Every year I organize a beginner's backpacking trip and this year is no exception. Everyone is welcome to join in, no matter what level of backpacking experience you may or may not have. I typically select a destination in Sequoia National Park for it's beauty and the fact it is roughly equidistant from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

We usually leave the city after work on Friday night, make the drive to a designated, easily located rendezvous point (either a campground or a friend's house near the trailhead), hike in on Saturday, lounge, fish, or dayhike on Sunday, and then hike out on Monday to make the drive back home.

The cost for the weekend is minimal, especially when carpooling. I am happy to loan equipment to anyone who might need to borrow stuff for the trip. Being a total gearhead, I have enough extra equipment and outdoor clothing to outfit a small army.

More specific information will be posted in this thread as time goes by.

So, if you think you might want to join in on this trip, please post your intentions.
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  • ni-C...
    ni-Co-La
    offline 38

    Re: Memorial Weekend Backpacking Trip - May 24 thru May 26, 2008

    Sun, May 4, 2008 - 9:27 AM
    sounds like tons of fun. im also in the middle of the country :(
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    • KAUPILI
      KAUPILI
      offline 13

      Re: Memorial Weekend Backpacking Trip - May 24 thru May 26, 2008

      Tue, May 6, 2008 - 4:07 PM
      I will be there with bells on... and I too have been looking forward to this.
      I'm trying to talk Darwin and Gary into joining us.
      I love those guys!
      Mariah most likely will not be attending as she is in a discipleship program and that is not her "homepass" weekend. Drats! Can't wait to hear all about her trip to Joshua Tree this past Sunday/Monday.
      Peter, hit me up via email when you have a chance.

      Kaupili03@aol.com

      Ciao! Looking forward to meeting all the newbies.

      God bless!


      (John and Candace, thought you all were coming? won't be the same w/out you!)
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      • Re: Memorial Weekend Backpacking Trip - May 24 thru May 26, 2008

        Tue, May 6, 2008 - 5:27 PM
        They're the "J" in the posts above....
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        • Re: Memorial Weekend Backpacking Trip - May 24 thru May 26, 2008

          Wed, May 7, 2008 - 4:42 PM
          Just an FYI to ya'all. There is a thread running on the So. Cal. Hiking tribe about this trip located at:

          trailblazing.tribe.net/thread...2205ae8
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          • Re: Memorial Weekend Backpacking Trip - May 24 thru May 26, 2008

            Fri, May 16, 2008 - 12:31 PM
            Hey All,

            Things are coming together for the trip rather nicely. I will be purchasing the food soon, so if you have any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or absolutely hate what I propose, please let me know:

            Menu:

            Breakfasts: Instant Oatmeal (various flavors) or Cream of Wheat, instant coffee.

            Lunches: 1st day Trader Joe’s spinach bagged salad w/pecans, cranberries, and dressing.
            Other days, dry salami, cheese, peanut butter, Nutella, jelly, pita bread sandwiches in any combination you can tolerate.

            Dinners: Saturday – Beef Burritos with Red beans & rice, cheese, and salsa.
            Sunday – Pasta Carbonara (cream sauce with parmesan cheese & peas & ham)

            You can bring a few energy bars of your choice for snacks and/or desserts, powdered beverage of your choice (Gatorade, tea, Crystal lite, etc.). I’ll buy some instant hot cocoa and some teabags too.

            Please remember to bring your own fork, spoon, and knife, and lightweight cup and bowl.

            John and I will both bring stoves and cooking pots, so we’re covered there.

            Happy trails await!
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