! Fun Friends for Adventure, Camping, Hiking, & Nature: OC

Preface:

I don't know my schedule yet for this day, but I want to post this event in case others are interested and able to go, regardless if I attend or not.

Also, despite the copy & paste text saying to not bring toys, since this is their holiday trip, they might allow toys / gifts.

I'll check when they reveal more details.

Hi.

If interested in this event, to avoid problems, confusion, & misunderstandings -- please read carefully.

Thank you.

***

***

Clarification:

I'm not affiliated, associated, nor connected.

Similar to a family member, friend, or co-worker sharing on social media about a restaurant, movie, book, song, etc. they like, I use Meetup to share about volunteer opportunities.

A librarian might not have written the books in a library, but s/he can still recommend books to the public.

So I'm simply suggesting some volunteer events that I think others might be open to helping with.

If you're new and/or want a further explanation, refer to:

https://tinyurl.com/volunteer-clarification

***

I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.

This event is from

Corazon de Vida

https://www.corazondevida.org

Intro videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su20LQrS3to

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm4zUE7ppRI

***

They support approximately 10 orphanages in Mexico (Tijuana / Baja area).

They bring much needed supplies/donations to kids.

This short, 1-day trip is unique and involves traveling to Mexico, so please read carefully all their details and requirements.

The cost to participate is $75, which covers "transportation, lunch, and craft project."

There are 3 pick-up (and drop-off) locations: Los Angeles, South Orange County, and San Diego.

Due to distance, multiple stops, and border crossing -- the majority of the day is spent on the bus and border crossing.

The approximate time spent at the orphanage is 3 hours or so.

It's up to you to decide if it's worth the $ and time.

The $75 donation and early Saturday morning start might be hard for many, so totally understandable if nobody or very few people will be interested in this. That's fine.

I've gone a few times and it was an eye-opening and heart-warming experience. The kids are fun to play & interact with.

Speaking Spanish is not required. Being Mexican, Latino, or Hispanic is not required either. The kids are accustomed to English-speaking visitors of all backgrounds.

I recently attended an orphanage trip after a ten year break, and things are similar, but a few minor things differ. I'll elaborate later on.

***

Since this is in Mexico, having a U.S. passport and/or other government approved, legal identification & documentation is required for re-entering the country.

To reiterate, this event occurs in Mexico. A driver's license is NOT acceptable for re-entry at the border. Please check your passport (or other id) has not expired.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative

https://www.dhs.gov/cross-us-borders

***

TV & movies can portray Mexico in a distorted and inaccurate manner.

After crossing the border, what you'll see is distinct and different from America/California.

Feeling nervous or apprehensive is normal and understandable.

If it helps, CDV has successfully and safely done these bus trips for many years without incident.

They are organized and experienced, so if anyone decides to go, they'll take care of you and keep you safe.

***

To participate, registering and donating to CDV is necessary.

Sign up at

https://www.corazondevida.org/events

Click the red "Register Here" for the date you want to attend.

Their trips usually become full, so if serious about attending, sign up when possible or join their waiting list.

***

Photos:

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/33456152

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.462005653909483

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.460107560765959

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.456996137743768

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.456608687782513

http://www.corazondevida.org/gallery

https://www.instagram.com/corazondevida

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm4zUE7ppRI

https://vimeo.com/264525258

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMTJESvWr04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN1xvnYYunQ

Examples of items to bring:

Baby Rash Ointment
Baby Wipes
Bleach
Diapers
Dish Soap
Fabric Softener
Feminine Products
Gift Cards (Costco or Smart & Final)
Laundry Detergent
Lotion & Sunblock
Mops & Brooms
Paper Towels
Pine Sol Type Cleaners
Pull Ups
Shampoo & Conditioner
Socks (new)
Toilet Paper
Toothpaste, Mouthwash, & Dental Floss
Trash Bags (large)
Underwear (new)

"Please no candy, toys, used clothes or used shoes"

-

***

***

Bus pickup is usually at a parking lot near a freeway:

LA - 5:30 am

South OC - 6:45 am

San Diego - 8:15 am

Return drop-off can be around 6 - 7 pm, but possibly earlier, depending on the situation at the border crossing.

More details on drop off & pick up locations for LA, OC, and SD can be found when registering at the Corazon de Vida website.

https://www.corazondevida.org/events

To reiterate, signing up on Meetup is insufficient.

Anyone / everyone who wants to participate needs to pre-register directly with Corazon de Vida.

Recently, when stopping at the pick-up location in San Diego, a Meetup group member messaged me to ask where to meet, and I had no idea since I wasn't familiar with the area, and I checked my phone late, and missed her message, and the bus already left.

