Milpitas Camera Club 2010 Field Trip Schedule

The Milpitas Camera Club offers numerous activities and programs for the enjoyment of club members, guests and prospective members. Please follow the guidelines listed below when participating in field trips and other club activities.

Field trip protocol: The Milpitas Camera Club assumes that field trip participants are able to participate independently in the trips. The field trip chair or designated group leader reserves the right to evaluate any participant's ability to participate based on his or her physical abilities and/or demonstrated behaviors. It is expected that all participants will conduct themselves in a dignified, cooperative and congenial manner.

In the field: Participants usually come up with a consensus regarding where they wish to shoot. Usually there is a designated group leader who should have a list of participants and access to contact information. (Group leader is only an informal title and does not mean "tour guide.") Participants may choose to travel or hike with the group or go off on their own. Those opting to travel alone, however, are asked to tell the group leader where they are going in case something happens. (The group leader is not going to check whether you get back home or not-once you go off on your own it becomes your personal responsibility.)

Checkpoints: Most field trips have an initial meeting checkpoint for carpools to organize, or two or three checkpoints during the day (in the case of some long-distance trips) so participants can regroup. If you are late for the initial checkpoint, you'll have to try to catch up with the group. The group leader will usually give you a ten- to fifteen-minute grace period before the group leaves (unless there is a specific start time, as in the case of a tour or event).
If this is your first field trip, please give the group leader a sheet of paper with some basic emergency contact information on it so your family can be contacted in case of emergency. It would also be advisable to let the group leader know if you have any allergies or physical conditions that could cause problems out in the field. By informing your fellow travelers of your health issues, they may be able to give rescue providers important details if they have to come to your aid. (Nothing bad has happened so far and we want to keep it that way!)

Inclement weather: Here is the general rule: If it is very likely that it may be raining heavily at our destination then the field trip is cancelled. If there is a light rain or drizzle then the hard-core photographers will usually decide to go anyway. (Some of the best pictures are taken when the weather is bad!) If you decide to go with the extreme "crazies" and shoot in the rain then it is up to you to have adequate moisture protection for you as well as your camera. Bring sufficient Zip-lock bags to seal up all your camera bodies, lenses and accessories. If it's raining bring a rain poncho for yourself and a dry change of clothes, (which you can put in your car or in a pack) in case you get drenched and become cold. In hot locations be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of water. Never underestimate Mother Nature!

Carpooling: When ride sharing consider your driver. If you see fit, offer to buy a meal or your share of the gasoline to compensate for the use of the car and the expense of driving. If you drive, please drive safely and make sure your passengers have their seatbelts fastened.

Long-distance trips: Always bring along ample food and water if the group is going to a wilderness destination. On long road trips you are responsible for your own meals, lodging and transportation. Car pools may be arranged between participants. Long-distance field trips are generally preceded by at least one organizational meeting to discuss trip logistics.

JANUARY

January 2 (Saturday) - Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Elephant Seals (morning trip)
More info: www.parks.ca.gov

January 17 (Sunday) - Don Edwards Wildlife Preserve, Alviso
More info: www.fws.gov/desfbay

January 30 (Saturday) - Pacific Grove (Monarch Butterflies) Monterey Cannery Row/Monterey Bay Aquarium
Pacific Grove is next to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We'll begin the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of Monterey Bay Aquarium. I know one of the divers and he's agreed to give us a special behind-the-tanks tour. If you are interested in this tour I encourage you to let me know now so I can give him a head-count. So far I have about six persons who have expressed interest.
Regular admission tickets cost $29.95 for adults (phew!) and $27.95 for seniors. The usual behind-the-scenes tour costs an additional $12. (I think ours will be free of charge, but bring an extra $12 just in case.)
Some of the excellent displays include the recently opened seahorses exhibit, the old favorite jelley fish tanks, the kelp forest, the "Deep Ocean" tank and the various tanks of small exotic fish and sea creatures (bring your macro lens!). Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Depending upon when we get out of the aquarium, we'll eat at the Sand Dab at the nearby yacht harbor.
More info: www.montereybayaquarium.org
The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is open during the wintering season from October through early-March, clusters of monarch butterflies can be viewed clustered on trees in thick bunches. The Sanctuary is located at Lighthouse Avenue & Ridge Road.
If the Monarchs are present, we'll go over there after the Aquarium visit. The butterflies will be clustered up during the early morning hours-they only fly when the sun warms their bodies. If we have an overcast day, then you can pretty much figure that the level of butterfly activity will be subdued.
Butterfly Etiquette:
1. Stay on designated paths and be careful of butterflies on the ground.
2. Do not disturb butterfly clusters.
3. Please don't take firewood, or remove insects, plants, or animals from their natural habitat.
4. Picnic only in designated areas, and dispose of all litter in proper receptacles.
More info: www.ci.pg.ca.us/monarchs
Meet-up: Either at Bite-O-Wyoming at 7:45 a.m. or Big Bear Diner in Gilroy (Leavesley exit).

