january-march 2016 thanksgiving 2015 at the grand...

January-March 2016 Avenues • 1

By Keith Martin

When a complicated out-of-state outing is completed without a major glitch, participants don’t know the com-plex and intricate planning that went into putting it all together. The organizers are just happy that it ends success-fully and fun is had by all. Our Thanksgiving weekend trip to the Grand Canyon presented many of the challenges that can be anticipated when planning a four day bus outing.

The original organizer, Jason Lynch, made perfect plans for this National Park outing but then had to withdraw due to personal obligations. There were several others changes of leaders until the final team was put together. Despite this, the very successful trip ended with a healthy waiting list and a great group of enthusiastic partici-pants.

Here is how the outing went. At 4:00 am, Thanksgiving morning, the bus and participants gathered at the parking lot at the Claremont School of Theology. Once again, the school had graciously allowed us to use their parking lot over the Thanksgiving weekend. We planned an early start to maximize our time at the South Rim on Thanksgiv-ing day and to allow us to get earlier reservations at the El Tovar and other South Rim restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner. We all slept on the bus until we arrived at the state line and then made it to the South Rim in time for a late lunch. The weather was clear and cold and the sunset, with broken clouds, was spectacular.

Friday dawned cold (in the teens) with a few clouds. Leaders Jane and Andrea took a portion of the participants and hiked along the Trail of Time and the Rim Trails to the Pipe Creek overlook. As the weather was deteriorating and it was beginning to snow, they returned to the new visitor center and enjoyed the many displays as well as the movie “The Grand Canyon, A Journey of Wonder” at the visitor center theater.

Beth and I took a group of more experienced hikers

In This IssueFrom the Chair 2 Memorial Day Weekend 2Sierra Seca 4 Anza Borrego Outing 5

Switzer to Bear Canyon 6In Memoriam 7 Outings 7-12Leaders 13

down the Grand View trail to Horseshoe Mesa. As we were gathering at Grand View Point, there was some anxiety as to whether the trail might be too icy to hike down. We spoke to a group of backpackers finishing their hike up from the Mesa and they gave us valuable information that we could safely hike the trail. We descended with confi-dence and were soon out of the icy portions and onto dry trail. As we descended, we were treated to an ever chang-ing vista of the canyon. In addition, shifting clouds provid-ed a rare display of striking lighting. Canyon walls alter-nated between brilliant sunlight and then subdued shadow.

By lunch time we were down to the mesa. We found a lunch spot adjacent to the historic masonry mine building. As we began to pull our food out of our backpacks, we were treated to the sight of solitary, fluffy, snowflakes drifting slowly by us to the ground. Being mostly a group of experienced hikers, we soon had our warm clothing and rain gear out of our packs. This was just in time, as the few soli-tary snowflakes were soon joined by throngs of their relatives. Our

canyon vistas took on a magical appearance, as though we were in a snow globe, and we were part of the landscape. Prudence compelled us to abandon our idyllic scene and begin retracing our steps.

We hiked again to the top of the rim, this time being more attentive to the gathering whiteness on the trail. Fortunately we made it to the top, the only slippery section being just a few feet from the trailhead. Our welcomed,

Grand Canyon rim hikers Photo: Jane Simpson

Thanksgiving 2015 at the Grand Canyon Wilderness Adventures Section Bus Trip

Grand Canyon continued on page 3

January-March 2016

2 • Avenues January-March 2016

Avenues is a quarterly publication of the Wilderness Adven-tures Section of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Editor: Marlen MertzDesign: Carole ScurlockContributors: Terry Ginsberg, Keith Martin, Marlen Mertz, Mark Mitchell Avenues SubmissionsDid you have a special outing experience or want to report on a pressing conservation issue? Stories and photo submissions to Avenues are welcome. All submissions are subject to editing. The deadline for the April-June 2016 issue is March 15, 2015. Send submissions to Marlen Mertz at [email protected].

Outings SubmissionsOutings approvals and write-ups should be sent to Mark Mitchell at [email protected].

Officers & Management Committee Chair: Marlen Mertz V. Chair, Subscriptions, Membership: Mark Mitchell Secretary, Communication Chair: Beth Martin Treasurer: George Denny Outings Chair: Mark Mitchell Conservation Chair: Dean Wallraff www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wildadv

From the ChairBy Marlen Mertz

I want to congratulate Beth and Keith Martin, Jane Simpson and Andrea Alba for leading a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend trip to the Grand Canyon. And much gratitude is due to Jason Lynch for doing all the pre-trip planning. There are lots of logis-tics involved in such an outing and we are so happy that forty four people, including the four leaders, were able to enjoy this extraordinary bus trip to one of

our nation’s greatest National Parks.That leads me to report that 2016 marks the 100th an-

niversary of the National Park Service and to quote directly from the NPS website, this is “a defining moment that offers an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our accomplishments as we prepare for a new century of stewardship and engagement. America has changed dramatically since the birth of the National Park Service in 1916. The roots of the National Park Service

lie in the parks’ majestic, often isolated natural wonders and in places that exemplify our cultural heritage, but our reach now extends to places difficult to imagine 100 years ago—into urban centers, across rural landscapes, deep within oceans, and across night skies”.

The Sierra Club will be joining in the Park Service’s centennial celebration. The Wilderness Adventures Section has historically had a focus on holiday weekend trips to our very special National Parks so we are well positioned to contribute to the Club’s exciting plans.

We recognize that John Muir, the Sierra Club’s founder, was one of the earliest advocates of the idea of establishing National Parks to assure the preservation of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes.

As we enter 2016 and the Park Service’s Centennial year, we offer thanks to all those who work so hard to preserve our parks for us to enjoy and pass on to future generations.

