It's official: our first hike will be Saturday October 17. We will hike to the scenic lookout point called "Brad's Bench". This is on a 1,543 ft. elevation hilltop overlooking southern Montecito and Summerland. We will start the hike at the Romero Canyon Trailhead, and hike up the powerline road to a saddle on the western ridge of Romero Canyon, and from there take a short trail to the bench. It's an easy hike, gaining about 750 feet in a little over a mile of walking. From there we will assess ourselves and decide if we want to take any of several side trip options. The hike starts at 9am at the trailhead, and we're planning to be back by 1pm. Bring food and water!
++At today's club meeting we passed out the permission slip/medical release form that you MUST have completed and given to me before you can go on the hike!
++Start thinking about transportation to the trailhead. If there is interest, I can take 9 people in a school van. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll have to find a way to get yourself to and from the trailhead.
++Where is the trailhead, you may ask? Good question! Here are driving directions:
Take US Hwy 101 to Sheffield Dr exit and drive towards the mountains.
At East Valley Road take a left, drive less than 50 yards.
At Romero Canyon Road take a right and drive up towards the mountains. Stay to the right when you get to a fork in the road.
At Bella Vista Lane turn right, and drive about 1/4 mile to the trailhead on your left where the big metal gate is.
If you didn't get a permission slip, come by room E-3 and get one, and let me know if you'll need a ride. I have to reserve the van ahead of time.