FEBRUARY

February 6 (Saturday) - Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Coast Redwoods, fungi, etc.)
Big Basin is California's oldest state park, established in 1902. It is home to a large stand of ancient coast redwood trees and has more than 80 miles of trails. The park covers more than 18,000 acres and rambles from the shore of the Pacific Ocean to the 2,000-foot ridges of the Santa Cruz Mountains. (Our group rarely gets much further than a quarter mile down the trail because of the abundant growth of fungus that lures us off the trail, pulls our lenses down to the ground and thrusts our rumps up in the air like so many stink-beetles!)
Some of the highlights of this spectacular park include its waterfalls, its grand old-growth giants, the winter-emerging fungi and its many, lush, beautiful trails. Winter and spring are probably the best seasons for photography at Big Basin because of the beautiful fog effects and the abundant flora encouraged by the winter rains. If it has recently rained there should be some good mushroom photo opportunities.
The road from the east, Highway 236, is extremely curvy and very steep in places. If you are prone to carsickness then you'd better drive to Santa Cruz and approach the park from the much flatter Boulder Creek road.
A $10-per-car park entrance fee is levied at the entrance. You can buy park maps and other information at the visitors' center.
Big Basin State Park is a 75-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
Meet-up: We'll meet at the park headquarters (closest to the Highway 236 north gate). Pay parking fees there and warm up inside by the fire-unless the California State Legislature has cut the funds for chopped wood! (Maybe some dead wood should be pruned in Sacramento!)
More info: www.parks.ca.gov

February 20 (Saturday) - Mt. Diablo State Park (Mountainside Chapparal, Bay Area views, hiking, etc.)
Mt. Diablo State Park has something to offer year round-mountains, wildflowers, an extensive trail system, wildlife, rock formations and numerous forms of recreation. One of the tallest peaks in the Bay Area, Mt. Diablo rises to 3,846 feet above the level of the bay, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Bay Area.
Park opens a 8 a.m. and closes at sunset. Entrances are gated and are locked at night. Visitors' center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The group will choose a short hike and/or a location for taking photos. To follow are a few possibilities:
- Mary Bowerman Trail: Just below the summit, this trail offers spectacular vistas as well as a gentle 0.7-mile loop trail, accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
- Rock City: You'll find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.
- Deer Flat: You are likely to see some of the mountain's natural wildlife as you take this moderately strenuous 1.6-mile hike from Juniper Camp.
- Diablo Valley Overlook: From here near Juniper Campground, 3,200 feet above sea level, you can see the Golden Gate.
- Summit Museum: Open Daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The summit museum is located in the historic stone building atop Mt. Diablo's highest peak.
- Art Gallery: Features rotating displays of art by local artists and photographers.
- Observation Deck: Telescopes are mounted on the deck to help visitors enjoy one of the finest views in the world. On the walk up the circular stairway to the observation deck, visitors are treated to a look at ancient marine fossils embedded in the sandstone walls of the summit building. In the rotunda they are reminded of Mt. Diablo's importance as a survey point.
Meet-up: TBA
More info: www.parks.ca.gov