So it's important to sign up with Corazon de Vida so they can communicate with you and provide further info & instructions.

Years ago, when we entered Mexico on the bus, we stayed in the bus at the border, and people could bring a lot of donations because there was sufficient storage space on the bus.

Now, when entering Mexico, all volunteers need to exit the bus and hand carry all donated items, go through Mexico customs / border, and then walk a short distance to get back on the bus.

My conjecture is an empty bus crossing the border is easier for them to inspect the bus and minimizes delays / wait times.

So anyone participating, please keep in mind what to bring / donate.

If any brings a lot of donations, then some other volunteers might be able to help carry donations for you.

Okay, after visiting the kids & orphanage, the lines at the border to re-enter the U.S. are usually pretty long.

Not 100%, but they might be able to "skip" the long line by once again, dropping off all volunteers near the border inspection area.

Everyone then walks a short distance, goes through U.S. customs, and then gets back onto the bus.

If successful, it's a temporary delay, but saves a considerable amount of time compared to those waiting in long lines (for vehicles and individuals on foot).

Hopefully this helps explain what this event is about.

Other volunteers are usually friendly, so if anyone is nervous about going alone -- you should be able to meet others on the bus or at the orphanage who are cordial.

I'm posting this in my various Meetup groups, so feel free to lmk and I can ask if others are going, and if so, maybe you and other Meetup group members can coordinate in advance and enjoy the day together at the orphanage.

Cheers!

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Note: Current dates posted (Dec 27 - Jan 3) are just random dates.

My initial thoughts are 2 days in Bryce...or 1 day in Bryce and 1 day in Zion.

If anyone is serious about going, we can discuss in December on what days/dates...either late Dec or early Jan.

We also should wait for updates to weather forecast and road/trail conditions.

My sense is 0 people will join this trip. It'll probably end up being a solo trip I go alone on...which is fine, because I've honestly wanted to this for years, and my sense is this time it'll really happen -- so my mindset is I'll go despite if anybody else goes. :)

Oh, and if timing works out, I might try to stop by Las Vegas on Dec 30 or 31 to visit some volunteer friends...either before or after visiting Bryce Canyon.

***

Preface:

To avoid confusion, misunderstandings, problems, etc...please read this description carefully. Thank you.

***

Hi.

This trip is currently just a tentative idea. It's not 100% happening. My initial conjecture is 1 - 50%.

Years ago, I visited Bryce Canyon, and camping was pretty cold in late September (high 20s and low 30s at night), but I survived.

Something on my bucket list is to see the hoodoos covered by snow.

I've been wanting to do this for the past few years, but things didn't work out.

I'm gonna try again this year...either

last week of December (after Christmas)

or

first week of January

I anticipate having free time (i.e. no work) during late Dec and early Jan, so I'm undecided as to when exactly to go.

Before, I impulsively thought about tent camping -- but I'll probably chicken out and find a cheap motel to stay in.

If anyone wants to camp, please make sure you are adequately equipped & prepared (warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mat with high R-value, blanket, socks, jacket, layers/fleece, long underwear, gloves, beanie hat, tarp & rain fly for your tent, etc.).

***

One important factor in deciding when/if to go is weather and road conditions.

If weather forecasts say snow is expected at any time, then I don't want to risk driving a long distance to find out the roads and/or trails inside Bryce are closed.

I've only driven a few times in snow and on icy roads, and am inexperienced, so I want to avoid driving in a snow storm.

***

Drive time is about 8 - 9 hours:

From OC - https://goo.gl/maps/57qcgPUc72F2

From LA - https://goo.gl/maps/SsDinpbuU3p

My conjecture is the highway / roads should be plowed, but just in case, consider bringing tire chains.

It's a long drive, which is why I only want to go if conditions are good.

***

This trip can be flexible.

One idea is to depart SoCal and spend a night at a cheap hotel or Airbnb in Vegas, and then in the morning, drive the rest of the way to Bryce.

Or save $ and find a rest stop along the highway or another safe place to pull over and sleep for a few hours in your vehicle.

If anyone is comfortable with driving 8+ hours straight, departing SoCal on a morning is possible too.

It's your choice on when you want to depart/arrive.

Oh, and if anyone wants, driving through Zion might be possible:

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAIHm_TF7Zo

***

https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/winter.htm

https://www.brycecanyoncountry.com/things-to-do/area-activities/winter-activities

https://www.visitutah.com/articles/winter-hiking-in-bryce-canyon-national-park

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2010/12/travelers-checklist-bryce-canyon-national-park-winter-edition7293

https://www.theoutbound.com/utah/camping/winter-camping-in-bryce-canyon-national-park#

https://www.brycecanyon.com/camping-in-bryce-during-winter

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpBO6EJEtcs

***

Bryce is far and it'll be freezing cold, so this might not happen.

