Backpacking San Francisco

Exploring Patagonia: An Introductory Guide to Traveling in Torres del Paine

Join us for an informative and inspiring presentation all about Chile's Torres del Paine, one of the most breathtaking national parks in Patagonia! Whether you're planning your first trip or just curious about what it takes to explore this stunning region, this session will cover everything you need to know about traveling to this iconic part of the world. I'll be drawing from my own Torres del Paine adventure from 2023 to discuss practical details like logistics, safety, and main things to keep in mind when going on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The presentation itself will be 30-40 minutes, after which we'll have a casual Q&A session for anything anyone wants to cover and chat for a while. Join and share some of your own travel stories! (Would love to hear from people who've done Camino de Santiago, the Pacific Crest Trail, Hornbjarg in Iceland, etc.) Anyone is welcome, but please note that - given the limited space - this event is geared mainly for people who are actively interested in these kinds of travels and would benefit the most from the information shared. Also, please note the location will be my apartment, and that I live close to the Crepevine location listed in Meetup. I'll share my address to those attending about a week before the event. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 628-236-9369

JOURNEY: Walk the Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Way) 2026

***\*\*This trip is SOLD OUT. Please see the Sept. 2026 tour option.*** Walk the ancient Camino de Santiago in Spain/Portugal (Portuguese Way trail). Let us help you step into your pilgrim boots and take on the Camino in Spain! **Camino "Need to Know":** For a thousand years, pilgrims have traversed The Camino de Santiago. Follow in their footsteps as you **spend nine days walking** along the ancient trails that cut across the landscape of Portugal and Northern Spain. * See all the details here: [Portuguese Camino 2026](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/camino-santiago-portuguese-2026) **Your Journey on the Camino in Portugal/Spain:** This is not a race. This is a slower-paced Camino experience where we average about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) per day and cover a total of 113 kilometers (70 miles). Completing this tour will make you eligible to receive the **Compostela**, the official certificate of completion issued by the Cathedral in Santiago. Join expert Camino guides who will be with you every step of the way to share facts about the history of this sacred trail and tips on how to make the most of the trip. **What is it like to hike the Camino with Bold Spirit Travel?:** * This trip starts in Porto, Portugal. * A local, bilingual guide will be on the trip to help you along on your journey. * Additionally, a support van will assist with your luggage, freeing you up to travel light during the day. You will carry a day pack. * All hotels, breakfasts, and delicious dinners with wine are included in the tour price. * We do not stay in hostels. We stay in inns and hotels with en suite bathrooms and hot showers! * You can choose to share a room with a new friend or upgrade to your own private room. * This is a small group adventure. This means no more than 15 people. * There will be a private Zoom call before this trip so that you can meet the other guests on the journey. **How to get in touch and learn more about the Camino:** * Want to learn more and dive deeper? We are glad that you are curious. * Contact us to set up a phone call about planning your time on the trail. * Or, attend a live Camino Info Session ([ask us](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) for dates on those). **More:** * Are you ready to embark on **your** Camino? Leave the details to us and get ready to be impressed by this magical experience. * **See all the details here: [Portuguese Camino 2026](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/camino-santiago-portuguese-2026)** * [This is a paid event. ](https://www.wetravel.com/trips/portuguese-way-camino-2026-bold-spirit-travel-llc-52968211)

Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon

**Leader: Alison Pence** Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below. The last field trip of the year is June 7 at · **Taylor Road Trailhead** **off** Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. | | **Date** | **Time** | **Name/location** | **Leader** | | --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ | | Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence | **Bring:** Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired. **If you have not done so already, please sign the** [CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver](https://app.waiversign.com/e/605434825bd9a600198d4bcc/doc/605436925bd9a600198d4c79,6791226ab8771f0012d5789c?eventName=CNPS%20Marin%202026%20Waiver) **Note**: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. [Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts](https://cc.cnps.org/phytophthora/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PROTECT-OUR-NATURAL-AREAS-011525.pdf) and [Cleanliness Tips for Hikers](https://cc.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/CC-06/Trail-user-start-clean-stay-clean-ver5-16-23.pdf)

Bull Run--Heiser Lake Loop Trip

Great Migration Photo Safari & Zanzibar Extension-a Journey of a Lifetime .