MARCH

March 6 (Saturday) - Moss Landing / Elkhorn Slough canoe trip
By far the best water bird habitat in Monterey County is the Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough vicinity. The intertidal zones, saltwater marshes, brackish water sloughs and freshwater ponds attract a great diversity of birds, mammals and other creatures. A couple major marine laboratories are located in Moss Landing for the study of wildlife above and below the surf zone.
The massive Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon begins at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough and extends out into the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Scientists can study life forms from 1,000 meters deep after only an hour's cruise from the harbor.
Our explorations will be directed away from the canyon, however, as we take a couple of canoes up the slough to see gulls, pelicans, terns, ducks and sea mammals, such as sea otters and sea lions, from the vantage point of our boats. (We have access to three canoes.)
Participants will have to comply with boating safety guidelines available from the U.S. Coast Guard. We should wear life jackets while we are on the water. Other boats can be rented in nearby Moss Landing if you don't like the idea of canoes. We'll probably launch the canoes into the south end of the Moss Landing harbor and paddle up the slough. Your camera gear must be stored in a "wet bag" specifically intended for watercraft. If you don't have a way to protect your camera in the boat you shouldn't bring it. Canoes capsize easily and no risky behavior will be tolerated in the boats- if you don't feel comfortable on the water, please take the hiking paths.
After our cruise up the slough we'll have lunch at one of the eating establishments in Moss Landing-Phil's- and explore the harbor area and shops if there is time and the desire to do so.
Moss Landing is a 120-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
Meet-up: Black Bear Diner for breakfast at 9 a.m. in Gilroy at Leavesely Exit from 101.
More info: www.elkhornslough.org

March 13 (Saturday) - Palo Alto Baylands Preserve and Egret and Heron rookery at the Duck Pond
Numerous Common Egrets and Black-crested Night Herons, along with a host of other birds are the attraction at the Duck Pond in the Palo Alto Baylands Preserve at the east end of Embarcadero Road. Several large date palms at the far end of the Duck Pond host the nesting sites of the egrets and herons. The competition for space is fierce and nesting parents are constantly flying back and forth to their nests with nest-building materials and food for the hatchlings. There is also a hoard of photographers with telephoto lenses crowding next to the fence near the rookery trees. I suspect several photographers are there before dawn to capture the first light on the birds. Morning light is probably best, since the eastern sun hits the side of the trees nearest the parking lot. Early risers will be rewarded.
The Palo Alto Baylands also has a network of slough-side trails and a visitors' center. The Duck Pond parking lot is a 35-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
Meet-up: Gather at the Duck Pond (near the end of Embarcadero Road) between 7:30 and 8 a.m.
More info: www.cityofpaloalto.org

March 20-21 (Saturday-Sunday) - Pinnacles National Monument with a possible side trip to Mercey Hot Springs
The Pinnacles National Monument is located on the east side of the Salinas Valley in the Gabilan Mountains. The massive monoliths, spires and passages through fields of giant boulders are the remnants of an ancient volcano. There are also sheer-walled canyons, a lake and 30 miles of hiking trails in this 24,000-acre park. There are two visitors' centers, Bear Gulch Visitors' Center and the Chaparral Visitors' Center on the east and west sides of the park. We'll meet at the Bear Gulch entrance, closest to the Village of Paicenes, where the road to Mercey Hot Springs begins.
Entry fee is $5 per vehicle or $3 per hiker. The Pinnacles is a day-use park, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but camping options are also available.
When in season, wildflowers are abundant and spectacular-hopefully this date will coincide with this year's bloom. There are other wildlife shooting opportunities, including the possibility of seeing the rare California Condor.
Pinnacles is about a 200-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
Meet-up: at 9 a.m. at the trail head that goes up to the high trail. (Those who wish to hike other times, may do so.)
More info: www.nps.gov/pinn
Those who wish to camp or lodge at Mercy Hot Springs (located near Highway 5 near the Firebaugh exit) are welcome to come along. You must make separate reservations at this remote mineral springs spa. There is a great naturally heated swimming pool, outside mineral soaking tubs and a sauna for use by daytime visitors for a reduced spa fee of $20 for four hours. Cabins start at $100 and tent camping fees are lower. This is a great place to stay overnight and relax! For details go to the website: www.merceyhotsprings.com
You can reach Mercey Hot Springs using the road that goes north from the village of Paicines, near the Pinnacles Holister-side entrance. Those who stay overnight will go on a night photo shoot. For those who wish to go to the springs, please bring a lunch and we can have dinner in the Central Valley at Firebaugh or another nearby village.
More info: www.merceyhotsprings.com