The Sierra Club’s National Park Service 100 Task Force, made up of volunteers and staff, is currently developing our campaign and planning to kick off our celebration with 100 outings during National Park Week (April 16-24, 2016). A summer of celebratory events will follow the kick-off, culminating around the actual Centennial in August. Keep your eyes on the schedule to see what is being planned by our Section and Chapter.

I wish all the Wilderness Adventures Section members a happy, healthy and safe New Year filled with many exciting outings and adventures. n

Advance NoticeMemorial Day Weekend

Channel Island National Park Outing

This year’s WAS Channel Island Memorial Day weekend trip will be to Santa Cruz Island in the Chan-nel Island National Park. The trip runs Friday through Monday May 27 to May 30. Sign up early as the trip fills. The weekend will be chock full of adventures. We will be hiking peaks and coastlines with majestic views and there will be an option of kayaking the famous sea caves. We spend a day hiking the Conservancy side of the Island on a ranger led walk to magnificent Pelican Bay. We will offer longer and shorter hiking options and new destinations for those who have visited the Island before. See more information in the schedule of activities in this newsletter.


heated, Gold Coast bus and driver were faithfully awaiting our arrival, and soon we were returning to our hotel rooms, hot showers and dry clothing.

That night Beth and I hosted the group in our room for happy hour and participants enthusiastically compared their day’s experiences.

Saturday we first loaded the bus with our luggage for transport to Williams, and then headed east to Desert View and Mary Colter’s Architectural masterpiece the Watchtow-er. From Desert View, we got new vistas into the canyon and viewed the Colorado River carving its path at the base.

From Desert View we traveled to the Ancestral Pueblo ruins at Tusayan, and were treated to an interpretive walk

with one of the park rangers. In addition to information on the ancient occupants of this site and their way of life, we learned about the current competing viewpoints of Native Americans living in the Southwest. We also were treated to the factoid that the first President to invite representatives of all the Native American tribes to meet together in Washington was Barack Obama. From the ruins, we then hiked cross-country through

the pinyon forest to Pinal Point for a vista seldom seen by most park visitors. Back on our bus, we then returned to Grand Canyon village to board the Grand Canyon Railroad for our train ride to Williams.

Our two hour trip recreated the experience of canyon visitors early in the last century. John Muir remarked on the environmental friendliness of the train. We were treated to vistas of pine forests, roaming elk and deer and our final stunning sunset. The attendant in our car kept us entertained and informed. We watched as masked gun-men galloped alongside the train and “forced” it to stop. The desperadoes walked boldly through our car, followed shortly by a badged lawman.

We were also treated to a singing, violin playing cow-boy musician. We arrived at the depot in Williams in time to gather up our luggage and find our rooms. Then we explored the town, enjoying the annual Christmas Parade and Tree lighting and finding dinner at the many suitable restaurants in town. The next morning many enjoyed the morning Cowboy Gunfight at the Grandstands and stage next to the hotel. Finally we all loaded the bus for the drive back to Los Angeles. We stopped at the Golden Corral restaurant in Kingman for lunch, reserved in advance by Andrea.

During the drive back, we took the opportunity to dis-

cuss the many aspects of the Angeles Chapter and its out-ings. Representatives of many chapter sections and groups were on the bus and announced their upcoming trips. Jane, as current Outings Management Committee Chair, graciously helped give an overview of the entire chapter outings program.

As our trip concluded, we all appreciated how fortunate we are to be able to experience the grandeur of places like the Grand Canyon. The formation of the National Parks was championed by the early giants of the environmental movement such as John Muir, the LeConte brothers, and continued by Club presidents “little” Joe LeConte and the Angeles Chapter‘s own Aurelia Harwood. These vision-aries helped preserve these sanctuaries of wilderness so that sojourners like us can briefly enjoy their beauty and contemplate their value. While current environmental victories are important, the formation of national Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon far outweigh closing down an irritating incinerator or maintaining public access to public records. As members of the Sierra Club, we should always remem-ber our roots and those people who helped preserve these great natural wonders.

Thank you to co-leader Beth Martin and Assistant Leaders Andrea Alba and Jane Simpson for our very successful Thanksgiv-ing weekend outing. I also wish to pay tribute to Joel Goldberg, the section treasurer and an outings leader who recently passed away. Joel was originally the reservationist for this trip and one of the as-sistant leaders. He was greatly missed. n

Grand Canyon continued from page 1

Canyon hikers Photo: Beth Martin

Canyon view Photo: Jane Simpson

Into the canyon Photo: Duncan Sinclair


Photos: Mark Mitchell

By Mark Mitchell

By the time this is published, we will hopefully be in the midst of the forecast Godzilla-storms El Niño. If so, these images from Dean Wallraff’s Agnew Meadows to Silver Lake backpack will then be just reminders of the dearth of water experienced last summer.

They represent things seldom seen. The first is of the headwaters of the San Joaquin River so low that they were barely flowing continuously in a section that would nor-mally be a challenge to ford. I wonder whether the number of dead trees in the photo is just a coincidence.

The next, a view of our picnic by Ediza Lake, looks pret-ty normal. But the third, of a bridge that the trail normally takes over a body of water near Thousand Islands Lake is pretty stark.

Sierra Seca - Scenes from Labor Day Weekend Thousand Islands Lake Backpack Trip

The next three photos reveal how low Thousand Islands Lake itself was. We were lucky enough to have a partial layover day that provided the opportunity for a stroll along the shore. As I approached the lake’s western edge, mys-terious forms appeared that I just couldn’t comprehend at first. They turned out to be the normally submerged, dark-soil sides of a little island of grassy green tufts. The island they were on was now at the end of a long peninsula stick-ing out into the lake. Other drought features included mud flats and sterile-looking beds of stones that would normally have been under the water’s surface.

