Come join us to witness an extraordinary event, May 20, 2012. On this date, an annular solar eclipse will occur over the American Southwest. On that date we will travel to a site overlooking breathtaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. It will be the first central eclipse of the 21st century in the continental USA, and also the first annular eclipse here since the solar eclipse of May 10, 1994, which was also the previous eclipse of this series Solar Saros 128.

We will provide eclipse-viewing glasses required to safely view a solar eclipse. There will be a safety orientation and eclipse presentation on Saturday evening during our Welcome Social. We will begin our adventure in Page Arizona, a mecca for hiking, biking, boating and off-road adventure. Page stands at the center of the Grand Circle, a collection of parks, monuments, historical sites and prehistoric Indian ruins. This will be our base for 5 days as we explore the Colorado River on a boat/raft, visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument (the world’s largest natural bridge); tour Glen Canyon Dam; hike the awe-inspiring beauty of Antelope Canyon (the most photographed slot canyon in the Southwest. To reserve a spot for this remarkable event, submit a completed and signed reservation form with full payment.

Come spend 4 days camped along the banks of the mighty Kern River and be a part of Great Outdoor’s Spring Jamboree 2012. Our featured event will be an all-day Class IV biking, boating and off-road adventure. Page stands at the center of the Grand Circle, whitewater rafting trip on the lower Kern. We will also venture up the north Kern via carpools and explore the Giant Redwoods of Sequoia National Park during our stay. The Kern offers world class trout fishing so bring your pole and catch that trophy sized fish you’ve always dreamed of. The quaint little town of Kernville with it’s cafes, shops biking, boating and off-road adventure. Page stands at the center of the Grand Circle, and market are just a short walk away. Lake Isabella, hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas are nearby and offer numerous activities for you to enjoy during this adventurous weekend.

Get ready for the “BIG FIVE” rapids known as “SURPRISE” “HARI_KARI” “HORSESHOE” “FLUFFY BUNNY” “SILVER STAIRCASE” and much much more! Our optional “Big Water” rafting trip will be provided by Whitewater Voyages (www.whitewatervoyages.com) 1-(800)400-RAFT. Their expert guides will provide instructions and safety guidelines prior to our departure. This will be a full day on the river with lunch and beverages provided by Whitewater Voyages. A Class IV rafting trip requires no previous experience and can usually be done by persons in good health.

Summary: From the top of Reseda Blvd in the San Fernando Valley, we will take the fire road that follows the west ridge of Caballero Canyon into Topanga Sate Park to Hub Junction and then west to the Eagle Rock, the most impressive landmark the Park. This layered sandstone outcropping affords panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the ocean. From Eagle rock we will back track about a quarter of a mile to take the Garapita trail, which descends into the canyon and returns us to the fire road about one mile above the parking area where we started.

Trailhead:  From the 101, take the Reseda Boulevard exit. Drive south on Reseda Boulevard across Ventura Blvd. and continuing for several miles until it dead ends, where there is a sign for Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, which is the start of the trailhead. There is free parking on both sides of Reseda, up to a painted line across the road about 100 yards before the dead end. Past that line, you must pay the iron ranger $5.00 per car to park. The trailhead starts at the dead end of the road.

We will make camp along the river. Sleep under the stars, woken up by rushing water nearby. Explore abandoned mines, watch current day panners for gold. Play in the cool waters of the San Gabriel River in summertime.

Summary: The Mount Wilson trail is a throwback to a bygone era. The trail's history begins with The Gabrielino Indians, who were believed to have trekked through the area in search of acorns and wild game. The trail was officially constructed under the direction of Benjamin Wilson in 1864. The purpose at that time was to transport lumber from what was later named "Mt. Wilson". The trail was later (1889) used to transport the first of many telescopes to the mountaintop. The second telescope was carried up the trail and assembled atop Mount Wilson. Orchard Camp was constructed in 1864 as a construction camp for laborers. Around 1890 the camp was converted to a trail resort. It was immensely popular throughout most of its 50 years of operation. 1911 was a peak year with 40,000 persons signing the register. Those days are gone now but you can still see the remains of Orchard camp. The site was abandoned in 1940. Orchard Camp at one time was both an orchard and a camp. Today, there is little more than the ruins of concrete footings to remind us that this is the site of Wilson's Halfway House and the hotel that succeeded it. The biggest attraction is the 1,500-year-old Canyon Oak, looming above the site.

The trail begins with a steady climb up the western slope of Santa Anita Canyon. We will be treated to extraordinary views of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. The hills are a lush green evident from the recent rainfalls with many wildflowers ranging from purple to yellow. Along the way, we will hear the nearby stream and see a large waterfall. We will pause for a break, relaxing along the heavily wooded stream. We will resume our hike, climbing gently toward Orchard Camp. We will walk amid a forest of live oak and California laurel.

Orchard Camp is a pleasantly wooded location in a setting of live oak, canyon oak and spruce. This will be a great place to stop for lunch while admiring the majestic canyon oak that is found here. This tree is among the largest and oldest in all the San Gabriels, having first set down roots around 500 A.D.

Trailhead: From the 210 Freeway, exit Baldwin Ave. and go north. When you come to a traffic light where you have to go either right or left, go left to the next light and that is Baldwin Ave. Take a right and continue up Baldwin Ave. through the downtown area of Sierra Madre. Approximately ¾ of a mile from the downtown plaza, take a right on Mira Monte. Go down about ½ mile and you will come to a small park on your left. Park anywhere in this area along Mira Monte. We will meet at the Mt. Wilson Trail Park near the sign.

Come spend 4 days along the beautiful central coast of California. We have reserved 6 campsites overlooking the coast with stunning vistas of rugged cliffs, endless shoreline and miles of sand dunes covered in native plants and grasses. Arrival can be on either Thursday or Friday.

Tents and RVs (27ft. max.) can be accommodated with a max of 3 vehicles per site. The first vehicle at each site is free and each additional is $10.00 per night so get there early to avoid a parking fee. Please carpool if you can. We’ll have improved pit toilets and running water.

Sorry no showers here so bring your own solar shower (or share with a friend). Bring your 10 essentials as per the GO website. Bring boots, layered clothing and 2 bundles of firewood. You should also consider bringing river sandals (for kayaking), a bike for trail riding and definitely your camera. There is a major shopping center nearby in Los Osos in case you forget anything.

Table Mountain Campground is in the Angeles National Forest Big Pines area. It is a few miles from the town of Wrightwood. This campground is set in a hilly, oak and pine setting with two large meadows. The elevation here is about 7,200 feet and the campground has a spectacular view of the Mojave Desert below. Summer temperatures are in the low 80’s with cool evenings.

We will be at the Group Site in the BROK loop of the campground. This facility has vault toilets, fire pits, water spigots, some grills, and some bear boxes. There are picnic tables, nature trails, and firewood is available for purchase. Bears do frequent the area and all food must be kept in approved containers.

How To Get There/Transportation:  From Wrightwood, take State Route 2 west 2.4 miles to the Table Mountain Campground sign. Turn right onto Table Mountain Road and go 1 mile to the campground sign. Turn left into the campground and look for the Group Site in the BROK loop and the Great Outdoors banner. Due to strict limitations on the number of vehicles allowed at the campsite, carpooling is highly recommended. Please plan on making your own carpooling arrangements. The trip leader will provide possible carpooling suggestions.

Equipment:  This site is for tent camping and RV’s that are no more than 24 feet long. All regular camping equipment is needed, including a tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, stove and fuel, cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery, folding chair, and a cooler with food. The weather is variable, so be prepared for cool nights.