DECEMBER OUTINGS

Each Tuesday and Thursday, December 1 through December 31 (December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, and 31), the following walk will take place:

Brisk Morning Walk (1A) Davis

Brisk 4-mile loop via Davis greenbelts and bike paths.  May include Davis wildlife ponds, UC Davis campus, downtown Davis, Village Homes, or UC Arboretum.  Meet 8 a.m. at Peets Coffee in Market Place Shopping Center, corner of Sycamore Lane & West Covell Blvd. (from Hwy.113, exit east on West Covell Blvd.).  Not limited to singles.  From one to two hours’ time. Leader: M.C. Carter <mccarter@ucdavis.edu> or 530.758.3151.

          December 1, Tuesday

Bike Ride (4A) Sacramento River (Singles)

Ride along the river up from Garcia Bend Park, in the Pocket Area, to Old Sacramento, mostly on the levee’s bike trail.  The round trip is about 18-20 miles.  Bring tire kit, lunch, helmet, water, snacks, fully prepared bike, etc.  Learn about river accessibility issues.  Forecast of rain cancels.  Call for reservation by Nov. 30th.  Leader: Stan Jones 916.393.5373 or geezenski2@sbcglobal.net.

          December 2, Wednesday

After-work Walk (1A) Newtown Ditch/Road  (Sierra Nevada Group)

We'll walk for about an hour on the road if the ditch berm is muddy.  Meet at the Rood Center at 4:45.  Leader: Richard Thomas 530-265-2666.

Day Hike (1A) Greenwood Creek  (Seniors)                         

River, Meadows, woods, sun, shade and views, this hike has it all in an approx. 5 mile loop.  We’ll spend time enjoying varied views of the South Fork of the American River.  Bring lunch, water and essentials.  Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Burger King on Lincoln Way in Auburn at Foresthill exit off I-80 or at 10:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Creek parking area off Hwy. 49.  Rain cancels. Leader: Sheila Toner 530-886-0673.

         December 5, Saturday

Day Hike (1A) Community Service at Spenceville (Sierra Nevada Group)

Cox Creek in the Spenceville Wildlife Area has some old fence and metal that needs to be removed.  We can do that and still have time to do some walking in the area.  Less than five miles at most.  Carpool to trailhead.  Call Richard at 530-265-2666.  Wet weather will likely cancel this event.

Stair-Climb (2B) San Francisco (Singles)

We will drive to BART and ride to San Francisco.  Our 10 miles will be up and down stairs and hills most of the day (really) for about 1,200’-1,600’ of gain, all on pavement.  You will need $$ for your driver, bridge tolls, BART, lunch, three bakery visits, and possible dinner on the drive home.  Bring a snack in case our lunch is late.  You will get some great views, fascinating architecture and even a bit of a history lesson.  Bring water, layered clothing for S.F. weather, sun hat, container for leftovers, etc.  Rain cancels.  Meet 8 a.m. @ 11th & P St.  No calls before 9 a.m.  Leader: Barb 916.925.5862.

Younger Adult Power Hike (PIKE) (1A) American River Parkway (Younger Adult Singles)

It’s that time when you’ll be packing on the pounds indulging in the tastes of the holiday season.  Make a dent in that caloric train wreck by joining us on a fat incinerating PIKE!  On a hilly segment of the paved American River Parkway in Folsom we’ll start off with a slow-paced 5 minute warm-up walk, then pick things up with a fast-paced 50 minute walk and conclude with a 5 minute cool down walk at the warm-up pace; 3-4 miles total distance.  Learn about the Parkway.  We’ll be done before 10:30 a.m., so you’ll have the rest of the day for shopping and holiday activities.  Must be able to walk continuously for one hour over hilly terrain.  Optional: bring two lightweight dumbbells to work the upper body and burn more calories; the leader will be doing several upper body dumbbell exercises during the PIKE which you can follow along with.  Rain cancels.  No dogs.  Meet 9 a.m. in Folsom.  Contact leader before December 19th to confirm attendance and for meeting details.  For ages 18-40, but all are welcome.  Leader: Jeff Utberg jeffutberg@hotmail.com or 916.548.7228.

