Something Different: Camping & Hiking (Malibu / Calabasas)
Details
Reminder: If Meetup sends too many emails, on the bottom of their email, click on "Unsubscribe" or "Manage your settings" or "account page (https://www.meetup.com/account/comm/)"
https://www.meetup.com/help/article/464969
https://www.meetup.com/help/article/2260725
____________________________________________
https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/7/5/4/600_458954164.jpeg
https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/d/b/7/600_458951703.jpeg
https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/d/9/b/600_458951675.jpeg
https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/7/6/2/600_458954178.jpeg
https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/7/1/b/600_458954107.jpeg
Photo Source/Credit: National Park Service
https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/4/6/1/600_458953409.jpeg
Photo Source/Credit: Living Malibu (http://www.livingmalibu.com)
A few people from a recent desert trip want to go camping again, so the Santa Monica Mountains look like an adventurous destination.
Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, trail running, fishing, kayaking, tide pools, surfing, bird watching, etc.
Spring is here, so hopefully the winter rain produces a lot of greenery in the mountains and a myriad of blossoming wildflowers.
These mountains are northwest of Santa Monica & Malibu.
The drive takes about 1.5 - 2 hours and some parts are scenic (ocean view via PCH). (https://goo.gl/maps/cMmbzQZP2jr)
____________________________________________
Warning: Sorry. The description is detailed to avoid anyone being unprepared or misinformed, especially for anyone new to camping. My intention isn't to waste anyone's time. Anyhow, it's your choice to read or not.
____________________________________________
People sometimes sign up, but later forget, are busy, change their mind, etc., so I don't want to assume.
If anybody wants to go, DM me to confirm.
Click https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=69743242&name=wise|man (https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=69743242&name=wise%7Cman)
and send your answers to the following questions.
(1) Do you want to drive or ride with someone else? If you can drive others, how many passengers can you accommodate?
(2) Are you bringing a tent? If yes, are you willing/comfortable with sharing your tent with others?
(3) Do you have a sleeping bag AND something to sleep on (e.g. sleeping pad, air mattress, or something else)?
A $20 payment will be collected to secure a spot and cover the campsite, charcoal, and other miscellaneous items for the group. Any extra money will be spent on socks and hygiene items for a few homeless individuals. If anyone wants to help distribute items on a future date, just lmk.
It'll look similar to this. (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1071207249655984)
Each person is responsible for the respective costs associated with camping gear/equipment, food, gas (if carpooling), and parking.
Carpooling & caravanning can be discussed as the date approaches. Itinerary on Sat & Sun is flexible and should be coordinated between driver & respective passenger(s).
More info on campsite & final details will be sent to those who confirmed & paid.
_____________________________________________
Things to Do & See:
https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
Many options are available, such as:
Topanga State Park
Red Rock Canyon Park (near Calabasas, not Red Rock State Park)
Malibu Creek State Park
Paramount Ranch
Solstice Canyon
Point Dume
Zuma Beach
Escondido Falls
El Matador State Beach
Arroyo Sequit
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Leo Carrillo State Park
Circle X Ranch
Point Mugu State Park
More points of interest - https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm
Hiking:
https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
https://www.hikespeak.com/los-angeles/santa-monica-mountains
https://modernhiker.com/park/santa-monica-mountains
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/santa-monica-mountains-national-recreation-area
Wildflowers:
http://www.smmflowers.org/whatsblooming
http://www.summitpost.org/wildflower-guide-santa-monica-mountains/719283
http://wildsouthland.blogspot.com/2015/03/santa-monica-mountains-wildflower.html
_____________________________________________
The campsite will NOT have electricity.
The campsite will have running tap water, flush toilet bathrooms, showers, fire ring, and picnic tables.
(The token machine for showers only accepts $1 bills).
Note: "Campfires are permitted only in the metal fire rings provided. Wood may be used during low fire danger conditions, and charcoal during medium fire conditions. No fires are permitted when fire risk is high."
"Gas and charcoal fires are always allowed in the campground. Due to the long running California drought, clearance to burn a wood fire in the campground is updated daily by fire officials using the same method for determining daily fire danger as posted on signs common in our state and national forests."
If burning wood is not allowed during this weekend, hopefully we have enough gas stoves/burners for cooking. I'll bring charcoal if anyone wants to warm up simple meals over a grill.
If anyone gets cold easily and if no campfire is permitted, please bring warm clothes, socks, and an extra blanket.
Camping Checklist (http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html)
"Essentials" (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html)
Each person should consider bringing:
Sleeping bag + pillow
Sleeping pad or air mattress
Tent (or share with someone who has one)
Appropriate clothes, socks, & shoes (hiking shoes are worth bringing)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, & other hygiene items
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat or bandana
Earplugs in case someone nearby snores
Flashlight / Headlamp
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, & flip-flops (optional if showering)
Swimwear (optional if going to the beach)
Music
I'll bring charcoal, aluminum foil, and tongs in case others want to cook simple meals. I'll also bring plates, utensils, cups, hand sanitizer, paper towels, napkins, and a few other things for the group.
I don't know yet if I'll bring a portable gas stove and pots/pans for cooking.
If anyone wants to bring S'mores or any dessert for the group, or any games, please feel free to do so.
If anyone is new to camping, many ideas for simple, easy to prepare/heat up meals are online:
Something Different: Camping & Hiking (Malibu / Calabasas)