East Bay Dinner

East Bay Dinner: "California Coastal Trail"

Thursday, April 28, no-host cocktails/social hour - 6 pm, dinner - 7:00, program - 8:00, Berkeley Yacht Club on the Berkeley Marina, one block north of the west end of University Avenue (ample free parking is available in the Marina parking lots).

You have heard of the JMT (John Muir Trail) and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), but have you heard of the CCT? The CCT is the California Coastal Trail that, when complete, will provide a continuous trail along the entire California coastline from Oregon to Mexico.

Coastwalk is a non-profit organization that for 21 years has been dedicated to completing the California Coastal Trail (over 65% of the California coastline has a coast trail). Coastwalk's mission includes protecting the scenic and natural environment of the coast while ensuring public access, educating the public about the CTT and coastal protection, and coordinating with government and other organizations on coastal access and protection. Every year Coastwalk offers volunteer-supported walks along various sections of the California coastline. These walks are 3 - 10 days in length and offer all fitness levels an opportunity to experience the California coastline.

On Sep. 22, 2003, Coastwalk members finished a 1,196-mile walk down the coast of California. Walking daily for three and a half months from Oregon to Mexico, these hardy walkers, supported by hundreds of volunteers along the way, used this coastal journey to promote the California Coastal Trail and to educate the public about coastal access, protection, and challenges. They also had the experience of a lifetime.

Linda Hanes and Jon Breyfogle were two of those walkers. They will share with us the beauty of the California coastline from the slides detailing the trip. And they will share the challenges of walking from Oregon to Mexico along the coastline: the rivers to cross, the bluffs that blocked progress, the urbanized areas and beach-front communities, and the lack of trail in some areas.

The California coast is really "our" coast; the law guarantees public access to it. Join us for an inspiring and informative journey along "our" coast.

Linda Hanes is the current president of the Coastwalk Board of Directors. In 1999 she retired from a career as a children's reference librarian to volunteer halftime for Coastwalk. She says that the 2003 journey down the California coast was a highlight of her life.

Jon Breyfogle is currently retired from his career as a professional land surveyor in Sonoma and Marin Counties. He has been active in Coastwalk since 1984 serving as treasurer and state walks registrar. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors.

Dinner is $22, which includes tax and tip. To make a reservation, send your check for $22 payable to "Sierra Club", including your name and phone number, to:

Evelyn Randolph
938 Galvin Drive
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 526-2494

Attendance is limited to the first 115 reservations received. Reserve early, as these programs do fill up. Reservation deadline is April 15. There is no admittance for program only.