general meeting: 

JUNE GENERAL MEETING (JUNE 13, 2013) - Can an electric car be sexy? If you've seen a Tesla, you already know the answer. If not, join us June 13 and judge for yourself from an amazing variety of electric vehicles on display courtesy of the Houston Electric Auto Association (HEAA). HEAA President Kevin Douglass and other enthusiast from the club will lead a panel discussion on the subject of their passion - Electric Vehicles! The panel will feature owners of numerous EV's including: a Solectria Pickup and Force, Mitzubishi iMiev, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and Tesla Model S. They will present facts about the modern EV and entertain questions. PLEASE NOTE: The cars will be there at 7pm (during the Sierra Club's normal social period) to offer folks a chance to get a close look at these amazing vehicles before everyone goes inside for the main meeting at 7:30pm. Learn more about the EV club here.   Location: Pecore Hall of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1805 West Alabama (at the corner of West Alabama and Woodhead).  Houston, TX. Ample parking is available behind the church.

JULY GENERAL MEETING (JULY 11, 2013) - CANOEING AND KAYAKING HOUSTON WATERWAYS Within an hour's drive of Houston, some 1,500 miles of rivers, creeks, lakes, bayous, and bays await discovery. CANOEING AND KAYAKING HOUSTON WATERWAYS, by longtime paddler Natalie Wiest, is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to experience Houston's well-watered landscape from the seat of a kayak or canoe. Come join us on July 11 to hear firsthand from this avid paddler, about the many locations and adventures awaiting paddlers in Houston's local waters. Learn more about Natalie Wiest and her book here.   Location: Pecore Hall of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1805 West Alabama (at the corner of West Alabama and Woodhead).  Houston, TX. Ample parking is available behind the church.

All Sierra Club events are open to members and visitors alike.   Please join us.

Outings note: The leaders of our trips are serving in a volunteer capacity and assume no responsibility above that of trip organizer. Please respect the wishes of your leader. If you have any medical requirements, it is your responsibility to inform the leader before the trip. While our trip leaders are not paid professionals, they are encouraged to participate in training to increase their skills. All outings officially begin at the trailhead. Leaders cannot assign carpools but may help coordinate ride sharing to conserve energy and to promote camaraderie. Some outings require advance reservations at the destination site as well as from the participant. If you must cancel, inform the leader promptly.

* The events marked with an asterisk are not sponsored by the Sierra Club Houston Group, but are presented here as a courtesy to our members and friends.  The Sierra Club Houston Regional Group makes no representations nor assumes any responsibility for these activities.

Quick Links:

local meetings and special events:

LEADER TRAINING - For leader training, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896

Sunday, March 17, 2013 - Bike Ride - MIDTOWN AND THIRD WARD BIKE RIDE - Join us as we explore the Midtown/3rd ward area. This will be an easy 10-15 mile ride followed by lunch. We will start at the Rose Gaden. Call for exact start time and location. John Berlinghoff 713-644-8228 or johnb@hal-pc.org.

Saturday, May 11, 2013 - 2318 Waugh Dr. at Fairview - ANNUAL YARD SALE - Is it time for some spring cleaning? Don't forget the Sierra Club yard sale; you can 'recycle' those unneeded items. The sale will take place Saturday, May 11, from 8am-4pm at "CORAZON Fair Trade", 2318 Waugh (at the corner with Fairview). We will gladly accept most saleable items, including clothing, knickknacks, furniture, books, etc. We also need help the day of the sale, particularly for the morning set up and the afternoon knock-down. To donate items, either bring them to the General Meeting on May 9, or you may drop off items at CORAZON ( 713-526-6591 , call for current hours), during the week immediately prior to the sale (but NOT before Saturday, May 4). The web address for CORAZON is here. Please bag or box up smaller items. Large objects such as furniture would be best delivered to the site on the morning of the sale. If you have workable appliances, electronics, etc. to donate, securely attach an index card that describes the condition of the item, and any information a potential buyer would need to know. This is important! If we don't know the workability of an item, we are forced to sell it for far less than its potential value. Please DO NOT BRING broken or obsolete computers, computer peripherals, or non-working electronics. Those items should go directly to an e-waste recycling facility. This event is one of the Houston Group's annual fundraising efforts. All proceeds go to support the Houston Group and its local conservation and educational programs. To volunteer, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896