APRIL

April 7-12 (Wednesday - Monday) - Death Valley west side, Lone Pine, Calif., Telescope Peak with a possible side-trip to Sequoia National Park
The Death Valley National Park trip continues to be one of the most popular events offered in the club's field trip schedule. This year's trip will be based from Lone Pine, California on the west side of the park. Night shooters will assemble at the charcoal kilns near Telescope Peak. This year we will concentrate on Telescope Peak for an attempted climb to the summit. If we succeed with that endeavor we may take a couple of days and visit Sequoia National Park a couple of hours to the south. The giant Sequoia are the most amazing living things I've ever seen! If you haven't been to Sequoia, you'll love it. (If you camp bring a rope and food bag because the bears will tear the insides out of your car to get even a few morsels of food!)
Specific trip details will be discussed at a meeting to be held a few weeks prior to this trip. All participants are required to furnish their own transportation and lodging.
Death Valley is approximately 450 miles from Milpitas and you can either take I-5 to Bakersfield and through the Mojave Desert or via Highway 395 east of the Sierras-in both cases it is at least an eight-hour drive.
There will be a pre-trip planning meeting to be announced prior to the trip for those who need more information or those who have never gone to Death Valley.
Meet-up: Campsite near Telescope Peak-TBA
More info: www.nps.gov/deva, www.nps.gov/seki

April 10 (Saturday) - Filoli (Tulips, spring flower garden, historic mansion, etc.)
Preserved by the National Trust for Historic Places, the Georgian revival style mansion was designed by California architect Willis Polk. The Filoli mansion is surrounded by a 16-acre formal garden and 600 acres of woodland. It is located just off Interstate 280 on the peninsula, halfway to San Francisco. The admission cost is $12 per person, free if you are under 5 or a member of the National Trust for Historic Places. The grounds of this estate, one of the few remaining intact, are open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until the last tour at 2:30 p.m. Tours and docent-led nature hikes are available or you can wander aimlessly. During the spring, the many varieties of tulips are the stars of the show! The website says that tripods are not allowed, but if you conceal a small one, you may be able to use it discreetly.
The estate, named Filoli, (a contraction of the family motto: "Fight, Love, Live") was shown on the opening credits of the hit '80s television show Dynasty and has served as a background for numerous other television shows and movies.
Please join us for a beautiful day at this most meticulously groomed estate and formal garden. We will meet in Milpitas and get to the park before the 10 a.m. opening.
Filoli is a 70-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
Meet-up: 8:30 a.m. breakfast meeting TBA.
More info: www.filoli.org

April 18 (Sunday) - Little Yosemite, Sunol Regional Wilderness
Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the visitors' center. Last year's trip was delightful; therefore, it is back on the calendar. Fellow photogs have reported seeing Tule Elk at various places in this park and surely there will be wildflowers, green hills and plentiful avian and animal life. Last year we saw wild turkeys, turkey vultures, a host of other birds, insects and a nice selection of wildflowers-there was even a herd of domestic bovine to chase around the pasture.
The park headquarters near Little Yosemite is about a 35-mile round trip drive from Milpitas. The park entrance is over the 680 "hump" near Sunol, California.
Meet-up: Our group will gather at the park visitor's center at 8 a.m. Parking fee is $5.
More info: www.ebparks.org

MAY

May 2 (Sunday) - Skyline Blvd. parks (Wildflowers, etc.)
- Black Mountain Open Space Preserve
- Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
- Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
- Montebello Ridge Open Space Preserve
- Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
All these preserves are located atop the Santa Cruz Mountains. Black Mountain is the highest point in the hills above Palo Alto and is considered an excellent place to find nice stands of wildflowers. There are several interesting trails to choose from. There are numerous short and long trails that wind through Chaparral landscapes, close to several lakes and through stands of oaks and pines.
Montebello OSP is known as one of the richest places for wildlife ecosystem diversity in the Bay Area. You'll have the opportunity to see hawks, owls, deer and even bobcats. In spring, the wildflowers are abundant on the hillsides and this is a perfect place for macro photography. I'm hoping we'll hit a reasonably good time for the wildflowers.
Across the road from Montebello is Los Trancos OSP. Its east-facing exposure offers a spectacular view of the Bay Area. This 274-acre preserve is known for its 1.5-mile San Andreas Fault interpretive trail. Informative signs point out various changes in the land caused by earthquakes on California's most famous of fault lines.
These Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserves are about a 60-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
More info: www.openspace.org

May 15-16 (Saturday-Sunday) - Weekend at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Redding
According to President Teddy Roosevelt, the 129-foot Burney Falls was "the eighth wonder of the world." If that is the case then this should be a "Bully" of a time for photographing this beautiful state park. According to a park brochure, great views of the falls are accessible right from the parking lot, while a short easy hike takes you to the base. A 1.3 mile trail circles the falls.
Cabins, campgrounds are available and nearby Lake Britton may afford us a bit of boating, too.
This state park includes the falls, forests, mountains and a lake. It is located northeast of Redding, California on Highway 89. This long-distance trip will require us to find places to stay and some advance planning, so those interested should meet in advance to figure out the plan of attack.
Pre-trip meeting TBA.
More info: www.parks.ca.gov

