Bird Watching Los Angeles

Book Club: Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

*Other Birds* by Sarah Addison Allen is an enchanting tale filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won’t let you go. Between the real and the imaginary, there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways. Right off the coast of South Carolina, on Mallow Island, The Dellawisp sits—a stunning old cobblestone building shaped like a horseshoe, and named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy. When Zoey comes to claim her deceased mother’s apartment at the Dellawisp she meets her quirky and secretive neighbors, including a young woman with a past, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and a lonely chef, and three ghosts. The sudden death of one of Zoey's new neighbors sets off a search that leads to the island's famous author and to a long-estranged relative of the sisters. Each of them has a story, and each story has an ending which hasn't yet been written. **We will be meeting at the entrance of The Huntington. One of our members, Julia, is providing us with free guest passes. (THANKS, JULIA!) We have 6 available passes. If you already have a Huntington membership and would like to join us, please contact me and let me know. We will not be attending the tea room this trip but will be visiting their regular cafeteria.** The event fee will secure your reservation and be applied to membership dues, which covers the cost of the website. The event fee is NONREFUNDABLE unless the event is canceled by the organizer. To join the waitlist comment on the event page. If you have RSVPed and can no longer attend, please contact me directly and I will contact the people on the waiting list and then move you to "not going" when I find a replacement. Thank you and happy reading!

ANIMAL TRACKING

ANIMAL TRACKING 10:00am - 2:00pm at Hahamonga Park (Oak Grove Park) $65 / person, $45 student discount This class on Animal Tracking with Rob Remedi will be held in honor of Jim Lowery, master tracker, who recently passed away. Rob was one of Jim Lowery's top students and acolyte, and he passes along the tradition of Jim Lowery. We will say a few words about Lowery at this class for those who didn't know him. Whether you're new to animal tracking or already have some experience, this class will provide you with ample knowledge and a solid foundational skillset on the art and science of tracking. The outing covers actual field observation and practice in Clear Print Identification, Wildlife Sign and Interpretation, and Gaits and Patterns. The outing offers great possibility in finding tracks and sign of a wide scope of animals including coyote, deer, bobcat, fox, skunk, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, owls, hawk, turtles, frogs, to mention a few. The experience is guaranteed to have you looking at the ground in a different way. Please join us to learn to read the ground for an accurate account of the animals who call home in our local mountains and parks. This class is led by instructor Robert Remedi, and hosted by Christopher Nyerges, christophernyerges.com. Rob is a locally certified tracker with over 30 years’ experience. Rated easy, 1.5 miles max, on trail and some easy off-trail exploration. RSVP required. Bring: Proper clothing for weather, water, snacks, lunch, notebook/pen, hat, sunscreen, bandanna, bowl, utensils.

Ballona Wetlands

The Los Angeles Audubon Society will be hosting Open Wetlands at the Ballona Wetlands on the first Saturday of the month, from 9 am to noon. We recommend wearing masks and social distancing. Come enjoy the morning air and your local wetland under the guidance of our trained naturalists. Covid-19 protocols will be followed. Enter through the gate located in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind Alkawater/Gordon’s Market, in the 300 block of Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. No baby strollers please. No pets. Please contact cindyhardin@laaudubon.org if you have any questions. To support this program, please consider making a donation to Los Angeles Audubon: http://losangelesaudubon.org/donate Thank you!