Sunday, May 26, 2013 - - Bike Ride: URBAN BIKE TOUR - The itinerary for this ride may follow one of the new METRORail alignments or explore other bike trails inside the loop depending on what I learn on scouting rides. An updated itinerary will be posted to the Houston Sierra Club Outings Meetup site. If we do one of the METRORail alignments, we will check on construction progress and explore the neighborhoods it will serve (where the rail bed is finished, it makes a great bike path). The tour will begin at 9am and last approximately 3 hours, taking a leisurely pace. Participants will need to bring a helmet and bike lock. For meeting point and other details, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896 .

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classes:

TBD - BACKPACKING BASICS COURSE - Have you ever wanted to really experience the less traveled sections of a national park or a wilderness area, miles from civilization? Or have you ever been interested in backpacking, but didn't know where to start? You can take the first step by enrolling in the Houston Sierra Club's backpacking course. We plan to schedule a class in the fall, or as soon as there is sufficient interest. This course has two sections: a classroom portion (with handout) and a weekend outing. The classroom instruction will focus on backpacking equipment (with samples), clothing, water, and food preparation. The cost of the classroom portion is $30. The outing will be restricted to those who have taken the classroom portion, and will be an additional $15 donation. It is recommended that you do NOT purchase equipment before the class - you may find that you paid good money for something that you don't need. For more information, or to sign up, contact Frank Blake, frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896. Each class is approximately 2 hours long, and dates are coordinated with the interested participants.
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OUTINGS LEADER TRAINING - DATES: ARRANGED WITH PARTICIPANTS; We are always looking to maintain and expand our pool of outings leaders. We have two categories of training: Outings Leader (for leading in the field) or Trip Coordinator. Our leader training (OLT 101) provides participants with the background requirements for leading a Sierra Club outing in the field. This class is a qualification to become an asst. leader or leader on our air/bus trips, or to sponsor local day or weekend outings. The trip coordinator class covers all the steps involved in planning one of our air/bus trips. The trip coordinators are the ones who decide on a destination and are then responsible for the overall planning and organization. This includes making air/bus arrangements, publicizing the trip, etc. (One can assist with trip coordinating without having to lead a group in the field). Besides gaining rewarding personal experience, our group leaders and trip coordinators make an invaluable contribution to the Sierra Club. Their efforts create unique opportunities for others to experience and enjoy the natural world. And some trips serve as a source of revenue for the Houston Group, helping to support local conservation activities. If you have an interest in either of these classes, contact Frank Blake, frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896. Each class is approximately 2 hours long, and dates are coordinated with participants.

LEADER TRAINING

For leader training, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896.

LEADER REIMBURSEMENT FOR CLASSES

The Houston Group Executive Committee has approved the following policy:

Certified Houston Sierra outings leaders can receive a $25 reimbursement toward their First Aid Class certification expenses for each class that they organize and conduct, provided that the class nets at least $25 in income. Reimbursements can not exceed the amount paid out by the outings leader for the First Aid Class. Nor can the amount of reimbursement exceed the income netted by the class. For a class such as Backpacking Basics, which includes both a classroom session and a separate field session, each session would qualify for a $25 reimbursement. There would also be a limit of 2 leaders for any particular class (i.e., if more than 2 leaders assist with a class, only the 2 primary leaders would qualify for the reimbursement).

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committee meetings:

New! - BIKE TRAILS COMMITTEE - A bike trails committee was started to explore enhanced hike and bike trail connectivity in the Bay Area. Initially three folks are working this: Debra Goode, Richard Lee, and Doug Peterson. They are brainstorming and investigating breaks in existing trails and systems where it is hazardous to travel by bike, and identifying some of the variables for implementation, other interested parties, local government, sources of funding,etc). Contact Debra Goode at 281-280-9944 if you are interested in participating.

Second Tuesdays - Inner City Outings (ICO) - Houston ICO normally meets on the third Tuesday every month, 7:00 PM, at the Whole Foods store at 701 Waugh Dr. Please contact Lorraine Gibson at 281-384-4104 or raineygib @ aol.com for more information. for more information.

Third Mondays - Outings Committee - usually the third Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m. at the Whole Foods store on Bellaire near Weslayan.    Help us plan regional day outings, weekend trips, and air/bus trips to exciting outdoor destinations across the country.  Please call to confirm meeting date.   Frank Blake, 713-528-2896, frankblake@juno.com

Third Tuesdays - Conservation Committee - third Tuesday monthly, 7:00 PM. Call for new location. Contact Evelyn Merz, 713-644-8228, elmerz@hal-pc.org

Third Wednesdays - Air Quality - third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at 5431 Carew.

Fourth Thursdays - Houston Group Executive Committee - fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m., Houston Clayton Library, 5300 Caroline.  Contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com

For more information on committee activities, click "get involved" on the nav bar.

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social gatherings:

Ongoing:  every Saturday - Sierra Walkers - Clear Lake Area - We meet every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. across the street from the Nassau Bay Post Office on Upper Bay Road, just south of NASA Rd. One. After a 3-mile walk, we have breakfast at a nearby deli. Some just come for breakfast. Join us! For information, call Richard or Betty Armstrong at 281-333-5693.   Sierra Walkers have been active for 18 years!

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outdoor events:

Service Projects

Saturday, March 16, 2013, - Trail Work: March Trail Maintenance Hike in SHNF - On Saturday, March 16, 2013, the Houston Sierra Club will enjoy a trail maintenance hike on the Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. The part of the trail to be maintained will be chosen depending on which sections are still closed due to drought killed tree salvage logging that has yet to be completed. Bring your daypack, two quarts of water, lunch, hiking shoes, hat, insect repellent, and clothes to fit the weather. And don't forget to bring your sense of camaraderie, humor, and adventure! We will meet at 8:00 am in the parking lot behind the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) at I-45 North and Greens Road. Look for the gold Toyota Matrix. To reach the parking lot, enter the feeder off I-45 North, via the Greens Road exit, and then pass through the traffic signal at Greens Rd. Turn right into the first strip center you come to (look for Brown Sugar's Barbecue) and drive to the end of the strip center. The parking lot behind IHOP is on the right. Contact Jane Prentiss at 713-201-5755 for additional details. Please supply your name and contact information in case we need to make changes.

Saturday, March 23, 2013 - TRASH BASH - RIVERS, LAKES, BAYS & BAYOUS - Once a year thousands of volunteers gather along Texas waterways to help clean up the environment, and help educate the public about the importance of our water resources. This year Sierra Club will help with the clean up on Little White Bayou at Moody Park. If you would like to join the Sierra Club outing, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896. If you would rather help with a clean up closer to where you live, visit the website: www.trashbash.org for a list of the specific sites in the Houston and Galveston region that will participate this year (17 different locations). Each clean up site has its own schedule, location details, and contact persons, and this is all provided at the website. Generally clean up activities take place between 9am-12noon, with registration taking place at 8 to 9 am, and a lunch afterward.

First Saturday most months fall through spring: April 6, May 4, June 1, - MARYSEE PRAIRIE WORK DAYS - The Marysee Prairie is one of the last remnants of tallgrass prairie in the Big Thicket region. Come assist the Texas Land Conservancy in this ongoing effort to revive and maintain the native grasses and wildflowers on this site near Batson, Texas. Work tasks vary by month, but usually involve controlling the regrowth of woody species and keeping the prairie clear for mowing. Tools provided. For more info and to confirm work dates, contact Tom Maddux at 936-697-3425 , or Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528- 2896.

Saturday, May 4, 2013 9:30am-12:30pm, - NORTH JETTY BEACH CLEANUP - The Houston Group has adopted this stretch of beach as part of the Texas "Adopt-A-Beach Program". The North Jetty is a popular fishing, crabbing, and birding spot on the Bolivar Peninsula just south of the Audubon Society's Bolivar Flats Sanctuary. Because this site is heavily used, trash and litter have become a problem. Much of the trash, such as discarded fishing line and plastics, are hazards to area wildlife. The ferry crossing to Bolivar is usually a great opportunity to observe dolphins and brown pelicans. It is interesting to visit the jetty in different seasons. Since this is spring migration season, after the clean up those interested can drive up to High Island to visit the Audubon Sanctuaries - particularly the rookery at Smith Oaks, a nesting site for snowy egrets, spoonbills, and herons. To sign up, contact Frank Blake, frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896 (e-mail preferred).

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Day Trips

Saturday, March 9, 2013, - Forest Walk: BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK - Hike in Brazos Bend State Park. This nearby park has many trails that wind through the Columbia Bottomlands habitat of Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks, Pecan, Cedar Elm, Green Ash, and other hardwood trees. Alligators and wading birds are year-round residents that are numerous and easy to see. Bring money for the entrance fee (about $7), a daypack, plenty of water, lunch, hat, field guides, binoculars, cameras, and comfortable hiking shoes, and clothes that fit the weather. There should be great opportunities for nature photography. We will meet to coordinate our carpool/caravan at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot just west of Starbucks (look for Becks Prime) in Meyerland Plaza. Starbucks fronts the 4700 block of Beechnut (south side of Beechnut, near the West Loop South). Look for a silver-gray Honda Civic with a lot of bumper-stickers on the back. For those who want to meet us at the park entrance at 8:45 am the directions to Brazos Bend are as follows: 1) From Houston, go south on U.S. 59, across the Brazos River, to the Crabb River Road exit. Turn left, south, on Crabb River Road and go two miles. You cross FM 2759 and a railroad track and are now on FM 762. 2) Follow FM 762 as it zigs-zags about 16 miles until you come to the park entrance on your left. If you go to far you will come to FM 1462. Call Brandt Mannchen at 713-664-5962 or email him at brandtshnfbt@juno.com and reserve a space (leave your name, phone number, and email).

Saturday, April 6, 2013 - PINES AND PRAIRIES IN BASTROP COUNTY - Visit with the Pines and Prairies Land Trust (PPLT) at its Yegua Knobbs Preserve in Bastrop County near McDade, Texas. We will see marvelous vistas, a spring, and the famous Knobb that the preserve is named after. We will look for a landscape spotted with Bluebonnets and other spring wildflowers. If we have time we will visit the PPLT's Colorado River Refuge in the City of Bastrop later in the afternoon. Bring a daypack, plenty of water, lunch, hat, field guides, binoculars, cameras, and comfortable hiking shoes, and clothes that fit the weather. There should be great opportunities for nature photography. Because this is a long trip (about 2.5 hours of drive time) we need to get off at 7:30 am. We will meet to coordinate our carpool/ caravan and leave by 7:30 a.m. from the parking lot just west of Starbucks (look for Becks Prime) in Meyerland Plaza. Starbucks fronts the 4700 block of Beechnut (south side of Beechnut, near the West Loop South). Look for a silver-gray Honda Civic with a lot of bumper-stickers on the back. Come by 7:20 am. We will probably get back about 5:30 or 6:00 pm. This trip is limited to 15 people. Call Brandt Mannchen at 713-664-5962 or email him at brandtshnfbt@juno.com and reserve a space (leave your name, phone number, and email).

Saturday, April 6, 2013 - Clear Creek Canoe/Kayak - Clear Creek drains an area of more than 100 square miles to the north and west of Clear Lake, which is part of the Galveston Bay system. We will have a chance to see how the creek changes from a deeply-cut, tightly winding stream to a straighter and more open channel over the course of about 7 river miles. In addition to exploring the beauties of one of the last remaining largely-unchannelized streams near Houston, we will get a close-up view of the effects of flooding and erosion, and also some of the measures that have been taken to address them. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak, life jackets (required), and paddles. The trip leader can help you with advice regarding gear rentals from Houston area outfitters, if needed. Paddling time: about 4 hours, plus breaks for sightseeing and lunch. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. Recommended donation to the Houston Sierra Club: $10. Trip size is limited. To register, contact Tom Douglas at baymail@sbcglobal.net or (713) 869-6026 . A detailed trip information sheet will be sent by email to registered participants.

Sunday, April 14, 2013 11am-5pm - EARTH DAY AT DISCOVERY GREEN - Earth Day Houston is the city's premier Party for Our Planet and celebrates a day of family entertainment, environmental education, and a Green Expo at Discovery Green. The Houston Sierra Club will have a booth at the event. This one-day celebration will focus on the merits of mindful, sustainable living while educating and encouraging Houstonians to preserve, conserve and enhance our city and the Earth. Developed five years ago by Air Alliance Houston, Earth Day Houston is a community centered, family friendly event open to the public and free for all to attend. For additional details visit the website by searching for "Earth Day Houston 2013". If you are interested in helping staff the Houston Sierra Club booth at this event, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896

Saturday, May 4, 2013 - Double Bayou Canoe/Kayak - Observe wildlife and hear tales of history along Double Bayou as you enjoy a day-long paddle on the east side of Trinity Bay, several miles south of the community of Anahuac. Visit waters that have stood silent witness to pirates' exploits, pioneer settlements, and the birth of a future Texas governor. We will see a rich variety of habitats, ranging from salt and freshwater marshes, to beautiful oak domes, to pine forest. There are also docks for recreational and shrimp boats, and two conveniently located county parks. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak, life jackets (required), and paddles. The trip leader can help you with advice regarding gear rentals from Houston area outfitters, if needed. Paddling time: 3-4 hours, plus breaks for sightseeing and lunch. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. Recommended donation to the Houston Sierra Club: $10. Trip size is limited. To register, contact Tom Douglas at baymail@sbcglobal.net or (713) 869-6026 . A detailed trip information sheet will be sent by email to registered participants.

Saturday, May 11, 2013, - Forest Walk: BATES ALLEN PARK AND NASH PRAIRIE - Visit, not one but two, beautiful landscapes. First, we will go to Bates Allen Park in Fort Bend County. This county park sits on the boundary of Fort Bend and Wharton Counties and has as its backstop as the lovely San Bernard River. This is a great place to canoe and see Columbia Bottomland forest. We will not canoe but we will explore the trails through the forest and view the San Bernard River from its banks lined with huge Bald Cypress trees. Next we will visit Nash Prairie in Brazoria County. Nash Prairie is owned by the Nature Conservancy and is one of the most diverse coastal prairies left on the Texas Coast. Over two hundred species of plants have been identified on Nash Prairie and many wildflowers should be in spring bloom. When we finish at Nash Prairie we will have a late lunch in Lake Jackson. Bring your daypack, at least two quarts of water, snacks, hiking shoes, cameras, binoculars, bug repellant, sunscreen, field guides, cool clothes, and enough money for lunch. Long pants are recommended due to chiggers in the grass! We will meet to carpool/caravan at 7:30 am in the parking lot just west of Starbucks (look for Becks Prime) in Meyerland Plaza. Starbucks fronts the 4700 block of Beechnut (near the West Loop South). Look for a silver Honda Civic with lots of bumper stickers. If you want to come call or email Brandt Mannchen at 713- 664-5962 or brandtshnfbt@juno.com and leave your name, phone number, and email. In case of trip cancellation Brandt will either email or call you.

Sunday, May 19, 2013 - - Cypress Wonderland Canoe/Kayak - Experience the maze of lakes and shaded, winding bayous deep within the heart of the largest cypress forest on the Texas coast. This is one of the most scenic paddling destinations in this part of our state, and it is located only 30 miles east of Houston. Depending on the water and weather conditions, we will focus on one or more of the area's many features: wildlife, river processes, Texas history, and the impact of human interventions. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak, life jackets (required), and paddles. The trip leader can help you with advice regarding gear rentals from Houston area outfitters, if needed. Paddling time: 4-5 hours, plus breaks for sightseeing and lunch. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. Recommended donation to the Houston Sierra Club: $10. Trip size is limited. To register, contact Tom Douglas at baymail@sbcglobal.net or (713) 869-6026 . A detailed trip information sheet will be sent by email to registered participants.