May 23 (estimated) - San Francisco Carnival
The Mission District of San Francisco resounds with the sound of Samba music, and a parade featuring bright colorful costumes and scantily-clad women and men set the scene for this long-time celebration of Mardi Gras in the Bay Area.
Date of parade, time and parade route TBA.
More info: www.carnavalsf.com

May 29 (Saturday) - Civil War Re-enactment event at Roaring Camp
Ardenwood Historic Farm used to host a very good Civil War re-enactment, however it doesn't appear on this year's events calendar, so we'll probably have to go to the one at Roaring Camp in Felton. If we arrive in the morning, we'll have time to wander about the tent camps of the the "Federal" and "Confederate" armies. At midday, they'll stage a mock battle with plenty of cannons, smoke and activity-the trains will be running around the tracks during the battle, so there will be some nice shooting opportunites.
If it so happens that there is something happening at Ardenwood in Fremont, then I'll change the venue back to that location.
Meet-up: Breakfast TBA
More info: www.roaringcamp.com

JUNE

June 5 (Saturday) - Italian Street Painting Festival, San Rafael
This very photogenic event will take place at the historic Mission San Rafael Arcangel in San Rafael, a half hour's drive north of San Francisco via U.S. 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge.
This two-day street fair, complete with entertainment, merchandise and refreshments, attracts an estimated 60,000 visitors.
The festival will be held both Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Fifth Avenue and A Street in downtown San Rafael. If you come on Saturday you can see the artists beginning work on their pieces as well as the little kids grinding away with their sticks of chalk and dirty, little hands.
Admission is free-but don't worry, they'll get to your bank account with the food and merchandise! You don't necessarily have to eat on-site, because there are plenty of good local restaurants to choose from!
San Rafael is a 120-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
If anyone is interested in coordinating the group on this one, please speak up!
More info: www.youthinarts.org

June 5 (Saturday) - Greek Festival in San Jose (alternate)
Alternate to Italian Street Painting Festival is the Greek Festival, held in San Jose near Highway 880 and The Alameda. Event held at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on
Park in the designated place on The Alameda and take shuttle busses to the event. Event includes Greek cultural dancing, music, food and costumes. Usually a very colorful event. The food is good, but pretty expensive, so bring a wad of cash if you plan to eat on site.
More info: www.saintnicholas.org

June 12 (Saturday) - 92nd Annual Livermore Rodeo
Begun in 1918 to raise funds for Red Cross war relief during World War I.
Rodeo, is considered a sport, and had its origins in Spain, and later in the New World- Northern Mexico and the Western U.S. and Canada.
Professional rodeos generally comprises the following events: tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing. The events are divided into two basic categories: the rough stock events and the timed events. Depending on sanctioning organization and region, other events such as breakaway roping, goat tying, or pole bending may also be a part of some rodeos. By far, the bareback bronc riding and bull riding events are the most exciting and picturesque (also the most crowded).
Rodeo is the offical sport of the states of Texas and Wyoming (Cheyenne Frontier Days). Alberta, Canada (Calgary Stampede) may soon make it the official sport of the prvovince. Rodeo season begins in the sring and continues through early fall. The July 4 weekend is the peak of the season, with more rodeos happening on that particular weekend than any others. There are also large rodeos held in Reno, San Francisco, Salinas and many other western cities.
Animal rights organizations are fighting to ban the rodeo entirely. The sport is essentially banned in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands-but until cat hugging becomes a sport and can be more spectacular than an 8-second ride on a half-mad bull, I don't think many western states in this country will follow suite. The animal rights people are the primary reason that you will be confronted with limitation on using telephoto lenses and other tools of the trade. It makes me want to go splash pixels on an animal-rightser!
Tickets $13 to $20
More info: www.livermorerodeo.org

June 13 (Sunday) - Camera Club Exhibit opening and reception at the Milpitas Library

June 19 (Saturday) - Point Lobos sunset
Point Lobos State Reserve is always a winner and this is your chance to go see this beautiful preserve. Since this excursion will be at the beginning of peak tourist season there will probably be quite a few cars waiting to be let in the gate. Car entry fee is $10 per vehicle, with discounts for seniors or handicapped. There are numerous trails to hike and places to set up for a sunset photo. We should park at the Sea Lion Point parking lot and then find good vantage points to get the sunset shots.
Those interested in making a day of it can decide whether to meet for lunch or a late lunch in Monterey.
The city of Monterey is a 160-mile round trip drive. Add about 10 to 15 additional miles for Point Lobos.
More info: www.parks.ca.gov

