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

Yosemite North Rim Backpacking

Backpack Gorgeous Garnett Lake Loop

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 backpack to gorgeous Thousand Island, Garnett, Ediza and Shadow Lakes, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/shadow-garnet-and-thousand-island-lake. We will drive to Agnew Meadow on June 12th. Then we will backpack the loop June 13 to June 17. All the lakes are beautiful! 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).

Kings Canyon NP: Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking

Glacier Point, Clark Range and Red Peak Pass Trail Backpacking

Hetch Hetchy, Ranceria Falls and Vernon Lake Backpacking

Greek Islands Private Yacht Luxury Cruise! - June 2026

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).

Alameda County's highest point (20mi RT, 5500' gain)

This is a tough but moderate paced hike to the highest point(s) in Alameda County. Because there are three contenders for that title including Rose Peak, the stats will be about 20mi RT with 5500' of gain. I hike at a steady, reasonable pace: this isn't going to be a trail run. However, you have to have done something with similar stats recently. We'll all stick together. I'll have the map on two phones + a power brick + a SpotX. You'll need to have with you: \- a water filter \(sometimes mine gets clogged\) \- rain gear and a puffer \(even if it's 80F\) \- two headlamps \(I use USB & they're cheap and light\) \- lots of food \(a 6oz pouch of peanut butter has 1000 calories\) \- enough water to get to the first source \(I'll verify with the park\) \- a backup map and/or GPS Heavy rain or temps in the 90s cancels, but anything else is OK. I'm from L.A. but I'll be in the area for the Qatar vs Switzerland World Cup match in Santa Clara at noon on June 13. So, there's also the possibility of doing this as a backpack starting late Saturday afternoon. If you'd prefer that I'd need you to suggest an itinerary since I'm not familiar with the camps in those parks. Note that at least one of the possible highpoints is on private property. If you aren't keen on trespassing you can wait for me while I bag it. If you aren't chatty that's OK. I mainly want a group along in case I need to be bailed out if I get arrested for trespassing. Note that there's a waitlist. To go along you'll need to sign up \*and\* leave a comment or send me a DM. Otherwise I'll assume you're a bot. In the comment or DM, let me know a recent hike you did with similar stats to this. Bear in mind that I'm still researching this; we might only have to do "Challenger Peak" since it appears to be higher than "Discovery Peak".