Ventana Chapter Hikes and Outings for Monterey/Carmel and Santa Cruz
May and June 2017

Tuesday, May 2
Senior Saunter/Hike: Bean Hollow/Wilbur's Watch
A 2 mile saunter through a blooming paradise on ocean bluffs south of Pescadero. There is the option of a moderate 2 mile round trip climb to Wilbur's Watch near Pigeon Point, before the flower walk. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Shen's Gallery at Mission & King St before 9.50 am. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool ($3 from Shen's). Some may choose to have lunch nearby at Duarte's in Pescadero. Leaders: Janet Schwind, 831-425-3845; Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690.

Saturday, May 6
Bicycle Ride: Around the Monterey Peninsula
Along the Ocean, 28 miles (+ or -), 580' elevation gain, around 6 hours. This will be a leisurely paced ride stopping at various vista points as desired. Start at 9 am at Dennis the Menace Park at El Estero Lagoon, Monterey; ride along the Coastal Recreation Trail thru Cannery Row, around Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, to Carmel Beach area for lunch. Return via quiet interior Carmel residential streets (NOT Hwy 1) to the top of Carmel Hill (the bulk of the elevation gain), then back to Monterey down the Hwy 1 bike path and Iris Canyon Rd. to our cars. Please RSVP, by calling Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.

Sunday, May 7
Walk: Carmel River Beach Saunter
How about a morning saunter with trails, roads & steps from Carmel River Beach via the Carmel Meadows high point, to Monastery Beach, returning by way of bluff trails. Some walking on sand and along bluff edges. Enjoy views of Point Lobos and listen to the surf. We'll see if we can identify local bird life. Approximately 3 miles. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; wind breaker recommended. Bring water and a snack & binoculars, as desired. Meet at 9:30 am at the parking lot at Carmel River Beach at the lagoon (south end of Carmelo in Carmel.) Call to let me know that you are coming. Leader: Martha Saylor, 831-372-9215.

Tuesday, May 9
Senior Saunter: Wilder Cove Walk
Docent led 3 mile walk on the Old Cove Landing Trail followed by a tour of the historic ranch complex. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Shen's Gallery at King & Mission St. before 9:50 am. To go direct, meet group in the parking lot for Wilder Ranch State Park one mile north of Santa Cruz on Hwy.1. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool and share of parking fee. Leader: Janet Schwind, 831-425-3845.

Thursday, May 11
Hike: Del Monte Forest
Our 4-5 mile loop with about 500 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along quiet forested trails that are even pretty in fog. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the parking area along highway 68 at the Haul Road between Skyline Forest and Forest Hill at 9:30 am. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, or 408-406-9650.

Saturday, May 13
Hike: Stevens Creek County Park - Picchetti Ranch
We've done this mild hike before in hopes of seeing the peacocks. Expect maybe 5-6 miles with 800 ft elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Cruz Gov't Center at 9:30 am to carpool. Call for more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101.

Saturday, May 13
Hike: From Los Padres Reservoir via Big Pine Trail to Blue Rock.
We will explore the burn area of the Soberanes Fire, but stay outside the No Entry Zone. About 9 miles, 2000 ft. The hike follows the Big Pine Trail up the ridge which is now bulldozed as a firebreak most of the way to Blue Rock. Many wildflowers on now sunlit slopes. Bring 2-3 liters of water, lunch, gaiters, trekking poles, sun protection, spray for ticks and $$ for carpooling and a plastic bag for your dirty boots! Time about 5-6 hours. Rain cancels! Meeting time is 8:00 am, P & R Rio Road in Carmel. Please RSVP. Leader: Burk Siedhoff, 831-920-1803.

Sunday, May 14
Hike: Danish Creek
We will begin our journey at Los Padres Dam in the northern portion of Los Padres National Forest. Hiking up the Carmel River Trail about 1 1/2 miles we will turn up the Big Pines Trail to the 3 mile mark, and then down to secluded Danish Creek Camp for lunch. A moderate hike of 9 miles and 1400' of elevation gain. Expect poison oak and possible ticks. Please call for meeting place and time. Leader: Larry Parrish, 831-622-7455.

Tuesday, May 16
Senior Hike: Point Lobos
Two routes for different abilities will be available in this beautiful Park to the south of Carmel. Hikers will park at the picnic spot called Piney Woods and make a loop around the park, about 3 miles, returning there for lunch. Some of the terrain is hilly but not strenuous. Walkers will park at Bird Island and follow a more level route. Scenery is spectacular. Dress for windy cool weather. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. Bring lunch, water, $6 carpool and share of Park fee. Restrooms. Leaders: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, May 18
Hike: Fort Ord West
Our 5-6 mile loop with about 700 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us uphill on one of the many trails in the area with some shade, but also open trails, so bring a hat as well as water and a snack. Many of the trails have deep water channels, so good shoes are recommended. Meet at the parking lot for the Jerry Smith Access Corridor on Inter-Garrison Rd, near Schoonover Rd. at 9:30 am. Heavy rain cancels. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, or 408-406-9650.

