Travel Adventure
See (and Hike) the World with the Angeles Chapter
Our Travel Adventure series offers an unparalleled opportunity to visit special places throughout the world, with trips oriented toward outdoor adventure and environmental awareness and led by our most experienced volunteer leaders. In addition, the proceeds from these trips provide vital support for the work of the Angeles Chapter.
Our 2013 schedule includes trips to the mountains, canyonlands and deserts of Asia, Europe, and North America -- browse our offerings below and let your travel fantasies run wild!
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MAY 23-31, 2013
ECUADOR: THE MAGIC HIKING CIRCUIT
Rating: C/O
This nine-day trip visit three eco-lodge reserves. The first lodge is just 20 miles from the capital Quito where participants stay at an 18th century Spanish Hacienda at 10,000 feet in elevation. A few nights will be spent at a hummingbird sanctuary high in the cloud rorest and another eco lodge is in the tropical rainforest.
Days will be spent trekking to sacred waterfalls on pre-Incan trails; learning about local culture, volcanology, anthropology; and seeing incredible birds, wildlife, plants and flowers. Other highlights include a tour of the Quito Indian Market and Cotopaxi Volcano National Park.
The price is $1,895 for Sierra Club members; $1,995 for non-members. It includes lodges (double occupancy, some triples), ground transport, all meals except day of arrival, guides. Group international airfare is extra. For itinerary, application, cancellation policy contact: leader Donna Specht, (714-963-6345), donnaspecht@juno.com), and co-leader Ana Cadez (ana.cadez@bt-store.com)
Photo by Donna Specht
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MAY 23-JUNE 4, 2013
ECUADOR, FROM THE ANDES TO THE AMAZON
Rating: C/O (Orange County Sierra Singles)
Come explore on a 13-day trip based at three eco-lodge reserves and one lodge in the Amazon jungle. The first lodge is just 20 miles from the Ecuadoran capital of Quito, staying in an 18th-century Spanish Hacienda at 10,000 feet in elevation. Then spend a few nights at a lodge in the Hummingbird Sanctuary high in the cloud forest and another in the tropical rainforest.
Days will be spent trekking to sacred waterfalls; some trails follow in the same footsteps as the pre-Incans. Learn about local culture, volcanology, anthropology, see incredible wildlife, exotic birds, tropical plants and flowers. Tours will also include the Quito Indian Market and Cotopaxi Volcano National Park. Then it's on to the Amazon River on May 31 for four days at a rainforest lodge owned and operated by the Sani Huarmi indigenous community. Canoe the Rio Napo, take guided hikes, view wildlife, go piranha fishing and more.
The price is $2,985 for Sierra Club members, $3,085 for non-members. It includes in-country flight to the Amazon, canoe transport, lodges (double occupancy; some triples), ground transport, all meals, guides. International airfare is extra; group rates available. For itinerary, application, cancellation policy, contact leader Donna Specht [(714) 963-6345, donnaspecht@juno.com) and co-leader Ana Cadez (ana.cadez@bt-store.com)
Photos by Ana Cadez
JULY 18-20, 2013
SEATTLE GETAWAY
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter and Sierra Singles/Sierra Sage)
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Come on this 3-day exploration of the wonders of the city of Seattle that includes visits to Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. This trip may be added on to Olympic
National Park and Victoria Excursion on July 20-27, 2013 (see below), or taken as a separate trip.
The cost is $395 per person for Sierra Club members; $425 for non-members. It includes lodging for two nights, ground transportation in Seattle and elsewhere, admissions to landmarks and daily breakfast. Airfare to and from Seattle and most meals are not included. Special offer: Sierra Club members who come on both trips -- Seattle Getaway and the Olympic National Park and Victoria
Excursion -- qualify for a $50 discount on the Seattle Getaway trip ($345 per person instead of $395).
To reserve a place, send a check (made out to Sierra Sage-Sierra Club) for the full trip amount to Mike Sappingfield, 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. For information, call or e-mail Mike
at (949) 768-3610 or mikesapp@cox.net. Leaders: Mary Morales, Mike and Patty Sappingfield.
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JULY 20-27, 2013
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK AND VICTORIA EXCURSION
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter and Sierra Singles/Sierra Sage)
Join us for an 8-day excursion to explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwest's fabulous Olympic National Park. The trip visits the rain forests and beautiful scenery of the park and its environs. Then it's off to Canada and the city of Victoria, British Columbia, with opportunities to sample the delights of the city and explore its famed Butchart Gardens. The trip begins and ends in Seattle; participants return to Seattle from Victoria by taking a ferry that winds through the San Juan Islands.