          December 6, Sunday

Day Hike (2B) Auburn Confluence (Singles)

Hike the Confluence Trail of the Middle Fork of the American River and return via the Clementine Trail above the North Fork.  About 7 miles and 870’ elev. gain.  Beautiful views from both trails.  Bring layered clothing, lunch, water and $$ for your driver and optional early dinner.  Leader keeps a very slow pace.  Meet 10 a.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride (Eureka Rd. exit).  Batteries for cookie deal: bring dead batteries to exchange for a freshly-baked (by me!) cookie.  Leader: Harold Elliott haroldelliott1946@att.net or 916.984.5325.

           December 10, Thursday

After-work Walk (1A) Empire Mine  (Sierra Nevada Group)

          December 12, Saturday

Day Hike (2A) North Yuba Trail (Sierra Nevada Group)

We will hike out the North Yuba Trail, starting at Rocky Rest Campground off Hwy 49, heading upriver and then returning to our point of origin for a total distance of about 5-6 miles.  Nice views of the river from the trail.  Call for meeting location and time.  Carpool to trailhead.  Leader:  Melony Vance  530-478-1586

Day Hike (1A) Redwood Regional Park (Seniors)

Hike on trails through second growth redwoods in the hills of Oakland. Meet at 11th & P at 9:15 a.m. or at the Mace Blvd. Park & Ride in Davis at 9:35 a.m.  Leader: Wayne Luney, (916)  383-9393 or wluney@comcast.net

Snowshoe/X-C Ski (2A) Echo Lake (Singles)

XC ski or 'shoe at a brisk pace along the edge of Echo Lake and into the hills beyond.  Solid intermediate XC or snowshoeing skills required.  Must have own gear or rent beforehand.  Forecast of rain or snow may cancel.  Location may change as local conditions require.  Discussion of climate change issues.  Bring layered clothing for changeable conditions, and the  essentials.  Bring $$ for snow park, driver, and optional dinner in Pollock Pines.  Call for reservation by Dec. 10th.  Leader: Stan Jones 916.393.5373 or geezenski2@sbcglobal.net.

Younger Adult Power Hike (PIKE) (1A) American River Parkway (Younger Adult Singles)

See December 5th PIKE write-up for details.  Contact leader before December 12th to confirm attendance and for meeting details.  For ages 18-40, but all are welcome.  Leader: Jeff Utberg jeffutberg@hotmail.com or 916.548.7228.

Day Hike (2A) Tilden Regional Park (Singles)

In the hills west of Berkeley, this hike follows a ridge trail to Vollmer and Wildcat Peaks.  Sweeping panoramic views of the Bay to the north and west; Lafayette and San Pablo Reservoirs to the east; and Mt. Diablo and the valley below to the south.  The pace will be just a bit on the slow side of moderate, and there will be lunch at a favorite hilltop with a great view.  Towards the end, we’ll drop down to San Pablo Reservoir, right past the dam to a peaceful green park called Kennedy Grove.  Mostly flat or downhill, with a car shuttle.  Bring a spare layer in case the ridge is breezy.  Meet 8 a.m. @ 11th & P St., or 9:30 a.m. @ Kennedy Grove, just off San Pablo Dam Road.  Heavy rain cancels.  Leaders: Martin Farber 707.253.9606 or kowsoi@juno.com; Katherine Sargent klsargent@frontiernet.net; and Isabelle Saint-Guily 707.253.2293 or izstguily@gmail.com.

Day Hike (2A) American River (Singles)

Hike for 2-3 hours (6-8 miles) along American River Parkway trails with optional lunch afterward at Chevy’s.  Meet 10 a.m. on Bridge Street in Fair Oaks (by the old bridge).  Coming from Hwy 50 on Sunrise , turn east (right) on Fair Oaks Blvd.  If you stay to the right, Fair Oaks Blvd will become Bridge Street.  Continue on Bridge Street to the river.  Park near the bridge.  Heavy rain cancels.  Leader: Jack Tolomei 916.944.4942.

