Hike the Pinnacles with a ranger

NCSWA is planning a unique hike on one of the Bay Area's best winter trails.
Perhaps nowhere in the area do you get so much bang for your buck as at
Pinnacles National Monument. There are deep caves housing native bats, high
cobbled rock towers home to California Condors, and cozy woodlands full of
every kind of bird that passes through. The striking cobbled towers of the
High Peaks trail - leftovers from landslides around ancient eruptions -
hitched a ride on the San Andreas Fault, crawling from SoCal all the way to
their home in Steinbeck country. It's a beautiful and eclectic little park
that you can walk through in a day and spend a lifetime exploring. Along for
the hike will be our very own ranger and perhaps a biologist to talk briefly
about the condors (and hopefully help us spot one). Plan to hike most of the
day, with plenty of stops to explore and take in the views. All ages and
abilities welcome.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 22 (in case of rain, we may shift to the 23rd)
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (subject to slight change)
Cost: Free, beyond entrance fees to the park and gas
Transportation: The drive is 2 1/2 to 3 hours, depending on your location
Map to the park: http://bit.ly/grdzXj

Those thinking of staying overnight can find accommodations in San Juan
Batista, or check Pinnacles Campground:
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camp.htm

For sign up or questions, email trip leader Erik Vance: erik@erikvance.com

REMINDER: If you haven't renewed your NCSWA membership for 2011, you can do
so on our website: http://ncswa.org/membership.html