Camping, Hiking, & Relaxing @ Idyllwild
Details
Preface:
To avoid confusion, misunderstandings, problems, etc...please read this description carefully. Thank you.
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Hi everyone.
Since most of my trips this year have been really far, and gas prices have been high, I was thinking of doing a small group camping trip in SoCal so a few people could participate.
Something like 2 - 6 people.
Well, it turns out I probably need extra time to prepare for my east coast trip in mid-October, so I don't think I can attend this camping trip anymore.
However, I can keep my campsite reservation if one person or a few people want to go (without me).
So to reiterate, I probably won't have time to join this, and besides, trips are better without me, so if any group members want to do small camping trip on this weekend, feel free to continue reading, and I'll elaborate.
Idyllwild is a cute and quaint mountain town, a beautiful and tranquil place to relax and relieve stress.
It's not too far from SoCal...near Hemet, Cabazon, and Palm Springs...but since it's a mountain town at higher elevation, the temperatures are cooler.
When we went in October years ago, some people were cold at night...but if you bring a warm sleeping bag and/or blanket, and warm clothes/layers, then you should be fine.
Various hiking trails are available to choose from.
If anyone doesn't enjoy hiking, the small town has some restaurants, shops/stores, etc to explore.
If anyone is brand new to camping (first-time, nervous, but open to trying it), then this is worth considering since it's not too far from SoCal, and there's civilization.
The campground should have potable water, basic pit toilet/vault toilet outhouse, etc.
Sorry, no showers though.
Another private campground has showers, but I don't know if they allow outside campers to use their facility (some places stopped accommodating non-guests due to Covid).
Oh, sometimes the campground prohibits campfires. Years ago, when wildfires were bad, a park/forest ranger actually inspected the campground and threatened to ticket people with firewood.
Wildfires don't seem to currently be a problem, so it's possible they might allow campfires, but please read the campsite bulletin board to confirm. Thank you.
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Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=31125808
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So how would this work if I won't be there?
Well, if anyone is serious about going, then feel free to lmk.
The campsite is very spacious for tents, but parking space is very limited (and the campground does not have an overflow parking lot or no nearby street/side parking).
So if anyone is interested in going, feel free to post in the comments section or lmk if you prefer to drive alone/separately, or if you're open to carpooling (driver or passenger), along with a general idea of what day and time you want to go, and what geographically area you're in, and we'll try to find you a carpool buddy.
This trip can be flexible. People can arrive on Friday or Saturday morning.
Idyllwild isn't that far for most in SoCal, so if anyone can't arrive on Friday, then going on Saturday morning is fine.
....
Attendees are responsible for their own food and camping gear (or lmk if you prefer sleeping in your vehicle).
Idyllwild should have a small market for buying food/groceries, water, ice, and other general items/supplies.
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Drive time is around...
2 - 2.5 hours from LA - https://goo.gl/maps/hYQc5T4UiRxP22YAA
1.5 - 2 hours from OC - https://goo.gl/maps/3i5VShz63WwVtuT8A
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The town's nature center and park also offers some easy, simple trails.
https://www.rivcoparks.org/idyllwild-nature-center
https://www.yelp.com/biz/idyllwild-nature-center-idyllwild
and
https://www.rivcoparks.org/idyllwild-regional-park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/idyllwild-park-idyllwild-pine-cove
http://idyllwildvisitorscenter.com
https://www.travelawaits.com/2548809/things-to-do-in-idyllwild-california
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g32519-Activities-Idyllwild_California.html
https://www.notesbycin.com/travel/day-trip-idyllwild-ca
https://trip101.com/article/best-things-to-do-idyllwild-ca
https://travelinspiredliving.com/visit-idyllwild
https://la-explorer.com/visit-to-idyllwild
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Hiking:
https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/idyllwild-pine-cove
https://www.idyllwildvacationcabins.com/20-best-hiking-trails-in-and-around-idyllwild.html
http://www.idyllwild.com/hiking.html
https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8014404/idyllwild-pine-cove
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For this trip, a $20 contribution is appreciated (per person/adult). Any who attended a past trip or volunteered with me can contribute less, like $15.