JULY

July 10 (Saturday) - Sunset Magazine garden/Rancho San Antonio County Park
Sunset Magazine is the ever-popular lifestyle magazine of western living, focusing on homes, gardens, food and travel.
The office complex of Sunset Magazine in Menlo Park opens its demonstration garden to visitors. Built in 1951 on a seven-acre parcel, the Sunset headquarters building was designed by Cliff May. He created a long, low, adobe building that resembled a large residence surrounding a central courtyard. Its design was intended to epitomize the concept of western elegancea deliberate attempt to break the cowboy & Indian stereotype of the American West. The building and its immaculately manicured grounds are beautiful. Many of the photos that appear in the magazine are taken in the beautiful, constantly-groomed garden out behind the building.
We'll call to arrange for a tour time. Details and meet-up: TBA.
More info: www.sunset.com
The tour probably won't take too long, so if we still want more we can drive over to nearby Rancho San Antonio County Park.
Rancho San Antonio County Park is one of the most popular parks in Santa Clara County. Rancho San Antonio is located just west of Los Altos Hills, right off Interstate 280. The attractions include numerous wonderful trail and Deer Hollow Farm, an interpretative farm exhibit stocked with ducks, chickens, rabbits, goats, cattle and numerous other barnyard animals.
Rancho San Antonio is a 40-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.

More info: www.sccgov.org

July 24 (Saturday) - Muir Woods National Monument, Marin County, Sausalito, etc.
Muir Woods was designated a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Thus the old-growth redwood forest there was preserved from logging and is now one of the few places where you can visit an old-growth forest.
Muir Woods is located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge off the Highway 101 Muir Woods exit. Roads to the park are steep and winding. Parking spaces are limited and the lot fills quickly on most days, so getting there early is important. We may meet somewhere for breakfast and then drive as a group to the park. There is a choice of trails: a half-hour loop trail, a one-hour loop trail and an hour-and-a-half loop trail. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and there is a $3 per person entry fee. Last year we arrived before 8 and parking was free.
If we leave the park at an early hour, those who are interested can meet in Sausalito for a late lunch or early dinner. If anyone is interested, we can also meet at the north parking lot for the Golden Gate bridge before dawn to get a nice sunrise picture of the bridge. (What do you say? Are you a glutton for punishment?)
Muir Woods is a 150-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
More info: www.nps.gov/muwo

AUGUST

August 7 (Saturday) - Colma-Cypress Lawn, Pets' Rest, etc.
The city of Colma, California has a population that exceeds 1.5 million-a tiny fraction of those are alive. Colma was the location chosen by the city and county of San Francisco for relocating its cemeteries. Back in the nineteenth century burial within the boundaries of San Francisco was prohibited by the state legislature. As a result of the mandate, all the occupants of its many cemeteries were moved to the new "City of Death" 15 miles to the south.
Colma has numerous cemeteries, many of which are specifically ethnic or religious in nature- and there are even a couple of pet cemeteries. The best parts of Colma, in my opinion, are the Victorian-era cemeteries of Cypress Lawn, Gate of Heaven etc. The last camera club group that visited Colma left with big, satisfied smiles. The group continued to smile when they discovered that the possibilities for local dining were almost as plentiful as the grave markers.
Colma is about a 90-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.

August 13 (Friday-??) - Mendocino weekend/Art show
More details TBA
Every year some of us go to the small, but charming town of Gualala in the beautiful Mendocino region of California. We stay at the rental cabin of a member of the Golden Hills Arts Association, who graciously invited us to stay there a few years ago- and now we can't seem to break the habit! You couldn't find more suitable accommodations, unless you payed an arm and a leg for commercial lodging in the area. The fun includes a community potluck-style barbecue one night, held next to the campfire ring in the large yard of the cabin, and trip to the art gallery (and the possibility of entering this year's Gualala Arts Center show) and touring and recreation-and some great photo opportunities of this most beautiful stretch of coatline.
Among the attractions are the quaint towns of Mendocino, Elk, Ft. Bragg, etc. The boating is spectacular on the numerous rivers in the area and there are plenty of places to take pictures including the Pt. Arena Lighthouse, the harbors in Mendocino and Ft. Bragg and in the various state and local parks that line the coatline- including historic Ft. Ross. If you haven't been to Mendocino, you're sure to love it!
Cabin accommodations are limited, so sign up early for this trip. (Usually Brenda handles the logistics on this trip.) There is generally a pre-trip meeting in advance of this trip for the benefit of any new people. We will discuss trip logistics, answer questions and perhaps arrange entry into the Gualala Arts Center open show.

