What we’re about
Welcome! I created this group in 2012 because I was hiking in a world dominated by morning people. So on the hunch that there might be a few more people like myself, I decided to make a group that does not hike in the mornings. After all, God created mornings for sleeping in, right? This is the one characteristic that makes the PM Hikers different from any other hiking club.
Much to my joy I had a lot of hikers thank me profusely for the group, and several have even told me that the PM Hikers has changed their lives! There is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone tell you that!
So what about beating the summer heat? Instead of hiking in the morning, just hike in the evening! If you think that's weird or scary, I think you will discover that the trails and the views are just as beautiful at night, and will open a new dimension of awe to complement that feeling when hiking in daylight.
That does not mean we only hike at night. Rather, we do not begin our hikes between the hours of midnight and noon. Thus, a 23:59:59 start time is as acceptable as one that begins at 12:00:01.
I know it's awkward when you first hike with people you do not know at all, but if you hike with us you will discover that the members are FRIENDLY, nice people. You could easily make some friendships for life. I certainly have.
If you are new to hiking, read the hike descriptions and send a note to the leader if you are not sure about something. Hiking can be quite physically demanding, but many members are beginners, so don't be afraid.
Watch your step on the downhill,
Kurt Godden
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Emma Wood State Beach to Ventura PierVentura Beach RV Resort, Ventura, CA
"We dream in colors borrowed from the sea." ~ Author unknown
This is a 5-mile laid-back, beach bum, expect to get your feet wet, late afternoon/golden hour walk along the beautiful Ventura coastline. Elevation gain, sea level to 35'.
**NOTE** Please don't sign up for this hike if you are in a rush or have other plans after. My hikes are casual and slower paced (1.5-2 mph), we take breaks, and we explore. I can't guarantee that we will be back at exactly the end time. Thank you.
The Walk
4:00pm - meet me at the corner of Park Access Road and W. Main Street at the Seaside Wilderness Park, next door to the RV park. Be sure to follow the driving directions and see the map in photo gallery. Parking is free on the street. You can also park in the parking lot but there is a fee.4:05pm - we will head down to the restrooms located in the parking lot and use them if needed.
4:20pm - we will start walking along the beach to the Ventura Pier, crossing over the Santa Clara River (ankle to knee deep if there’s water) and continue on the path to the pier. There are restrooms as we get closer to the pier, and at the pier.
Tacos
At the pier, we will stop for everybody’s favorite tacos at the Beach House Taco shack http://www.beach-house-tacos.com/, I strongly suggest we order our food online before we get there.We may walk the pier then head back to our cars via the coastal path, crossing over the railroad tracks, and over the old bridge. During this golden hour, and somewhere along the walk, we may view the sunset which occurs at 8:07pm.
Checklist
- Bring your flashlights just in case we need them.
- Bring a least a liter of water, snacks, hat, poles if you need them, sunscreen.
- Bring a jacket if you easily get cold or a windbreaker for wind
- Sandals or water shoes is the preferred footwear for the beach part of the walk, barefoot is good too. We will cross over some rock.
- You might get wet so bring a towel or brush to get the sand off your feet.
Other details
- High Tide is at 5:23 pm.
- Sunset: 8:07pm
- Difficulty: As hard as a walk on the beach
- Dogs: No. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches.
- Restrooms: In the parking lot, before we reach the pier and at the pier
- Water Fountain: at the pier.
- KNOWN DANGERS: Drowning, slip and fall, sea monsters, mermaids, frisbee impact, cold feet, tsunami.
DIRECTIONS
- Address to the Ventura Beach RV Resort (next door to the parking lot entrance): 800 W Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
- Google Coordinates: 34.282584, -119.314045
- Google Map
https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B016'57.3%22N+119%C2%B018'50.6%22W/@34.2815118,-119.3146326,924m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xbad49c0d49368a45!8m2!3d34.282584!4d-119.314045?hl=en&authuser=0
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY
- You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
- The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
- If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
- Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
- Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
- These rules apply to any guests you may invite.
