Cruise. CLICK HERE FOR THIS OPTION.
Have more questions?
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message Marc
AND/OR
Come to our monthly Q & A Zoom on all international trips we offer. Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
AND/OR
Fill out this form: Click Here for our Overseas Trip Request Form for more info on this or any of our international events.We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other eventsSOT 2000318-10
- Petra to Pyramids w/ Sphinx, Nile Cruise & more. Best of Jordan and Egypt.USO- SD Airport, San Diego, CA
Join our Meetup on an epic adventure packed with ancient vibes, breathtaking views, and some solid "Wait, how did they build that?" moments.
We’re kicking things off at Petra—yes, that Petra (cue Indiana Jones theme). Rock-carved buildings and mysterious desert vibes.
Then, it’s off to Wadi Rum. Pretty much this is Mars on Earth. We will even visit to the location where "The Martian" was filmed. We will spend the night in a dinkum Bedouin camp and feel like Lawrence of Arabia (also filmed there).
Float like a cork in the Dead Sea.
In Amman we explore the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, where you can imagine life before modern technology.Then . . . Egypt!!! We start with Cairo . . Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx, The Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic Churches and the ancient Khan Al-Khalili bazaar
The journey continues with . . a luxury Nile cruise. We sail down the Nile and visit temples at Aswan, Kom Ombo, and Luxor. Along the way we also explore Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and the colossal temples of Karnak and Luxor. You will even have the opportunity for a hot air balloon ride over the temples of Egypt or Wadi Rum. . . or both!!
I know it's corny to say it, . . but this is truly an adventure of a lifetime. Grab your sense of adventure, and let’s make new memories new friends.
Price per person, double occupancy: $5150
(we match roommates)
Single supplement $1605 (or) total price for a solo room: $6755RSVP for more information BUT an RSVP does not reserve your spot. The only way to secure it is a $450 deposit:
Click Here for Secure Deposit LinkDeposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and fill out our attendees from if you are making a Deposit
Limited size to 24 attendees total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.We are holding a group airfare from Los Angeles for $1061 including all taxes. We can help arranging the airfare from any other US city.
If you are "just on the fence" or want more info but not ready to make a deposit yet . . . Click Here to fill out our Info Request Form
Included in Jordan and Egypt:
- Meet & assist at Amman and Cairo International Airports upon arrival & departure
- 6 Nights Hotel Accommodation on Half Board Basis (Breakfast & Dinner) in Jordan
- 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Egypt
- 3 Nights accommodation on a luxury Nile Cruise Ship
- Meals as mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- 3 Internal Flights: Amman/Cairo - Cairo/ Aswan & Luxor/Cairo
- Transportation by modern A/C vehicles per itinerary
- Entrance fees as per the program
- Professional Licensed English-Speaking Guide through all touring days
- Horse ride in Petra
- 3 hours tour in Wadi Rum with open Bedouin trucks
- Portage at Airport & Hotels
- All applicable taxes
The Airfare from/to the US is not included.
If you fly from LA add $1061 for the group airfare.
If you are from another city, we can help you arrange the air.CLICK HERE to Message Organizer Anna for a quote or more info on this or any of our other international events.
For the hikers among us, we offer a trek Dana to Petra, right before this trip. Click here for more info. The two trips can be combined.
Got Questions? Message the organizers!!!
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message MarcCome to our monthly Q & A Zoom on all international trips we offer. Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
AND/OR
Fill out our info request form for info on this event or also on our others too!!We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other eventsSOT 2000318-10