Hiking in the Heat

It's amazing to think that just a few weeks ago we were giving tips on how to stay safe during the cold weather.  But with the promise of heat this weekend, what do you need to keep in mind?  

HEAT AND SUN SAFETY TIPS

Symptoms of Sunburn

Symptoms of sunburn do not occur immediately. Most people have already gone home before they realize they’re sunburned.

In 15 minutes or less sunburn can occur without symptoms.

• Skin may redden as quickly as half an hour, usually 2 to 6 hours.
• Pain usually is worst from 6 to 48 hours, the burn continuing up to 72 hours, followed by peeling (and itching) which can last weeks.
• Redness.
• Discomfort and pain.
• The skin feels hot because of increased blood flowing to the area to speed healing.
• In rare and severe cases, sunburn can cause swelling, itching, rash, nausea, vomiting and fever. First and second degree burns are possible, with hospitalization necessary.

Risk of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a result of long term, repeated exposure to the UV rays of the sun. The ultraviolet rays of sunlight cause damage to the DNA of skin cells.

The amount of exposure to UV rays depends on many factors: what time of year it is (winter or summer), what time of day it is (peak exposure is midday – 10AM to 4 PM), terrain that increases exposure (water, snow, sand, light-colored rocky areas that reflect sunlight), is it daylight savings time?

Always protect your skin from the sun.

Sunburn Prevention

• Wear wide-brimmed hats
• Use sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) and reapply it after sweating- if you have used “enough”, that is probably not enough.
• Put sunscreen on before you hike and again at a break.
• Zinc Oxide has the highest SPF and an excellent “barrier” protectant.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes (such as Solumbra brand with UV protection)
• Sunglasses with UV protection.

NOTE: Sunglasses without ultra-violet protection can cause more damage because the pupil dilates, allowing more UV into the eye.

Treatment of Sunburn

• Time is the main treatment for sunburn.
• Topical creams & lotions relieve pain
• Fresh aloe vera in combination with olive oil to cool skin
• Cortisone cream and vitamin e oil may relieve inflammation.
• Advil and Aleve may reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Hospitalization in severe cases (first and second degree burns).

Heat Safety when Hiking

Your body has a system in which it cools itself by radiating heat directly from blood vessels close to the skin, by exhalation and sweating.

In a hot environment, it may not be possible to drink enough water to replace the fluids your body loses as it tries to cool itself. Most people can assimilate a maximum of one liter of water in an hour, and in extreme conditions of high humidity, heat and exertion, you can lose 3 times that amount in one hour.

Your body also loses electrolytes when you urinate or sweat. Electrolyte capsules are key to maintaining hydration at high temperatures. If your stomach sloshes, you are not assimilating water and may need more electrolytes.

What to Wear in the Heat

Your sweat will not cool your body unless it evaporates; you may be in more danger of overheating on a humid day rather than a dry sunny day.

Wearing “wicking” fabrics aids the sweat evaporation process.

Cotton is not a wicking fabric.

Dehydration Symptoms

• Thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Low endurance
• Fatigue
• Headache (similar to a hangover)
• Flushing
• Rapid pulse
• Dark Urine color
• Elevated temperature
• Dry skin
• Cramps
• Dizziness or Fainting upon standing
• Inability to urinate
• Delirium
• Lethargy
• Unconsciousness
• Swollen Tongue
• Death

Prevention and Treatment of Dehydration

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid caffeine
• Avoid dry foods
• Avoid sweating
• Hydrate regularly (thirst is not a reliable gauge)
• Drink water
• Take electrolyte capsules
• Dress appropriately to aid cooling (wide brimmed hats, light colored wicking clothing)
• Train if you plan to be active in hot weather (sunny and/or humid)
• Plan your activity to avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day
• Reduce activity, as necessary, in hot weather
• Do not drink sport drinks with high amounts of sugar

Heat cramps/Heat exhaustion/Heat stroke

These terms refer to symptoms pointing to a medical emergency brought about by the body’s inability to cool itself, progressing from uncomfortable to life threatening.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Cramps or muscle soreness (early stages)
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint
• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Headache
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Cool, moist, pale skin
• Low-grade fever
• Dark-colored urine

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion

• Get out of the sun (shade or indoors)
• Have person lay down
• Slightly elevate feet and legs
• Loosen/remove clothing
• Wet person
• Cool by fanning
• Have person drink cool water

Covering the person with wet clothes, towels, etc may trap heat rather than cool.