I have not included any photos of the occasional smoky drifts of air that came our way from the Rough Fire on the west side of Kings Canyon (although a touch of this can be seen in the hazy view of the Ritter Range behind Ediza Lake). No need to dwell on the potential links between drought, forest fires, and climate change. n

1

4 5 6

2 3


Anza Borrego Outing with a Historic SlantBy Marlen Mertz

In October, The Wilderness Adventures Section co-sponsored a weekend outing to Anza Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. On Saturday, we climbed Wilson Peak, and those counting, checked it off on their Lower Peaks list. This was a healthy eleven mile not difficult hike and a very pleasant day with pretty perfect temperatures.

My favorite activity of the weekend was Sunday’s visit to Yaquitepec on Ghost Mountain. This is the site where Marshal and Tanya South homesteaded for a prolonged

period in the 1930s and 40s, before the area was within the State Park boundaries. The ruins of their isolated adobe house remain. I found it fascinating that these folks could survive in this environment. They had no electricity and had to find fuel for cooking. There were no neighbors and water from a ranch many miles away had to be hauled up the mountain by foot.

Before the depression, Marshal South, originally from Australia, made his living as a writer of western novels and as an artist. The Depression made it impossible for Marshal to continue earning his living this way. Tanya was a Rus-sian Jewish immigrant who arrived in New York City at the age of seven. The couple met in Oceanside before they moved to Ghost Mountain for their 14 year experiment in desert self-sufficiency. Both parents were well educated and raised their children to be avid readers along with teaching them required desert survival skills.

Our group hiked the short, steep trail that begins in Blair Valley to the ruins of the South home. To help us under-stand what we were viewing, I brought along the book Marshall South and the Ghost Mountain Chronicles: An Experiment in Primitive Living. We were able to follow the book’s map of the original homestead. This helped us poke around the foundations to see the layout of the home and to locate the sundial, water cisterns and the cement pond.

The book contains the complete collection of Marshall South’s writings for Desert Magazine over an eight year period. It also includes Tanya’s poetry and photos of the children. Marshal’s columns in the Desert magazine were

extremely popular and captivated a national audience in-terested in tales of adventure and escape from civilization.

I enjoyed reading the collection of articles which provide expressive descriptions of desert beauty and the family’s experiences in that harsh environment. Marshall wrote poetically about the magical desert sunsets and sunrises, the seasonal changes, and he reported on the discovery of archeological sites including finding artifacts and petro-glyphs, how they located food, fuel and water, their desert gardening techniques and methods of adobe building.

We learn, in Marshal’s writings, about the resourceful-ness needed to survive. For example, Mescal was used for fuel, footwear, cordage, clothing, food, drink, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, paper soap, brooms, paintbrushes, curtain rods, table legs and more.

The South marriage had a stormy ending leading to their move away from Ghost Mountain. Marshal died of heart disease a few years later and the children, with mom, settled in San Diego. As adults, the two youngest children changed their names and did not want further publicity. The oldest son, Rider, granted a number of interviews and, as recently as 2013, was part of a public hike to the old homestead. He was joined, for that event, by his younger sister. Here is a link to the story http://www.sandi-egouniontribune.com/news/2013/nov/11/70-years-later-a-final-hike-up-ghost-mountain/

Though there are differing opinions about this family and father, Marshall and Tanya South made their mark on desert history.

After viewing the ruins, we hiked cross-country to the true summit of Ghost Mountain, trying hard to avoid the aggressive cactus. We were rewarded with expansive desert views. To make a full day out of the outing to Ghost Mountain, some of us opted to visit a nearby pictograph boulder and bedrock morteros (grinding holes) left by the Kumeyaay Indians. We then continued ½ mile further on the Pictograph Trail, in Smuggler’s Canyon, to the top of a dry waterfall, where we were treated to a great view of the Vallecito Valley below. You can find all this described in various on-line sites and in my best resource for San Diego County hiking: Afoot and Afield San Diego County by Jerry Schad.

Thank you co-leaders Dave Comerzan and Ginny Her-inger for a wonderful weekend. n

Ruins of the South home Yaquitepec on Ghost Mountain

On Pictograph Trail, view of Vallecito Valley from top of dry waterfall


Scenes from December 5Switzers to Bear Canyon Trail Camp Day Hike

Dean gives the pre-hike spiel Photos: Mark Mitchell

Rock outcropping in morning sun

Fallen leaves in Bear Canyon


2016 OutingsIn order to participate in a Sierra Club outing, you will need to sign a liability waiver, usually included on the sign-in sheet. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see the following: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or, call (415) 977-5528 for a printed version.

Carpooling/RidesharingIn the interests of facilitating the logistics of some out-ings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

Cancellation PolicyReservations: For outings costing over $10, arrange res-ervations in advance by sending a check payable to ‘Wil-derness Adventures.’ Unless otherwise noted, cancella-tion is without penalty up to 30 days before departure; thereafter 90 percent refundable only if a suitable re-placement is found. For trips where group size is limited by permits or safety, up to a $50 deposit can be required (in addition to any permit or reservation fees), refund-able at the trailhead if you show up, and participate on the outing. No-shows’ checks will be deposited.For all trips that charge a fee to participate, other than a permit fee, the Chapter is registered as a California Seller of Travel #CST 2087760-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

If you have questions about any of these Wilderness Adven-ture Section outings, contact the leaders listed on page 12. Note: Holiday trips are especially popular; early sign-ups are encouraged to increase your chances of successfully obtaining a reservation.

In Memoriam By Terry Ginsberg

In the last few months, three of our founding leaders have signed out from their adventures with us. We will miss their physical presence dearly but those who knew them will always treasure their memories.

Bobbie Peyser, together with her husband Art, was a founder of the Wilderness Adventures Section. Art and Bobbie pioneered many of the section’s most popular outings, including the annual Wilshire Walk and past annual trips to Asilomar in Monterey County, among others. Art and Bob-bie won the Chester Versteeg Award, the Angeles Chapter’s highest honor for outings lead-ership, in 1992. All of us who

knew Bobbie have wonderful stories, because she was such a unique and loving individual. At her memorial service in October, her son said his friends referred to her as “the Bobbie Mama.” Her heart was big enough to encompass everyone. After speaking with her for five minutes I felt I knew her from a past life, and I wrote her a check to join the section on the spot.