Saturday, May 20
Hike: Hills above Brazil Ranch
For a change, just a short drive to the trailhead near Bixby Bridge. A lollipop loop of about 6 miles, 1000' elevation gain/loss. We'll walk up on a trail, partly very steep; then cow trails over the meadows high above the Big Sur coast with the Big Sur lighthouse. We hope for many flowers what the cows have left us, otherwise, just wonderful wide views, or coastal fog which is also exciting. Lunch at a stand of redwoods. Back on trails. Meet on Rio Road at Park & Ride in Carmel at 10 a.m. Call for more info. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 831-624-1467.

Sunday, May 21
Walk: Lower Kahn Ranch
Let's mosey around the less vertical (and perhaps still flowery) trails of Kahn Ranch, first heading up the trail that would take us to Vasquez Knob if we went all the way. But we won't! We'll reverse course and check out the waterfall. Total distance not more than 3 miles, easy pace. Bring water and snack, and wear sunscreen for the sunnier bits. Since car permits are required, be sure to call by Wednesday May 17 to reserve your space; otherwise we may not have enough cars. Leader: Mary Gale, 831-626-3565.

Tuesday, May 23
Senior Hike/Walk: Garrapata/Soberanes
For the hikers, a scenic walk along the bluffs followed by a climb up the canyon to enjoy the wild flowers. Lunch in a copse along the route before returning down the canyon. Walkers start straight on the canyon path. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. If going direct contact the leader beforehand as the opening date for the Park is unclear. An alternative hike may be substituted. Primitive restroom. Dress for weather. Bring lunch, water, $6 carpool. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Saturday, May 27
Hike: Henry Coe State Park/Hunting Hollow Entrance near Gilroy
The Hunting Hollow entrance is quieter and closer than the main entrance. We quickly ascend the steep Steer Ridge Trail to gain views of the area, then follow Steer Ridge (fire) Road. We make a short detour up to Wilson Peak, then follow the road to Wilson trail camp before we descend back to Hunting Hollow. Somewhat strenuous hike with some very steep sections, 2200' gain and 8-½ miles. Meet at Home Depot in Seaside, near the gas station on the left side, at 7:45 am; or at the Hunting Hollow parking lot by 9:00 am. Bring lunch, 2-3+ liters water, and a rain/wind jacket. Limited to 12 hikers, so please reply to with your name and phone number, and we will call you. Leaders: Carol Greenstreet & Randy May.

Tuesday, May 30
Hike: Maple Falls
This 7 mile Nisene Marks hike with 700 ft. elevation gain takes us through a lovely forest along beautiful creeks and eventually to serene Maple Falls. Agility is required. Stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water and lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 8:40 am from the far end of the parking lot in front of REI in Marina or from the parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30 am. Call for a reservation—limit of 8. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 831-375-7777.

Tuesday, May 30
Senior Saunter: Upper UCSC
A fairly flat walk on trails at upper USCS lands off Empire Grade Rd. A shorter walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st. Ave. To go direct, take Mission to Bay Ave. Turn left at top of Bay and follow road past twin gates on Empire and Chinquapin Roads to parking areas on both sides of road. Park on shoulder on left side of the road. Bring lunch, water, $3 carpool. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650
793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Saturday, June 3
Hike: Mt Madonna County Park
We'll be checking out the mariposas in this very wet year. I may not go all the way to the top from Sprig Lake. It will probably be 6-7 miles with 1200 ft elevation gain. Meet on Main St in Soquel at 9:30 am to carpool. Call for more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101.

Monday, June 5
Hike: Kahn Ranch
This quiet part of Garland, tucked in the southeastern corner of the park, boasts beautiful vistas and diverse plant life. We'll traverse the Fern, Manzanita and Hitchcock trails for around 4 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain. Our leisurely pace will allow us to scout for wildflowers in preparation for Garland's wildflower show the following weekend. Please phone for a reservation by Wednesday May 31 so we know how many permits to get. Meet at Rio Road P & R at 9 am with lunch and water. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 831-372 7427.

Tuesday, June 6
Senior Hike/Walk: Loch Lomond
This is a beautiful hike thru the woods with lunch at the water's edge at the picnic area. Some steep hills. An alternative shorter route will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or beside the levee in the Gateway Center on River St, between Ross and Petsmart, before 9:40 am. To go direct, meet at the boat launch/pay station in Loch Lomond Park. From there a minimum number of cars will drive everyone to the trailhead. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool ($3 from Gateway) and share of entrance fee. Hike leader: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Walk leader: Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Tuesday, June 6
Hike: Evening Soap Plant Quest
This 5½ mile evening hike with 700 feet elevation gain in Toro Park takes us through a forested valley along the Ollason trail, then up to oak dotted grasslands. If we are lucky, we will see soap plants blooming—they bloom in the late afternoon and evening. If not, we'll have a nice late day walk in the woods. Bring water and dinner. Arrive early; we depart at 4:30 pm from the dirt parking area outside Toro Park. Call for a reservation—limit of 8. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 831-
375-7777.