Symptoms & Treatment of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention and hospitalization.

• High Temperature — though person may complain of chills
• Failure to Sweat — hot, dry skin ( may be moist from prior exertions, however)
• Shallow, Rapid Breathing
• Rapid Heart Rate — as much as 130 beats or more, at rest
• Hyperventilation
• Neurological difficulties such as slurred speech, failure to comprehend speech, confusion, hostility, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma
• Muscle weakness or cramps

For more trail safety tips, visit the OC Hiking website.

Avoid panic at the peak

Training, experience needed to deal with altitude sickness and wilderness anxiety.

By SUKI REED / For The Orange County Register

Preparing for an ascent of Mt. Whitney or any mountain peak takes rigorous physical and mental conditioning.

Peakbaggers know that physical conditioning at higher altitudes is necessary to build a strong cardiovascular system and is also part of the mental conditioning process.

This mental conditioning can be acquired only though time and experience spent at higher altitude in wilderness surroundings. There is no amount of fitness conditioning at lower elevations that can prepare one for the pressures of the "altitude wilderness experience."

Altitude affects everyone differently, and its effects can vary from trip to trip. Common physical effects of high altitude include: nausea, headaches, heart palpitations and swelling. Other effects are High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) - when the lungs fill up with fluid as a result of the body adapting to high elevation - and High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) - the result of swelling of brain tissue from fluid leakage, which almost always begins as acute mountain sickness.

At worst these symptoms can be fatal or at least painful and overwhelming.

FIRST, KILL THE EGO

The treatment for any physical manifestation of altitude sickness is not difficult: Set aside the ego, turn around and go back down the mountain. Symptoms will subside as the hiker descends to lower elevations.

The more subtle impact of what I call, 'wilderness anxiety" is less obvious and can manifest itself in many ways that include; refusal to eat or drink, panic that increases with altitude gain, confusion, irritability and moody outbursts. If a member of your group becomes inexplicably agitated, the chances are they are experiencing wilderness anxiety.

I have witnessed varying degrees of wilderness anxiety, but the worst case was on a trip to the San Gorgonio summit (11,501-foot elevation).

Our small group was well prepared for this hike. All participants were in tiptop shape and had been on conditioning hikes in the local mountains. On day-one of the trip, after a few miles into the hike, the least likely of the group began to demonstrate abnormal fear and increasingly frantic behavior. He was a seasoned hiker but was experiencing wilderness anxiety, and the irrational behaviors increased as we gained elevation.

Wilderness anxiety is involuntary and once its victims are back down the mountain, they often do not even remember the incident. To avoid this party crasher, be aware that even the most capable hiker can display these symptoms and there is no way of judging this until you have observed the hiker at higher altitude and wilderness conditions.

ASK THESE QUESTIONS, BEFORE HEADING UP

The best way to avoid problems at the peak is to carefully estimate the abilities of your hiking partners or group before the trip. When possible, go on pre-hikes, and ask yourself questions such as:

How much experience does this person have at higher altitudes while in the wilderness?

What is the highest altitude this person has attained previously?

How will this person behave in an emergency situation? Will he/she follow directions?

Do we work together well as a team? Can I call upon someone else to lead if needed?

Do we have the physical and mental conditioning necessary to complete the trip?

On high altitude hikes; what affects one, affects all. By spending sufficient time in the wilderness at higher altitudes before hiking Mt. Whitney, peakbaggers will help ensure a memorable journey to the summit.

Information on backpacking, what to pack and trail etiquette can be found in "Suki's Backpacking Essentials" e-book available at www.Mount-Whitney.com

Ten popular hikes in Orange County

By SUKI REED / For THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Here are 10 popular hikes in Orange County for the summer offered through the Orange County Hiking Club.

FOUR EASY BEGINNER HIKES

1. Upper Newport Back Bay

The hike: 752 acres of easy hiking trails with views of the Upper Newport Back Bay, minimal elevation gain and dog friendly. The Back Bay (Muth) Interpretive Center; note that the building is not visible from the street.

Where to meet: The Back Bay (Muth) Interpretive Center, corner of University and Irvine Ave., 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach.