August 21 (Saturday) - Mission San Jose, Fremont
Just a short drive from Milpitas is Mission San Jose de Guadalupe. It became part of the chain of California Missions on June 1, 1797. Most of the missions were spaced a day's horse ride apart and the heavily traveled horse path that connected them was called "El Camino Real"-in English, the King's Highway. Mission San Jose was considered the gateway to the Central Valley, a wild and often dangerous territory in those days. There were early 2,000 Indians at the mission in the 1830s, making it the largest settlement in the north. When the California Gold Rush occurred this particular mission settlement became a trading post for the miners who flocked into the central valley. After gold fever cooled down Mission San Jose went into neglect and disrepair. A large earthquake destroyed the adobe mission complex and a wood-frame church went up on its site. The present mission sanctuary was constructed in 1985 and built to look like the 1809 version.
This part of Fremont is very picturesque and the grounds around the mission have some nice little surprises-including an adjoining graveyard, a convent (off limits to outsiders) and some nice groves of trees. Nearby is the campus of Ohlone College- perhaps a side trip would be warranted, just to quench our curiosity.
Meet-up: TBA (Most likely a breakfast location.)
More info: www.missionsanjose.org

SEPTEMBER

September 3-5 (Friday-Sunday) - Reno Balloon Races / Virginia City Camel Races
The Reno Balloon Races are held on all three days (weather permitting) and those who go can book rooms at a nearby Day's Inn, near Virginia Street and Interstate 80, will be within a mile of the balloon launch site. (Or stay at one of the big casinos- book far in advance, because Reno fills up fast before this event!)
On the day of the balloon event, call for a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call from the front desk, dress quickly and go out to see the "dawn patrol" pre-dawn lighted balloon spectacle and then set up for the big launch at sunrise. If you don't get there before the faint light of day shows on the horizon you miss the action! After the balloon race is over we can go get breakfast at a nearby hash-house.
During the afternoon (after your nap) we can take a side trip (or a couple trips) up to Virginia City to see a bunch of whackos ride camels and ostriches.
We suggest that you obtain your breakfasts and dinners at the Atlantis Casino in south Reno- this establishment lays out a wonderful buffet-style gluttony fest or take in a Basque dinner at Louie's in Reno or one of the Basque restaurants in Gardnerville, south of Carson City.
Reno is a 500-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
Reno info: www.renoballoon.com, Virginia City info: www.visitvirginiacitynv.com

September 18 (Saturday) - Autumn Moon Festival, San Francisco
I've yet to pin down the dates for the annual Chinatown Autumn Festival- it's based on the Chinese lunar calendar-and may have to be shifted to another date on this schedule.
The Autumn Moon Festival is a real crowd pleaser and goes on through the whole weekend. It includes a parade, Chinese musicians, performers and various attractions. Great for people shots, this event is much more interesting than the Chinese New Year's parade (which tends to be overcrowded-the crowd at this event is more friendly). Usually the Dragon Boat Races are happening at Treasure Island on the days of the festival. Free shuttle busses take you from Kearney street directly to Treasure Island and back all day long.
Very few events offer better photo opportunities for candid pictures of people.
San Francisco is a 100-mile round trip drive from Milpitas.
More info: www.moonfestival.org

OCTOBER

October TBA (Friday-Sunday) - Mono Lake / Lundy Canyon (aspens in the Sierras) Bodie etc.
Mono Lake is a desolate and picturesque body of water east of the Sierras. At several points along its shoreline large tufa formations jut up into the sky, offering spectacular foreground elements for every landscape photographer east of the Sierras. Last year's trip included a night shoot at the South Tufa area.
The main attraction during this time of year is the local aspens. Lundy Canyon offers some of the most spectacular views of the golden, orange and rose-colored trees. There are other places to get great pictures, too: June Lake, Bodie, Sierra roads, and various roads east of Mono Lake.
You may seek lodging in Lee Vining, Bridgeport (close to Bodie State Park) or camp in Lundy Canyon. Camping this time of year, however, will be a frigid proposition at best.
Lee Vining is a 450-mile round trip drive from Milpitas (via Highway 108 through the Sierras).
Mono Lake info: www.parks.ca.gov, Bodie info: www.parks.ca.gov

