Jan 4 Wed Aliso Woods Grand Tour: 11.5 mi, 900’ gain. Start the New Year right with great views and 3 parks. We’ll start at Canyon View and go up to Alta Laguna (Top of the World), then through the houses and on to Moulton Meadows. From there we’ll leave the ridgeline and drop into Wood Canyon for our return. Meet 8:30 am at Canyon View Park (from El Toro Rd go S on Moulton Pkwy, R on Glenwood, uphill & over the toll road where it becomes Pacific Park Dr, R on Canyon Vistas to bottom of hill) with water, lunch, lugsoles. Must be able to keep up with group. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Ed & Helen Maurer.

Jan 10 Tue Orange County Party! It's party time! We're celebrating the Orange County Group's 50th Anniversary with friends old, new, and soon-to-be! Come reminisce as we share stories of some of the greatest times we've had together...mountaintop moments, hair-raising and harrowing adventures, "hikes gone wild," (whatever!), around our imaginary "campfire." If you like, bring photos or other mementos, hiking buddies, spouses, total strangers...this is a time to discover and celebrate what we've been, who we are, and who we are to become as the Orange County Group hikes forward into the new year! An extra special Golden Anniversary cake and other refreshments will be served. Newcomers welcome! Meet at 7:30 p.m. at our new location: REI in the Tustin Marketplace, 2962 El Camino Real, Tustin, 92782, off the 5 Fwy at Jamboree.

Jan 11 Wed Laurel Springs: 10 mi, 2300’ gain. This is a steady uphill trek on a trail and a fire road to lunch at the springs in a laurel grove just below the road. From Santiago Cyn Rd, turn onto Modjeska Cyn Rd, park at end near the Tucker Bird Sanctuary. Meet 9:00 am with water, lunch, lugsoles. Rain cancels. Ldr: Garry McCoppin, Sharon Kirk.

Jan 18 Wed Cerro Rebal Loop: 6 mi, 800’ gain/loss loop. Please join us for our 3rd annual Cerro Rebal hike in the hills between San Juan and San Clemente. Our route begins at the trailhead on Via Cerro Rebal in San Juan and meanders through the hills above San Juan and San Clemente. We will have a fair amount of elevation gain which is steep in a few places. We also have great views in all directions, both mountains and sea in places. Meet 8: 30 am at the South Orange County rideshare point. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles. Rain cancels. Ldr: Bob Hansen. Asst: Garry McCoppin.

Jan 21 Sat Aliso/Woods Canyons: 7+ mi. 900’ gain jaunt to Dripping Springs Cave, hideout of stagecoach thieves and on to Woods Canyon. Meet 8 am north OC rideshare pt or 8:45 am trailhead (Aliso Water Management Rd. near Aliso Park entrance). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles and $ for parking. Rain/rain 2 days prior cancels. Leader Julie Garner Assistants Terry Bass and Jay Matchett

Jan 21 Sat La Vita Trail: Hike a remote and relatively unknown loop through the back hills of Brea in the Chino Hills State Park. 4 mi loop, 1100’ gain, along a trail that crosses Sonome Creek. Meet 9 am in Olinda Village at 200 Verbena Lane (and Olinda Dr; off Carbon Canyon Rd) Rain within 48 hours cancels. Bring water, snack, and sturdy footwear. Co-leaders: Eric Johnson and Fred Reed

Jan 25 Wed Laguna Canyon Trails: 6.4 mi, 800’ gain. We will do a loop on several trails in Laguna Canyon with a steep section on the Laguna Ridge Trail. Meet 9:00 am with water, snack, lugsoles at the Willow Canyon entrance, just south of the intersection of Laguna Cyn Rd and El Toro Rd. $3 parking. Rain, 3 days after rain, cancels. Ldr: Len Gardner. Asst: John Kaiser

Jan 28 Sat Santa Ana River to the Beach: Please join us for a seven mile, virtually no elevation gain hike through Fairview Park to the Talbert Nature Preserve and on to Banning Ranch and the beach. Learn about the history of this area and importance of preserving this sensitive and endangered ecosystem as part of a proposed park/nature center designed to provide an ‘oasis of tranquility’ near the confluence of the Santa Ana River and the ocean. Meet at 9 am at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa (405 Fwy to Harbor-south, right on Adams, left on Placentia, right after approx. ¼ mile into the Fairview Park parking lot-parking is free). Bring water, snack, hat; tennis shoes are ok. Leader: Patricia Barnes Asst. Joe Maynard, Chuck Buck