2. Oak Canyon Nature Center

The hike: 58 acres of easy shaded trails minimal elevation gain, no dogs.

Where to meet: 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim.

3. Salt Creek

The hike: 18 acres of crystal blue ocean, tide pools and sunny beach, no dogs.

Where to meet: 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

4. Hicks Canyon Trail

The hike: This is a 16-acre park with trails and play areas, dogs on a leash.

Where to meet: 3864 View Park, Irvine.

FOUR MODERATE HIKES

1. Shady Canyon

The hike: A slow, easy-to-moderate hike 3.4 miles (one way) on a paved, but beautiful trail. Dogs OK on a leash.

Where to meet: Parking at Quail Hill Village Center Park in the Albertson's parking lot (Quail Hill Village Center). Cross the street and head south on Sand Canyon Avenue to the trail head on Shady Canyon Road, 6751 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine.

2. Peters Canyon

The hike: 354 acres of multiple trails, lake and hills, moderate to strenuous depending on the route, dogs OK on a leash.

Where to meet: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave. Orange.

3. Whiting Ranch

The hike: 4,300 acres of rolling hills, multiple trails, moderate to strenuous depending on the route, no dogs.

Where to meet: Portola Parkway & Market Place, Foothill Ranch.

4. Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park

The hike: 4,000 acres of coastal hills, multiple trails, moderate to strenuous depending on the route, no dogs.

Where to meet: 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel.

TWO STRENUOUS HIKES

1. Santiago Peak – Cleveland National Forest

The hike: Experienced hikers will enjoy summiting the highest peak in Orange County at 5,689 feet. This 16-mile round trip/single track trail will take most of the day and has an elevation gain of 4,000 feet. A four-wheel-drive SUV is recommended for the trip. Follow Live Oak Canyon Road to Trabuco Creek Road (a dirt road) and pass the volunteer fire station to the trailhead dirt parking lot on left (about 5 miles). The Holy Jim Trail leads up past the Main Divide Road to the peak.

2. Casper's Wilderness Park

The hike: 8,000 acres of beautiful scenery and wilderness in the Santa Ana Mountains, moderate to strenuous, day use or camping, equestrian and shower facilities, no dogs.

Where to meet: 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

If you would like to go on these hikes or many others offered by the Orange County Hiking Club, you can join the club at oc-hiking.com

Great Hiking Quotes

Tips for getting your dog on the trail

By SUKI REED / For THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Walking the dog, can be a great motivator to get you out on the trail.

And with spring around the corner, Orange County hills, canyons and trails offer a palette of colors, an array of scents and beautiful vistas.

If you take your dog along, keep in mind that they require conditioning just as people do; so start small and build up gradually. Some benefits for you as well as your pet can include better sleep, socialization and fitness. To get your dog in shape for hiking you need to be aware of your dogs needs.

Just as you will need to wear comfortable hiking boots, a dog needs to have the pads of their paws toughened up gradually to be comfortable on the trail. Without proper conditioning, walking on dirt, asphalt, rocky terrain and even snow can leave a dog's footpads raw and painful. Once a raw spot has developed, it can take weeks or even months to heal.

Start on short walks and gradually increase with longer ones, and be sure to trim their nails before starting your exercise routine. Another way to help keep your dog's paws conditioned, is to put on booties for half the walk and then take them off for half the walk until their paws get tough enough to go without them.

Take a look at your dog's feet before, during, and after hikes to check the condition of the pads. A solid callous is what you want. If the pads are pink or worn in any way, stop and let them heal. Be patient, it takes time to toughen the pads. Imagine how your feet would feel and look, if you had to walk 5 miles barefoot.

Hydration is also critical for dogs, so give your dog plenty of water before, during and after the hike. Larger dogs can even carry their own water supply in a well-fitted pack, but be on the lookout for straps that rub, especially on short haired breeds. If you are interested in outfitting your dog with doggy saddlebags consider sewing or buying fleece covers to keep the strap from abrading the skin. The constant friction of an unprotected nylon strap can quickly rub into a serious wound.

The cool spring weather is a perfect time to start conditioning for you and your dog, but as hot weather approaches, be aware that dogs are far more sensitive to heat than you are. Heat that is an uncomfortable inconvenience for you can spell death for your dog. In warmer weather, the best time to hike is early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground is cool. Here are some "tail trail tips" from the OC Hiking Club.

