Jan 8 Sharpe Park Sunset Walk then Village Pizza Social

**Please Note**

To sign up for this event, please go to the Skagit Whatcom Adventure Group. Skagit Whatcom Adventure Group (formerly the Bellingham Trails and Adventure Group)

I'm posting this here for informational purposes only. Please only show up if you have an RSVP with SWAG.

Many people have reported missing notifications and messages, so this is another effort to make sure group members are aware of the changes. The Skagit Adventure Group is likely closing soon, and I am concentrating my efforts on the Skagit Whatcom Adventure Group, along with several other organizers.

Let's go for a mellow sunset stroll to Sares Head at Sharpe Park/Montgomery-Duban Headlands. Assuming the weather is decent, we'll hang out and socialize while admiring the views. Watch the weather as the date approaches and be sure to bring appropriate clothing in case there's precipitation. Unless it's pouring rain, we'll still go but may spend less time at the viewpoint.

This is one of the relatively unknown, but still great, parks in Anacortes. Views will include water, islands, Deception Pass Bridge, and maybe even the Olympic Mountains. Afterwards, we'll caravan to Village Pizza where they have great pizza as well as other pasta and salad options. They also have a selection of beers and wines. The focus of this event is more on the social side, as I'm still recovering from an injured foot.

If you are not able to make the hike but want to join at Village Pizza, that is ok for this event, but be sure to RSVP and please let me know by msg or comment. There is no scheduled time for arriving at the restaurant, but I would guess it to be around 6-6:30pm. Note that there is no phone reception at and around the trailhead, so communication may not be easy.

Since this is a sunset hike, it will be dark in the woods, especially on the way out. Make sure you bring a headlamp, flashlight, or some other light source that works. Distance will be approximately two miles total. Cumulative elevation gain is listed as 440', but I think it's actually less than that. Trails are mostly wide and level with only a little bit of uneven, rocky tread.

Pace will be moderate, and the group needs to stay together. We'll hang out at the viewpoint to take in the views, then hang out and socialize at the restaurant, so the end time is an estimate.

Note that we are not guides or medical professionals. You are responsible for yourself and any guests you bring. Please carry the ten essentials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 440'
Parking Pass Required: None
Headlamp or Flashlight Required: Yes
Dogs: Dog-friendly event for friendly dogs, but park requires leashes.
Calories Consumed: Up to you

WTA description: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sharpe-park-sares-head (Good for general info, but not the hike route we'll use.)
Map (on 2nd page:) https://www.skagitcounty.net/ParksAndRecreation/Documents/misc/Parks/Trail_Map_handout2.pdf?ver=2
Parking lot is a U-shaped, gravel lot on the west side of Rosario Road. The sign pictured on the Skagit County link's 1st page is there in front along the road, but is now faded.

Village Pizza's website: https://www.villagepizza.org/
Address: 807 Commercial Ave. Anacortes

Carpooling is a possibility from Mount Vernon, or if others want to meet in other locations, feel free to use the comments section to organize.