Feb 1 Wed Car Wreck: ca 6-7 mi, 600’ gain/loss. We’ll follow the West Ridge trail to the top of Mathis, then take Car Wreck down to the Oak Grove (very steep in places), passing the remains of a 1947 Volvo near the bottom. May be a possible detour past Dripping Cave before we return up canyon, if we feel like it. Meet 8:30 am at Canyon View Park (from El Toro Rd go S on Moulton Pkwy, R on Glenwood, uphill & over the toll rd where it becomes Pacific Park Dr, R on Canyon Vistas Dr to bottom of hill) with 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles). Must be able to keep up with group. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Helen & Ed Maurer

Feb 8 Wed Stagecoach Loop: 7.2 mi, 700’ gain. We hike a loop encompassing several trails from the Nix Nature Center. Part of our route is on City of Irvine Open Space Land. Bring water, lugsoles, snack. Meet 9:00 am at the Nix Center (just West of Laguna Cyn Rd between I-405 and El Toro Rd). $3 parking. Rain cancels. Leader: Len Gardner, Asst: Andy Beall.

Feb 14 Tue Orange County Monthly Meeting: Chris Lunghino, founder of Community Sustainability USA. Chris will describe how fast growing Community Sustainability is working for a future with clean air and water, renewed natural services and more people meeting their basic needs. Remember we meet at REI in the Tustin Marketplace. See the OC Group info in the front of the schedule for more details. Visitors welcome. Refreshments served. For info contact Bob Siebert

Feb 15 Wed Lion Canyon Falls: 10 mi, 1100’ gain. This is a long uphill hike from the Candy Store to our lunch spot on the rocks beside the falls; which might have water. Footing rough in places. Meet 8:30 am at the South Orange County rideshare point with 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles. Ldr: Garry McCoppin, Asst: Len Gardner.

Feb 22 Wed Emerald Canyon: 6.5 mi, 1200’ gain/loss. Please join us as our route leaves the Willow trailhead and heads up Laurel Cyn to Bommer Ridge. From the ridge, we will descend to our lunch spot under spreading sycamores in Emerald Canyon. Return by the Willow Road. Meet 9:00 am at the Willow trailhead on Laguna Cyn Rd just west of the junction with El Toro Rd. $3 parking. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles. Hikers must be able to stay with the group. Rain cancels. Ldr: Bob Hansen. Asst: Garry McCoppin.

Feb 25 Sat Santa Rosa Plateau: Join us for a 10 mi 800’ gain hike in the grasslands and oaklands of this beautiful preserve, possibly including vernal pools. Meet 8 am north OC rideshare or 9 am Santa Rosa Preserve visitor’s center (5 mi west of I-15 on Clinton Keith Rd. Riverside). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, $ for Conservancy. Rain cancels Leader Julie Garner Assistant Ron Schrantz

Feb 29 Wed Donna O’Neill Conservancy: 6 mi, 400’ gain. This is your chance to explore this lovely conservancy area. Maybe wildflowers on the loop back. Meet 9:00 am at South Orange County rideshare point with water, snack, lugsoles. $10 donation. Rain cancels. Ldr: Mike Sappingfield. Asst: Judy Mulry.

Mar 7 Wed O’Neill/Ramakrishna: 7 mi, 600’ gain. We will hike thru O’Neill Park with a visit to Ramakrishna Monastery. Meet 9:00 am Altisima Park; go E on El Toro Rd to Marguerite Pkwy, turn R, then one block to Los Alisos, turn L. Follow Los Alisos E past the 241 Toll Rd to the first light at the top of the hill, then L into the entrance to Altisima Park. Bring water, snack and lugsoles. Rain cancels. Ldr: Pete Height. Asst: Sharon Kirk.

March 13 Tue Orange County Monthly Meeting: Ron Vanderhoff CNPS: “Off the Path with Ron: Native Plant Adventures in the wilds of Orange County”. Join us on an adventure sure to get you excited about exploring Orange County. We meet at a new location, REI in the Tustin Marketplace, 2962 El Camino Real at 7:30 pm. Free refreshments; come and meet fellow Sierra Clubbers . For information contact Bob Siebert

Mar 17 Sat : Hellman Canyon: Enjoy a hike in the Whittier hills with great views over the southland. The 5 mile 700’ gain hike will go up to the ridgeline and continue on towards Hacienda Heights. Meet 9 am at the Hellman trailhead parking lot at Rose and Greenleaf in Whittier. Rain within 48 hours cancels. Bring water, a snack, and study shoes. Leader: Fred Reed Assistant: Jim McCullough,

Mar 21 Wed : Quarter- Million – Dollar Hike: Open and legal again! 9 mi, 1500’ cumulative gain/loss loop up Laurel Cyn to Serrano Ridge, down Little Sycamore to Nix Nature Center and back via South Stagecoach and the quarter-million-dollar connection.. Not particularly difficult, but lots of ups and downs –a very good workout! Spectacular views. Meet 8:30 am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Willow entrance (NOT Nix). From I-5 take El Toro Rd W to the “T” at Laguna Canyon Rd, turn L, then shortly R into large parking lot. Bring 3 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, $3 parking fee. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Helen & Ed Maurer.

Mar 28 Wed : Dripping Cave: 7 mi, 700’ loss/gain in Aliso-Wood Cyn. From Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo, our route takes us down into Wood Cyn. We’ll take some side trails on the way to Dripping Cave, our lunch spot, where water drips when it rains. At one time the cave was used by robbers and thieves. Then we’ll climb the Mathis Trail to the West Ridge, head N and descend via the Cholla Trail. Meet 8:30 am at Canyon View Park (from Moulton Pkwy S of El Toro Rd, R on Greenwood, uphill to Canyon Vistas Dr, R to bottom of hill). Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles. Ldr: Bob Hansen. Asst: Gary McCoppin

Mar 28-Apr 16, 2012 Wed-Mon Wild Borneo Adventure
Join us for a 20 day adventure, land of the Headhunters. Stay at premier wildlife lodges and visit rainforest areas for close ups of the unusual plants and animals of Borneo. You will see the endangered Orangutans, Silver Leaf Monkeys, rare Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, Hornbills and many other birds. We also may see Gibbons, Pygmy Elephants, Red Leaf Monkeys, Rafflesia (world’s largest flower), and more; some unique to Borneo as we did in our 2010 trip. We will visit several Nat. Parks or Reserve areas including Bako, Kinabalu, Danum Valley Conservation Area, and Kinabatangan Wildlife Reserve.We will also visit the Sepilok and Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuaries. You will also have time to visit the beautiful coral reefs of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. See unusual animals and bioluminescence on the night walks/drives led by naturalists. Participants receive free copy of Orangutan book, Thinkers of the Jungle, a $50 value. Price includes hotel, bus transportation, some meals, airport transfers, most hikes or walks, and more. Domestic & International Airfare is extra and group air is available. Sierra Club members $3,295. Non-members $100 more. Send 2 SASE, H&W Phones, SC#, e-mail, Check for full amount (Sierra Club) to Reserv/Asst: Stephanie Gross. Leader: Fred Dong Conservation, Educational, plane, lodge, birds, plane

March 31 Sat : San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary: Join us for a new ‘urban conservation walk’ titled…“For the Birds”. This will be an hour and a half walk around and about the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. Sally Menzel, a naturalist with the Audubon society will be guiding us as we learn about the many birds in this unique habitat. Meet 9 am at the Audubon House off Riparian Way (going west on Campus cross University and right on Riparian—no left turn on Riparian off Campus allowed). Bring water, snack and binoculars. Rain cancels. Leader Ron Schrantz Asst Dana Hunter

Mar 31-Apr 7, 2012 Sat - Sat, Arizona Slot Canyons and Native American Sites
Arizona is famous for rugged landscapes and historical sites. Use your spring break to visit many of these sites. Landscapes include Sunset Crater, Antelope Slot Cyn (one of the most photographed), Monument Valley. Native American sites include Wupatki National Monument, Navajo National Monument with optional hike to Betatakin Cliff Dwelling, Canyon De Chelly, Hopi Cultural Center, Montezuma Castle, & Heard Museum. Native American Guides will provide tours of Monument Valley and Canyon De Chelly. Hikes involve 3-5 mi rt, up to 1000' gain. Includes transportation in Arizona, snacks, 7 nights accommodations (2 per room/2 beds), some meals, all admissions. Note: Airfare and most meals not included. Price $1250 with SC#/$1350 non-member. $500 deposit holds place, balance due 1/15/12. $50 cancellation penalty, balance refundable until 1/15. After 1/15, no refunds unless a suitable replacement is found. For info and application send 2 sase or email to Ldr: Mike Sappingfield. Co Leader David Eisenberg. Conservation, Educational, hike, plane

Apr 4 Wed : Oso/Juaneno Loop-Caspers: 9 mi, 1900’ gain. This is a slow-paced walk up steep Oso Trail to the Badger Pass junction for a lunch rest stop at the gazebo. Then there is a steep descent on the Badger Pass Trail to a pleasant walk along the oak-shaded Juaneno Trail beside the San Juan Creek to our starting point. Meet in Caspers Park 8:30 am ($3 parking), or South Orange County rideshare point 8:00 am to carpool to Caspers. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain, 3 days after rain, cancels. Ldr: Garry McCoppin. Asst: Pete Height

Apr 9 Newcomer Night: Find out all about events with Little Hikers, 20s30s40s, hiking, conditioning hikes, backpacking, ICO, adventure destinations and conservation opportunities. Refreshments. Free. Free Drawing. Be a part of the largest grassroots environmental organization in the US and join Sierra Club $15 Special Offer, free gift. Meet 6:30-8:30 pm Costa Mesa Community Center, 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa (55 Fwy S, R on 19th, cross Harbor Blvd., L on Park Ave, R into parking lot next to library.) Contact: Donna Specht. (donnaspecht@juno.com)

April 10 Tue Orange County Monthly Meeting: Helen and Ed Maurer, “Afoot and Afield in the French Alps”. Helen and Ed led a small group of Sierrans through the French Alps a summer or so ago. Come and hear about this adventure and see what they have planned for this summer. We meet at REI in the Tustin Marketplace, 2962 El Camino Real at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. Free refreshments. For information contact Bob Siebert.

Apr 11 Wed : Fox Springs/Oak Flat: 5 mi, 400’ gain. The Wednesday hikers return to Oaks Flats with the 7th annual lopfest: light-duty branch trimming on a 1 mi trail section (no heavy tools), followed by an easy-paced loop hike through scenic Oak Flats with time to enjoy the wildflowers. Loppers provided. Newcomers are welcome. Meet 8:30 am South Orange County rideshare point with water, lunch, lugsoles, gloves. Rain cancels. Ldr: John Kaiser. Asst: Bob Siebert

Apr 18 Wed : Witch’s Garden: 7 mi, 1300’ cum. gain, 1500’ loss. We’ll hope for great flowers as we climb up Willow to Bommer ridge and on to Laguna Beach, where some may wish to lunch at Zinc Café. Meet 8:30 am Laguna Coast Wilderness Willow entrance (NOT Nix). From I-5 take El Toro Rd W to the “T” at Laguna Cyn Rd, turn L, then shortly R into large parking lot. Bring water, lugsoles, $3 for parking, bus (60cents for seniors, other $1.50) and lunch money (optional). Must be able to keep up with group. Rain cancels. Ldr: Helen Maurer, Co-leader, Anna Slattery.

April 21 Sat : Ridge Park Rd to Barbara’s Lake and return: Meet 8:30 am at Ridge Park Rd (off Newport Coast Rd) entry to Laguna Wilderness Park. Expect an 11 mi rt hike with 1200’ gain on the return. From Bommer Ridge we descend down to Barbara’s Lake then to upper Laguna Cyn Trail to Hogback Ridge and by the Nix Center to our starting point. Bring 2+ qts water, lunch and lugsoles. Rain or rain within 48 hours cancels. Leader: Dana Hunter Asst Ron Schrantz

Apr 25 Wed: Cerro Rebal Loop: 6 mi, 800’ gain/loss loop. Please join us for our 3rd annual Cerro Rebal hike in the hills between San Juan and San Clemente. Our route begins at the trailhead on Via Cerro Rebal in San Juan and meanders through the hills above San Juan and San Clemente. We will have a fair amount of elevation gain which is steep in a few places. We also have great views in all directions, both mountains and sea in places. Meet 8: 30 am at the South Orange County rideshare point. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles. Rain cancels. Ldr: Bob Hansen. Asst: Chet Stipe

April 28 Sat : Coal Canyon: Hike with us to find the rare Tecate Cypress grove on the ridge west of Coal Canyon in Chino Hills State Park. At 6.5 miles and 1000’ elevation you’ll get a workout. We meet at 9 am. Exit the 91 frwy going north on Green River and meet at the dirt parking area in the west side of Green River just before the Green River Golf Course. Bring water, snack and sturdy footwear. Co-leaders Fred Reed and Eric Johnson

May 2 Wed : Cave Rock: 5 mi, minimal gain. We take a leisurely hike along Aliso Creek to the Cave Rock loop and return. Meet 9:00 am at the Aliso-Wood Park entrance, S on Alicia Pkwy just past Aliso Creek Rd to the entrance on the R. $3 parking. Bring water, snack/lunch, lugsoles or sturdy shoes. Newcomers welcome. Ldr: Pita Landesman. Asst: Dea Denton.

May 5 Sat : Santa Ana River to the Beach: Please join us for a seven mile, virtually no elevation gain hike through Fairview Park to the Talbert Nature Preserve and on to Banning Ranch and the beach. Learn about the history of this area and importance of preserving this sensitive and endangered ecosystem. This is another hike in our series of springtime ‘urban conservation walks’. Meet at 9 am at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa (405 Fwy to Harbor-south, right on Adams, left on Placentia, right after approx. ¼ mile into the Fairview Park parking lot-parking is free). Bring water, snack, hat; tennis shoes are ok. Leader: Patricia Barnes Asst. Joe Maynard, Chuck Buck

May 5 -11, 2012 Sat-Fri Arches and Canyonlands
Seven day, six night fly-drive excursion to eastern Utah to explore and enjoy two of the most unusual and interesting National Parks: Arches National Park with over 2000 arches ranging from a few feet in size to several hundred feet and Canyonlands National Park with the deep canyons of the Green River and the Colorado River as they join to form the majestic Colorado we all know and love. We will fly into Grand Junction, Co and then drive in vans to Moab, Utah. We will use a local motel in Moab for our base for the entire trip with day trips into one or the other National Parks each day. Trip cost is $1250 and includes lodging (double occupancy) and transportation to and from Grand Junction and each day while in Utah. All park admissions and special fees are also included. Breakfasts and three lunches will be provided. All other meals and airfare to and from Grand Junction are not included. $500 deposit will hold a reservation with the remainder due by March 1, 2012. (Private accommodations extra) For itinerary and application send 2 SASE or e mail to Ldr: Mike Sappingfield. Co Ldr: Sylvia Stevenson. Conservation, Educational, hike, plane, lodge

May 7 Newcomer/Member Information night: Come and discover the Sierra Club with the Orange County Group, Sierra Sage, OC and LA Sierra Singles, Hundred Peak Section, Wilderness Training Committee, Mule Packs and many other Sierra Club representatives. Learn all about the Sierra Club and the many activities and adventure outings available. Table displays, exhibits, refreshments. Join Sierra Club $15 Special Offer, free gift. Meet 6:30-8:30 pm Costa Mesa Community Center, 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa (55 Fwy S, R on 19th, cross Harbor Blvd., L on Park Ave, R into parking lot next to library.) Contact Chapter Membership Chair: Donna Specht. (donnaspecht@juno.com)

May 8 Tue Orange County Monthly Meeting: Dana Hunter brings us …Patagonia: Join us as we explore the land in the south of our southern hemisphere. Watch as we see scenes climbing the majestic Fitzroy and classic ‘W” trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Then it’s on to scenes of Grey’s Glacier and the penguins in Chile. We meet at REI in the Tustin Marketplace, 2962 El Camino Real at 7:30 pm. Everyone welcome; free refreshments. For information contact Bob Siebert

May 9 Wed : Top-of-the-World: 6 mi, 600’ gain. A fun trek up the West Ridge of Laguna Beach to the lovely Alta Laguna Park at the top with great views and a pleasant resting spot. Meet 9:00 am at Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo. From El Toro Rd, S on Moulton to Glenview, R and uphill over the toll road to Canyon Vistas Dr, R to end. Park on the street. Bring water, lunch, lugsoles. Rain, 3 days after rain, cancels. Ldr: Sid Alpert. Asst: Judy Mulry

May 13 Sun : Santiago Oaks to Irvine Park: Join us on our annual Mother’s Day hike, also part of our ‘urban conservation hike’ program. This is a 7 mi 400’ gain hike from Santiago Oaks Park to Irvine Park and return. Meet 8 am at north Orange County rideshare pt or 8:30 am Santiago Oaks Park.. Bring water, snack, lugsoles and $ for parking. Rain cancels. Leader Julie Garner Asst. Sharon Kirk and Jay Matchett