Cost for the trip is $1,195 for Sierra Club members ($1,250 for non-members). Lodging, admissions, and transportation while on the trip included. Airfare to and from Seattle and most meals not included. To reserve a spot, send a $500 deposit (check made out to Sierra Club-Sierra Sage) to Mike Sappingfield, 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Leaders: Mary Morales, Mike & Patty Sappingfield.
For information, call or e-mail Mike at (949) 768-3610 or mikesapp@cox.net.
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JULY 29-AUGUST 4, 2013
CANADIAN ROCKIES NATIONAL PARKS
Rating: O (Angeles Chapter, Loma Prieta Chapter)
Join us for a grand tour of three national parks in the Canadian Rockies -- Banff, Jasper, and Yoho -- on this trip. Jasper and Banff national parks are the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This trip has great opportunities for wildlife viewing with spectacular mountains, glacial lakes, and glaciers. Participants will sightsee and take easy hikes from the bus.
Highlights include places such as the Columbia Icefield with a hike to the Athabasca Glacier, visits to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Medicine Lake, Emerald Lake, and many more with beautiful mountains and glaciers nearby. Also visit Johnston Canyon Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, Takakkaw Falls, and more in the Yoho Valley and take a tramway ride for dinner atop Whistlers mountain overlooking Jasper.
Most accommodations are two- or three-diamond AAA rated accommodations in Jasper and Banff. Optional pre-trip excursions: Ride Amtrak from the Bay Area to Vancouver with possible Vancouver Island excursion and Canada Rail trip through the Rockies from Vancouver to Jasper. Cost includes, 6 nights accommodations (two per room, individual beds), bus, bus refreshments, excursion fees, most lunches and two dinners.
Price for Sierra Club members is $1,835 through 12/31/2012; after 12/31, $1,900. Non-members pay $100 extra. Airfare to and from Canada and pre-trip excursion are extra. Sign-up early as trip is expected to fill quickly. Send 2 self-addressed stamped envielopes or e-mail address, home and work phone number, Sierra Club membership number and check (payable to Sierra Club) for entire amount to Leader: Fred Dong (madelinesdad@earthlink.net) Co-leader: Stephanie Gross
AUGUST 17-28, 2013
ICELAND, HIKING AND EXPLORING AN EXTRAORDINARY ISLAND
Rating: C/O (Angeles Chapter, Orange County Sierra Singles)
This 11-day tour explores the land of Vikings, fire and ice, which is surprisingly green for much of the year. Visit the capital Reykjavik in southwest, Akureyri in far north, travel south through the remote, barren interior to the brilliant-blue hot spring Hveravellir, drive along the roots of volcano Eyjafjallajökull and wander further southeast to view majestic glaciers from the Vatnajökull icecap.
Among floating icebergs, participants will board a boat in the glacier lagoon Jokulsarion. South of Reykjavik, take a relaxing swim in the cobalt colored water of the Blue Lagoon, hike and explore towering cliffs, remote fjords, majestic waterfalls, volcanic craters, geysers, boiling mud pits and more. Soak and swim outside in natural warm pools, dine in local restaurants, country farms and enjoy picnic lunches. Optional extension to Greenland is also offered.
The price is $3,190 for Sierra Club members ($3,290 for non-members) and includes hotel accommodations (double occupancy), private charter transport, 24 meals, guides, glacier lagoon boat ride. International airfare is extra; group rates available. For complete itinerary, application, cancellation policy, contact leader Donna Specht [(714) 963-6345, donnaspecht@juno.com) and co-leader Ana Cadez (ana.cadez@bt-store.com)
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SEPTEMBER 9-24, 2013
BALI ISLAND AND KOMODO DRAGONS
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
Join Angeles Chapter on its second adventure to peaceful Hindu Bali and Flores Island, home to the famous Komodo Dragons. Come with us to experience this fast growing travelers paradise with its unique culture, history, and traditions. Our land package takes us around the famous island of Bali and to the island of Flores, spending varying number of days in each location. The 16-day trip includes several modes of transportation, planes, boats, and air-conditioned 17-passenger coaches. Also included are deluxe accommodations (dbl. ocup./hotels), 24 meals/happy hours, all park/museum entrance fees, guides, tours, misc.
Price is $1,695 plus discounted group international and domestic airfares. For itinerary and application, send email to lajeunes@pacbell.net. Please insert subject line “Bali”. Applications accepted on first-come first-served basis, as previous trips have all sold out. Leaders: John Lajeuness and Andrea Lim
Click here to see all Angeles Chapter Travel Adventure trips.
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OCTOBER 5-19, 2013
CHINA SILK ROAD-GOBI DESERT ADVENTURE
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
See seldom visited sights on the China Silk Road and the Gobi Desert. Visit mountains, deserts, living historic sites, rare wildlife and abandoned cities on this adventure where few Western tourists travel. Highlights include historic Urumqi’s Great Bazaar, historic buildings, Tian Shan Mountains and lakes.