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Weekend Trips

Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17, 2013 - Car Camping: CAGLE RECREATION AREA SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST -    This will be a weekend car camping opportunity in the Sam Houston National Forest, following the scheduled Lone Star Hiking Trail outing. The Cagle Recreation Area is located on the eastern shore of Lake Conroe just north of Houston, with options for boating and hiking. This outing is family friendly and well behaved dogs are ok with permission of the leader. For more details and to sign up, contact Jane Prentiss at 713-201-5755.

April 19-21, 2013, - Camping: TRAIL BETWEEN THE LAKES, SABINE NATIONAL FOREST BACKPACKING AND DAY HIKING -    The Golden Triangle Group of the Sierra Club is planning an outing to the Trail Between the Lakes, a 28 mile hiking trail in the Sabine National Forest that extends from Lakeview Recreation Area on Toledo Bend Reservoir to US 96 within sight of the of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. This Trail was planned and constructed as a joint effort of the Golden Triangle Group of the Sierra Club (Beaumont area) and the US Forest Service. Usually there are both day hiking and backpacking options. Details for the outing will be posted at the websites of the Houston Group and the Golden Triangle Group when available.

April 19-21, 2013, - Car Camping: PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK -    Pedernales Falls State Park, 5,211 acres in Blanco County in the Texas hill country, is located along the banks of the scenic Pedernales River, and noted for its waterfall. The park is representative of typical Edwards Plateau terrain - hills dotted with oak and juniper woodlands, and more heavily wooded areas in the major drainages. There are miles of hiking trails, and opportunities to swim, tube, or wade in the river. On Sunday we will visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on the way back to Houston. Car camping means tent camping at a regular car accessible campground. This outing is family friendly, and well behaved dogs are ok with permission of the leaders. For further details and to sign up, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896 (e-mail preferred) or Lorraine Gibson at 281-384-4104 or raineygib@aol.com .

August 3-11, 2013 - Pecos Wilderness Backpacking -    Join us in our week long backpacking trip to the Pecos Wilderness in northern New Mexico. The Wilderness, created in 1964, stretches for more than 223,000 acres through two Ranger Districts in the Santa Fe National Forest and into the Carson National Forest to the north. Within the boundaries of this expansive area are several landmarks including Truchas Peak which tops of at 13,103 feet, and the southern stretch of the Rocky Mountains. The terrain varies from open meadows in the Pecos River Valley to the steep canyons of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Wildlife ranges from deer and elk to big horn sheep, turkeys and grouse. There are 15 lakes, and eight major streams to sustain both plant and animal habitat, including the native Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. This trip is classified as strenuous.
We will rendezvous at the south end of the wilderness, at the Jacks Creek trailhead at 0900 on August the 3rd. The trek will proceed north and lead to attractions like the Pecos Falls, Truchas and Baldy Peaks. The itinerary chosen is festooned with lakes and streams for cooling interludes during the hikes and in the evening. On Saturday, August the 10th at noon we will complete the loop and drive to Santa Fe for a brush with Southwestern culture and cuisine. Reservations at a Santa Fe motel will be made when I find the actual number of participants. It is suggested that you arrive to the area a couple of days ahead of time to acclimate yourself to the high elevation (up to 12,000 ft).
The cost is expected to be $300, and a non refundable deposit of $50 will reserve your spot. However, in order to make this trip enjoyable to all, I will need to meet with you ahead of time and discuss your personal outdoors experience and physical condition. The number of participants is limited to 12. For more information about this trip, including the planned itinerary please contact Gus Cei at 7139625813 or guscei@yahoo.com.

Longer Trips and our Weekend Trips are also listed on our Multi-Day Outings page

Last updated:  12/24/2011.   Content © 1999-2011 by the Sierra Club.