May 16 Wed : Canyon to Coast via Signal Hill: 8 mi, 1500’ cum gain, 1650 loss. We will have expansive views, perhaps some late flowers, and opportunity to ponder the interface between wilderness and civilization. Return to starting point by bus. Meet 8:30 am Laguna Coast Wilderness Willow entrance on Laguna Cyn Rd (NOT Nix). From I-5 take El Toro Rd W to the “T” at Laguna Cyn Rd, turn L, then shortly R into large parking lot. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, $3 for parking (or credit card), bus fare x 2 ($.60 seniors, $1.50 regular). Must be able to keep up with group. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Ed & Helen Maurer.

May 19 Sat : 7th Ave in Hacienda Heights: Join us on this 4.5 mi 600’ gain “urban conservation hike” above Hacienda Heights with great views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The preservation of this land launched the Habitat Authority effort. Meet 9 am at corner of 7th Ave and E. Orange Grove Ave, Hacienda Heights. Rain within 48 hours cancels. Bring water, snack, sturdy shoes. Co-leaders: Jim McCullough & Eric Johnson

May 23 Wed : Mesa Loop/Juaneno Trail: 5 mi, 200’ gain. A leisurely paced “Mike’s Hike” into the east part of Casper’s Park. Bring a friend and join us in exploring an area of the park which has long been closed to hikers. There should be lots of spring flowers. Meet 8:30 am at the South Orange County rideshare point. Bring water, munchies, lugsoles. Heavy rain cancels. Ldr: Mike Sappingfield. Asst: Andy Beall

May 30 Wed : Doheny to Trestles Beach Walk: 9 mi, 100’ gain at end. Enjoy the sand and surf walking along the beach with a short section on the San Clemente Beach Trail to the Trestles, then up the path to Carl’s to catch the bus return. Meet 8:30 am at the entrance to Doheny State Beach. From PCH in Dana Point, S to Del Obispo, R on Harbor Dr, immediate R up Street of the Park Lantern opposite Doheny State Beach Park entrance, to a small parking lot on the R. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, tennis ok and $ for bus. Ldr: Garry McCoppin. Asst: Pete Height

June 2 Sat : Modjeska Canyon: All night owls-avoid the heat of the daytime and join us to see the almost full-moon. About 8 mi and 1700’ gain possibly less if we get scared on the dark! Meet 6 pm north Orange County rideshare pt or 7 pm parking lot (near Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Cyn). Bring at least 2 qts water, lugsoles, snack and flashlight. Rain cancels. Leader Julie Garner Asst Dave Kuhn, Jay Matchett

June 6 Wed : Salt Creek Corridor to Dana Point: 6 mi, 200’ gain. Amble down Salt Creek on the bike trail to the beach, then up to Dana Point Headlands on the new trail, through a residential area to descend to Dana Point Harbor and optional lunch. Return by bus. Bring water, snack if desired, bus fare. Meet 9:00 am at Chapparosa Park, Laguna Niguel. From Crown Valley Pkwy, S on Golden Lantern, R on Chapparosa to Park at end. Ldr: Garry McCoppin. Asst: Judy Mulry

June 11 Mon 6:30 pm Monthly Program: East Africa--Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda. Karibu (welcome in Swahili) Kathy Shapiro as she presents her African travelling adventure with a stopover in Dubai. Come and experience the wildlife, local people, and African landscapes. You' ll see photos of the Masi Mara, Serengetti, Maasai people, mountain gorillas, and so much more. Social hour & program $3 donation. Meet 6:30 PM at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. For optional potluck, bring a dish to share and beverage. Contact: Donna Specht.

June 12 Tue Orange County Monthly Meeting: The OC group, Inside and Out. We will unveil our committees, task force groups conservation and environmental programs and especially our hiking programs. We meet at REI in the Tustin Marketplace, 2962 El Camino Real at 7:30 pm. Everyone welcome; refreshments served. For information contact Bob Siebert

June 13 Wed : Arroyo Trabuco: 9 mi, 300’ gain, 700’ loss. Leisurely walk along Trabuco Creek all the way from Rancho Santa Margarita to Crown Valley Pkwy. Enjoy wild riparian areas with fine meadows, majestic stands of sycamores, and stream crossings. A variety of eating establishments are located at trail’s end. Return to starting point by #82 bus. Meet 8:30 am at a back entrance of O’Neill Park on El Camino Montana in Rancho Santa Margarita. From Santa Margarita Pkwy go L on Avenida de las Flores and immediate L again on Via con Dios which curves R twice and becomes El Camino Montana. Bring 2 qts water, walking/wading shoes, bus fare ($.60 seniors, $1.50 regular). Rain cancels. Ldrs: Ed & Helen Maurer.