TOUR de PIER @ MANHATTAN BEACH

Coffee, Conversation & Art @ Hollywood Sculpture Garden

The Hollywood Sculpture Garden is really a neat place . . . AND WE GET TO VISIT AND HAVE A DAYTIME COFFEE SOCIAL THERE!!! It's located on private property and not normally open to the public. So it is indeed a special thing for us to go. To Attend you NEED to be ON THE GUEST LIST TO BE ON THE GUEST LIST . . . **you NEED to FILL THIS OUT FORM [https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9](https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9)** No entry on the form will result in no entry to the event. Now . . . About this event: It is outdoors in a super-funky, pretty and cute location of The Hollywood Sculpture Garden. **This is intended as a Coffee and Convo surrounded by Art.** A perfect way to meetup some quality people in a fabulous location. Oh!!!!!! One other thing **It's a pastries pot luck. I will be providing coffee and fresh made lattes for those that wish. BUT . . . to get a latte you need to bring a place or box of pastries to share.** Your ticket for entry is a pastries. Bring anything that is good to share for serve 10 people. I will provide the tables, dishes, plastic-ware, cups, napkins, etc. **Frist:** RSPV to the event. **SECOND:** Fill out the form **[https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9](https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9)** **Third**: Pick up pastries to bring to the event. **Fourth**: Show up (at the event) with your best self and be ready to be social and have fun. I know what you are thinking . . . * will this be fun? * is this a cool place? * will there be people as cool as me there? * or even . . . . I'm not cool & I am shy/introverted . . . * will I be able to fit in and enjoy too? ***And the answer is yes to all.*** **[WATCH THIS!!!](https://youtu.be/xm3TLYKLHqI) Here is a vid from an actual event we did there.** It was summer of 2021. Watch the whole thing and you will see the food/wine . . . the place, . . . where we hang out and how. As well as what it looks like at day and nite. AND . . . you get of feel of the people, place and vibe. (reg link to the vid) [https://youtu.be/xm3TLYKLHqI](https://youtu.be/xm3TLYKLHqI) And to see pix from past visits: [https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGoqMzDfCuFT4NDJA](https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGoqMzDfCuFT4NDJA) **To attend this FREE event you MUST be on the GUEST LIST list** **TO BE ON THE LIST . . . fill this out Google Form** **[https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9](https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9)** Question: ***The cost for all this?*** Answer: ***FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE. And bring pastries to go with coffee or tea.*** PARKING: Parking is tight to non-existent the location. The Google Form will used to make sure you have ALL the best parking info. This event is cross posted to several meetup groups. So there will be plenty of folks. Be sure to fill out the google form so we can send you all the parking info and the schedule and event info. AND to have your name on the guest list. [https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9](https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9) Some goals for this event . . . * To make new friends. * To make more friends. * To go to new places. * To be more social (in real life). There is an evening companion event to this from 5 to 10 PM [https://www.meetup.com/sevenarts/events/311241891/](https://www.meetup.com/sevenarts/events/311241891/) NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Race, Color, Religion, Ethnicity, National Origin, Political Affiliation, Relationship Status, Gender, Gender Preference, or even Belly Button Lint. We welcome all, . . . and that includes you.

Sip and Sketch - In Person!

We meet at the **Whole Foods at 3377 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016**. We meet at the seating area by the **COFFEE bar** (past the hot food and smoothie bar) There is a parking structure on Jefferson, head West from the intersection to find it. 90 minutes free with validation. The Jefferson/La Cienega Expo stop is across the street. Here's the Yelp page - https://www.yelp.com/biz/whole-foods-market-los-angeles-25 \*This is **not** a class, we are a social drawing and art group\* See you there!

Looking Closer: A Nature Journaling Meetup at Heritage Park

Join us for a relaxed beginner-friendly nature journaling meetup at Heritage Park in Santa Fe Springs. Nature journaling is the practice of slowing down to observe the world around us more deeply through sketches, writing, questions, patterns, and personal reflection. No art experience or science background is needed. This meetup is less about making perfect pages and more about practicing attention together. Heritage Park offers a unique setting with water, gardens, historic structures, and cultural layers that invite us to slow down and look a little closer. What makes Coastal + Creek a little different is that we’re interested not only in nature journaling itself, but in shared attention: noticing place, memory, relationships, and the details we often move past too quickly. Our theme for this gathering is: Noticing Place We’ll explore the relationship between nature, history, observation, and environment through simple guided prompts and quiet journaling time. Gentle Agenda: • Welcome + observation warm-up • Beginner-friendly nature journaling introduction • Guided journaling session • Optional reflection + sharing This is a welcoming space for adults, families, educators, artists, nature lovers, and curious beginners alike. Bring: • A journal or sketchbook • Pencil/pen • Optional watercolor or art supplies • Water/sun protection • Portable chair or blanket if preferred Beginner friendly. No experience needed. Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. Space is limited, and removing your RSVP if your plans change helps make room for others who may want to join. RSVP closes Wednesday, May 20. See you there!