Kids are usually free. *
Dogs are allowed at the campground.
I could be wrong. My guess is dogs are allowed in the town of Idyllwild, but not in the state park - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636
The nature center and park allows dogs on leash.
https://www.rivcoparks.org/idyllwild-nature-center
https://www.rivcoparks.org/idyllwild-regional-park
Some other camping events on Meetup might prohibit kids. I admire parents who introduce their child(ren) to the outdoors and respect parents who encourage kids to take a break from tv, video games, phones, computers, etc..
So parents and kids are welcome to join.
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Weather:
https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Idyllwild+Pine+Cove+CA
At higher elevations, it might get cold at night (and early morning), so bringing warm clothes/layers and an extra blanket (or warm sleeping bag) is recommended.
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Map:
https://idyllwildvisitorscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/map2-2019-2020web.pdf
https://idyllwildvisitorscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/map2-text-2019-2020web.pdf
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Hiking is a popular group activity.
However, if hiking doesn't interest you, feel free to do something else.
Bring a book to read.
If you're artistic, bring art supplies and draw/paint.
If you have a novel, screenplay, biography, or poem to write, find a relaxing area and enjoy nature while you compose something.
If you are spiritual or stressed from work / life, find a scenic & peaceful spot, and do some yoga, meditation, or introspection.
Hiking is not required nor expected.
You choose what you want to do.
Some people might want to hike a lot or do another sweaty, physical activity. And some might want a casual, lazy, and relaxing weekend.
It's up to you.
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If anyone has attended one my camping trips before, then you should know I try to weed/filter out problematic, incompatible, and shady/sketchy individuals.
If anyone is new, nervous, scared about camping with strangers -- that's totally plausible.
I'm not one to convince others, so it's really up to you if you want to try this or not.
In general, I'd say our group has some friendly people.
Usually, I try to scare away "bad" people, and although I'm not going on this trip, we'll try to find someone who has attended a prior trip who we can trust and help host this in my absence.
Okay...I'll be busy during the first two weeks of October, and will try my best to facilitate if anyone wants to go on this camping trip.
But if nobody does, then no big deal.
Inflation is still a concern/challenge for many, gas prices are going up, and we recognize people might not be interested in going to Idyllwild, so it's fine if this trip doesn't happen.
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I'm not a mind-reader, so if anyone is interested in attending, please contact me directly (message me via Meetup) to further discuss.
If using the Meetup app on your phone, look under Attendees, and tap on wise|man.
If using a computer / laptop, you can also look under Attendees for my profile/account, or you can go directly to
https://www.meetup.com/LA_Camping/members/69743242
or
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/members/69743242
and click on "message"
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More info on the campsite & final details will be sent to those who confirmed & donated.
Money collected will help with Meetup fees and group supplies/expenses incurred for this trip.
Leftover money will be used for planning future trips and also to buy some items to help a few homeless individuals.
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Examples of recommended items to bring:
Face mask / covering
Disinfectant spray/wipes, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.
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
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)
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
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- Some other camping events in other Meetup groups might prohibit kids. I admire parents who introduce their child(ren) to the outdoors and respect parents who encourage kids to take a break from tv, video games, phones, computers, social media, internet, etc.
So parents and kids are welcome to join.
I usually ask for a payment per adult, so kids who attend are free. As long as there’s space/room at the campsite, and your child genuinely wants to attend, and it’s not a large # of kids (boys/girls scouts, youth group, your child's sports teammates, etc.).
Some people don’t want kids to attend, but I try to be cool, understanding, and supportive of parents. However, we want to avoid a situation where a kid is dragged to camping trip and doesn’t want to be there (foul/negative mood, tantrum, drama, crying, etc.)...so thank you for your cooperation.
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