In Turpan, see ruins of ancient Jiaohe city, ancient aqueduct system, beautiful Imin Minaret, old city, Tuyu Valley, and more. In Liuyuan, visit Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Flaming Mountains, Gaochang ancient city ruins, and Astana Tombs. In historic Dunhuang, visit old city, Mogao Thousand Buddha Caves, White Horse Pagoda, Crescent Moon Springs, and see the Gobi Desert. In Jiayuan, visit western end of Great Wall, and nearby mountains. In Xining, tour Taer Monastery, Beichan Lamasery, Buddhist temple and region’s largest mosques. Our trip will take us to the end of the Silk Road, Xian, to see famous Terra Cotta Warriors & Museum, and city wall. You will have a whole free day to explore Xian’s Muslim quarter, city wall, and shopping. Optional Beijing tour available.
Cost: $3,095 until Feb. 28, (March 1 and later $3,195) includes RT air (LAX-Beijing), all transportation, 4star hotels, nearly all meals, admissions, CTS guides. Taxes & Visa Fees extra. Send home and work phone numbers, Sierra Club membership number, e-mail or 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes, deposit check $400 (Sierra Club) to: Leader Bruce Hale: 3025 Alabama St, La Crescenta, CA 91214; (818) 957-1936. Co-Leader: Fred Dong
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OCTOBER 12-19, 2013
NEW MEXICO ADVENTURE
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter, Sierra Singles, Sierra Sage)
Join us for an extraordinary tour of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe, Taos and Taos Pueblo, Acoma Sky Pueblo, Chaco Canyon, Los Alamos, and Bandelier National Monument and more attractions on this fun-filled exploration of the Land of Enchantment.
Trip costs $1,195 for Sierra Club members ($1,250 for non-members) and includes lodging (double occupancy) for seven nights; admission costs for the Balloon Fiesta, national park and monuments visits, Taos and Acoma Pueblo visits, and museum admissions for scheduled visits; all breakfasts, two lunches and several happy hours; and all transportation while in New Mexico. Most other meals, and transportation to and from New Mexico not included.
A $500 deposit will reserve your place on the trip with remainder due July 1, 2013. Mail reservation request and $500 deposit, check payable to Sierra Sage--Sierra Club, and 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes to: Mike Sappingfield at 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, California 92691.For information, contact: Mike Sappingfield at mikesapp@cox.net, or (949) 768-3610. Leaders: Mary Morales, Mike and Patty Sappingfield
FEBRUARY 14-28, 2014
DESTINATION COSTA RICA
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter, Sierra Sage, OC Sierra Singles)
Explore Costa Rica on this 14-day tour, from the Pacific beaches to the wild Northern Caribbean with stops at Manuel Antonio, Monteverde/Santa Elena, Arenal, Tortuguero and San Jose. Why watch a National Geographic special when you can live it? On layover days, hike and explore to discover why this country is known for its enlightened approach to conservation. Visit volcanoes, rain forests, ecological reserves, wildlife refuges and see spectacular wildlife.
Cost is $1,650 per person for Sierra Club members; $1,750 for non-members. Registration is required by Nov. 15. Price includes midrange, locally owned accommodations (based on double occupancy), transportation on private 21-passenger air-conditioned coach, some meals, happy hours, boat transportation to Tortuguero, driver gratuities and some tours. Group airfare is extra. For itinerary, application, cancellation policy contact co-leader Donna Specht, (714) 963-6345; donnaspecht@juno.
JUNE 6-27, 2014
BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF NORTHEAST MONGOLIA AND THE GOBI DESERT
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter, Crescenta Valley, Verdugo Hills
Join us for a 14-, 16- or 22-day non-traditional adventure tour to see the wildlife of Mongolia. You may select one or both tours of Mongolia (see below), which hosts the largest concentration of wild mammals in Asia. Each group is limited to less than 20 participants. The 22-day trip combines everything you'll see in the 14-day Northeast Mongolia and 16-day Gobi Desert trips.
Migratory Birds and Mammals of Northeast Mongolia: See birds and mammals in sparsely populated settings such as small lake areas as well as national parks and wildlife refuge area. Accommodations include a mix of hotels, ger camps (are like staying at a modern luxury safari camp) and traditional camping. Lunches are prepared by a gourmet chef, and participants receive restaurant quality meals while on safari in these remote areas. The trip also visits Hustai Nuruu National Park where you will see the rare and endangered Mongolian wild horse aka Przewalski's horse, neolithic ruins, and other animals. Mongolian wildlife guides will accompany us on this trip.