FRIDAY--Easy Night walk around Silverlake

Silverlake can be quite beautiful at night. Walk is mostly easy 2.2 miles RT around the lake. Walk is approx. 1 hour. There is short uphill on this walk--approx. 10 minutes Some members go to the local Oyster bar afterwards. **Rain will cancel walk. Dogs ok as long as on leash.** Parking: Street parking. There is more parking when you park along the lake --along W. Silverlake Dr.

A SOUTH PAS/GARFIELD PARK 10K - The Canis Pack Walk #21/Sniff Explore Exercise

🐩🦮🐕( **FREE SOUTH PAS/GARFIELD PARK 10K ADVENTURE - The Canis Pack Walk / Sniff Explore Exercise** )🐕🦮🐩 Welcome to The Canis Pack Walk! The Most Important Activity for You and Your Dog! [**THIS IS A WALK FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE DOGS - AND FOR THOSE WHO DO**] **AGENDA;** **\- Gathering at 5:45 \- 1000 Park Ave\ Garfield Park** **\- Leaving at 6:00 pm Promptly** **\- Bathroom Break as we head out** **\- Continue with the Inner and Outer Loop walk** **\- After the Loops\, then exploring the surrounding San Marino neighborhood\.** **\- This will be a 10K Walk – About 6\.2\-5 miles** **\- 2 Hours or so Walk** **\- 8:00 pm \- Returning to Lacy Park** **WHAT TO BRING;** **\- Water** **\- A Warm Jacket for Chilly Nights** **\- Flash Lite** **\- Bug Spray** **\- Snacks if needed** **\- Good walking shoes** **\- Comfortable walking clothes** **\- A bright Jacket for the Dark days** **LISTEN, THERE'S MORE** **Goal: A STRONG LIKE-MINDED TOGETHERNESS!** \* We will Establish Togethereness \* We will Bring about a Strong Awareness \* We will Establish a Strong National Presence \* We will Be Active and Responsible \* We will Always Think as a Like-Minded Group \* We will Put our Health and Wellbeing First \* We are a Pack-Family \* We will Gather and Walk with Harmony **THE IMPORTANT POINTS ARE THESE;** ONLY (10) TEN DOGS FOR THIS WALK, SO SIGN UP QUICK AND BE ACTIVE AND SHOW UP. CALLING UP TO (60) HUMANS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING SOME STRONG, INVIGORATING, FRESH AIR! **[ALSO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR DOG!]** We will be walking around. No running involved. Just a casual, social walk. Bring water if you need it. Around the center loop of GP and around the outer loop of GP. Then we will venture through the neighborhood and back to the Park. At the end of the walk, the humans with the dogs may stay for 15 to 20 minutes to ask questions or get tips on dog behavior. 🙏🏾Space is limited, so **Please (RSVP) only if you’re 100% sure you will attend.** If you (**RSVP)** and don’t show, it is a **🚩Red Flag🚩** for future events—we all appreciate strong reliability and respecting others’ being able to have a spot.🙏🏾 We’ll be **walking until** **around 8:00 PM.** Expect to hit somewhere between **10,000–12,000 steps (approximately 7.5-9 miles),** depending on the pace and group. This is going to go really well, and I will be hosting more **midweek walking events** **every other week** so we can **stay active together** and **make exercise a routine in our day-to-day lives.** **NOW IS THE TIME, LET'S GET TO IT – GENERAL INFO;** This meetup group is for Dog owners and Humans who enjoy exploring, exercising, and socializing with their furry friends. Whether you're into agility training, dog training, or simply love visiting the great outdoors and fun places with your pup, or just yourself, this group is for you. All sizes and breeds of dogs are welcome to join us for group walks, or meetups, and social gatherings. Let's make new friends, strengthen the bond with our dogs, neighboring humans, and have a Pawsitively good time together! Join us and become part of the pack today. Garfield Park allows dogs. But they must be on a leash, and it will be your own responsibility. **Free street parking is available in the surrounding areas** **Garfield Park is located at 1000 Park Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030**

