Icehouse Canyon Day Hike, Saturday May 11, 2013

The scenery is stunning. Precipitous canyon walls rise steeply into the blue sky. Soaring peaks and ridges contour the skyline. Huge boulders dot the canyon bottom. A year-around creek provides a delightful soundtrack. Majestic fir, pine, and cedar reach to the sky while alder, oak and sycamore fill out a shady canopy in places. Snow can linger in shadowy recesses long into the spring and early summer. Old cabins and cabin ruins sprinkled along the lower canyon remind hikers of a simpler yesteryear. The V-shaped canyon starts at San Antonio Canyon above Baldy Village and extends east a mile and a half and 2600 feet to Icehouse Saddle, a conspicuous notch in the Telegraph-Ontario Ridge. The classic, hand-built trail provides a portal for a web of trails which extend deep into the magnificent high country. The upper half of the trail lies within the Cucamonga Wilderness, a 12,781-acre sanctuary set aside by federal law to remain pristine and wild.
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Long Beach Pride Festival,
May 17-19, 2013

The Festival, in downtown Long Beach after the parade, includes seven large dance areas including a main stage which has featured musical artists such as Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, Maya, and India.Arie. The annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride parade is the culminating event in the week-long Pride Weed Celebration. It has become one of the premiere Pride events nationwide now attracting over 80,000 participants over two days. The parade has something for every gender, age, preference, taste, kink. . . well, you know – you´ve been there before. Most of us don´need it to affirm our worth as gay or Lesbian individuals, but who doesn´t need a good party? The G.O. OC/LB chapter is in preliminary planning to participate in either the parade and/or the festival, to let community know about our great club.
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High Sierra Lakes Intermediate Backpack,
May 26-28, 2013

Memorial Day weekend as summer in Los Angeles and environs heats up, this is an opportunity to escape to the High Sierra. You´notice stunning vistas along the way. Beautiful alpine flowers, tumbling waterfalls and serene lakes await you. In the evenings, you can watch the sunset wash the peaks with Alpenglow and see more stars than you remember exist. In order to qualify for this backpack, you need either to be recommended by a Great Outdoors trip leader, or have done a day hike with me. You´need to be in good physical condition and able to carry a backpack weighing about 35 pounds for about 6 miles with an elevation gain of about 2600 feet on the first day. If you qualify, a trip leader will send you a registration form. This trip is limited to 6 hikers plus the leaders.
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Silverwood Lake Car Camp,
June 7-9, 2013

Silverwood Lake is surrounded by 2,400 acres of ancient Douglas Firs, Black Oak trees and spectacular views of the mountain creeks. Silverwood Lake was formed by the 249 foot Cedar Springs Dam; at 3,350 feet it is the highest reservoir hosted by the State Water Project. The lake features hiking trails, swimming beaches and designated areas for boating, waterskiing and fishing. There is a marina with a launch ramp, boat and equipment rentals, and a store. The park has picnic areas, including three that can be reached only by boat, no fires or stoves are allowed in boat-in areas. The lake has trout, large-mouth bass, crappie and catfish. The lake attracts waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. Canada Geese and an occasional bald eagle can be seen in the area.

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Lyell Canyon/Parker Pass Intermediate Backpack,
June 30-July 6, 2013

Yosemite in the summer is spectacular, especially the high country away from the madding crowds in the valley. This trip starts at 9,500 feet. Over six days, we will travel over four passes, reaching a high point of 12,250 feet. We will have spectacular views of the Sierra Crest, camp beside beautiful lakes, and journey for ten miles through a canyon filled with meadows and wildflowers. This will be a six day trip with a total elevation gain of 2,750 feet.

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Slide Show from Whiting Ranch

It was a beautiful day when seven intrepid people hiked to the Red Rocks of Orange County. Click here to see more of their journey

Click here to see more of their journey

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