October 23 (Saturday) - Pow Wow at Auburn (or alternate Native American event)
More details: TBA
As the date approaches, we may choose another pow wow in another Gold Country location- the Big Time at Indian Grinding Rock State Park, near the village of Volcano. That gathering is not so predictable, so the Auburn Pow Wow will probably be the one we choose. We had a great time at last year's event and the photo opportunities were excellent. Vivid colors, pageantry, interesting people and plenty of activities- you couldn't ask for a better event to fill your memory card with pictures.
Auburn is about a half mile to the east of Sacramento, so this will require an early-morning start from the Bay Area. (In my opinion, it was well worth the 5 a.m. wake-up call!)
Note: Event sponsors prohibit videography and/or photography during some portions of the event. Please comply with no-photo requests. Most parts of the program are open to photography.
More info: www.parks.ca.gov

NOVEMBER

November 6 (Saturday) - Central Valley wildlife refuge/Locke/Isleton
More details TBA
There are several wildlife refuges in the Central Valley. At this point in time I am looking for suggestions as to the best place to visit. Please contact me with your ideas.
On our way home we can stop by for a visit at the town of Locke and some of its neighboring Delta communities (such as Isleton). There are several places to have lunch or dinner and see some interesting sights. (Be mindful of the speed limits in the Delta because the local law enforcement agencies love handing out speeding tickets to outsiders-consider it a visitors' tax.
More info: www.fws.gov

November 20 (Saturday) - Mission Dolores S.F./Fort Funston/SF Presidio
Mission Dolores is quite a beautiful Mission, located in the city limits of San Francisco. It's small adjoining graveyard and modern cathedral building that sits next to it are full of nice visual surprises. The historic exhibits are interesting and the mission itself is lovely. If you haven't seen this mission, you should because it's one of the nicest ones in the state.
Since we'll be in San Francisco we might want to go to another interesting place after the mission (there isn't really that much to see there).
Other locations could include the hang-gliders at Ft. Funston, the S.F. Zoo, the Great Highway, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the Presidio. If there is a large group of us, perhaps we can arrange for a second half of this outing.
Meet-up: TBA (We'll meet for breakfast and see the mission in the morning.)
More info: www.missiondolores.org

DECEMBER

December 5 (Saturday) - San Jose Holiday Parade/Christmas in the Park
The San Jose Holiday Parade is a pretty large event; ranked in the top 25 parades in the nation. It offers many great photo opportunities with its many marching bands, performing groups, large balloons and numerous floats.
Since the parade begins at about 8:30 a.m., we'll have to get to downtown San Jose very early to avoid the huge crowd this event attracts. If we do a breakfast meet-up, it should probably be between 7 and 7:30 a.m.
Meet-up: TBA
More info: www.sanjoseholidayparade.com

December ??? - San Francisco Flower Market or Oakland Produce Market-4 a.m. on a weekday, before work
The action starts early at either of these longtime Bay Area commercial institutions. Trucks from producers begin arriving at midnight and by 3 a.m. the markets are bustling with activity. Forklifts unload and move goods around the market. Buyers from stores, restaurants and other businesses come to look at the produce and fresh flowers and make their purchases. The activity begins to slow down after sunrise and by the time most of us are going to work the workers are hosing off the sidewalks and thinking about "Miller time."
The San Francisco Flower Market is located on 6th and Harrison and the Oakland Produce Market is located near Jack London Square at the intersections of Third, Fourth and Franklin streets in Oakland.
Individual shop owners may not want you taking pictures on their property, but if you shoot the activities from the street they have less of a say in the matter (they may still choose to intimidate you). If we have to leave the produce market then we can take a 15-minute drive and go to the flower market in San Francisco.
The group will meet at 4 a.m. to begin shooting and finish in time for us to be able to get to work on time.
The Oakland Produce Market is a 70-mile round trip drive from Milpitas; San Francisco makes it an even 100-mile round trip drive.

Note to schedule users: Items listed in this schedule are subject to cancellation, date change or substitution depending upon level of interest and other factors. Please verify trip dates and details two weeks prior to scheduled dates. Please verify dates of Other Events of Interest on individual web sites, because some dates may be inaccurate or yet to be determined.