I know this is inconvenient, but I think we should wait and see what the weather forecasts say as the date approaches.

If it doesn't snow, then I'm open to going.

If the weather is inclement or sub-optimal, then I don't think it's worth going.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.6738&lon=-112.1566#.W9I1PHtKjmE

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/bryce-canyon-national-park/84764/daily-weather-forecast/28106_poi

https://www.weather-us.com/en/utah-usa/bryce-canyon-national-park-long-term-weather-forecast

***

Sometimes people post recent photos, which should also give us a better idea of the real-time, current conditions there:

https://www.instagram.com/brycecanyonnps_gov/tagged

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/brycecanyonnationalpark

***

We should keep an eye on road conditions:

https://www.rubysinn.com/live-videos-rubys-inn

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/webcams.htm?site=brda

https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-camera/bryce-canyon-ut-84764

https://www.allbryce.com/media/highway_12_near_bryce

***

If any group members want to carpool or possibly share a motel room or Airbnb, feel free to post in the comments section or contact me directly to ask if anyone else is serious about going.

If any of you want to camp, then North Campground inside Bryce Canyon is open year-round, but at limited capacity (only Loop A).

https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

I could be wrong. I don't think it'll be full. My guess is not many people are crazy/insane to go tent camping during the winter.

If by some ridiculous chance the campground is actually full, I know of an area outside Bryce that might offer free dispersed camping.

If anyone is intellectually challenged and is serious about possibly going on this trip, PLEASE be realistic and pragmatic. It honestly will be FREEZING COLD, especially at night...so please only camp if you are sure you are equipped and are mentally & physically willing to suffer.

I'm a California boy, but I once went to Buffalo, New York and Toronto, Canada during winter, and oh my, just walking outside to/from my rental car in the cold to wherever I was going, my face and cheeks hurt!

So in addition to wearing extra layers, jackets, gloves, beanie hat, socks, long underwear, etc..., I also recommend a balaclava.

If anyone going wants to share a campsite, then you/we can figure out how to share the cost.

If anyone wants to book their own lodging (motel, Airbnb, etc.), then since this trip isn't 100%, I suggest either waiting until it's closer to the date to decide, or to book something that is cancel-able and fully refundable.

If looking for lodging (motel) in or near Bryce Canyon, please take into consideration the distance (driving). Some websites might show motels or Airbnbs that are 20 - 30+ miles away...such as in Kanab...so please check the location before booking anything, especially their cancellation/refund policy.

Regardless if you choose to camp or stay at a motel/Airbnb, we can coordinate & communicate if anyone wants to do stuff together (hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, sunrise/sunset viewing, etc.).

For any who are new to this group and/or have never met me, then something to keep in mind is that most who RSVP don't actually attend an event...so the attendance number is usually much lower.

I usually write long descriptions (Google Doc) and ask numerous questions to scare people away, but for this trip, the far distance and freezing cold weather should be effective in deterring/discouraging many people from attending.

My expectations are very low. Maybe 0 - 2 people might be interested in this, so yeah, this should be a very small group trip (if it does happen at all).

If anyone prefers larger size groups, then waiting until spring & summer is better.

***

If staying in a motel/Airbnb, then some of the following isn't applicable.

If camping and/or hiking, then...

Examples of recommended items to bring:

Sweater / Jacket, Long Underwear, Extra Blanket, Extra Socks, Gloves, Beanie Hat

Sleeping bag (or bed sheet & blanket)

Pillow

Sleeping pad / mat or air mattress

Tent

Tarp, stakes, guy lines, and rain fly for tent

Appropriate clothes, socks, & shoes for whatever activity you plan on doing

Sweater, jacket, gloves, & beanie hat to stay warm at night

Extra blanket, ear warmers, hand warmers, etc.

Decent shoes, micro-spikes, crampons, etc... if hiking in snow

Toothbrush, toothpaste, & other hygiene items / toiletries

Lip balm / chapstick

Hand sanitizer or baby wipes / wet naps

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat

Earplugs

Flashlight / Headlamp / Lantern

Portable chair

Cell phone charger cable (car adapter) or portable charger

Water (or water filter)

Water bottles or hydration pack

Food (and cookware)

Towel, soap, & shampoo

Music or games

First aid kit & whistle

Misc items (e.g. bowl, cooking utensils, cup, eating utensils, foil, napkins, paper towels, plate, trash bags, ziploc bags, etc.)