1) Signs of heat stress: Profuse panting and salivation, weakness, staring or anxious expression, warm dry skin, rapid heartbeat. If any of these signs are apparent: find shade, place water-soaked bandana and/or towel on dog's head and abdomen. Then, seek veterinary care. From Jeannie Tarlton, Garden Grove, OC Hiking Club Hike Organizer.

2) Carry more than enough water for you and your dog. Collapsible containers are available in pet stores for convenience. Cooling bandanas for your dog can also be purchased at your local pet store. From Jeannie Tarlton, Garden Grove, OC Hiking Club hike organizer.

3) Even a warm day can be dangerous for heat stress. A lot of people think they only have to avoid walking their dogs when it is "hot." But even a warm day can be hot for a dog. From Danielle Wang, Irvine, OC Hiking Club member.

4) Let your larger dog carry his own bag with water and food. It will give him exercise and purpose. Anthony Thompson, Laguna Niguel, OC Hiking Club member.

What to take?

Items for your dog: Dog collar, ID tag with your cell number on it, a six-foot leash.

Items to carry in your backpack: Cellphone for emergencies, extra water, plastic water dish or container, doggy-poo bags, first-aid kit, dog snacks, bandanna (for emergencies and to soak in hot weather).

 

After hike tips: Check for and remove ticks, look for wear on the pads of paws, make sure your dog has plenty of water, and feed extra food as needed.

If you and your dog would like to get out on the trail with others, join the OC Hiking Club at oc-hiking.com

A scenic way to shed some pounds and stress

A night walk on the shoreline from pier to pier in Newport Beach.

By SUKI REED / For The Orange County Register

A New Year's resolution to lose weight is great, except for one thing: Everybody does it at the same time, explaining why gyms are now packed with new crowds.

So if you want to get a good workout in a quiet environment, I have a secret:  Night walks in Newport Beach.

Newport Beach is a natural beauty waiting to be explored under the moonlight. The air temperature is warm - the average winter temperature is in the mid-60s. Add to this the soothing sound of splashing waves, and you will enjoy a magical midweek walk that's bound to lower your stress level.

Whether you're a beginning or advanced walker, you can join in. Just keep the following in mind:

Beginners:Walk on the paved boardwalk.

Advanced beginners:Walk on the hard sand.

Intermediate: Vary the walk with a combination of hard and soft sand by moving from the shoreline to the deeper sand.

Advanced:Walk in deep, soft sand for a workout that beats the treadmill hands down.

If you are interested, here are some details you should know:

Where: Newport Beach Pier, at the recently installed Labyrinth (the flagpole has been taken down). Free parking after 6 p.m.

When:Every Wednesday night during the early spring season, at 6:15 p.m.

How long: An hour and a half. We'll walk two miles to the Balboa Pier and two miles back.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes that you won't mind getting a little wet from an occasional unruly wave. Walking will warm you up, so a Windbreaker should be enough. However, if it's a chilly night, bring a sweat shirt or fleece so you'll be extra toasty.

Golden rule of the Orange County Hikers & Backpackers Club:Take it easy and don't injure yourself. Mildly sore muscles are fine, but stop if you feel pain. Rest for at least 48 hours between walks to recover and build strength.

Hardish Jani of Mission Viejo has done the four-mile pier-to-pier trek and says, "The beach walk is not only fun but very enriching."

Hiking in the Cold and Snow

COLD AND SNOW

People in California are often not prepared to deal with problems related to prolonged exposure to the elements. If you are planning on hiking or backpacking in an area where there is snow or where it is cold, it is very important to be properly prepared for what you may be dealing with, such as frostbite, sunburn or hypothermia. Improper preparation for the cold or snow can lead to loss of limbs, blindness or death.

General Tips for Hiking in the Cold and Snow

Hydration and nutritional needs are very different in the cold. The body burns more calories to stay warm and needs to hydrate more frequently to metabolize nutrients effectively.