Wednesday, June 7
Meeting
Please, all hike leaders, try to come to the meeting: Monterey Library at 5 pm. We will work on the schedule for July and August 2017. Best regards, Martha, 831-372-9215

Thursday, June 8
Hike: Point Lobos
Our 5-6 mile loop with minimal elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us to beaches and steep coastal cliffs along open and forested trails with varied views of the ocean and bays. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the Rio Road “Park and Ride” parking lot near Bank of America at 9:30 am. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, or 408-406-9650.

Sunday, June 11
Hike: Forest of Nisene Marks (Aptos)
Beat the inland summer heat with this walk through the redwood forests, with lunch at the scenic Sand Point Overlook. Starting at Porter Family Picnic Area, take the Loma Prieta Grade and Big Stump Gap trails toward the overlook, then return via Big Slide and Aptos Creek trails. Somewhat strenuous, about 6-7 hours for 12 miles and 2000'. Meet at Home Depot in Seaside, near the gas station on the left side, at 7:45 am, or at 8:45 am at the Porter Family Picnic Area (the gate at the end of paved Aptos Creek Road). There is $8/car parking fee in the state park. Limit 12 hikers, so please reply to with your name and phone number, and we will call you. Leaders: Randy May & Carol Greenstreet.

Tuesday, June 13
Senior Hike: Cowell River Loop
This loop walk is along the river through a redwood forest. 3 miles w/slight uphill. Shorter walk available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave or beside the levee in the Gateway Center on River St, between Ross and Petsmart, before 9:40 am. To go direct, take Hwy 17 exit at Mt. Hermon Rd. to Felton. Take left at Hwy. 9 to Henry Cowell Park entrance. Pay at kiosk and take first right into camping/parking area. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool ($3 from Gateway) and share of entrance fee. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Saturday, June 17
Bicycle Ride: Sand City to Salinas River Wildlife Refuge
About 24 miles round trip, a comfortable pace of 1.5 hrs each way, includes comfort stops. 1 hr for lunch and beach combing at the river mouth. Total time: 4 to 5 hrs. We'll meet and start at 9 am at the beach parking lot just north of the Monterey Beach Hotel, and ride on designated bike trail almost all the way. The last mile at the mouth of the Salinas River is on hard packed dirt. Lots of birds and sand dollars. Tire patch kit or extra tube and bike lock recommended. Bring water, lunch and extra wind breaker for cool ocean breeze on beach. No entrance fees. Ends back at the cars where we started. For questions and to RSVP, Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.

Sunday, June 18
Walk: Garrapata Bluff and Beach
Whether sunny or foggy, this walk features coastal bluff flowers and a sandy beach. We'll stroll from the beach entrance to steps descending steeply into a gully, and saunter back along the beach to steps back up to the bluff. Dress in layers, bring water and snack, and use sunscreen—no shade here! Meet at 9 am at Rio Road P&R and expect to be back around noon. To reserve a space, call me. Leader: Mary Gale, 831-626-3565.

Sunday, June 18
Hike: Fort Ord National Monument
Let's explore some of the eastern trails of Fort Ord. Wildflowers may still be in bloom and if we're lucky, maybe we'll catch sight of some of the abundant wildlife on these public lands. Expect 6-8 miles with ample elevation gain. Bring water, lunch, etc. Call for meeting time and place. Leader: Larry Parrish, 831 622-7455.

Tuesday, June 20
Senior Saunter: Asilomar South
Easy 3+ mile walk from Asilomar to Point Joe and return along sandy paths and beach boardwalk. A shorter walk will be available. Lunch at tables just south of Point Joe or at Asilomar. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, meet before 10:40 am at Fishwife Restaurant & Asilomar in Pacific Grove. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool. Leaders: Bev Meschi, 831-359-9961; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Sunday, June 25
Hike: Wilder Ranch State Park
9.8 miles out and back. 1000 foot elevation gain in about 5 miles. Inclines are gentle to less than moderate. Pace will be leisurely at around 2 mph. Mostly hiking thru long open green meadows dappled with wild flowers that are fringed by lush forest. We'll spend about a half hour for lunch at the Eucalyptus Grove picnic tables. Returning via Long Meadow trail which affords amazing views across the Monterey Bay to the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley and the mountain peaks in Big Sur and the Santa Lucia. Please meet at 8:30 am at the REI parking lot or at 10 am at the park headquarters parking lot off HWY 1 about 5 miles north of Santa Cruz. If you have questions, call the leader, Steve Jackson: (831) 320-4561.

Tuesday, June 27
Senior Saunter: Sunset Beach
We'll walk both the bluffs and the beach. Moderate 4 miles without steep hills. A shorter walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Sunset Beach kiosk parking lot by 9:50 am. Bring water, lunch, $4 carpool and share of parking fee. Restrooms. Leaders: Denise Lucy, 728-6552; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, June 29
Hike: Garzas Creek
Join me on this lovely shaded hike that takes us through a redwood canyon and along Garzas Creek. It's about a 4 mile loop with ±800 feet elevation gain. Stops to enjoy flora and fauna. Bring water and lunch or snack. Arrive early; we depart at 10:00 am from Garland Ranch's main parking lot. Call for a reservation—limit of 8. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 831-375-7777.

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