Also very generous with his intellect and time was Joel Goldberg. A lifelong Sierra Club member, Joel dedicated himself to the Wilderness Adventures Section, serving as Chair, Trea-surer for almost 20 years, as a trip leader, and as whatever else was needed. He and his wife Sally Cassidy came from very different religious backgrounds but their complete compatibil-ity could serve as a model for

world peace. If anyone ever needed a companion to scout a hike, clarify a bylaw or enjoy a witty turn of phrase, Joel would always volunteer. Joel was 71 when he passed away shortly after Bobbie last October, but he always seemed younger because of his energy and enthusiasm.

Archie Barthoumes is better known to old timers; he moved to Spokane, Washington to be nearer his kids many years ago. Archie was a well-liked and well-respected leader who loved to lead backpacks. His pack was always the heaviest because he brought lots of wine and other delicacies. His greatest pleasure was after a long day to share these treats with participants in the evening together with good conversation. He was a wonderful experienced soft spoken I-rated guy who signed off many provisional leaders.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” George Carlin. n

Bobbie Peyser

Joel Goldberg

Outings continued on page 8

Weekend OutingsUnless otherwise noted, all outings are fully sponsored by the Wilderness Adventures Section. All participants must sign a Sierra Club Liability Waiver in order to go on any outing.

We salute the National Park Service in its centennial year with a #Hikethe100 campaign.

You can join the Wilderness Adventures Section throughout 2016 on 100-plus hikes, trips, backpacks, strolls and other activities in National Parklands and National Recreation areas (including the Santa Monica Mountains which is a United States National Recreation area contain-ing individual parks and open spaces). Let Sierra Club

8 • Avenues January-March 2016 Outings continued on page 9

leaders be your guides to 100 adventures (or more!) on national parklands.

• Browse the #Hikethe100 list here and in the Angeles Chapter schedule.

• Come on the hike, backpack, stroll or other activity to discover the wonder of our national parklands.

We want hundreds of folks to join us in our mission to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the Earth.

Happy 100th to the National Park Service, and happy 123rd year to Sierra Club.

Jan 16-18 Sat-MonI: Anza-Borrego Carcamp: Spend 2 nights at campsites at pretty and comfortable Anza-Borrego state campground (running water and showers). Optional early arrival Friday night. Day hikes include a desert slot canyon hike (6 mi, 2000’ gain with moderate rock scrambling), an interpretive trail to a palm oasis (3 mi., 500’ gain), and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (8 miles, 1000’ gain). Optional group din-ner in the town of Borrego Springs Sat. night; happy hour and campfire Sun. night. Campground fee will be split among non-leader participants, max $40/person, collected on trip. Send email or 2 sase with experience, conditioning, phone numbers, rideshare information to Leader: Dean Wallraff, 10211 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills, CA 91040. Co-leaders: Beth Martin, Keith Martin

Jan 23 Sat Orange County Sierra Singles, Wilderness Adventures I: Angeles Crest Backcountry Ski Tour: Get that high mountain snowy woods feeling just minutes from LA! Moderately strenuous 6+ mile, out and back. Ski from snowgate at road closure along Angeles Crest Highway. Possible side trips up snow bowls may add a couple more miles + a few 100 feet elevation gain & loss. Part of route may be in pre-existing tracks, but recent snowfall or side routes may require breaking new trail. Intermediate X-C skills required & metal-edged, backcountry skis & back-country boots highly recommended. Bring winter clothes, water, lunch. No snow or likely blizzard cancel trip. Send e-mail or phone leader with experience level/conditioning for trip details in the 2 weeks before trip. Leader: Mark Mitchell, Co-Ldr: Mark Fleming Cars parked in Angeles National Forest will need to display Adventure Passes.

Jan 29-31 Fri-Sun Courtesy Listing for Orange County Sierra SinglesI: Winter Combo Getaway Bus Trip to Mammoth Lakes:Join OCSS for an awesome weekend adventure!. This trip has it all: Learn to cross-country ski in the backcountry with experienced instructors; enjoy backcountry ski touring and snowshoe touring with leaders; XC ski on your own at Tamarack Nordic Ski Center; Downhill ski or snowboard on Mammoth Mtn. Newcomers and Non skiers Welcome, tons of stuff to do in Mammoth! Stay at Quality Inn (2 per rm, 2 beds, priv.bath) close to shopping, night life, free shuttles. Leave O.C. 2 PM with pickup in San Fernando

Outings continued from page 7Valley. Return O.C. Sun. 10PM. Incl. bus, lodging, break-fasts, happy hour, Sun. dinner & bus refreshments. Send email address (or 2 SASE), phone#, $310 w/SC# / $325 non-mem (check payable OCSS). To Reserv/Asst Leader: Donna Specht, 22221 Wood Island Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92646. Just need a ride or a room? Ask about Transpor-tation or Lodging only cost. Leader: Mark Fleming, Back-country Ski Instructors: Julie Smith-Meek & Scott Meek. Snowshoe Leaders: Todd Clark and Sylvie Cote. Snow-board Host: Fran Penn

Feb 12-14 Fri-MonI: Presidents Day Wawona Ski and Snowshoe Cabin Trip:#Hikethe100 Rideshare Fri to stay in a cabin in the Wawo-na area near Yosemite’s south entrance. Join leaders for low intermediate xcntry ski and snowshoe each day at Badger Pass and other areas. On your own you can downhill or track ski, ice skate or simply explore Yosemite Valley in the winter. Cost includes 3 nights lodging in modern cabin with all amenities. Bedroom arrangements vary from pri-vate queen beds for couples to rooms with multiple bunk beds for singles. All single’s bedrooms will be same gender. Shared bathrooms and kitchen. 3 continental breakfasts, 3 lunch fixings, Saturday and Sunday group dinner. Send $235 (made out to Wilderness Adventures - $40 cancel pen-alty, no refund of balance after Jan 10 unless trip is full and suitable replacement found), 2 sase (or 1 sase and email), H&W phones, recent ski experience (if joining Xctry skiing) to Ldr: Keith Martin at 530 South Lake Ave. #708, Pasadena CA 91101 Asst: Beth Powis Martin, Snow Shoe Leaders: Sharon Moore and Jim Hagar. Badger Pass is a fantastic place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. In early November there was already snow at Badger Pass. With the predicted El Nino there could be excellent conditions. I have seen over 6 feet of snow at Badger over President’s Weekend during El Nino years. If this is the case, then I expect that the cabin we have reserved will be filled early. So sign up early and tell your friends to sign up early. And we shall all do a snow dance!

Feb 27 Sat Orange County Sierra Singles, Wilderness AdventuresI: Mt. Pinos Backcountry Ski Tour: Moderately strenuous 4+ mile, 500’ gain to panoramic vista. Ski from end of Mt Pinos Highway to summit at Condor Point. Possible side trips to Inspiration Point, other destinations, or just playing may add a few miles + a few 100 feet elevation loss & gain. May ski lower on mountain if conditions warrant. Part of route may be in pre-existing tracks, but recent snowfall, rutted trail, or aesthetics may require breaking new trail. Intermediate X-C skills required & metal-edged, backcoun-try skis & backcountry boots highly recommended. Bring winter clothing, water, lunch. No snow or likely blizzard cancel trip. Send e-mail or phone leader w/ experience level/conditioning for trip details in the 2 weeks before trip. Leader: Mark Mitchell, Co-Ldr: Keith Martin Cars


Outings continued from page 8


parked in Angeles National Forest will need to display Adventure Passes.

Mar 4-6 Fri-Sun Orange County Sierra Singles, Wilderness Adventures, Palos Verdes South BayI: Winter Combo Getaway Bus Trip to Mammoth Lakes:Ski Downhill or Snowboard on Mammoth Mtn. Daily guided backcountry ski tours and snowshoe tours with the leaders. Visit geological formations. XC Ski or Snowshoe on your own at Tamarack Nordic Center. Newcomers & Non skiers Welcome. Tons of stuff to do in Mammoth in Winter. Quality Inn lodging, two per room, 2 beds/private bath, microwave, fridge, indoor spa. Close to shopping, night life, casual and fine dining, free shuttles. Leave Or-ange County 2:00 pm. South Bay and Sylmar pick-up later. Return Orange County Sunday approx 10pm. Includes bus, lodging, full breakfast, happy hour, bus refreshments, Sun-day dinner. Send 1 large sase, OR E mail address, phone, cell phone, pick up location (Orange County, South Bay or San Fernando Valley), $310 with Sierra Club #/$325 non members (check payable to OCSS) to Asst/Reserv: Donna Specht, 22221 Wood Island Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 ([email protected]) Ask about Transportation or Lodging only cost. Leader: Keith Martin ([email protected]). Asst: Donna Specht Staff: Beth Martin, Mark Mitchell, Snowshoe Leaders: Kent Schwitkis, Sherry Ross.

Mar 18-20 Fri-Sun Orange County Sierra Singles, Wilderness AdventuresI: Rock Creek Lodge Backcountry Ski: Ski at a backcoun-try cross-country ski resort! Spend two nights lodging in dorm-style cabin, complete with hot showers & two gourmet home-cooked meals a day. Many day trips pos-sible from resort, either on groomed trails or deep into the surrounding backcountry; leaders will guide backcountry tours each day. Most likely will return to cars by skiing down 2 mi, 400 feet groomed road. Intermediate X-C skills required & metal-edged, backcountry skis & backcountry boots highly recommended. Avalanche beacon, shovel & probe required for backcountry trips along with knowledge on how to use them. All participants must bring sleeping bags. Cost: $330 – payable directly to Rock Creek Lodge and subject to deposit and variable cancellation charges, depending on date – ask leader for info. Cost includes snowmobile ride for participant and gear to lodge, but does not include lunches, Sno-Park fee, potential longer-distance transport to lodge. Reserve early to hold a spot by send-ing H&W phones, email, resume of recent backcountry xc experience, backcountry gear owned, rideshare info to Leader: Mark Mitchell. Co-Ldr: Mark Fleming

May 27-30 Fri-MonO: Santa Cruz Island Boatpack and Camping:#Hikethe100. Four day adventurous trip to Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Short, easy walk to camping area not requiring a backpack. Spend the

weekend hiking, exploring, learning Island history, and en-joying spectacular ocean views. Choice of easier and more challenging hikes. Shuttle to Nature Conservancy side of Island for a naturalist led hike from Prisoners Harbor to magnificent Pelican Bay or possibility of an extremely long trans-Island hike back to camp (only for very strong hik-ers). Climb El Montanon on the SC Lower Peaks list. Visit Island old ranching sites. Optional kayak tour of sea caves with professional guide (extra cost). Boat leaves from Ven-tura Harbor Friday morning returning Monday evening. Chance of viewing marine mammals including humpback and blue whales and dolphins. Group size limited to 36 participants. Trip cost of $150 includes boat fare to Island from Ventura, R/T boat shuttle to the Conservancy side of the Island (mid-trip), camping fees and some evening drinks and snacks. Send check made out to Wilderness Ad-ventures Section and please include email address, home address, phone, emergency number. Mail to Marlen Mertz 11285 Charnock Rd #2 Los Angeles, CA 90066. No refund after April 27 without replacement. Co-Leaders: Marlen Mertz, Wayne Vollaire, Joe Harvey, Gigi Logan

Tuesday & Thursday MorningJan 5 TueO: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Melveny Park to Mis-sion Point: Moderately paced 5 mile 1400’ gain/loss hike with great views of SF Valley and way beyond, depend-ing on visibility, in our second largest city park. Meet 8:30 AM at trailhead. From 118 Fwy take Balboa Blvd exit north about 2 miles to Orozco St, turn left continuing ½ mile to end, then left on Sesnon, pass parking lot, and go about 4 blocks to Neon. Turn right and park at end of street. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Lead-ers: Virve Leps, Reaven Gately

Jan 7 ThurO: Thu Moderate Hikers / Pt Mugu State Park#Hikethe100 - Moderately paced 10.1 mile 1000’ gain hike past old windmill and on Upper Sycamore Canyon, Hid-den, and Sin Nombre trails. Possible small stream crossing. Break at Danielson Ranch. Half of elevation gain within 1 mi on return route. Meet 8:30 AM at Wendy Drive & Potre-ro Rd parking area. From 101 Ventura Fwy in Newbury Park take Wendy Dr exit, go south 2.8 mi on Wendy Dr to its end at Potrero Rd. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Doug Demers, Nancy Krupa

Jan 12 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers /Upper Las Virgenes (Ahmanson): Moderately paced 5 mile hike with 700’ gain. Enjoy our recently acquired Santa Monica Mtns Conser-vancy land at the edge of the Simi Hills. Hike the rolling grassland hills of oaks and coastal sage and visit the old




ranch house at Lasky Mesa. Meet 8:30 AM at Victory trail-head. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Valley Circle Bl. exit and go north to Victory Bl., about 2 miles. Turn left on Victory, go 1/2 mi. to fee parking area. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Muddy when wet. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Pixie Klemic

Jan 14 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Malibu Creek State Park#Hikethe100: Moderately paced 8 mile 1000’ gain hike in-cluding Lookout Trail with great views, Century Lake, and Reagan picnic area. Meet 8:30 AM at Cornell & Mulholland dirt parking area (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Kanan Rd, exit 36, south ½ mile, turn left on Cornell and veer to right continuing south 3 miles, past Paramount Ranch, to paved entrance of dirt parking area on east side of street just south of Mulholland Hwy). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Diane De Marco, Nancy Krupa

Jan 19 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Wilson Canyon Ex-ploratory: Let’s explore some trails in this SM Mts Con-servancy Park with its magnificent oak area and chaparral canyons with great SF valley views. Aprox. 4-5 miles, pos-sible 800’ gain. Meet 8:30 AM at Wilson Cyn Park trailhead. From the Golden State/I-5 Freeway in Sylmar take the Rox-ford exit north past the 210 Freeway, turning north to Olive View Drive. Drive past the main hospital and the four-way stop at Bledsoe Street. The park entrance road is located approximately 200 yards east of Bledsoe, just before Fenton Avenue. Pay parking fee near entrance, then proceed to trailhead parking at the northwest terminus of the entry road. Bring 2 qts water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Pixie Klemic, Marcia Harris

Jan 21 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Caballero Canyon, Topanga State Park/ #Hikethe100: Moderately paced 8 - 10 mile hike in northern Topanga State Park. Meet 8:30 AM at Caballero trailhead in Tarzana (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Reseda Blvd, exit 23, go south 2 miles to east side across from Braemar Country Club entrance). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Di-ane De Marco, Reaven Gately

Jan 26 TueO: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / China Flat:Moderately paced 6 mile, 1000’ gain hike in scenic Simi Hills with panoramic views, through chaparral and sand-stone outcroppings up to an oak-dotted grassland meadow and seasonal pond. Meet 8:30 AM at Lindero Cyn Rd trail-head. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Lindero Cyn Rd exit N, proceed 4 miles, past Kanan Rd to King James Ct, and park just north on Lindero Cyn. Rd. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Dottie Sandford

Jan 28 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Newton Canyon Backbone Trail/#Hikethe100: Moderately paced 8 mile 1400’ gain hike on scenic trail hrough oak woodlands and chaparral. Meet 8:30 AM Newton Canyon Trailhead (from 101 Ven-tura Fwy take Kanan Rd, exit 36, south to paved trailhead parking area on west side just north of Tunnel 1 (3rd tunnel from 101 about 1¾ miles past Mulholland Hwy). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Ted Mattock, Nancy Krupa

Feb 2 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Malibu Creek SP - Tapia to Rock Pool / Backbone Trail: Moderately paced 500’ gain, 6 mile route from Tapia SP to Malibu Creek SP; visit the Rock Pool and return. Meet 8:30 AM at Tapia (south) Entrance to MCSP Park parking lot. From 101 Ven-tura Fwy take Las Virgenes Rd exit and go approximately 4 1/4 miles south, passing Malibu Creek State Park main entrance. Enter Tapia Park just before Piuma Rd, and park in first parking area in fee lot. Bring 2 qts water, snack, lug-soles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Pixie KlemicFeb 4 Thu O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Chumash Trail to Rocky Peak:Moderately paced 8 mile 1500’ gain hike in Santa Susana Mtns. Meet 8:30 AM at Chumash trailhead in Simi (from 118 Fwy take Yosemite Ave, exit 29, north 0.4 mile, turn right on Flanagan Dr, continue 0.8 mile to end and park). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain can-cels. Leaders: Reaven Gately, Nancy Krupa

Feb 9 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Solstice Canyon:Moderately paced 4 mile 600’ gain hike on Rising Sun Trail to Tropical Terrace and Solstice Canyon Falls, then back along the canyon through oak and walnut groves by the stream. Meet 8:30 AM at parking lot kiosk. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Las Virgenes Rd/Malibu Canyon exit, go south to Pacific Coast Hwy. From Malibu Canyon Rd intersection, go west on Pacific Coast Hwy 2¼ miles, turn inland on Corral Canyon Rd (at 76 Station), drive ¼ mile to park entrance, and continue on paved park road to parking lot at end. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Pixie Klemic

Feb 11 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Trippet Ranch, Musch Trail, Eagle Rock Loop/#Hikethe100: Moderately paced 8 mile 1200’ gain hike in Topanga State Park. Meet 8:30 AM at Trippet Ranch parking lot (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Topanga Canyon Blvd, exit 27, south to Entrada Rd, turn left (east), go about one mile making two left turns to stay on Entrada Rd, and park along Entrada Rd outside lot or pay to park in lot). Bring $ for parking, 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Ted Mat-tock, Diane De Marco


Outings continued from page 10Feb 16 TueO: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Devil Canyon:Moderately paced 4½ mile, 400’ gain nature hike, through a steep sided canyon in the Santa Susana Mtns. amongst a mosaic of plant communities. Some bolder hopping over the stream. Meet 8:30 AM outside Indian Wells gate. From north end of Topanga Canyon Blvd in Chatsworth, just north of 118 Fwy exit, make left onto Peoma Place. Con-tinue .2 mile to end and park along curb outside gate. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Lead-ers: Rita Okowitz Asst: Pixie Klemic

Feb 18 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Pico Canyon:Moderately paced 8 mile round trip 1600 foot gain hike through historic Mentryville with ruins of California Star Oil #4 and great views of the Santa Clarita Valley. Meet at 8:30 AM at trailhead (from Interstate 5 take Lyons Ave west. It will become Pico Canyon, continue on Pico Canyon until it ends at dirt parking area right before green entry gate and park outside gate. Leaders: Mimi Knights, Reaven Gately

Feb 23 TueO: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Cheeseboro Canyon:Moderately paced 6+ mile, 500’ elevation gain in the lovely Simi Hills, first through ridge grasslands, then along an old ranch road following a streambed/multiple stream crossings with lovely oak woodlands to Sulfur Springs. Meet 8:30 AM at trailhead. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Cheeseboro Rd exit, turn north on Palo Comado Canyon Rd then right on Cheeseboro Rd, and continue 1 mile to park entrance, turn right and follow road to second parking lot at end. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Dottie Sandford

Feb 25 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Simi Peak: Moderately paced 8 - 9 mile 1500’ gain hike in Simi Hills through chaparral, grasslands and oaks, with great views from 2403’ peak. Meet 8:30 AM at Oak Canyon Community Center parking lot in Oak Park. From 101 Ventura Fwy in Agoura Hills take Kanan Rd 2.9 miles north and then curving west. Park-ing lot entrance is on north side of Kanan Rd just west of Oak Hills Drive (on south side) and Hollytree Dr (on north side). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Diane De Marco, Nancy Krupa

Mar 1 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Palo Comado and China Flat: Moderately paced 6 mile, 900’ gain hike in scenic Simi Hills, through chaparral, grasslands and oaks, with great views from 2403’ peak, highest in the Hills. Meet 8 AM at Lindero Cyn Rd trailhead. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Lindero Cyn Rd exit north about 4 miles, past Kanan Rd to King James Ct, and park on street – either King James or Lindero Cyn. Bring 2 qts water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sun-screen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Pixie Klemic, Marcia Harris

Mar 3 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Solstice Canyon/#Hikethe100: Moderately paced 7-8 mile 1600’ gain hike on Rising Sun trail to Tropical Terrace, then Sostomo Trail, Deer Valley Loop, and down Solstice Canyon to start. Meet 8:30AM at parking lot kiosk. From Malibu Canyon Rd intersection go west on Pacific Coast Hwy 2¼ miles, turn inland on Corral Canyon Rd (at 76 station), drive ¼ mile to park entrance, and continue on paved park road to parking lot at end. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain can-cels. Leaders: Ted Mattock, Nancy Krupa

Mar 8 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / East and Rice Can-yons: Moderately paced 5 mile, 800’ elevation gain by year-round streams into two canyons of the Santa Clarita Woodlands. Explore the wide variety of plant communities. Meet 8:30 AM at East Canyon trailhead, Newhall. Take the Calgrove exit from Interstate 5, turn west under the free-way and take the Old Road south about 1 mile to parking entrance after church on right, and continue past trailhead sign to parking area. Bring 2 qts water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Reaven Gately, Pixie Klemic

Mar 10 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Wilson Canyon: Moderately paced 10 mile 1600’ gain hike from Santa Monica Mts Conservancy park with magnificent oak area, to Wilson Saddle with great San Fernando valley views. Meet 8:30 AM at Wilson Canyon trailhead (from the Golden State/I-5 Freeway in Sylmar take Roxford St, exit 159, north past the 210 Freeway, bend right to Olive View Drive, continue past the main hospital and the four-way stop at Bledsoe Street to park entrance road located approximately 200 yards east of Bledsoe, just before Fenton Avenue, pay $5 parking fee near entrance, then proceed to trailhead parking at north-west terminus of entry road). Bring $5 for parking, 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Lead-ers: Rosemary Campbell, Reaven Gately

Mar 15 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Hondo Canyon Backbone Trail: Moderately paced 5 mile 1400’ loss hike in a dramatic, scenic canyon. Short shuttle to top of mountain and a downhill hike. Should be lots of wildflowers. Meet 8:00 AM at trailhead, located on Old Topanga Canyon Rd 0.4 mile west of intersection with Topanga Canyon Blvd. Limited roadside parking, so please ride share. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Lead-ers: Verve Leps, Pixie Klemic

Mar 17 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / New Millennium Trail Loop#Hikethe100: Moderately paced 12 mile 2300’ gain loop hike in Calabasas. This loop trail encircles the New Millen-nium gated development and is composed of several co



necting segments. Meet 8:30 AM at trailhead at west end of Calabasas Road. From 101 Ventura freeway in Calabasas take Parkway Calabasas exit. If northbound on 101, turn left, cross over freeway, then turn right on Calabasas Road and go1.6 miles to end. If southbound on 101, simply turn right on Calabasas Road and go west 1.5 miles to end. At end of road, make U-turn and park on right (south) side. Leaders: Diane De Marco, Nancy Krupa