• Layer your clothes and make constant adjustments to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature. It is important to keep your body temperature balanced, not too hot or too cold, because if you overheat and get sweaty it can lead to rapid chilling. To cut the wind chill factor you will need, a wind-resistant outer shell.
• Keep your water supply from freezing. Try as starting the hike with heated water, storing it inside your pack and using an insulated hydration hose.
• Hiking in snow is similar to hiking in deep sand; you will need to exert more to accomplish the same goals.
• Avoid eating snow as a source of water. The body has to expend a great deal of energy to warm even a small amount of snow/water.
• If you need water, melt and warm the snow before drinking.

Preventing Sunburn

The reflection of the sun on the snow poses a greater risk for sunburn.

• Wear sunscreen with a high SPF (such as a zinc oxide)
• Wear good sunglasses to prevent burning your eyeballs with “snow blindness” (see below)
• Wear Lip balm to protect exposed skin from chafing due to wind and cold
• A hat will not protect much against sunburn, because UV rays are reflecting up off the ground.

Snow Blindness

Snow blindness is, in essence, sunburn of the eye tissues.

Snow blindness is dangerous and can result in permanent blindness. The cause is increased exposure to ultraviolet rays reflected from snow, sea, or even sand. High altitude contributes due to a 4% increase in UV intensity for every thousand feet of elevation above sea level.

To Prevent Snow Blindness

Wear sunglasses! Purchase sunglasses that absorb nearly all UV rays large lenses and a design that covers the side of the eyes.

Symptoms of Snow Blindness

Like sunburned skin, symptoms aren’t evident immediately and it can take several hours for injury to manifest.

• Eyes may become bloodshot and tear
• Pain and a gritty sensation may develop
• Eyes may even swell shut.

Staying safe on the trail

BY SUKI REED / FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Hiking with someone on the trail is not just more fun, but it's safer.

"It's always a good idea to go with someone else to maximize safety and fun on the trail," said John Santy of Huntington Beach and an OC Hiking Club hike organizer and a retired LAPD officer. "You can greatly reduce the chances of an incident if you are prepared and aware."

In the last few weeks, there have been a couple of local incidents both involving individuals who were walking alone and were attacked.

With a population of about 3.1 million in Orange County, there are bound to be a few weirdoes' that find their way into seemingly safe areas and trails, both dirt and paved. The question is how can you protect yourself?

Predators generally rely on surprise, intimidation and fear, and not so much in intelligence. So, generally intelligence with preparation can be your weapon. (See the attached Common 'trail' sense tips).

People are more likely to become victims when they're unaware of their surroundings and unprepared for the unexpected. Being alert and aware of the surroundings is an inherent part of being outdoors. Using your head in any wilderness or urban environment is key to coming home safely.

If attacked: Fight back. Stomp on the instep of the attacker's foot and then kick a shin with your hiking boots;, blow a whistle; spray the attacker in the face generously with bear pepper spray (keep it easily accessible); shout and yell at the top of your lungs for help; when you break loose from the attacker, run and call 911. If you can't outrun the attacker, stay close and fight dirty.

Be prepared to give a description of the attacker to the police. The best way to deter an attack is to be prepared; consider taking a personal defense class, follow the common "trail" sense personal safety guidelines and rehearse your self-protection skills.

If burglarized: General wisdom says cooperate, remain calm and give them what they ask for. If you can safely grab the pepper spray, give them a good dose of it in the face. However, not unlike a dangerous game of rock-paper-scissors, a gun wins over pepper spray, hence if the attacker is armed act appropriately to the situation.

A note on bear pepper spray: Pepper spray isn't just for the girls. Guys carry it too, but beware, not all pepper sprays are equal. Look for the bear pepper spray, known as "US EPA registered bear deterrent."

It's stronger than ordinary pepper spray and is particularly useful on trail weirdoes as well as aggressive wild animals. I carry the 8-ounce UDAP brand. Keep the spray where it is easily accessible and practice pulling it out in a hurry.

A note of caution here – you don't want to spray yourself or be downwind from the spray. Although the spray is not permanently damaging, it will temporarily blind an attacker and might send him to the hospital to have his eyes painfully flushed. Follow the directions for one test spray in the face of an invisible opponent and be careful, this concoction is strong.

Santy coaches hikers to, "be aware of your situation, make sure you have a friend or two with you, and think about what you're doing before you go."

With this in mind, I'd like to see future headlines read: "Would-be attacker thwarted by hiker."

Suki Reed is president of the nonprofit OC Hiking Club with more than 10,000 members. If you want to explore the outdoors with fellow hikers, you can join at oc-hiking.com

1) Don't hike, jog, bike, ride or walk alone.

2) Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

3) Carry a charged cell phone.

4) Carry pepper spray (bear pepper spray, two-plus ounce size or larger).

5) If you have a dog, or dogs, take them with you.

6) Be watchful as others approach on the trail

7) Carry a whistle.

8) Take a different trail, if the one you're on feels strange.

9) Plan how you would react if attacked or burglarized.

10) Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.

11) Stay with your group.

Ten easy hikes to get moving in the new year

By SUKI REED / For The ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

If you're looking for a way to shed a few pounds, get healthier and gain some new friends – but not spend a lot fulfilling these resolutions – go for a walk, and better yet join the OC Hiking Club and come walk with us.

The local Orange County area offers some nice hikes for all ability levels. You, you family and friends can enjoy scenic vistas on easy urban and wild land hikes, some only minutes from your home.

Many of these hikes are dog friendly with dogs on leash, so bring extra water and a snack.

And don't hike alone.

To attend a hike with the OC Hiking Club, join the club for free at oc-hiking.com/ and RSVP for the hike of your choice.

To hike on your own, go to the websites for whatever parks that pique your interest to get hours and parking information.

10 EASY HIKES WITH THE OC HIKING CLUB

1) Monday morning walk and shore bird sightings at Bolsa Chica bluffs.

Meeting Place: In the Interpretative Center on the corner of Warner and PCH in Huntington Beach.

About the hike: Easy beginner; no dogs; 5 miles with no elevation gain; 2 hours. Don't forget your binoculars on this walk. You might spot some interesting wildlife, including three Reddish egrets, a couple of peregrine falcons, stilts, forester terns, herons, snowy and great white egrets. Bolsa Chica is home to more than 300 varieties of California's coastal birds. This is moderately paced walk around the wetlands. Surprises await you at Bolsa Chica!

Monday Mornings through Feb. 15.

2) Shady Canyon – Dog friendly.

Recommended Items: A flashlight, layers of clothing, water, a snack, and anything else you need to be comfortable and safe. Good walking shoes are highly recommended.

About the hike: Suitable for intermediate beginners 5.5 miles round trip with 566 elevation gain in less than 2 hours. This hike can be done in the rain. This is a fun, scenic hike for those new to hiking. This hike is on a multi-purpose use trail and is a combination of paved trail and hard packed dirt. The hike winds through one of the most beautiful canyons in Orange County with views of Sand Canyon Reservoir and Strawberry Farms Golf course and ends at Turtle Rock Community Park.

Monday and Wednesday evenings through Feb. 15.

3) Pier-to-Pier dog friendly beach walk for all levels – Dog friendly.

Ability level: All levels -- beginners welcome.

Parking is free after 6p.m.

About the hike: We start at the Newport Pier and walk down to the Balboa Pier and back; about 4 miles. Go at your own pace, walk with the group or walk alone. Walk fast, medium or slow, run fast or slow, walk on hard sand, soft sand or the paved boardwalk – you choose. The beach is good for strengthening and balancing muscles in the feet, legs and backs.

Directions: Take the 55 South, continue onto Newport Boulevard, turn right at 29th Street, take the first left onto West Balboa Boulevard, and make a slight right at McFadden Place. Destination will be on the left. Meet at Newport Beach Pier.

Tuesday and Thursday evenings through Feb. 15.

4) San Joaquin Wetlands in Irvine bird walk.

About the hike: Beginner, no dogs. Please turn off your cell phone during the walk

Many varieties of birds and wildflowers are found in the wetlands of the Irvine Ranch Water District. This walk is about 3 miles with stops to spot and identify the birds. We also have the option to visit Tree Hill where many varieties of domestic and international trees are planted. There are more than 10 miles of hiking trails (all flat), and 11 ponds, most of which are the size of small lakes. This area is a hidden treasure – one that nature, bird or wildflower lovers should experience.

Directions: From I-405 southbound, exit Jamboree and go south (right) toward the ocean. After about a mile, make a left on Campus. At University (next major street), make a u-turn and take the first driveway on the right (immediately after the u-turn) into Irvine Ranch Water District. Go almost all the way to the end and make a left into the parking lot.

