HIKE: Crystal Lake, waterfall meditation (7/16)

Dr. Ashwin Kumar; Ananda (DBM), Dhr. Seven, Jen Bradford (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

C'mon, it's summer. Let's go outside into Nature and meditate under the waterfalls.

Crystal Lake is a hidden alpine lake above L.A.

The yogis and yoginis of the College of Yoga and Ayurveda are taking a hike. Destination: Crystal Lake Recreation Area, Azusa, Los Angeles County, for a waterfall meditation. Free.

We'll scale Mt. Islip and enjoy a relaxing waterfall meditation. Then it's brunch at Crystal Lake Cafe to socialize.

Greet Mother Nature. Socialize, make friends, take photos, do yoga stretches, swim, meditate under a waterfall, do yogic breathing led by. Dr. Ashwin Kumar:

Due to popular demand, we will once again hike the Islip Ridge Trail from tranquil (and now replenished) Crystal Lake, near the Highway to Nowhere above Los Angeles, to Mt. Islip then return via Windy Gap Trail (loop hike).

• 

  Wow, is this still Los Angeles County?

  Sunday morning, July 16, 2023 FREE
• Start hike at 6:00 am (at trailhead)
• Meet in Glendale at 5:00 am (carpool)

Mt. Islip is tucked into the Angeles National Forest away from the L.A. crowds. The hike follows well-marked trails, offers spectacular views, and summits the 8,250-foot Mount Islip, with views of Catalina Island in the Pacific to the Mojave Desert behind our local mountain range.

The descent is a gradual downhill hike, cruising back to the sparkling waters of Crystal Lake (which looks like a volcanic opening akin to Oregon's magical Crater Lake.

Two hiking levels (two groups)

Where are those slowpokes?

Depending on how many persons and abilities show up, we will have two groups. Everyone will be included, and no one will be left alone.

The first group are the fast hikers/runners, the second are the normal hikers/normal pace people. Choose whichever is most suitable. We will have walkie-talkies to stay in touch.

Companion animals: We love pets, so feel free bring them along. Obviously, human owners determine what is appropriate for them. (Bring a leash in case it is required or needed and all their essentials, like water and bowl).

Waterplay and brunch

Wonder if anyone would mind if I skinny dipped

After the hike, we will play in the waterfall and stream and meditate lakeside. Bring water play items, like a bathing suit. Then it's brunch and conversation.

All are welcome to join just brunch if that's the hiking level for the day. That starts at approximately 11:00 am at: Crystal Lake Cafe, 9877 North Crystal Lake Rd., Azusa, CA 91702. This is a good option for beginners who just want to play by the water, lounge around, and eat.

Waterfalls along the San Gabriel River

There are a couple of accessible waterfalls and the river itself, time permitting. We will visit them.

NOTE: This is not a beginner's hike. However, all are welcome to hike as much as they want and return to the lake area for lounging. Or remain near the Crystal Lake picnic grounds to enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet until the hike returns and we have brunch.

Distance and elevation gain: It's loop hike, totaling 10.5 miles with a 2,600-foot elevation gain.

Meeting location and parking: Islip Wawona Trailhead/Crystal Lake Trailhead at: 34.31909, -117.84454. Use these coordinates for exact meeting location.

Start time: 6:00 am (expected completion time by 11:00 am)

Carpooling, driving

Can I get a ride? - Yes, sure, Kait!

CARPOOL or CARAVAN begins at 5:00 am in Glendale at (free carpool). Meet at the Ashwin College and Clinic of Ayurveda Yoga and Vedic Sciences, 111 S. Kenwood St., Glendale CA 91205.

Note there is poor cellphone reception up the mountain by the lake. So please text or call before 5:15 am on Sunday to reach anyone, like Dr. Ashwin: (323) 702-1211.

Bring hiking shoes, not other types. Pack a minimum of 4 liters of water, a snack, sun protection, and electrolytes.

Please read these safety details completely. Any questions? Just call or text (323) 702-1211.

Blessings and Namaste 🙏

• This is a hike with "awareness," which is to say we hike as we enjoy being with Mother Nature. We pause halfway through the hike to meditate and enjoy a healthy brunch afterward at a local cafe.
• Start time and being late: We start on time. If anyone is running late, please text or call us by before the start time. We can wait 5 or 10 minutes (max) out of respect for everyone's time.
• For the hike bring: HIKING shoes/boots (not tennis shoes or running shoes, etc.), hiking pants, long sleeve shirt (personal preference) or shorts and a tee of dry type of fabrics, allergy medications, enough water (about 4 liters), a snack, sunscreen protection, hat, bug spray if sensitive, an electrolyte mix or drink, sunglasses, and so on.

Any questions, call or text (323) 702-1211.

Beware of monsters (lions, bears, rattlers)

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that assistant organizers, event hosts, and support hikers are all volunteers who organize hikes without compensation and therefore assume absolutely no responsibility for any guest's safety or suitability. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, each person is acknowledging that s/he is aware and has made any other accompanying guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and that everyone participating accepts and fully assumes responsibility for all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agrees to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, and event hosts from and against any and all liability arising from participation in the group's activities. Please further see Meetup.com's terms of service agreement at meetup.com/terms.