Ranch 2 Ranch Roundup

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/4/7/c/event_105257532.jpegScott has scouted out and is leadin' an expedition so secret, this titular cowboy has never even been there! So saddle up, pahdners, we're hikin' from Lang Ranch to Wood Ranch and back agin. No room for tenderfeet on this rootin,' tootin,' ramblin,' amblin,' rollercoasterin' 9 mile jaunt from Thousand Oaks to Simi Valley by way of Long Canyon.

Be on the lookout for Injuns, 'cause we're passin' through ancient Chumash ceremonial ground. No worries though, because the original fake cowboy- Ronnie Reagan- will be watching down on us from his library up on Mt. McCoy. No mountain climbs on this one, but you'll get 1600' of elevation gain when all is said and done.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/4/8/6/event_105257542.jpegIf we looped through this territory 50 million years ago or so, we'd need seahorses, because it was all under that big blue ocean out yonder. As it is, we'll spot what a few dozen eons of wind, rain, and crusty upheaval do to an ocean bottom, wearing down sissified siltstone and claystone, leaving the sturdier sandstone to stand guard over the whole she-bang, with 200' worth of volcanic basalt thrown in for good measure.

Not a rock hound? Don't fret, we've got something for you, too. We'll be rompin' across meadows as big as all creation, and those rains that just passed through might just give us a purty wildflower show. Our dusty trail will take us up onto one of those sandstone ridges, too, and give us clear views of the Bard Reservoir waterin' hole, a town or two, maybe even the Channel Islands if you bring your spectacles. Aside from a spell down in the canyon along Oak Creek, we'll be exposed to those Chumash and the elements, so wear your duster if there's a chill in the air, and your 10 gallon sunscreen if there's not.

Naturally, there's much more, but I'm runnin' out of apostrophes, so yer just gonna have to shag your no account butt out with us and see 'em for yourself.

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Directions:

From the 23: Exit at Avenida de los Arboles (turn left if coming from the north, turn right if coming from the south), go East 1.4 miles. Turn left on Westlake Blvd, follow curve until it T's with Oak Valley Lane/Autumn Ridge Drive. Turn right and park immediately on Oak Valley Lane. Trailhead is on northwest corner of the T.

From the 101: Exit at Westlake Blvd and go north (away from the ocean). Drive past Avenida de los Arboles until Westlake Blvd curves and intersects with Oak Valley Lane/Autumn Ridge Drive. Turn right and park immediately on Oak Valley Lane. Trailhead is on northwest corner of the T.

The trailhead is at the north end of Westlake Blvd- a half mile past the intersection with Avenida de los Arboles. Trailhead parking is at the end of Westlake Blvd, where it intersects with Oak Valley Lane (to south) & Autumn Ridge Drive (to north). Posted address will get you in the neighborhood if you GPS it.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.