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

Check Google or other sources for winter camping tips/advice

If driving, please bring extra water, food, snacks, flashlight, batteries, blanket, clothes, etc...in case you get stranded in your vehicle (e.g. road closures)

***

Photo Source/Credit: Back Roads West, Bryce Canyon Country, Cavan Images/Getty Images, National Geographic, NPS, REI Adventures, & Sunset Magazine

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/content/dam/photography/photos/000/940/94026.ngsversion.1467254548828.adapt.1900.1.jpg

https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/images/Rim_Trail_20151116_006.jpg

https://www.backroadswest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/BryceSldr6-800x450.jpg

https://www.backroadswest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/BryceSldr4-800x450.jpg

https://www.backroadswest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/BryceSldr5-800x450.jpg

https://img.sunset02.com/sunsetm/wp-content-uploads/2019-03-28UTC08/national-parks-in-winter-zion-pr-1018-900x500.jpg

https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarp/travel/Domestic/2019/11/1140-bryce-canyon-national-park.jpg

https://www.rei.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/08/08_Bryce_Two-Bridges-Trail.jpg

https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_fill,h_600,q_75,w_1366/v1/clients/garfieldcountyut/bryce_winter_2018_a17de3e5-f2a6-406d-9ea6-aaa554fb049d.jpg

Map - https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/upload/Web-Winter-Map-01.jpg

***

Note: Current dates posted (Feb 23 - 25) are just random dates.

My initial thoughts are going in late February or March.

***

Preface:

To avoid confusion, misunderstandings, problems, etc...please read this description carefully. Thank you.

***

Hi.

This trip is currently just a tentative idea. It's not 100% happening. My initial conjecture is 1 - 50%.

I saw something online that showed some flowers in bloom (late October 2023) at Death Valley.

I don't know...but if there will be a superbloom of wildflowers in 2024, then I'm thinking of going.

We'll need to wait and see...but just in case...one idea is to go either in late February or in March.

Our group has gone a few times in February before, and sometimes the weather was sub-optimal, but who knows how 2024 will be.

This trip to me is "maybe happening" -- so my expectations are very low.

Maybe 0 people will go.

Maybe I'll go alone.

Maybe 1 - 4 others might join.

Last time (March 2023), a few camping friends joined...but I ended up arriving late, and the weather was surprisingly warm, so a few of us ended up hiking very little and mostly chilled at campsite. haha.

If this trip happens in 2024, hopefully conditions are better. :)

When I have more time, another Google Doc will be added, which will explain things in more detail - and also should help people change their mind about attending. haha

For now, here's a general intro & overview:

Drive time is around:

4.5 - 5.5 hours from LA - https://goo.gl/maps/4GCtspooZeM2

4.5 - 5.5 hours from OC - https://goo.gl/maps/rYPuVpbZWo32

The weather in February is usually cool if I remember correctly.

March might be warm and shouldn't be insanely hot compared to summer months.

Death Valley is unique & different.

Some people like it. Some dislike it.

If anyone has never been, consider checking photos & videos to help you decide if you want to visit or not.

Photos -

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/33426715

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/30790919

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/29789831

https://www.meetup.com/socalvolunteers/photos/26771873

Videos -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qng70nyZQKk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvJfZutjpHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOd8CShTcTU

The campground has potable water, restrooms with sinks (running water), and toilets that flush.

The campground does not have showers, but a nearby resort should have a pool that guests can buy a pass for access to hot showers, which might cost around 5 bucks.

Everyone should bring/buy their own food, but if anyone doesn’t have a cooler, near the campground is a small store and a restaurant. However, items/food are not cheap.

https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/where-to-eat.htm

Parking at the campground is limited, so carpooling will help.

Some might have to park at the visitor center.

Sorry, most national parks prohibit dogs on hiking trails.

Cell phone reception is unreliable, but Furnace Creek might pick up a weak signal, depending on your service provider.

If we end up booking at the campground we have gone to in the past, then their campsites only allow regular tents.

Sorry, no camper vans, trailers, RVs, etc.

If anyone doesn't have a tent or doesn't like tent camping, and prefers sleeping in their vehicle at our campsites, then that should be okay.

Wildflowers

https://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca_dv.html

Okay, that's a quick intro/overview.

In Jan or Feb 2024, I'll try to add a Google Doc with more info/details and instructions on how to confirm a spot.

https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2023-10-20/death-valley-after-storm-reopened-wildflowers-lakes

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/25/weather/death-valley-hurricane-hilary-lakes-wildflowers-climate/index.html