Austin Sierra Club Outings

*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***

Join us for a week long Service Project at the Davis Mountains Preserve. As you can see from the map, it is quite close to the McDonald Observatory. It boasts the second highest peak in Texas - Mt. Livermore.

We will be doing work on the Madera Canyon Trail, which is open to the public.

The Davis Mountains form one of only three of the state’s unique sky islands—a cooler, wetter landscape surrounded by arid lowland desert. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/davis-mountains-preserve/

The Preserve Superintendent writes:

• "You will have the bunkhouse / visitor center. It has 6 bunk beds so sleeps 12 but the top bunks are hard to get in and out of. You will need to bring your own twin size bedding.

There is also the option to set up a tent near building.

• Building has a full kitchen with refrigerator stove / oven, freezer.
  men's, women's showers/ restrooms.
  There are tables, chairs and an outside grill. There is no cell service.
• It would be good to bring your trail tools and (safety glasses and gear). Also first aid kits. There may be some limb trimming along the trail.
• Due to our limited and slow internet connection with monthly data restrictions:
  Please avoid using the internet on any devices (computers, phones, tablets, etc.) except for emergencies."

We will have a day off for hiking.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches.

Under our system for evening meals, you and partners will be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.

To sign up:

1. RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up! There is usually plenty of turnover.
2. Send Stan the answer to the two screening questions by email:
   What is the most difficult hike you've done in the past year? What are the parameters of hikes do you want to do ? stanpeyton at gmail.com
3. Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton at gmail.com.
4. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 Scan and email the form also to stanpeyton at gmail.com (preferred) , or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
5. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
6. Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
7. Mail the forms to:
   Stan Peyton
   8408 Hanbridge Lane
   Austin TX 78736

VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.

Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!

| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
| ----------------------- |
| •Container(s) for leftovers |

•Kneeling pad

•Geologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)

•Tent and implements of sleeping

•Covid mask

•Dishtowel

•Earplugs

•Evening meal for Saturday

•Flashlight

•Food and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunches

•Hat

•Long pants

•Tools for working on the trail (If you already have them)

•Personal prescriptions and first aid kit

•Plate/bowl

•Silverware

•Sunscreen

•Tweezers

•Water bottle

•Work gloves

*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***

Join us for a week long Service Project at the Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site.
• Unique Geology: The park’s geology was formed 34 million years ago when magma cooled within an older limestone formation. Weathering has created distinctive hoodoos and hollows, known as huecos, which collect rainwater and support diverse microhabitats.
• Microhabitats: These microhabitats support a wide variety of plants and animals not typically found in the surrounding desert.
Cultural and Historical Significance
• Pictographs: The park is renowned for its extensive collection of pictographs, including over 200 “masks” or face designs left by the Jornada Mogollon people. These are considered the largest assemblage of such pictographic masks in the country.
• Historical Occupation: The site has been occupied by various cultures for over ten thousand years, with the Jornada Mogollon establishing pithouse structures and farming around 1150 A.D. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks

We will be doing trail work and helping to replace bridges. On site potable water and showers? Yes!

Group Campsite: 31°55'16.4"N 106°02'16.2"W

There will be a day off for hiking. Of course, you will not have to pay admission to the park.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches.

Under our system for evening meals, you and partners will be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.

To sign up:

1. RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up! There is usually plenty of turnover.
2. Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton at gmail.com.
3. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 Scan and email the form also to stanpeyton at gmail.com (preferred), or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
4. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
5. Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
6. Mail the forms to:
   Stan Peyton
   8408 Hanbridge Lane
   Austin TX 78736

VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.

Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!

| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
| ----------------------- |
| |

•Containers for leftovers

•Kneeling pad

•Geologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)

•Tent and implements of sleeping

•Covid mask

•Dishtowel

•Earplugs

•Evening meal for Fridays and Saturday

•Flashlight

•Food and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunches

•Hat

•Long pants

•Personal prescriptions and first aid kit

•Plate/bowl

•Silverware

•Sunscreen

•Tweezers

•Water bottle

•Work gloves

RSVP on Meetup alone does not reserve a spot on the trip!
Everyone is responsible for their own $7 park entry fee.
Inks Lake State Park https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake
is the gem of the Texas Hill Country. This park gets some of the best and widest variety of flowers, which show off beautifully against the red granite landscape.

We will hike a 5-6 mile loop trail at a moderately brisk pace on rugged terrain. Sturdy footware and water will be essential. We will meet at the main trailhead parking lot. There is a new enterence this year and the trailhead is near the old welcome building. You can ask directions when you check in at the new welcome center.

Park map: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4507_015k.pdf

Participants must sign a Liability Waiver upon arrival. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020

NOTE: Concert is sometimes cancelled due to possible rain or extreme heat. Cancellation would be announced via Facebook , and noted on this page at least an hour before start.

Join us for a 3-mile round-trip easy-paced walk through the Seaholm district and downtown condomania, and along Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake. Our destination is the Long Center, where we'll spend an hour chilling, listening to the free outdoor symphony concert .

Recommended to bring a blanket or lightweight chair and food & drink - expecting to return to the start about 9:15pm. Austin Parks prohibit alcohol, glass, styrofoam, smoking, and vaping. The Long Center allows us to use their indoor, air-conditioned restrooms and water fountain.

Participants must sign a Waiver at the start - you may view the document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020

OK to bring a well-behaved pet on leash. If problems arise, you and your pet will need to depart from the group. During the concert you must keep your pet quiet and directly by your side - not roaming.

If not already a member, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group) and help protect the environment.