Friday, Jan. 11.

5) Mile Square Park beginner walk – Dog friendly.

Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley Recreation Centre and Sports Park in Fountain Valley.

About the hike: Beginner level, 4 miles, about 1 1/2 hours. We will walk the perimeter of Mile Square Park totaling 4 miles. It is mostly pavement and some grass. This is a dog-friendly walk. Dogs must be on a leash, and bring your own bags to pick up after your pet.

Directions: Meet on sidewalk near corner of Brookhurst and Heil streets. Take I-405 to the Brookhurst off ramp. Head north on Brookhurst to Heil and make a right at the light into the parking lot where the basketball court is.

Friday evenings through Feb 15.

6) Serrano Canyon to Four Corners for advanced beginners hike.

Whiting Ranch, Portola Entrance, 27412 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch.

About the hike: Not for first-time hikers and no dogs allowed. Advanced beginners; 2.5- to-3 mph pace; length 5.7 miles; (600 feet altitude gain); about 2.5-3 hours depending on the group's pace. You should experience some of the club's 4-5 mile walks before attempting this hike. (This is one of my favorite South County trails where you can often see deer.

Directions: From I-5, exit Bake Parkway, turn north (toward hills) for about 5 miles. Turn right on Portola, (pass Lake Forest) then turn right at Glenn Ranch Road (signal at shopping center).

Saturday, Jan. 12.

7) Peter's Canyon for advanced beginners – Dog friendly.

Peters Canyon: Back Entrance, 26981 Peters Canyon Road, Tustin.

About this hike: Advanced beginners. This hike takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours and cover roughly 6.5 to 7 miles; 830 feet ascent. It is not a hike for new beginners. The hike includes some challenging hills that we won't take too fast.

Directions: From the I-5, exit Tustin Ranch Road and head toward the foothills. Drive about 3 miles. Get in the left-hand lane and turn left on Pioneer Way (signal). Get into the right lane and take the next right on Pioneer Road (signal). This road will wind around Cedar Grove Park. Continue to the first stop sign and turn left on Peters Canyon Road. Park at the end of the road. We will meet at the sign for Peter's Canyon Trail at the end of the road. Pay attention to the "No Parking" signs, as tickets are issued frequently to those who park in that zone. Parking is limited; arrive early.

Saturday, Jan. 19.

8) Beginner (slow) Caspers Wilderness Park East Ridge Bell Canyon Loop.

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

Parking fee: $5.

About the hike: A little under 7 miles; about 3 hours. Speed 2.5-3.5 per hour with about 460 feet elevation gain, depending on group pace. We will stop and enjoy the canopy of strangely shaped trees. We may have to hop over some rocks crossing creeks, and the trails can be rocky and rough – so wear appropriate shoes.

Directions: From I-5 south, take the Ortega Highway exit. Turn left at the light. Follow Ortega Highway until you see the Caspers Wilderness Park sign on the left side of the road. Once inside the park, follow the main road to the stop sign, make a right and follow that road all the way until you see a red windmill and the sign for the Old Corral on the left side of the road. When you pass that area you are almost at the end of the road; last parking lot on the left before the road ends is where we meet.

Sunday, Jan. 20.

9) Deer Canyon Trail – Slow short steep new beginners hike.

Crystal Cove State Park.

About the hike: Moderate beginners; no dogs; about 3.5 miles; 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This area is coastal scrub, low bushes with beautiful views.

Directions: Meet at Ridge Park entrance at Ridge Park Road & East Coastal Peak, Newport Coast.

Saturday, Feb. 2.

10) Bommer Ridge – Introductory slow new beginners' hike.

Crystal Cove State Park

About the hike: Introductory beginners; no dogs; about 4 miles; 2 hours total at Laguna Coast Wilderness/Crystal Cove. Elevation gain and loss will be minimal. This area is coastal scrub, low bushes with beautiful views.

Directions: Meet at Ridge Park entrance at Ridge Park Road & East Coastal Peak, Newport Coast.

Saturday, Feb. 2.

The OC Hiking Club hike organizers are required to take a head count of all participants for safety reasons, thus you must RSVP for hike start times. Please join for time and full directions at oc-hiking.com. These and many other in-town and out-of-town hikes for all ability levels are offered.