          December 13, Sunday

Younger Adult Day Hike (2B) Mt. Tamalpais to Stinson Beach (Younger Adult Singles)

This strenuous, but spectacular hike starts out on coastal hills, then descends to Stinson Beach and returns along the scenic Steep Ravine Trail.  Along the way we will hike through woodsy areas of ferns, Bays and Douglas Fir.  Open hillsides will provide a great view of Stinson Beach and Bolinas Mesa.  Stinson Beach has full facilities:  beach, water, food, and restrooms.  After our lunch we will hike back up Steep Ravine Trail.  This is a magnificent area offering an inspiring setting of redwoods, ferns, mosses, creeks and waterfalls.  Heavy rain cancels.  Hike is advertised for ages 18-40, but all are welcome.  Optional dinner after.  Contact leader for meeting info.  Leader: Rich Juricich rich.sac@pacbell.net or 916.492.2181.

Short Day Hike (1A) South Davis (Singles)

3 mile walk on paved trails around south Davis followed by optional lunch at a casual restaurant.  Meet 10 a.m. in Davis in front of Common Grounds coffee shop in the Oakshade shopping center (corner of Cowell and Pole Line Road).  Rain cancels.  Leader: Richard Crescitelli 530.758.2340 or rcresci@rocketmail.com.

Day Hike (2B) Muir Woods-Marin County (Singles)

Hike in scenic Muir Woods.  Hike will be 8-10 miles with 1,500' elev. gain.  Rain cancels.  Be prepared for unpredictably cool or warm weather.  We will discuss some of the natural history of the area.  Bring $$ for Nat’l Park admission.  Meet 8 a.m. @ 11th & P St. or in Davis upon request.  Leader: Alex MacCollom 916.978.9470 (call before 9 p.m.).

          December 15, Tuesday

Bike Ride (4A) Fish Hatchery to Folsom Lake (Sacramento)

Ride up to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake from the Fish Hatchery off Hazel Ave. and Hwy. 50, along the American River Bike Trail, which is paved.  This is a moderately-paced ride of 18-20 miles, with some hills (750' elev. gain).  We'll have lunch or snack at Folsom Lake then ride back down the hill.  Great views of Lake Natomas and Folsom Lake.  There is some optional single-track dirt on the return route.  Bring lunch, water, snacks, tire kit, helmet, and fully-prepared bike, etc.  Rain cancels.  Meet 10 a.m. @ the back of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery parking lot.  Leader: Mike Ranta greatstuff959@hotmail.com or 916.966.0531 (before 9 p.m.).

          December 16, Wednesday

Day Hike (1A)  Sterling Point (Seniors)

While Folsom Lake is low and the trail is above water, we’ll hike down to the old miners’ ditch along Folsom Lake and enjoy the views.  Bring lunch, water and essentials.  Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Burger King on Lincoln Way at Foresthill exit off I-80 or the Sterling Point staging area off Lomida Street in Loomis at 10:00. Rain cancels. Leader: Sheila Toner 530-886-0673.

          December 19, Saturday

Day Hike (Easy 1A) Buttermilk Bend at Bridgeport (Sierra Nevada Group)

We'll take an easy winter walk along the sunny (hopefully) Buttermilk Bend trail to watch, (also hopefully), wild winter water in the South Yuba.  Less than four miles on this level trail.  Leader: Richard Thomas 530-265-2666.

