Bay Area Friends - San Francisco's Social Group for People with Herpes

JULY 2008

Camping at Lake Sonoma near Healdsburg, Fri-Sun, July 18-20, 2008

Save the dates!!! - Camping in Lake Sonoma. Friday, Saturday and Sunday until noon. Boat-in camp site! We'll be shuttling into the site and are looking for others with boats that will help.

Mushroomman and Jules in Santa Rosa will be hosting a campout on beautiful Lake Sonoma July 18 - 20. Lake Sonoma has boat in access sites that are in a no wake zone, so it is quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Anyone who likes to waterski, fish, sun worship etc. should join in on the fun. We have booked 4 sites already and Mushroomman has a boat and can help get some folks to the area. However, we are asking for others with boats to help shuttle folks to the sites as well. Please follow the link here to see pics of the sites and lots of info http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/lakesonoma/camping.htm Near the bottom of the page has the booking link. We have booked 8, 9, 11, 12 at skunk campground. We need folks to book 5,6 and 7 ASAP- this area fills fast. June was our first pick but its already gone, so book now!

We will bring some food (chicken,sausages) And Mushroomman may even have some fresh abalone if he can get out and will share with all! If you want an invite just email:

Stude at comcast dot net

We will be asking for some funds to help cover the food we purchase. Please bring camping gear,layers of clothes as it can get cold in the early morning. Water is a must,food and snacks for lunch etc.

We are really excited about this and hope it will become a must do annual event, please book sites now so we can hold more space to stretch out..only $14 per nite!

The camping area has no cell service so make your requests for boat rides to the site in advance. Hope to see you there!..and please keep tuned for more info!

Book sites now, so we can stretch out!

mushroomman and jules

Email: stude at comcast dot net

Annual BAF Yosemite Trip, Weekend of July 24-28, 2008

That's right - we've booked Thursday-Sunday this year, but most people will come for 3 out of 4 nights.  Prices are $119-$150 (that is your total cost that includes 3 nights accommodations plus camp snacks and Saturday dinner).  The price you pay is based on date of payment. The later you pay, the more you pay. If you'd like to stay a 4th night, that is available for an additional charge.  See link below for more info.  This trip always sells out!   (As of May 1st, 3 months in advance, this trip was already half-sold-out.)

- We always stay at Curry Village in 4-bed tent-cabins on the Yosemite Valley Floor. We have room for about 40 people in shared same-sex 4-bed tent cabins. The gender balance is usually pretty even.  Other members or couples who want more privacy or bring their kids should reserve their own tent-cabins on the same weekend.  The age range of our group is usually 20's to 50's, with sometimes a few kids or people in their 60's.  Most people are in their 30's or 40's.  We all get along great, no matter how old you are.

There is lots to do at Yosemite for people of all different interests and levels of physical ability. Different people in the group will volunteer to lead different activities and hikes. In past years, people have hiked to Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Glacier Point, Vernal Falls, Bridalveil Falls and more!  "River-Sitting" has been another popular activity.  If you're hiking, bring lots of bottled water, food/snacks for all day, salt/electrolytes, hats, layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and cameras! Good hiking/trail shoes and socks are also a must.. For River-Sitting, all you need is a chair!  There is a good description of the many hikes available at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/valleyhikes.htm

Everyone in the group is expected to volunteer to help the group out with various responsibilities/

For more info, go to: Yosemite 2008 -  http;//www.bayareafriends.org/yosemite_2008.htm

Organizer is Ellen, Email:  mondotravel at yahoo dot com

July Sunset Sunday Happy Hour in the East Bay, Sunday, July  20, 2008, 5 - 8 PM

Location and Time TBD

Hosted by Dan of Benecia