Mar 22 Tue O: Tues Moderate easy pace Hikers / Top of Reseda to Cathedral Rock: Moderately paced 5 mile, 300’ gain hike along dirt Mulholland and fire roads through the chapar-ral of Topanga State Park. Valley views, wildflowers, and glimpse of the Pacific, too! Meet 8:30 AM at top of Reseda Blvd in Tarzana. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Reseda Blvd exit, turn south and go 3 miles to Mulholland Gateway Park. Choice to park along street below the white line at beginning of fee area or pay fee and park above. Meet at trailhead at the top. Bring water, snacks, lugsoles, hat, sun-screen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Marcia Harris

Mar 24 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Chantry Flat, Mt Zion Loop:Moderately paced 10 mile, 1800 ft. gain loop hike in An-geles National Forest. Meet at Chantry Flat parking area 8 AM. From 210 Foothill freeway in Arcadia take Santa Anita Ave exit and drive north 6 miles. Forest Service Adventure Pass is needed to park. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Norm Stabeck, Mimi Knights

Mar 29 Tue O: Tue Moderate easy pace hikers / Malibu Nature Preserve from Nicholas Flat: Rare opportunity to hike from Nicholas Flat in Leo Carrillo State Park and descend through a private nature preserve in Nicholas Cyn with stunning ocean views and early wildflowers. 4-6 mile, 200’ gain / 1600’ loss. Learn how this land came to be protected and the history of this area. Enjoy snack in the beautiful Sycamore Grove picnic grounds and enjoy historic Sierra Club and local landscape art work in lodge. Meet at 8:30 AM at the Malibu Nature Preserve. Take 101 Fwy W to Kanan Rd., Kanan S to PCH, then PCH West 7 1/2 miles to Malibu Nature Preserve, 33905 West PCH, Malibu. Free parking. Short car shuttle. Bring water, snack, lug sole boots. Rain cancels. Leaders: Peter Ireland, Pixie Klemic

Mar 31 Thur O: Thu Moderate Hikers / Towsley Cyn, Santa Clarita Woodlands: Moderately paced 7 mile 1350’ gain (optional 5 mile 1050’ gain) hike with great vistas, a chilly narrows, diverse plant life and tar seeps. Meet 8 AM Ed Davis Park in Santa Susana Mtns. Take Calgrove Blvd, exit 166, from Interstate 5, turn west under the freeway and take the Old Road south ½ mile to Ed Davis Park on right, drive past Santa Clarita rideshare parking area outside entrance, go


Thursday Evening Conditioning Hikes O: Henninger Flats Conditioning Hikes: A weekly 6 mi rt, 1400’ gain aerobic conditioning hike. Great views of LA Basin and the night sky. Meet 6:55 pm (we start at 7 PM) every Thursday at the gate at Pinecrest (from Pasadena, exit east bound I-210 at Altadena Dr, N 2½ mi to Crescent Dr, R to 2260 Pinecrest Dr; Altadena). Bring water, flashlight, sturdy shoes. For more infor-mation contact Ldr/Coord: Pat Pipkin [email protected]: Beth Powis Martin 626-396-9701 [email protected], Keith Martin 626-396-9701 [email protected], Dianne Laird 757-375-1562 [email protected]

through gate and park in large dirt parking area 100 yds beyond the gate. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rosemary Campbell, Mimi Knights

Apr 5 TueO: Tue Moderate easy pace Hikers / Newton Canyon to Latigo (W) / Backbone Trail: Moderately paced 5 mile, 1,000’ gain, hike on scenic trail through oak woodlands and chaparral with ocean views. Meet 8:30 AM Newton Canyon Trailhead. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Kanan Rd exit, go south on Kanan Rd appx.8 mi. to paved trailhead parking area on west side just north of Tunnel 1 (3rd tunnel from 101 about 1¾ miles past Mulholland Hwy; 4 ½ mi. north of PCH). Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels. Leaders: Rita Okowitz, Dottie Sandford n


Name

Address

CityState Zip

E-mailq Check enclosed made payable to Sierra ClubPlease charge my q Mastercard q Visa Exp. Date

Cardholder Name

Card Number

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES INDIVIDUAL JOINTINTRODUCTORY q $15 REGULAR q $39 q $49SUPPORTING q $75 q $100CONTRIBUTING q $150 q $175LIFE q $1000 q $1250SENIOR q $25 q $35STUDENT q $25 q $35 LIMITED INCOME q $25 q $35

Contributions, gifts and dues to the Sierra Cub are not tax deductible; they support our effective, citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Your dues include $7.50 for a subscription to Sierra magazine and $1.00 for your Chapter newsletter. Enclose check and mail to: Sierra Club. P.O. Box 421041 Palm Coast, FL 32142-1041 0458

Join today and receive a FREE weekend bag!

Wilderness Adventures Section Angeles Chapter Office3435 Wilshire Blvd. #660, Los Angeles, CA. 90010-1904

Friend or Foe?America’s water, rivers and lakes are at risk from giant, cor-porate-owned factory farms which are fouling our water with pathogens and chemicals—not to mention being the larg-est source of toxic ammonia air pollution in the U.S. The air around factory farms is contaminated with suspended dust par-ticles, which have been linked to asthma, bronchitis and other diseases. Our government wants to pass legislation which would exempt factory farms health and environmental laws. Support Sierra Club’s effort to keep our water clean and our air friendly. The hogs have gone wild, now it’s our turn.

Cause a stink. JOIN Sierra Club

january-march 2016 thanksgiving 2015 at the grand...

Documents