Walking with a Guide

San Francisco Victorian Architecture and Mansion Tours, as well as Berkeley. Architectural and point of interest walks and hikes/walks on Mt.Tamalpais.

All photos are either taken by me, or members, or are paid for through Adobe Stock, on a monthly payment basis.

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A conversation is needed about Meetup "No Show" issues! The rule of thumb for most Meetup groups is a 50% rate of RSVP no shows. My goal is to handle the No Show issue in a positive way. And conversation is a positive way to find solutions.

There are many causes/reasons for no show behavior. Here are a couple.
Using Meetup RSVPs for shortlisting ones calendar down to a final choice? In other words RSVPing for several interesting Events for a given day. Then when the morning arrives picking the most interesting Event and blowing off the other RSVPs. (Please don't do that.)
There may be a need for Cognitive Behavior Therapy for last minute, "Emotional Reasoning" ie. I don't feel like it, therefore I shouldn't do it, or just going negative about the Event outcome. Seek specific therapy, for getting over ER and negativity, getting over these makes life better.
Here is an important request.
If you are not 100% sure you will attend, DON'T RSVP until you are sure. For those who are indecisive by nature, do the very best you can.
Lastly I think when members attend and are witness to an Event that had 28 RSVPs, that sees 10 actually show up is not a great way for the Event to get started. I know it is initially dis-heartening for me and not a very nice way to get started. Let's talk under the Discussions Tab and seek solutions together.

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We'll identify these basics about some of the houses; the architect, year built, name of first owner, builder's name, architectural style and maybe a human interest story from the house's history.

Videos of past hikes are available here, We'll be walking in very nice areas, 3 to 4 miles. We'll walk in the shade if too hot and in the sun if chilly. Try to find the fog when the temps rise. Have lunch with a spectacular view and out of the wind. Hopefully with picnic tables and restrooms.
Safety is always my #1 priority. I will be as aware as I can of any danger. But I can't be responsible for your safety. As adults you are responsible for your own personal safety and what you decide to do.

Liability Disclaimer: All participants agree to assume 100% responsibility for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and recognize that possible hazards exist while participating in outdoor activities, and agree to participate solely at their own risk. If you RSVP “Yes” and/or attend any event, it shall be conclusively presumed that you understand and agree to this policy.

Look at some of the over 6000 photos and picture yourself right there. Stay in shape and look ahead to fun days, sign-up for some hikes in the future while on-line here. 
The group is for walkers and hikers who love to be immersed in the gorgeous, special places California offers. And while in that immersion, connect not only emotionally to these places, but learn about the natural science and human history of the locations. And to do this with kindness, patience and open heartedly. And best of all to make friends with those we get to know. 
But the reality of managing a Meetup group is hard work. It has to be done carefully. Good judgement and basic people managing skills are needed. About roughly, 50% of those signing up for an Event, will actually show up.
I tell frequent no-showers to not bother to RSVP anymore and just show-up and surprise us! But some are RSVPing to whatever is interesting and then choose as the weekend approaches. I call it short-listing. I guess it's nice to make the short-lists.
When you compare Meetup to the social clubs of the past. Ski Clubs, Swim Clubs, Yachting Clubs, Country Clubs, Sierra Club, American Youth Hostels etc. Meetup is just Club Lite. Committing in a very personal relationship is a challenge for many. Is the same thing happening here in broader social relationships? Maybe keeping it lite is a way of compartmentalizing, keeping safe emotional boundaries. If friendships develop it will happen over the long term when an amount of certainty has developed?

If your work or life situation is totally stressing you out look for the Forest Bathing moments and Ocean Bathing (at Duxbury Reef) on the hikes that have as a goal reaching a meditative state of mind.
I love doing architectural tours of the Victorian and Mansion areas of San Francisco. Also Berkeley as fascinating residential architecture and the history to go with it as well.
These are very doable hikes for everyone who can hike. If you can manage walking up some very steep hills, can maintain your balance on very rocky, root covered uneven surfaces and have the stamina to walk about five miles you'll do fine. I think the best thing is to have a routine where you are walking everyday including going on these hikes. I've been leading hikes on Mt.Tam since 1995, less so now. So I know the areas very well. And also what to look for and when.  let me know if I can answer any questions, as far as getting started?
If the above concerns you let me say this. You have to start somewhere. Walking is very gentle. Come do as much as you can and then come again and do a little more. If you have to stop and go back to your car, just be aware of the return route. There is so much to gain, don't let negative concerns stop you.

The cost of living in the Bay Area is very high. We all have to work, or have had to work, very hard, to afford to live here. One of the mitigating factors is the openness to diversity found here. One aspect of life here we can control is how we access one of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas in the whole country. Not only the beautiful lands, the Bay and bio-diversity but the weather to allow us to get outside 24/365. 
With the above said, utilize our amazing outdoors to forget about work and worries or the ravages of age and everyday cares and achieve a relaxed state of mind and body to the greatest extent you can. That's the goal of this Meetup and has been my personal goal for over twenty-seven years of spending as much time outdoors as I can. I'm never disappointed by this local outdoor experience. As well as the socializing, potential new friends met. Resulting in fulfillment of another vital need, maintaining our emotional well being and staying mentally healthy as well. 
The bang for the effort put in, outweighs the driving time effort and the trade-offs, versus something else I could be doing.

It seems many have the impression that to have a fulfilling outdoor experience something very special must be experienced, via thrill seeking. The lure of a waterfall, spectacular views, sunsets, the full moonrise, the very peak of the wildflower bloom, some sort of special outdoor event, an unusual snowfall here, the height of fall foliage, mushrooms in profusion or some other unusual or rare occurrence must be sought to get the bang the effort requires.
Don't get me wrong the above are all fabulous. But they do not result in your having a sustainable, regular program for good health, well being, relaxation and fitness. And the great fallacy is, yes the above are great, but a plain, old regular hike or walk, once or twice a week is so fulfilling all by itself. Not just hit or miss thrill seeking, but a way of life that results in sustainable, ongoing happiness and health.
Liability Disclaimer:

By signing up for this event you agree to assume all responsibility for your own safety, health consequences, conduct and well-being, and you hereby release its organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You are also acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this type of outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards.