What we’re about
Our activities include dining out, cycling, bowling, concerts, theater, movies, potlucks, parties and other fun activities. We also enjoy social events, networking, sports and recreation, travel, day trips and out of town trips and weekend adventures. Whether your from southern California or you're new in town please join us.
Singles and couples, gay or lesbian, and straight allies - all are welcome.
Please upload your photo and answer your profile questions at https://www.meetup.com/GayandLesbian/profile/
If you RSVP, please show up or cancel your RSVP if you can't come. After 3 no-shows, you'll be removed from the group.
BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER:
When you donate $5 at http://paypal.me/paylouis/5 to our group you'll have "SUPPORTING MEMBER" under your name in your profile and when you RSVP for events. Type "Southern California Gay & Lesbian Club (and Friends!)" and your Meetup name where it says "Add a note" so I know who is making the donation. This will help pay for the fees that Meetup charges to have our group on their website.
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To join our group or participate in our events you and your guests must be at least 18 years old. You must use your name and photo in your member profile and answer your profile questions. Also, you must accept the membership disclaimer at https://www.meetup.com/GayandLesbian/pages/3451412/Membership_Disclaimer/
See you soon!
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Poppy Bloom in Antelope Valley. AND Hockney, Llano and Devil's Punchbowl201 S Front St, Burbank, CA
If you have never been here before . . . it worth seeing.
If you have been before . . . it's time to revisit.
Let's get to the event date first . . . The poppies bloom anywhere from Feb to May.
At the moment we are aiming for April 14th
https://ktla.com/news/california/southern-california-poised-for-another-wildflower-superbloom/amp/Or https://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/wildupdates.html
We'll walk some or most of the 8 miles of trails--not all of it.
Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through late May,
Parking Fees
$10 per vehicle
$9 per vehicle with a senior on board (62 and over)
$5 per vehicle with DPR Disabled Discount Card (see below)Be prepared for wicked strong winds and bring sunblock! The desert temperatures can vary widely and change suddenly, so bring layers for unpredicted changes in weather.
Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or in the visitor center (just like any California Sate Park)
Whether you most enjoy expansive fields or the close-up study of a single flower, this is the place to visit.
Location - Directions The Reserve is located 15 miles west of Lancaster at 15101 Lancaster Road.
From Highway 14: Take the Avenue I exit and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road.
From I-5: Take Hwy 138 east and turn right on 170th Street West. Make a left at the end, onto Lancaster Road. Follow the road two miles.
Carpool? YES!!!!
We will meet at the meet time and address. That location is a designated Park & Ride. It is a free lot that has roving security in the area. So it's safe to leave your car for the day.
We meet and then re-shuffle to then pool and caravan to the Poppies.
Why this location as meet-point? It's rather central. And just off the 5 . . . the main freeway we need to take to get there.
Carpool to our meetpoint? Sure. Post in the comments on the main group posting.
This is a free hiking event that take a little more work to make happen than a quickie local thing. This is not local in-town. As such you will drive to and meet there. OR you will use the carpool info sent a week before to work on setting up a carpool.
To attend this event:
- RSVP on this event (then)
- Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form
The form is a safety thing. If you do not fill it out. You will not be hiking with us.
You can also fill out the form if only interested and want to stay in the loop.Got questions?
Click Here to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)Other notable hiking we have planned:
AFTER the poppies . . . the plan is to go to the location where Hockney shot his photo. It is 45 min away at 126th and Pearblossom . . . Standing on 126th looking south.
https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103QT4
Then go the 200 feet to Llano Del Rio and poke in the ruins (again) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llano_del_Rio
https://la.curbed.com/2017/5/1/15465616/utopia-socialist-los-angeles-llano-del-rio
https://www.lancastermoah.org/single-post/the-llano-del-rio-cooperative-colonyThen drive up to Devils Punchbowl
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/devils-punchbowl-nature-area-so-cal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Punchbowl_(Angeles_National_Forest)Hike or just view it. It's up to you.
Apr 6 Calcite Mine Slot Canyon Hikes and "The Slot" hike in Anza Borrego
May 18 Bridge To Nowhere
May 25 Yosemite Hikes! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! (Vernal, Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls Upper or lower
Nov 16 The Great LA Walk 2024NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint.
- Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits, Join us on this bucket list adventureOverseas Event. You depart from LA with others, Los Angeles, CA
Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.
It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft
BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft
As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft
To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change.
The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system.
We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear.
We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe.
More about our trek/trip.
As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wild-life. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season.Another thing we have done for timing is . . . the last stretch to the summit we leave camp at midnight. June 13th will be a Full Moon making it a stunning hike.
Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
But I don't have the needed gear?!
You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there.Does this include food?
All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us!What is lodging like?
We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters)I am new at this.
That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us.How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?
We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance. We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor.
Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.How much does this cost?
Kilimajaro Mountain Trek $3850 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600Trip Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals everyday on the trek
- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes
- Camping equipment such as tents, tables, chairs.
- Lead Guide, Assistant Guides, Porters and CookRSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUESTWe do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our ZoomThe MAIN location where this event is posted:
https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/events/298960441/
(RSVP there for any conversation and comments)This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here for our other events:
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 200318-10
- Serengeti Photo Safari! See the Great Migration "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
We all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source.
Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies.
On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa!
Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: June 26. Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to Moshi
Day 2: June 27. Moshi to Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Jun 28. Marera Valley Lodge to Manyara National Park
Day 4: June 29. Marera Valley Lodge to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area)
Day 5: June 30. Serengeti (Central)
Day 6: JuLY 01. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
Day 7: July 02. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
Day 8: July 03. Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation area
Day 9: July 04. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha.
Day 10. June 05. Arusha to Kilimanjaro International AirportAll of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited!
How much does this cost?
African Migration Safari $4690 - 10 Days, land only (airfare not included). Price is per person, double occupancy.
We offer roommate matching.
Solo supplement $650RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUESTLand Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals every day
- All park fees to Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti.
- Crater service fees.
- Professional driver guide
- Open roof land cruiser vehicles
- Drinking water during the safariHave more questions?
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message Marc (screen name Oddie)AND/OR
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Click Here for our Request Form for all our international events
Fill out the info request form or come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want, without all the other fluff. As well as meet other attendees.We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
One other thing to think about . . . Since you made it all the way to Africa, why not add a few days on the beautiful Zanzibar islands? We offer optional extension to this stunning beach destination after the safari!. Don't forget to inquire about that when you sign up!
We ALSO have Mt Kilimanjaro Trek for those who are interested in a more challenging and active type of vacation!
Click Here for our other events, local or long distance.
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10
- France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings and MORELos Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
Join us on this gourmet gastronomic holiday as we rendezvous with the cuisine & culture of France.
This is a foodie’s dream. Around every corner we will find open-air markets, artisanal chocolatiers, macaroon shops, boulangeries, cheesemongers, local butcher shops with the finest cured sausages and hams
. . . and YES - world-class wine shops where we can savor the flavors!We will start in Paris, home of some of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Pompidou, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and so much more. Of course, we get to visit some of them...BUT French cuisine is such a huge part of this country's culture and history! Learning about it and experiencing it, is the main goal of this tour.
In Paris, we will savor the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred chefs and indulge in the city's iconic pastries. We will journey to Normandy, where lush landscapes yield exquisite cheeses and apple-infused delights. We will follow the Loire River to discover the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire Valley, where fine wines and gourmet experiences await. Let the flavors of France enchant our palate as we explore these culinary treasures!
Cooking classes, gourmet food tastings, wine tours, and enough free time to explore to our heart’s desire with centrally-located first class accommodations.
The Itinerary in brief:
Day 1 Paris arrival and Welcome Dinner with Corsican Cuisine
Day 2 Paris sightseeing tour, Seine river cruise,French bread making class
Day 3 Paris Museum Day. Dinner along Canal Saint-Martin
Day 4 Paris-Auvers Sur Oise Auver. Pay homage to Van Gogh and the many famous painters who lived there. Paint our own masterpiece! On to Giverny for a visit to the Gardens of Monet. Overnight in Rouen.
Day 5 Rouen - Camembert - Caen. Cheese tasting
Day 6 Caen - Mont St Michel. Stop in Calvados. Apple brandy, anybody?
Day 7 Mont St Michel - Rennes - Nantes. Cooking Class
Day 8 Nantes - Tours with stops at 3 Chateaux Vineyards for wine and chocolate tastings
Day 9 Tours - Orleans. Stops at Château of Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Visit an underground cave for farming mushrooms. And yes, some mushroom tastings!
Day 10 Orleans - Paris On the way, a stop at an artisan chocolatier and more wineries
Day 11 Paris. Visit the famous Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (the flea market) for some amazing shopping. Farewell Dinner in the Montmartre AreaJoin us for an unforgettable feast for the senses!
For a detailed Day By Day itinerary:
Click Here to fill out our info request formPrice per person, double occupancy: $5320
(we match roommates for those willing to share and save)
Price for single room: $6720Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.
RSVP does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit.
Click here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees). Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit***Airfare from/to the US is not included***
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.We do a monthly Zoom with Q & A on all our overseas events.
https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.
The MAIN Meetup post for this event is here:
France Culinary Explorer
(RSVP there for any conversation and comments)We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun events
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 2000318-10