Yosemite! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND w/ Valley Floor Activities-4 days/3 nights

We have done Yosemite before on the group. And each and every time it fills up early with lotos of people with big sadness they can not go. Plain and simple . . . our events have limited size. So when it fill . . . it fills. Yosemite is that amazing and iconic place that everyone loves to go. ***There are Saturday/Sunday planned Easy, Medium and Hard Options.*** We will divide by interest for different hikes. **The "Easy" route:** * Yosemite Falls (the easy walk) * Tunnel View * Glacier Point * Bridal Veil Falls * Mirror Lake * The Meadows * The River * Ahwahnee Hotel **Planned Medium Hike:** * Vernal/Nevada Mist Trail **Planned Difficult Hikes** * Yosemite Falls * 4 Mile Trail * Pohono Trail **To attend this event:** * **RSVP** on this event * **[CLICK HERE for the payment link.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ)**[ ](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ) * **[Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (this is also what the carpool info gets built from) **Notes:** * **[You MUST take care of payment to be confirmed to go.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ)** * After payment you will get a confirmation email from Paypal * You do NOT need a paypal account. Click the process as guest, or use any credit or debit card. * If you have a X2 or a Plus One . . . just do the link a 2nd or 3rd time. * You may see LOTS of people RSVP on the event. Many do RSVP and not take care of payment. * Event is limited in size. When filled the payment link will be disabled. * If you not ready to commit yet . . . * **[Click Here and fill out our google "interest" form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (there is a box for "interested and keep me in the loop") **Includes:** * Site (on private land) for a three day weekend * All Firewood & propane heaters provided. * Flush restrooms (that are clean) * (free)(hot) Showers available * Restaurants and Grocery adjacent * Pool and Jacuzzi available. * Super Civilized Camping. * Perfect for the beginner and first timers. * Many come solo. * Come alone and leave with friends. Come with friends & leave with more friends. **Tell me about food and everything else . . .** The logistics of providing food for every possible diet, as well as food prep issues is just not feasible or safe. AND Due to varied dietary needs and food contact issues, it's better if bring what you like and prep it. **What gear do I need?** The only specialized gear you need is Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad (yoga mat). Everything else is household items you already have. **Special note:** this is Tent camping. No RV. No Trailers. No giant campervans. **Can I park my car next to my tent?** Sniffing tires, oil, exhaust and fuel? Yuck!!! You cars will be close. But not on top of us. Cars on one side. Humans on the other. If we overflow our parking area . . . there is an overflow parking area. **Carpools?** * Carpool info goes out ONLY to paid attendees. *(it really sucks to set up a carpool with a person who is not actually going)* * Carpool info ONLY goes out to those who fill out the [ATTENDEES/CARPOOL FORM ](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5) *(this way it is reliable info)* * Carpool info goes out all at once *(not as you sign on)* * Carpool info goes out 1 week before the event. Too early and most carpools fall apart. *It really sucks when your ride canceled at asked for a refund a month ago but did not tell you. Carpools info sent when it is stable of who is attending.* * Carpool in week before makes sense because that's when people can really determine schedule and departure time and availability. **Refunds?** If requested 2 weeks before event start: 100% refund. If requested less than 2 weeks: 100% Full Credit be applied to ANY future event we run. ***Questions?*** [CLICK HERE to send a Direct Message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) OTHER INFO: * *[Carpool info](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282458970/)* * *[Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543094/)* * *[Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543120/)* * *[General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282460572/)* This event is cross-posted to several groups. The number RSVP'd is not accurate. **ONLY Paid attendees are actually going to be attending.** [To See MORE of those RSVP'd](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/311055925/) [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/join/) to join in on the other fun events planned. **Notice:** We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, gender preference, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, national identity, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, political beliefs or even for belly button lint. We welcome all, and that includes you!