June 20 Wed : Oso Creek Trail: 5 mi, 400’ gain. Hike paved trails along the creek and up thru the Jeronimo Open Space, then dirt trail to Naciente Ridge overlooking Trabuco Cyn. Meet 9:00 am (from I-5, E on La Paz, just past Marguerite Pkwy, turn L on Thomas R Potocki Conf Ctr Rd to lower parking lot). Bring water, snack/lunch, comfortable shoes. Newcomers welcome. Ldr: Pita Landesman. Asst: Bernie Lipman.

June 24 Sun : Historic Seal Beach Walk: Enjoy fresh ocean air and exercise while viewing historic sights and learning about Seal Beach’s colorful part on this 4 mi walk on mostly level terrain (possible ½ mi of sandy beach at sunset). Meet 5:45 pm Seal Beach parking lot (end of 1st Street, S of Pacific Coast Hwy). Bring water, tennis shoes OK. Leader Patricia Barnes, Assistant Joe Maynard

June 27 Wed : End-of-Season Hike/Potluck: 5 mi, min. gain on a loop hike on the East Aliso Creek Trail. Bring water, lugsoles for the hike. For the potluck, bring a dish for 4-6 to share, plus your own plate, cup and utensils. Meet 9:30 am at the Aliso Wood parking lot (from Alicia Pkwy, S to just past AlisoCreek Rd, turn R into Awma Rd and the parking lot. $3 parking. Ldr: Pita Landesman. Asst: Dea Denton.

Aug 13 Mon 6:30pm Newcomer/Member Information night: Come discover the Sierra Club with the Orange County Group, Sierra Sage, OC & LA Sierra Singles, Hundred Peak Section, Wilderness Travel Course, Mule Packs & many other Sierra Club representatives. Learn all about the Sierra Club and the many activities and adventure outings available. Table displays, exhibits, refreshments. Join Sierra Club $15 Special Offer, free gift.   Meet 6:30-8:30 pm Costa Mesa Community Center, 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa (55 Fwy S, R on 19th, cross Harbor Blvd., L on Park Ave, R into parking lot next to library.) Contact Chapter Membership Chair: Donna Specht.

Oct 6-13,2012 Thu-Thu Historical Virginia And Nearby Areas.
If you always wanted to see some of the most famous historical spots in and around the State of Virginia, this 8 day 7 night trip is for you. We will fly into Washington Dulles Airport, then van to the restored Revolutionary Era Town of Williamsburg; Jamestown, the first English settlement in America; and Yorktown Battlefield where George Washington won the climatic battle of the Revolutionary War. Tour such historical sites as Appomattox Court House where Lee surrendered his army to U S Grant; to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; to the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Trail; Harpers Ferry, site of John Browns revolt; explore Gettysburg Battlefield and Fort McHenry, site of the Star Spangled Banner and the City of Annapolis and the U. S. Naval Academy. Trip includes lodging, transportation to and from Dulles Airport and while on the trip, admission fees to scheduled locations and all breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, airfare to and from Washington Dulles are not included. Trip cost is $1250 with SC#/$1350 non members. $500 deposit to reserve, balance due July 1, 2012. For information and application forms contact or send 2 sase to Ldr: Mike Sappingfield. Co ldrs: Mary Morales, Patty Sappingfield. Conservation, Educational, plane, camera, walk

Nov 19 Mon 6:30P Newcomer/Member Thanksgiving Night: We invite you to an activity packed evening: Free Drawing, find out all about our events with Little Hikers, 20s/30s/40s, our award winning Weekly Conditioning Hikes, Social activities, conservation outings, backpacks and Adventure Destinations. We will have a special introduction of our Winter Sports Program. Chance to purchase Sierra Club logo daypacks and other cool gifts. Newcomers welcome to join the Sierra Club, $15 special offer. Meet 6:30 pm, Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa. $3 Donation. Optional, bring a Thanksgiving side dish, potluck item and we will provide the turkey and drinks. For info contact: Donna Specht.