Sequoia Kings Hiking Meetup Group offers adventure

[ERIC]

Meetup group offers adventure

Marina Gaytan 11:44 p.m. PST December 19, 2014
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For those of you looking for an adventurous group to join, check out the Three Rivers Sequoia Kings Hiking Meetup group.

Philanthropy Coordinator with the Sequoia Natural History Association, Elizabeth LaMar, started the group in September as a way to reach out to those interested in exploring Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers and other local hikes. “I just felt we wanted to let more folks know about outdoor activities,” she said.

Meetup is a website where neighbors can get together who have common interests.

“I had actually signed up in a Meetup group before and I thought, hey, we have all of these hikes that we already offer and this is another way to reach a whole new audience,” she said.

According to the group’s description, the Meetup is an adventurous way to explore various trails in the Three Rivers and national park area. The different hikes and walks cater to beginners and advanced hikers.

The turnout has been positive and was even surprised by the number of people who joined, LaMar said.

“We were amazed,” she said. “Within a couple of days we had over 50 people and now we are at 89.”

Kimberly Kauling, park store manager for the association, is one of its many proud members.

“It’s a good way to find potential last minute outdoor ideas,” Kauling said.

She also said it’s a great opportunity to have a guided walk inside Sequoia National Park.

“Not a lot of people get to do a more formal walk inside the park,” she said.

So far, the group has held a few hikes and a birding day.

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