Yosemite! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! w/ Valley Floor Activities!! 4 days/3 nights !

We have done Yosemite before on the group. And each and every time it fills up early with lotos of people with big sadness they can not go. Plain and simple . . . our events have limited size. So when it fill . . . it fills. Yosemite is that amazing and iconic place that everyone loves to go. ***There are Saturday/Sunday planned Easy, Medium and Hard Options.*** We will divide by interest for different hikes. **The "Easy" route:** * Yosemite Falls (the easy walk) * Tunnel View * Glacier Point * Bridal Veil Falls * Mirror Lake * The Meadows * The River * Ahwahnee Hotel **Planned Medium Hike:** * Vernal/Nevada Mist Trail **Planned Difficult Hikes** * Yosemite Falls * 4 Mile Trail * Pohono Trail **To attend this event:** * **RSVP** on this event * **[CLICK HERE for the payment link.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ)**[ ](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ) * **[Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (this is also what the carpool info gets built from) **Notes:** * **[You MUST take care of payment to be confirmed to go.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ)** * After payment you will get a confirmation email from Paypal * You do NOT need a paypal account. Click the process as guest, or use any credit or debit card. * If you have a X2 or a Plus One . . . just do the link a 2nd or 3rd time. * You may see LOTS of people RSVP on the event. Many do RSVP and not take care of payment. * Event is limited in size. When filled the payment link will be disabled. * If you not ready to commit yet . . . * **[Click Here and fill out our google "interest" form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (there is a box for "interested and keep me in the loop") **Includes:** * Site (on private land) for a three day weekend * All Firewood & propane heaters provided. * Flush restrooms (that are clean) * (free)(hot) Showers available * Restaurants and Grocery adjacent * Pool and Jacuzzi available. * Super Civilized Camping. * Perfect for the beginner and first timers. * Many come solo. * Come alone and leave with friends. Come with friends & leave with more friends. **Tell me about food and everything else . . .** The logistics of providing food for every possible diet, as well as food prep issues is just not feasible or safe. AND Due to varied dietary needs and food contact issues, it's better if bring what you like and prep it. **What gear do I need?** The only specialized gear you need is Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad (yoga mat). Everything else is household items you already have. **Special note:** this is Tent camping. No RV. No Trailers. No giant campervans. **Can I park my car next to my tent?** Sniffing tires, oil, exhaust and fuel? Yuck!!! You cars will be close. But not on top of us. Cars on one side. Humans on the other. If we overflow our parking area . . . there is an overflow parking area. **Carpools?** * Carpool info goes out ONLY to paid attendees. *(it really sucks to set up a carpool with a person who is not actually going)* * Carpool info ONLY goes out to those who fill out the [ATTENDEES/CARPOOL FORM ](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5) *(this way it is reliable info)* * Carpool info goes out all at once *(not as you sign on)* * Carpool info goes out 1 week before the event. Too early and most carpools fall apart. *It really sucks when your ride canceled at asked for a refund a month ago but did not tell you. Carpools info sent when it is stable of who is attending.* * Carpool in week before makes sense because that's when people can really determine schedule and departure time and availability. **Refunds?** If requested 2 weeks before event start: 100% refund. If requested less than 2 weeks: 100% Full Credit be applied to ANY future event we run. ***Questions?*** [CLICK HERE to send a Direct Message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) OTHER INFO: * *[Carpool info](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282458970/)* * *[Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543094/)* * *[Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543120/)* * *[General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282460572/)* This event is cross-posted to several groups. The number RSVP'd is not accurate. **ONLY Paid attendees are actually going to be attending.** [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/join/) to join in on the other fun events planned. **Notice:** We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, gender preference, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, national identity, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, political beliefs or even for belly button lint. We welcome all, and that includes you!

