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Omegamaniacs Hiking Basics |
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We require real high-top hiking boots. Many of these hikes will be rigorous. We don't want to see anybody hurt themselves due to inadequate footwear for hiking. REI has great boots, including their Monarch and Asolo boots, which we recommend. They also have some returns, which are usually at half price. Those not wearing appropriate hiking boots will not be allowed to join the hikes, no exceptions.
These hikes will not be family hikes, and some may be generally tougher than previous seasons. Other than good hiking boots, a prepared hiker should bring adequate and appropriate clothing, enough water (two quarts), and food. High energy bars and foods are typically best for hiking trips. Hip packs and day packs are suitable. Additional items to be considered are sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, gloves (fingerless for bouldering), camera, cell phone, small medical kit, map, and GPS. Sometimes there will be hikes which may require other safety items and these will be mentioned in the trip information for that hike.
You may also want to purchase a copy of Jerry Schad's Afoot and Afield in San Diego County hiking book, which may be referred to for hikes coming from that book. The descriptions of the hikes are more detailed than the quick summaries provided at this site.
Being in shape for these hikes is also important, since some will be more difficult. Currently, and between hikes during the hiking season, anybody interested in weekly hikes up Cowles Mountain to stay/get in shape, please contact me about times. Currently I'm hiking early weekday mornings (before work) and occasionally on weekend mornings between the organized hikes. The Cowles Mountain hike is about one hour round-trip.
Starting times for all hikes this season will be 7:00 AM, meeting at Denny's, unless otherwise noted in the hike description. Dennys is located at the 70th Street/Lake Murray exit off of Interstate 8, on the south side of the highway on Alvarado Road west of 70th Street.
