PAST EVENTS ~ March 2008

CCS Events Scheduled for March 2008

We have a day planned for everyone at Montana de Oro. We have hiking and walking, with a docent event.

HERE IS THE ITINERARY:

9:00 am you have two choices:

Choice 1: Hike of Valencia Peak, panoramic views and climb. Hike info 5.5 miles, about 3 hours. That means you will be back at Spooner's Cove about noonish, in time for picnic and the bluffs. There are beautiful views and animal life. Bring water, sunscreen, tick/mosquito repellent and cover up. I'm sure you'll want good hiking shoes/boots. Maybe energy snacks, and anything else Annette tells you :-)
Meet at the Ranger Station at Spooner's Cove to start.

Choice 2: Hazard Canyon beach access & dunes Hazard Canyon info It is a 1/4 mile walk to the beach over some rough/uneven ground, through Eucalyptus and local brush to a beautiful beach, looking down the dunes to Morro Rock. We may see wildflowers, and a chance of animals. No swimming ~ sharks and undertoe. Sunscreen would probably be good for the beach, good walking shoes. Although the path can be rough and slanted, I don't think you need hiking boots. No sandals or flip flops, tho. Not good if you have trouble walking.
Meet in Spooners Cove parking lot to carpool back to trail entrance (not much parking at trail). Look for my little white POS car to meet up. This should not take us longer than an hour to play around, and we should be back at Spooner's by about 10 am.

10:00 AM
Time at Spooners Cove. If you want to come and play in the water, explore the cliffs, and beach comb, you can join us about this time and head down onto the beach at the parking area. You may choose to join us for some of the flat portion of our walk along the top of the bluffs, also. Of course, you are welcome to stay around the beach, as well.

11:00 AM
Living History demonstration at the Spooner Ranch home. Living History info It is a drop-in program that lasts 2 hours, but people are not expected to stay for the whole thing. The info center will be open so we can check out info.

NOON or 12:30
Lunch break for those that want to stop between events. Depending on how captivating the demonstration is, some may break away at noon, others at 12:30. I suppose the hikers will be arriving by about this time for lunch. It would be nice if some people have coolers with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks to share. I will bring some stuff. Don't forget to bring your water or beverage of choice.

1:00 PM
Docent led walk along the bluffs. We have a docent for this portion of the day. We will go all the way to the end and back for those that choose to make the whole trip. Some people can turn and return at any point. I would hope they would go back in pairs, or can hang around the bluffs enjoying the ocean. The docent will point out all the cool stuff along the way, where the pier was, the flora and fauna, birds, tide pools, geology, and more. It will be a great chance to get familiar with all that is out there.

If the tide is low enough, we might see remnants of the old pier and the building they had on the bluffs. It was the way goods were brought in off the coast for transport to SLO for a long time. There is a blow-hole there, and we can walk down to it. To do that, we have to go along a somewhat precarious path and down onto the rocks, so wear good shoes for traction that can get wet. You may want to go down to some of the rocks along the path and check out the sea life and tide pools. You will need good walking shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, hat and cover. Take water, also. We may walk down about a mile and back.

3:00 PM
Last chance for Spooner's Cove. Once we get back to the cove, we will have time to hang around, explore the tide pools, beach comb, and if anyone has brought a kite or beach games, we can have some fun. Be sure you are wearing sunscreen. It may also be windy/breezy, so dress in layers. You can also play in the water with your swimsuit. This is a really amazing place.

We will stay out at Montana de Oro as long as you want. We can make a fun day of it. Once we are done at MdO, we can head into Los Osos and Baywood Park.

4:00 PM
If you're not tired yet, there is a walk along the water at Baywood/Cuesta-by-the-Sea called Sweet Springs Natural Preserve Sweet Springs info It is nice, and we can slow down and enjoy some beautiful surroundings.

5:00 PM
We can also go down to Baywood Park for the little pier and Audubon overlook. Bring your bird books.

5:30 or 6:00 PM
Dinner. If we are there late enough, or people have joined us late, we can have dinner at a great little Mexican restaurant called La Casita (I think I'll stick around just to have dinner there!) Restaurant menu I enjoy the food there. Of course, if you twist my arm, we could head over to Morro Bay, instead lol.

Remember, you can join us or leave at any time, and the whole day is flexible. Just let me know when you will be there when you RSVP. None of this costs any money, except food and drink.

The goal is to have the hike for all the hikers out there, but then share Montana de Oro with everyone that wants to go there before they shut things down. It is a unique place on the Central Coast, and if you have never been there, you need to do this. Please RSVP ccoastsingles@yahoo(remove).com to let us know what portion(s) you want to join us for.

I suggest you bring

• Hat, sunglasses, hair brush
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Water, energy snacks
• Dress in layers for hot/cold/wind/sun
• Binoculars for whales and animals
• Camera still and video
• Good walking/hiking shoes
• Towel for sand or water

if you are going, so I can put together a roster. Thanks!

Location: Dirctions from Los Osos to Spooner's Cove beach

This is a special event hosted by one of our members. I am adding it here for your convenience:

Wendy is offering to oversee a Kayak date. It will be a fun time heading across the bay and checking out the dunes, looking through the clear bay waters, and having a good workout and fun. She is being kind enough to head this up, so I hope you will check it out.

RATES:
Single
1 Hour $10.00
2 Hour $12.00
3 to 4 Hours $18.00
Double
$ 18.00
$ 22.00
$ 28.00

To RSVP directly for Kayaking, Email RSVP to Wendy

Location: www.Rockkayak.comROCK KAYAK
845 Embarcadero Street
(The Dock next to the chamber of Commerce)
Morro Bay, CA 93442

We are meeting at Boomers in Santa Maria to have a day of fun and miniature golf. We will meet starting at noon, and wo all the way through the day (probably until about 6 pm). You pick what time you want to come, and we will get you the group discount. Unlimited passes include Unlimited Miniature Golf, Splash Island Bumper Boats, Rock Wall, Rookie Track (we are too old for this) & Thunder Road Go-Karts. Here is how it breaks down:

• All day: $19 (regular price $29.95)
• 3 hours: $15 (regular price $24.95)
• 2 events $10
• Lunch $3.99 (2 slices pizza and a drink)

We also get price breaks on tokens for games inside. I will be playing golf or waiting out by the golf check-in window. Look for me wearing a green lei for St. Patty's Day (I have enough for 48 of us) or call my cellphone 602-0051 when you get there. Please if you are going, so I can know when to stop waiting. Thanks!

Location:Boomer's Santa Maria
2250 N. Preisker Lane
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 928-4942

Meeting to get together, meet each other, chat, and have input for what kind of events and activities to plan. We will discuss all that I have planned so far, and you will tell me what you want to do! Bowling, dining, BBQ in the park, bonfire, movies, or whatever you want to do. We will have fun this month with Mongolian BBQ. Jumbo Buffet has many types of food, such as Chinese, sushi, american, seafood, Mongolian BBQ, and includes desert and drinks for $10.99 (I believe they have a senior discount). We will meet in the private room. It holds up to 80 people, so let's see how many we can get together!

Since we need to know what kind of seating we require, please you will be there, so I can plan it.

Location: Jumbo Buffet (next to Foodsco, Big Lots, JC Penney)
1451 S Broadway
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 739-5533

This is a special event hosted by one of our members in conjunction with a hiking group. Her hiking group has some singles in it as well, so you may be able to mingle with some of them. Otherwise, you have Annette there to make you comfortable and help you along the way. I am adding it here for your convenience:

Annette, one of our Group Directors, is offering to oversee a hiking date once again. She led the hike up Valencia Peak in Montana de Oro, and everyone had a great time. I'm sure you'll love this, as well. I understand that this is a great walk, and wish I could go on it. This does not interfere with the Miniature Golf event at Noon. You can go on this walk, then go home to freshen up, and still make it to mini golf. We will be there for quite some time, and you can join in at any point. I will be there quite a while. You can call me at (805) 602-0051 to check if we are still playing when you are done with the hike. I hope you'll do both events (although you may be tired after the hike, or maybe have way more energy to burn off).

The Reservoir Canyon Trail is found in an undeveloped open space maintained by the City of San Luis Obispo. It is a wonderful forested creekside trail that meanders up the canyon parallel to Reservoir Creek. Along the creek are cascades, small waterfalls and pools. It is strenuous, with elevation gain of about 1300 feet over 2.5 miles (one way). Be prepared. You will need sunscreen, repellent, plenty of water, sun hat, proper clothing, and good hiking shoes/boots. For more info, you can call Annette directly, or go to this online ECOSLO trail guide for a full description and details.

Be sure to take your camera, as I would love to post your pics on the website for this event. To reach the trailhead, take US 101 north. Go one mile past the city limits (Monterey Street exit) and turn right on Reservoir Canyon Road. Drive to the end of the road and park in the dirt lot. The trail starts on the other side of the gate. Upon leaving, enter Highway 101 very carefully, as I have seen accidents there. You may even consider turning right instead of going across traffic, then taking the next left turn to go across. Also be aware of wildlife, such as Mountain Lions, snakes, etc. Just be careful and stick with your guide. We accept no responsibility for injury.

To RSVP directly for this hike, Email RSVP to Annette or call her directly at 937-1914 or 710-0781 to RSVP. I thank Annette and Wendy for doing these events for us, and I hope you will go!

Location: Resevoir Canyon Natural Preserve
End of Reservoir Canyon Rd.
(at the base of Cuesta Grade)
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

We are meeting at Boomers in Santa Maria to have a day of fun and miniature golf. We will meet starting at noon, and wo all the way through the day (probably until about 6 pm). If there is more than 30% chance of rain in the Saturday forcast by Friday evening, then we will go bowling instead. Be sure to keep checking here for status, or email me directly by the link below. You pick what time you want to come, and we will get you the group discount. Unlimited passes include Unlimited Miniature Golf, Splash Island Bumper Boats, Rock Wall, Rookie Track (we are too old for this) & Thunder Road Go-Karts. Here is how it breaks down:

• All day: $19 (regular price $29.95)
• 3 hours: $15 (regular price $24.95)
• 2 events $10
• Lunch $3.99 (2 slices pizza and a drink)

We also get price breaks on tokens for games inside. I will be playing golf or waiting out by the golf check-in window. Look for me wearing a green lei for St. Patty's Day (I have enough for 48 of us) or call my cellphone 602-0051 when you get there. Please if you are going, so I can know when to stop waiting. Thanks!

Location:Boomer's Santa Maria
2250 N. Preisker Lane
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 928-4942