Yosemite! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! w/ Valley Floor Activities - 4 days/3-nights

We have done Yosemite before on the group. And each and every time it fills up early with lotos of people with big sadness they can not go. Plain and simple . . . our events have limited size. So when it fill . . . it fills. Yosemite is that amazing and iconic place that everyone loves to go. ***There are Saturday/Sunday planned Easy, Medium and Hard Options.*** We will divide by interest for different hikes. **The "Easy" route:** * Yosemite Falls (the easy walk) * Tunnel View * Glacier Point * Bridal Veil Falls * Mirror Lake * The Meadows * The River * Ahwahnee Hotel **Planned Medium Hike:** * Vernal/Nevada Mist Trail **Planned Difficult Hikes** * Yosemite Falls * 4 Mile Trail * Pohono Trail **To attend this event:** * **RSVP** on this event * **[CLICK HERE for the payment link.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ)**[ ](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ) * **[Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (this is also what the carpool info gets built from) **Notes:** * **[You MUST take care of payment to be confirmed to go.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2MT6V38JJTEVJ)** * After payment you will get a confirmation email from Paypal * You do NOT need a paypal account. Click the process as guest, or use any credit or debit card. * If you have a X2 or a Plus One . . . just do the link a 2nd or 3rd time. * You may see LOTS of people RSVP on the event. Many do RSVP and not take care of payment. * Event is limited in size. When filled the payment link will be disabled. * If you not ready to commit yet . . . * **[Click Here and fill out our google "interest" form](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5)** (there is a box for "interested and keep me in the loop") **Includes:** * Site (on private land) for a three day weekend * All Firewood & propane heaters provided. * Flush restrooms (that are clean) * (free)(hot) Showers available * Restaurants and Grocery adjacent * Pool and Jacuzzi available. * Super Civilized Camping. * Perfect for the beginner and first timers. * Many come solo. * Come alone and leave with friends. Come with friends & leave with more friends. **Tell me about food and everything else . . .** The logistics of providing food for every possible diet, as well as food prep issues is just not feasible or safe. AND Due to varied dietary needs and food contact issues, it's better if bring what you like and prep it. **What gear do I need?** The only specialized gear you need is Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad (yoga mat). Everything else is household items you already have. **Special note:** this is Tent camping. No RV. No Trailers. No giant campervans. **Can I park my car next to my tent?** Sniffing tires, oil, exhaust and fuel? Yuck!!! You cars will be close. But not on top of us. Cars on one side. Humans on the other. If we overflow our parking area . . . there is an overflow parking area. **Carpools?** * Carpool info goes out ONLY to paid attendees. *(it really sucks to set up a carpool with a person who is not actually going)* * Carpool info ONLY goes out to those who fill out the [ATTENDEES/CARPOOL FORM ](https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5) *(this way it is reliable info)* * Carpool info goes out all at once *(not as you sign on)* * Carpool info goes out 1 week before the event. Too early and most carpools fall apart. *It really sucks when your ride canceled at asked for a refund a month ago but did not tell you. Carpools info sent when it is stable of who is attending.* * Carpool in week before makes sense because that's when people can really determine schedule and departure time and availability. **Refunds?** If requested 2 weeks before event start: 100% refund. If requested less than 2 weeks: 100% Full Credit be applied to ANY future event we run. ***Questions?*** [CLICK HERE to send a Direct Message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) OTHER INFO: * *[Carpool info](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282458970/)* * *[Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543094/)* * *[Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282543120/)* * *[General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282460572/)* This event is cross-posted to several groups. The number RSVP'd is not accurate. **ONLY Paid attendees are actually going to be attending.** [To See MORE of those RSVP'd](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/311055925/) [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/join/) to join in on the other fun events planned. **Notice:** We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, gender preference, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, national identity, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, political beliefs or even for belly button lint. We welcome all, and that includes you!