What we’re about
As we age, we slow down. This is a fact. Many of us are not ready to abandon our lifetime passion for adventure sports and cultural activities... we just need to do it slower and little more carefully. I envision this as a group for older adults who still want to get out, be active, and have a good time without holding anybody back or slowing anyone down.
************************************************************
Please take the following things into consideration when signing up for O.B.N.D.Y:
-
I require a RECENT CLOSE PHOTO OF YOUR FACE and YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME OR INITIAL. It makes it easier to make connections and keeps everything one safe.
-
If you are planning to attend any event you need to RSVP (YES) and, if for any reason, you can't attend that event you need to change your RSVP to (NO). I understand that things happen—family emergencies, sudden illness—but last-minute cancellations and no-shows hurts the group in two ways. There is often money involved and either the other participants or the leader has to absorb the cost. Second, a last-minute cancellation or a no-show denies someone on the waitlist an opportunity to go.
To help mitigate the financial problem, I plan to will collect a deposit when you sign-up for a trip that involves advance reservations. This only applies to trips (like Point Reyes or Salt Point) where the campsite must be paid for in advance. It does not apply to “pay-on-the-day-of” trips (like Burney Falls and Ahjumawi) or trips where you make your own arrangements (like Crabby Black Friday). THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR LATE CANCELLATIONS UNLESS I AM ABLE TO FILL YOUR SPOT FROM THE WAITLIST.
To hopefully mitigate the no-show problem, you must let the leader know—in a timely fashion—that you cannot attend. Failure to do so will result in being removed from the group. Sending a text message once we are on the trail does not qualify as timely. That said, I am not heartless. If you have a good reason for not contacting the leader AND you have met your financial obligation, I will listen. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR NO-SHOWS. -
All boaters are required to wear a Coast Guard approved PFD, zipped and properly fastened. Helmets are strongly recommended for swift water travel. It is also recommended that you carry a change of clothing in a dry bag.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- 2025 Marble Mountains -Lovers CampKlamath National Forest, Yreka, CA
The Marble Mountains are just north of the Trinity Alps in Siskiyou County, near Ft. Jones. This is an incredible area, virtually unspoiled, with unbelievable wildflowers, stunning views, and beautiful lakes. Many of my backpacking friends claim that this is the best backpacking in California—my experience is that the Marbles are the closest I have ever come to what it was like backpacking in the Sierra in the 60’s. Truly epic!
There are 8 walk-in campsites at the Lover's Camp campground, and access to the Marble Mountain wilderness via the Canyon Creek and Red Rock trails. There are also corrals at the lower parking area with a stock loading ramp and room for trailer parking.
We will set-up a base camp at Lover’s Camp on Thursday. Access to Lover's Camp is on a mostly paved road. We then have the option of hanging out in Lovers Camp and/or taking day trips on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.Potential day trips include:
- Out-and-back hike to Sky High Lakes (6.2 miles each way) For more information, check out the AllTrails link for info and photos: Sky High Lakes
- Out-and-back hike to Paradise Lake (4.3 miles, will carpool to trailhead) For more information, check out the AllTrails link for info and photos: Paradise Lake
- Out-and-back hike to Little Marble Valley (9 miles). Canyon Creek Trail takes day hikers to Marble Valley. This hike is 9 miles round trip or just enjoy the first mile or two up Canyon Creek. For more information, check out the Trail Forks link for info and photos: Little Marble Valley
- We can add more options--and I am taking requests if you have a favorite destination. There are several trailheads along the PCT, accessed by a carpool, that might be worth exploring.
Important Notes:
- The area boasts a very active bear population (ask me how I know). Besides the usual bear-proofing procedures for food, soap and toothpaste, cookware I recommend, at the least, wearing a bear-bell when hiking. You might want to consider carrying bear spray.
- Day hikers should always yield to horses and livestock on the trail.
- You should expect warm days and nights a bit cooler as the calendar marches to fall. That said, on my first trip to the Marbles it was wickedly hot (100+ degrees each day), so check the weather and pack and dress accordingly.
- For those traveling from afar, I can provide Friday accommodations at my home in Burney and then a carpool to Lovers Camp.
As always, everyone is responsible for their own food and gear.
************************
Joining this trip is entirely voluntary and participants signing up for this activity fully understand the risks associated with the activity. It is each participant’s responsibility to ensure that they, and their guest(s), are in sufficient fitness and health to participate in this trip and be prepared with the appropriate water, food, clothing, equipment, supplies and first aid. Group Organizers and Trip Host(s) make no warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision of these activities.***
- 2025 Paddle-Hike-Camp at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State ParkAhjumawi Lava Springs State Park, McArthur, CA
Mark your calendars now for a kayak camping adventure at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. The park is located in remote northeastern Shasta County (near me) and is only accessible to the public by boat. The park is 4 miles in length and no more than 1 mile wide, and has over 13 miles of shoreline. Interesting fact: Ahjumawi means "where the waters come together" and is one of the largest freshwater springs in the world. For those traveling from afar, I can provide Friday night accommodations at my home in Burney.
Late launch will be 11:00 AM sharp on Saturday from the Rat Farm.
After we set up camp we can spend the day exploring this remarkable park. There are 13 miles of shoreline and 20 miles of trails to explore with spectacular views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the peaks of the Cascade Range.
We will break camp and paddle out on Sunday. For those who can stay an extra night, we can check out the local hot springs before you head home.
As always, everyone is responsible for their own food and gear.
IMPORTANT: I ask that no one paddle alone. And remember, YOU MUST COMPLY WITH ALL THE OBNDY GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS. This means that a US Coast Guard approved PFD--zipped and properly fastened--is REQUIRED for EVERY paddle. I have several I can loan if you do not have one.
*****************************************
Joining this trip is entirely voluntary and participants signing up for this activity fully understand the risks associated with the activity. It is each participant’s responsibility to ensure that they, and their guest(s), are in sufficient fitness and health to participate in this trip and be prepared with the appropriate water, food, clothing, equipment, supplies and first aid. Group Organizers and Trip Host(s) make no warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision of these activities. By signing up for this event, you are accepting all the rules of this trip, the campground facility and Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park.