Gobi Desert: This trip focuses on the beauty of the desert and birds and mammals found in its habitat. This trip also visits Hustai Nuruu National Park where you will see the endangered Mongolian wild horse, neolithic ruins, and other animals in this unique national park. Mongolian wildlife guides will accompany us on this trip. Besides the animals of the desert, expect to see beautiful desert scapes — dramatic cliffs and the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. Stay in hotels and the ger camps (modern luxury safari camp) and lunches prepared by a gourmet chef. Expect sightings of wild gazelles, wild mountain sheep, wild donkeys, camels, ibex, deer, yak, various birds. Also Ulaanbaatar city tour.
Most meals, all internal transportation, wildlife guides, park admissions, and lodging are included in the price. It costs $4,750 for those who sign up by Nov. 30, 2013; $4,850 after Nov. 30, 2013. Non-members of Sierra Club add $100 to per-person cost. International group airfare to and from Mongolia is extra and available at a discounted price. Sign-up, send 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes or e-mail address, home and work phone numbers, Sierra Club membership number and check to Sierra Club for full amount to: Bruce Hale, 3025 Alabama St., La Crescenta, CA 91214; (818) 957-1936. Leaders: Bruce Hale and Fred Dong, madelinesdad@earthlink.net.
JUNE 6-19, 2014
BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF NORTHEAST MONGOLIA
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter, Crescenta Valley, Verdugo Hills
(See trip description above.)
Most meals, all internal transportation, wildlife guides, park admissions, and lodging are included in the price. It costs $2,525 for those who sign up by Nov. 30, 2013; $2,600 after Nov. 30, 2013. Non-members of Sierra Club add $100 to per-person cost. International group airfare to and from Mongolia is extra and available at a discounted price. Sign-up, send 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes or e-mail address, home and work phone numbers, Sierra Club membership number and check to Sierra Club for full amount to: Bruce Hale, 3025 Alabama St., La Crescenta, CA 91214; (818) 957-1936. Leaders: Bruce Hale and Fred Dong, madelinesdad@earthlink.net.
JUNE 12-27, 2014
BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF THE GOBI DESERT
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter, Crescenta Valley, Verdugo Hills
(See trip description above.)
Most meals, all internal transportation, wildlife guides, park admissions, and lodging are included in the price. It costs $2,975for those who sign up by Nov. 30, 2013; $3,050 after Nov. 30, 2013. Non-members of Sierra Club add $100 to per-person cost. International group airfare to and from Mongolia is extra and available at a discounted price. Sign-up, send 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes or e-mail address, home and work phone numbers, Sierra Club membership number and check to Sierra Club for full amount to: Bruce Hale, 3025 Alabama St., La Crescenta, CA 91214; (818) 957-1936. Leaders: Bruce Hale and Fred Dong, madelinesdad@earthlink.net.
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JULY 22-26, 2014
ALASKA BEAR VIEWING ADVENTURE
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
Join us for a 3-day, 2-night (plus time in Anchorage) trip to the premier Alaska brown bear viewing site. Spectacular wild bear viewing in the world at Katmai National Park; stay at the Brooks River Lodge cabins. The trip is limited to 10 participants.
Price includes 2 nights at lodge, 2 nights accommodation in Anchorage, Anchorage airport transfers, round-trip airfare from Anchorage to Katmai. The price is $1,425 before December 31 for Sierra Club members; $1,450 after that date. Non-members add $100.
To reserve a spot, send two self-addressed stamped envelopes or e-mail: Your home and work phone numbers, Sierra Club membership number, check for the amount of the trip made out to Sierra Club and mail to: Cliff Caplan, Reservationist, 1932 Ruhland Ave #A, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 For more information contact leaders Fred Dong, (818) 545-3878; madelinesdad@earthlink.net. Stephanie Gross.
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JULY 26-AUG. 3, 2014
ALASKA WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
Spend nine days and eight nights on an Alaska wildlife adventure to see land and sea animals at two national parks (see above for add-on trip to Katmai National Park for spectacular bear viewing). Trip includes a full day sea adventure in Kenai Fjords National Park with a park ranger to view sea and land wildlife along with calving tidewater glaciers. Spend five days in Denali National Park with opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
The price includes a full day bus trip into Denali National Park; stay at the Denali lodges used by the cruise ships. Price includes hotel, bus, some meals, 1 full day cruise, and more. Group airfare is extra. The price is $1,995 before Dec. 31 for Sierra Club members; $2,095 after that date. Non-members add $100.
To reserve a spot, send two self-addressed stamped envelopes or e-mail with home and work phone numbers, Sierra Club membership number, check for full amount (made out to Sierra Club) to: Cliff Caplan, Reservationist, 1932 Ruhland Ave #A, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. Additional itinerary information contact leaders: Fred Dong, (818) 545-3878, madelinesdad@earthlink.net. Stephanie Gross
[Denali National Park and Airplane, Header photo by Donna Specht]
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