Crown Memorial Beach (3.2 mi, negl ft) Alameda County

HIKE STATS:
Start Time: 10am
Distance: 3.2 mile out-and-back
Estimated Hike Time: 2 hrs
Elevation change: negligible
Event Type: Open
Difficulty: Easy
Event Organizer: Maura

Come join us for our monthly EASY hike. This is a great place for our beloved newbies to come and test the waters. It's also the chance to walk along the beach on the East Bay! How about we meet at the Visitor Center on Sunday?

Remember that the address in the info/map link above is approximate. If you use a mapping program, please be sure to combine it with the written directions and road signs. This is where your fellow car-poolers come in really handy!!

* As always, be sure to bring WATER, snacks and an extra layer (like a windbreaker and/or fleece). This time of year, consider a hat and gloves as well.
* $5 entrance fee ~ great incentive for sharing rides.
* The route for this hike HAS been posted to the Files section. Big points for printing maps for you and some of your new friends.
* No pets, please

This hike is open to all members without restriction. This does not mean it is an easy hike: it means that no special permissions are required from the event organizer (Maura) in order to join. OK. This one DOES happen to be an easy hike; however for practice, you should read the description to be sure that it is the right level for you.

Please be aware that we expect you to take responsibility for your safety while we are out on the trails. This means arriving prepared, remaining aware and participating with the other really wonderful folks who are part of the group on hike day. We understand that your "Yes" RSVP to this event means you accept this.

If the hike is full, please RSVP "No" and add a comment asking to be added to the wait list. Our folks are really, really good about keeping their RSVP status current and the wait list works REALLY well. Please remember that it is NOT OKAY to come to this hike unless you have a "Yes" RSVP for yourself and any guests you'd like to bring.

Here is a link to more great Bay Area Hiker info about the hike. We are really looking forward to seeing YOU there.

CARPOOLS:
Fewer cars at the trailhead is always happiness. Meetup does not organize carpools; however we are a friendly group with lots of folks who are interested in sharing rides. If you'd like to offer a ride, please leave a comment in your RSVP letting folks know where you're coming from and how many spaces there are. If you'd like to ride as a passenger, it is YOUR JOB to check the website RSVP list and contact any of the nice people offering a ride to see if they still have a space for you. If you're a passenger and your plans change, please be sure to let the driver know.

DIRECTIONS:
From Interstate 880 in Alameda County, exit Broadway/Alameda (exit 42). Follow the signs for the Webster Tunnel, and when you come above ground again, stay to the left on Constitution Way. Constitution Way changes to 8th Street at Lincoln Avenue -- proceed on 8th Street to Otis Way and the park entrance on the right. Once past the entrance kiosk, continue to the last parking lot.

TRAILHEAD DETAILS:
$5 entrance fee -- no charge when kiosk is unattended. There is plenty of parking in a series of paved lots, with pit toilets, drinking water, and pay phones in the park as well as along the beach. There are designated handicapped parking spots, wheelchair accessible pit toilets, and a flat paved trail suitable for wheelchairs. This beach is accessible by public transit. Visit the Transit Info for details.

POST-HIKE REFRESHMENT LOCATION:
Although it's not an official part of the hike, a big friendly group of us often mange to make our way to a fine local establishment for post-hike refreshments and cheer. All recommendations are considered; however CHEAP, plentiful food is goodness. There is no pre-planning involved so spots that can roll with a big group arriving are usually a good fit. We always like to make sure everyone can have something to eat, so variety is also nice.

** Today's Winner **
How about we try the Pacific Coast Brewing Company in Oakland. The street address is 906 Washington St (94607) and the telephone number is 510-836-2739.