*TRIP SUMMARY*
This, the 6th Cinco de Mayo-ish Weekend at Santa Cruz Island, will again be a 3 day/2 night joint outing of the VHC and my NoCal group the Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group (MBAHG). The total group size (including MBAHGers and VHCers) will be limited to ~22 total. Cost per person is $10.00 to cover the cost of the 2 group sites. If and when you are added pay me via Paypal at: jlezlanc@gmail.com or Venmo at @jlezlanc1 [the “z” is not a typo].
The campground includes potable running water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and food lockers like the ones in Yosemite.
Important notes:
•BRING ALL YOU NEED TO BE SELF SUFFICIENT
•WE MUST PACK OUT ALL GARBAGE
•NO CAMPFIRES
•SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS, CORRUGATED BOXES and STYROFOAM COOLERS NOT ALLOWED ON THE ISLAND
•DON’T COUNT ON CELL RECEPTION ON THE ISLAND
•PLEASE HEED WARNINGS REGARDING ANIMALS-THE FOXES/RAVENS WILL AGGRESSIVELY GO AFTER FOOD/CLOTHING/OTHER LOOSE ITEMS, AND THEY APPARENTLY KNOW HOW TO OPEN ZIPPERS
*TRIP “411”*
A. Meeting Place/Transport
We’ll meet at Island Packers in Ventura, 1691 Spinnaker Drive, for the ferry ride over to Scorpion Harbor, which takes about an hour. You’ll need to make your own boat reservation through Island Packers at this link (see itinerary below): https://reserve.islandpackers.com/trips.php?m=202205
The cost is $84.00 round trip ($79.00 over age 55). Cancellations allowed 72 hours prior to sailing. Free parking is available at Island Packers.
Boat Itinerary:
1. Friday May 6: Ventura to East Santa Cruz (Scorpion), 9am or 9:30am boat if you want to participate in our Friday hike.
2. Sunday May 8 return: there are currently boats at noon, 4PM and 4:30PM, I intend to take 4:30.
B. Island Packers Information
It is critical that you review the ISLAND PACKERS WEBSITE for all pertinent instructions/requirements/information:
https://reserve.islandpackers.com/travel_policies.php
*NOTE-the “official” weight limitation is 60 lbs per person excluding water and fuel!
C. Campground Information: See Comments
D. Activity Information: See Comments
E. Meals: See Comments
F. What to Bring: See Comments
*ATTENDANCE AND RSVPs*
To attend, please RSVP to the Waitlist. Attendance limited to ~22 people total of which about half will be VHCers and the other half will be from the MBAHG. If you are interested in attending, place your name on the wait list. Priority will be given to active participants in the MBAHG who will enjoy the experience with the group, and who don’t have a history of “No-Shows”. I do not allow “+1″s on this trip, anyone who wants to attend must be a member of VHC.
Once you are moved to the “yes” list, I strongly recommend making your boat reservation because the boats can sell out. IF A TRIP IS SHOWN AS SOLD OUT ONLINE, CALL ISLAND PACKERS, THEY OFTEN HAVE SPACE.
Reservations are fully refundable until 72 hours before sailing so it is a relatively no-risk proposition to buy your ticket well in advance.
*LEGAL STUFF*
PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring snacks and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The VHC Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any VHC Meetup events, you are releasing the VHC Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
