Hike Every Wednesday in Balboa Park, Our Beautiful 1200 Acre Urban Cultural Park

Hiking in Balboa Park? What is that about? Isn't it basically all flat? How is this considered a hike? Well consider the American Heritage's definition for hike - 1. To go on an extended walk for pleasure or exercise. Believe me, this will be a beautiful extended hike that is both pleasurable and a terrific work out to improve ourselves!

The agenda is as follows and can/will be improved upon by your suggestions, contributions and participation.

We will hike/walk through some of the lovely common areas that will fill our senses, along with the the many paths and trails. We will also venture to areas on the outskirt's that are full of trees, trails, hills, with new views that you may never have seen or experienced yet. We will also frequent the Florida Canyon/Morley Field area that alone have 5 miles of trails. Since there's so much to cover, every week will be somewhat different. There are times and areas on our hike that we can/will do push-ups, dips, pull-ups, sit-ups etc. This will enable us to get a full body work out that is enjoyable and beneficial because of the environment. We should be back at our starting location in about an hour or so. I will take the lead the first week but we will rotate among members from week to week on the direction, routine and menu.

Then the fellowship, fun and relaxation begins. We will have enough hot cheese pizzas delivered from a local restaurant or pizza shop. Those that partake will be asked to split the cost. We will have a fortunate-bowl salad. What is that? That's when everyone brings 1 salad ingredient kept cold (if needed) while we are hiking. Choose anything, from different greens and lettuces, raisins, nuts, cheeses, tomatoes etc. We can decide what to add to the salad bowl or kept on the side to snack on. Just have it washed and ready to add. I will have bowls, plates, forks, paper towels, salad serving tongs, salad mixing bowl and Italian dressing, you may want to bring your own dressing. Bring what ever you want to drink for yourself. Alcohol is allowed(no glass)until 8 pm in some areas. I will bring some background music. There is plenty of ideal locations with benches that are semi-private that we can choose from week to week.

During this time we will also exercise our insides and the best way to do that is by laughing. So everyone has to share a rated G joke, short humorous story or something funny.

After we have shared our lighter sides, to exercise our minds, be prepared also to share one thought provoking quote, poem, story etc. Search the Internet you'll find something that will inspire, motivate and/or make someone smile. This will make for a very interesting time. Ideally we all should/will leave feeling good before it gets dark! Time adjustments will be made to this end.

This is a family friendly Meetup so children are welcomed, but in order to get an aerobic work-out we will be walking at a brisk pace so keeping up may be a challenge. When we stop at times to do a set of calisthenics this will afford some time to catch up. We will also have a strong male in the front and another at the end for security. It's suggested you bring water, sweat towel, hiking shoes, cell phone. Some enjoy their work out more listening to their personal music so those are welcomed too, just give priority to our fellow members if they have something to say. Camera's are welcomed, just publish the pictures on our site except the unflattering ones. We will ask before each hike if there is anyone who doesn't want to be photographed and will respect your wishes.

Also this is a refreshing Meetup not a harassing hookup, please don't hound anyone!

Friendly dogs are welcomed but must be on a leash.

This is a private event in a public setting for members only, if you want to bring a guest have them sign up as a member and for security reasons post a clear picture. Children of a participating parent exempted.

DISCLAIMER: By participating in this hike you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any and all hike functions. The hike & exercises may be too strenuous & dangerous for some people and participants should consult their health practitioner before coming. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from this activity.

We will meet at 3:45 near the swings to warm up/stretch while we wait for everyone, then begin our hike at 4:00. There is plenty of parking near here. I will share my cell # with those coming for those who might be running late and still want to try and find us.