Perseid Meteor Shower Hike

Hello fellow hikers, I'm Liz. I know some of you already and look forward to meeting the rest of you. These hills and trails have been my backyard for 19 years. It's a pleasure for me to help out Kurt, and keep tonight's event going. Feel better Kurt, and I'll see the rest of you in a few hours.

~Liz

Liz Krieg has just volunteered to lead this for me, as I have a very bad ear infection (deaf in my right ear now, but doc upped my meds). Liz lives just down the street from this trail and knows it well. I have hiked with her before. So have fun, everyone, wish I could be with you. Thanks, Liz!!!! -Kurt

The Perseid Meteor Shower is regarded as the best annual meteor shower for general viewing, presenting about one meteor per minute at its peak. For more info on the Perseids click this LINK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids).

One of the lesser known facts about this shower is that it is Mother Nature's way of celebrating my birthday on August 13, which is often the peak viewing day for the meteors. But for 2013 the peak of the shower will be on Aug 12, which is not only a Monday (ugh), but the moon will be 35% illuminated that night, whereas on the 10th it will be only 16% illuminated. And since the 10th is also a Saturday (hooray!), I am scheduling the hike for the 10th. The shower itself begins in late July and lasts nearly a month, so don't worry -- the 10th will be a great night for viewing!

Given where we live, the sky will likely be clear, but if it happens to be cloudy, we'll have the hike anyway because we are, after all, the PM Hikers and that's how we roll.

I scouted out this hike today (May 15) and there is a huge area where we can all lie on our backs on smooth sandstone to watch the night sky. This point is less than a mile from the trail head, so the entire hike will be under 2 miles, round trip. I believe all members will be capable of doing this hike, though beginners may have to go slowly and pace themselves through some of the steeper sections.

Known Dangers: This is a summer hike, so it is always possible to encounter rattlesnakes, wild animals, or feral humans so use common sense and be aware. There is also some poison oak in a few spots on this trail. Slip-and-falls are also always possible on hikes (as I personally know from sad experience), and you are advised to wear hiking boots with lug soles, rather than "tennies". This is a real hike on a real trail, and there are rough spots. As always (here comes the scary part), by attending this hike you accept these dangers and agree to hold no one else liable for any injuries that you may suffer. But (and this is the good part) it's nice to know others will be there to help you if you need it!

Sunset this day will be at 7:45 pm so we will have light to enjoy this GORGEOUS trail until roughly 8:30, which will get us to the stopping point before darkness descends.

I did a Perseid Meteor Shower hike a couple years ago with some friends from work and it was amazing, even with a full moon that night, so this year with only 16% lunar illumination it should be beyond amazing.

Necessary accoutrements: A flashlight, water (or other beverage of your choice), snacks, a significant other, and your natural gregarious love of your fellow hiker.

Here are a few relevant pictures of the trail beginning with my first ever hike on the Hummingbird Trail on August 11, 2010:

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/8/event_193845192.jpeg

Beautiful sandstone formations throughout this hike:

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/1/a/0/event_193845472.jpeg

As I said, it's a gorgeous hike:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/4/0/2/event_193846082.jpeg

THIS WILL BE OUR VIEWING AREA. The graffiti is visible from the 118 once you know where to look:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/e/2/event_193846562.jpeg

And here is why Kurt loves to hike:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/7/4/0/event_193846912.jpeg

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.