2003 domestic winter trips - Sierra Club Outings

Sierra, Sept-Oct, 2002

Activist

Nevada's Magnificent Mojave, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. March 16-23. Surrounding glittering Las Vegas is a broad ring of wild public lands: rugged desert mountains and colorful canyons that should be preserved as wilderness. Our van-supported camping trip offers day hikes to a variety of southern Nevada areas and brings participants into the campaign to keep these lands wild forever. Leader: Vicky Hoover. Price: $450; Dep: $50. [03010A]

Base Camp

Snorkel and Hike Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. January 19-25. Leave winter behind for warm sandy beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise waters filled with colorful fish. We'll snorkel in secluded bays, hike in the national park to historic ruins, and enjoy tasty Caribbean cuisine. Our screened Concordia eco-tents are comfortable and overlook Salt Pond Bay. Trip price doesn't include meals, but every eco-tent has a solar kitchen. Leader: Sarah Stout. Price: $1,225; Dep: $200. [03410A]

Family

Manatees and More! Blue Spring State Park, Florida. December 28, 2002-January 2, 2003. We'll study this endangered species up close in the wild. We'll have plenty of time for birding and observing the variety of wildlife that central Florida offers. We'll canoe and swim in crystal springs and spy on turtles. Canoe and admission fees are not included in the trip price. Minimum age: 6. Leader: Marty Joyce. Price: adult $345, child $245; Dep: $50. [03425A]

Hawaii

Big Island Birds and Beaches, Hawaii. December 28, 2002-January 4, 2003. This base camp winter adventure combines a search for birds with swimming and snorkeling at various beaches. Non-birders are encouraged to join us! Leader: Jill McIntire. Price: $995; Dep: $100. [03400A]

Humpback Whales Service, Maul January 11-20. Join the impressive humpbacks at their calving grounds, and help with a research project to monitor whale behavior. Enjoy snorkeling, forest walks, service projects, and learning about Hawaiian culture and conservation. Leader: Linda Boyd. Price: $1,395; Dep: $200. [03405A]

Kayak

Exploring the Everglades, Florida. January 6-11. Join us on a tropical backcountry journey to this diverse and fascinating land. We'll make our way and base camp on one or two 40-foot live-aboard boats, exploring the more sensitive areas in kayaks. This is a birding and photographer's paradise teeming with wildlife, great fishing, over 300 species of birds, and extreme sunsets. Kayak rental and basic instruction included. Leader: Patrick Nichols. Price: $985; Dep: $100. [03415A]

Magic in the Water, Florida. January 26-31. Discover the wild beauty that lured people to Florida long before theme parks. Spend a week paddling crystalline springs and drifting on quiet waterways. Relish long, sunny days in a sub-tropical paradise. Be greeted by porpoises, manatees, alligators, and throngs of birds. Enjoy snorkeling, birding, fishing, swimming, gourmet-themed dinners, and camaraderie. Kayak rental included. Leader: Patrick Nichols. Price: $1,075; Dep: $200. [03416A]

A Naturalist's Kayak Adventure: St. Johns River to Lake George, Florida. February 16-22. From 1773 to 1776, trained naturalist William Bartram traveled through the southeast, noting almost everything he encountered. Join us as we follow his travels in kayaks on the St. Johns River north to Lake George. We'll stop and observe Wekiva Springs, Blue Springs, the wintering manatee, and ancient Indian sites. This trip is perfect for the adventurous novice. Kayak rental included. Leader: Greg Pflug. Price: $845; Dep: $100. [03417A]

Exploring Florida's Coast: An Introduction to Sea Kayaking. March 2-7. We'll travel through salt marshes and estuaries to the narrow strip of land that comprises Canaveral National Seashore, We'll spend our days kayaking island-to-island with time to explore Indian mounds, fish for red snapper, swim, or lounge on the beach. This area of Florida is famous for its birding, world-class fishing, and large manatee population. Kayak rental included. Leader: Greg Pflug. Price: $825; Dep: $100. [03418A]

Way Down Upon the Suwannee River, Georgia and Florida. March 30-April 4. Nurtured by a multitude of springs, the Suwannee flows through 200 miles of ever-changing landscapes from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. We'll seek out river otters, alligators, deer, and a wide variety of birds as we kayak 70-80 miles of this incredibly scenic river. Nights will be spent hiking, exploring, or just sitting around the campfire enjoying good company. Kayak rental included. Leader: Greg Pflug. Price: $655; Dep: $100. [03419A]

Service

Santa Catalina Island Service, California. January 17-25. Just 22 miles from Los Angeles, Santa Catalina is a nearly pristine "mountain in the sea." Join us at the comfortable Laura Stein Volunteer Camp as we restore this wonderful island! Leader: Bruce Ackerman. Cook: Bob Gilbert. Price: $555; Dep: $100. [03430A]

Arizona Trail Service in Tonto National Forest, Arizona. February 2-8. Join us to do trail repair amid stately saguaros near the Superstition Mountains. We'll enjoy part of the new 790-mile Arizona Trail, which winds through some of the best scenery in the West. Leader: Terry Sario. Price: $375; Dep: $50. [03431A]