Ski/Snowshoe (2B) Fourth of July Lake (Sacramento Group)

About 10 miles and at least 1,800 feet of gain. Limited to 8. Bring the essentials and a snow shovel. Learn about the local geography. This may be a hike if there is no snow. Snowpark pass required. Please do not contact me after 7 p.m. the day before.  No dogs.  Must be in good shape.  Leader: Ted Lenzie .916.985.6144 or Clubted@Gmail.com

Day Hike (2B) American River Confluence (near Auburn) to Murderer’s Bar (Singles)

Approx. 1,100’ elev. gain and 6 miles.  This hike starts at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River, climbs towards Cool, then turns towards Murderer’s Bar and returns following the river.  The hike has some forest, some grassland, and some river walk.  It is only ½-hour drive from Roseville.  Optional dinner in Roseville afterward.  Rain cancels.  Not limited to singles.  Meet 11 a.m. @ the Roseville Park & Ride.  Leader: John Meininger 916.967.1018.

Younger Adult Power Hike (PIKE) (1A) American River Parkway (Younger Adult Singles)

See December 5th PIKE write-up for details.  Contact leader before December 19th to confirm attendance and for meeting details.  For ages 18-40, but all are welcome.  Leader: Jeff Utberg jeffutberg@hotmail.com or 916.548.7228.

Younger Adult Beginner XC Ski, Royal Gorge (Younger Adult Singles)

We will ski on groomed trails at the resort.  Maximum distance of about 10 miles with limited elev. gain.  Participants have an option of taking a lesson in the morning while the leader takes the rest of the group out for quick tour.  We will meet up for lunch and go out for another tour in the afternoon.  Trail pass is required ($29) and ski rentals are available at the resort.  Chance of snow cancels.  Trip is advertised for ages 18-40, but all are welcome.  Optional dinner after.  Contact leader for reservation and meeting info.  Leader: Rich Juricich rich.sac@pacbell.net or 916.492.2181.

          December 20, Sunday

Day Hike (1A) Weimar Institute (Singles)

6 miles with 500’ elev. gain.  Hike the trails surrounding the Weimar Institute off of I-80.  Leader keeps a very slow pace.  Meet 10 a.m. @ the Roseville Park & Ride (Eureka Rd. exit).  Bring layered clothing, lunch, water and $$ for your driver and optional early dinner.  Batteries for cookie deal: bring dead batteries to exchange for a freshly-baked (by me!) cookie.  Leader: Harold Elliott haroldelliott1946@att.net or 916.984.5325.

          December 26, Saturday

Day Hike (1B) Hiddenbrooke (Singles)

5 miles with 1,000’ elev. gain.  Hike on Sulphur Springs Mountain, a range of gentle grassy hills still partly grazed by cattle near Vallejo.  We’ll have nice views of the Bay Area as we hike the ridgeline.  Meet 8:30 a.m. @ Mace Blvd Park & Ride (north of I-80).  40 minute drive to the trailhead.  Optional lunch stop at a casual restaurant in Vacaville on the way back.  We should be back in Davis by 2 p.m.  Rain cancels.  Leader: Richard Crescitelli 530.758.2340 or rcresci@rocketmail.com.

           December 27, Sunday

Lunch & Walk (2A) Natomas (Singles)

The city actually put some thought into pedestrian routes in North Natomas.  Bring water, jacket and sun hat and rain gear/umbrella for our 5-mile, brisk stroll.  We can visit the little indigenous plant and pond areas along the way.  Meet 12 noon near what used to be Borders Books.  When this is being written up, it is Crown Books.  By the time we meet, it will probably be a big empty vandalized storefront.  We will look around the parking lot to see what is still in business and eat lunch before our walk.  Bring a container for your leftovers.  Book store spot is in the north part of the shopping center on the NE corner of Truxel/Natomas & Del Paso.  We may wind up walking ½ mile east to another shopping center in search of food.  No reservation needed.  No calls before 9 a.m.  Leader: Barb 916.925.5862.

          December 28 - January 1,  Sunday – Friday

River Paddle (Class 1) Colorado River  (Sacramento Group)

We will paddle from Davis Dam to Lake Havasu & Topock Marsh.  This is a combination of staying at the Avi Hotel and Casino and camping at Moabi Regional Park. Leader: Larry Deckard, 916.663.2191 or ladeckard@sbcglobal.net.