We all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source. Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! We did this amazing trip in the summer of 2024 and everybody had a blast! (see photos in the link below) Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies. On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa! **Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** ***The itinerary is:*** **July 5** Arrival Kilimanjaro Intl Airport and transfer to Arusha **July 6** Arusha to Tarangire National Park **July 7** Ngorongoro Crater full day game drive **July 8** Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area) **July 9** Serengeti (Central) **July 10** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 11** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) **July 12** Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Lake Natron **July 13** Lake Natron to Arusha **July 14** Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport All of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited! *How much does this cost?* **African Migration Safari $4998 per person, double occupancy.** **Single supplement $750. I.e. price for a solo accommodation $5748** We offer roommate matching for those, wishing to share and save. \*\*\*Airfare is not included.\*\*\* *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:*** **[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/WWNZ7X2FKQNDA)** *IF you need an airfare quote,* **[Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)**[ ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) **Land Cost includes:** \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals every day \- All park fees to Tarangire\, Manyara\, Serengeti and Ngorongoro\. \- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti\. \- Crater service fees\. \- Professional driver guide \- Open roof land cruiser vehicles \- Drinking water during the safari **We offer an Optional Extension 5-day to Zanzibar:** **Price per person, Double occupancy $870.** **Solo room - $1285** **\*\*Airfare from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Zanzibar is not included\*\*** **To sign up for Zanzibar, pay the [$200 deposit through this secure link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/32XB7TRQ46TNW)** For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** Have more questions? [Click here to message Anna ](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) [Click here to message Marc](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) AND/OR We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/297487010/) Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet other attendees. To see pictures from our Photo Safari adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.app.goo.gl/kjwDb2nQn8oKTv557) We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/reginal camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10

Yosemite North Rim Backpacking

Kings Canyon NP: Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking

Glacier Point, Clark Range and Red Peak Pass Trail Backpacking

Lassen Volcanic National Park Backpacking

Backpack Gorgeous Yosemite

When your RSVP, text me at 530-450-5768 to set up a time to talk about your fitness level, details of the trip, etc. We will camp at May Lake on July 12th and hike Mt Hoffman on https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-hoffman-trail at May lake on July 13th and camp at May Lake on July 13th On July 14th we will backpack to Sunrise Lakes from Tenya Lake, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sunrise-lakes--3 and camp On July 15th we will hike to Clouds Rest,https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tenaya-lake-to-clouds-rest-to-yosemite-valley and camp at Sunrise lakes again. Only July 16th we will backpack to Cathedral Lakes, and camp there July 16 and 17. On July 18th we will backpack out. Deposit of $100 required via PayPal to reserve your spot. $75 will be refunded after the trip I Kathi Simonsen reserve the sole right to modify the trip itinerary as I deem necessary at any time. * PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETUP AFFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO THE FULL LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY on [Meetup’s Backpackers of the American West's website](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5vagycqs7imueqnm4foud/Backpackers-of-the-American-West-Rules-and-Regulations-3-9-25.pdf?rlkey=q84l4kchrawlfa0yyugvkhvjo&st=zm3zzw76&dl=0).

Solstice Weekend in Desolation Wilderness

PLEASE DO NOT RSVP BEFORE SPEAKING WITH ME. *This is a 3 days/2 nights and \~19 miles backpacking trip. *You must be an experienced backpacker to join and be able to maintain a pace of 2.5 miles/hour with a pack on a flat trail. - This trip is also posted on another [Meetup group](https://www.meetup.com/backpackers-of-the-american-west/events/314273447) and we already have 5 paricipants signed up. **Itinerary -** *Day 1 - We start at the Glen Alpine and hike west up to Lake Aloha, \~5 miles. *Day 2 - Head back east to Susie Lake, up to Half Moon Lake for Lunch and the back and up to Gilmore Lake. \~7 miles. *Day 3 - Head east and climb up to Mt Tallac (9,735 ft) for the views and then back down to the parking lot. \~7 miles. *BEFORE YOU RSVP - EMAIL ME FIRST - reachdani @ [gmail.com](http://gmail.com/) to coordinate a call to discuss the trip in detail. Please include your phone number and times that work for you for a call. - COST: 12 plus an 88 deposit that will be refunded to you if you do the trip or if I cancel for any reason. *RSVP'ing does not guarantee participation, payment does (after phone conversation). - Details re equipment, carpooling etc. will be discussed on a **mandatory** pre-trip conference call. *REMINDER - do not RSVP before we speak and the deposit is paid. - You are responsible for your own transportation. Carpooling is optional. *I (Daniel Shefer) reserve the sole right to modify the trip itinerary as I deem necessary at any time. - Bear canisters are required on this trail. No pets allowed.

Kayak Camp Union Reservoir