vegan beach retreat

Our 1st outdoor trip for 2005 is a car-camping adventure at beautiful Half Moon Bay State Beach. Four miles of broad, sandy beaches stretch out to welcome Bay Area Vegetarians and their friends to Half Moon Bay. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, vegan picnicking, and refreshing walks along the ocean.

Where:   Half Moon Bay State Beach When:   May 20 - 22 Hosts:   Tammy & Chris Event Status:   Open (~2 spots)

We have reserved the popular Sweetwood campsite, the only group campsite at HMB State Beach. It is on the bluffs above the beach, half-ringed with cypress trees. This will be our second year of hosting an event at this great location. For pictures from last years events click here. Our trip dates are May 20th-22nd, 3 days and 2 nites. Or, those familiar with previous camping trips would say it starts with Friday dinner and ends with Sunday breakfast. These multi-day group trips are wonderful ways to connect with the local veg community, and start or continue both new & old friendships. For aspiring or experienced vegetarians, these trips are wonderful ways to explore vegetarian foods, participate in making delicious vegan meals, and just plain fun to hang out with like-minded folks in a beautiful and relaxing beach setting. Coincidentally, it will be nearly a full moon during our trip to Half Moon Bay. While the campsite can accomodate up to 50 people, we're planning to limit the trip to about 30 people. To reserve your spot, sign-up now and get the best price on the trip! We may also offer spots at a reduced rate for those who do not wish to share in the group meals. Please inquire. Based on previous trips to Arroyo Seco, Butano State Park, and Yosemite, we eat really well. Some would call them 'gourmet vegan camping trips'. If you're new to our trips, we suggest you review the trip guidelines and information on food teams and preparation. Below you'll find sample menus from previous BAV camping trips. We've used a lot of organic food ingredients on previous trips, and hope to do the same this time, too. With the exception of baked goods, we will be cooking at the campsite. The menus that follow are actual examples of foods we've eaten on previous trips.

More photos from previous trips Half Moon Bay (2004) Arroyo Seco (2003) Butano State Park (2003) Yosemite (2003)

Friday Dinner "welcome to camp snack" walnut mushroom pate w/crackers main course: chili & brown rice (or couscous) cornbread garden salad dessert water, coffee or tea	Saturday Breakfast tofu scramble potatoes fruit salad beverages Saturday Lunch make-your-own-sandwich bar with a fruit & snack like chips or cookies (bring a sack to hold your food & water container as we go exploring along the beach or travel afield to Redwoods or the Fitzgerald Marine Preserve or downtown Half Moon Bay)
Saturday Dinner appetizer: tortilla chips & three layer dip (guacamole, salsa & beans) main course: spaghetti with a homemade sauce from -chunky vegetables and herbs or -zesty tomato/garlic/basil sauce bread grilled corn on the cob dessert	Sunday Breakfast pancakes or french toast with maple syrup sausages fruit salad beverages

Food Teams
Part of what makes our trips special is the yummy vegan food! We will be divide into food teams for the preparation and clean-up. You can either volunteer for a team or you'll be assigned to a team by the trip organizer. Each team will be responsible for certain meals. Depending on how your team decides to organize, half the folks may do the cooking while the other half elect to do the clean-up. Critical to each food team is a team leader! If you have the special skills to lead, or you just love food, this may be a great job for you.

Participation
In previous trips, it's been a group activity to plan the meals and buy the groceries. To simplify this process, the organizers and individuals who are interested in participating will plan the menu and do the shopping. We'll try to limit the shopping to only a few people to minimize costs and food waste. The discussions will happen in the message board. Please register (it's simple and free). Please email your userid to me, and you'll be granted access to the planning forum. (This forum is restricted to attendees)

We do rely on more experienced campers to share their equipment (stoves, lanterns, etc) so let us know what you can provide.

Everyone will need to bring their own tent, camping gear, plate/bowl/cup/utensils for themself, and to make their own carpool or travel arrangements. Participants will also be responsible for all fees and costs associated with personal camping equipment, travel, etc. necessary for their participation in the trip.

If you agree to participate in this event, you do so at your own risk and expressly waive any and all liability on the part of Bay Area Vegetarians and its organizers.

Trip Reservations

Price includes camping reservation and food for 5 vegan meals. Kids are welcome and there is special pricing for them. Please contact us with the ages of your kids.

We may also offer a few spots at a reduced rate for those who do not wish to share in the group meals. Please inquire on availability.

To reserve a spot on this trip, please include the following information when you send payment: 1) Your name, city, and telephone # 2) # of spots requested and # of tents 3) Forum ID for each individual, or a representative for planning discussions 3) Payment method -- sent via the mail (cash, check, or money order) or via PayPal (for credit/debit cards or electronic funds transfer). Trip cost will be determined by date on postmark (for U.S. mail) or timestamp (for PayPal). 4) Any necessary food accomodations (i.e. allergies); for food preferences, please participate in the discussions 5) If you can be a team lead (i.e. plan & shop for meals), please let us know! You are considered a tenative sign-up until your payment and requested information is received. Any questions? Email the trip organizers

Click to see more picutres of the campsite

	Cash, Checks or Money Order       PayPal Make payable to: Send to: Bay Area Vegetarians Please include the following information

FYI, threatened western snowy plover, a tiny shorebird, nests on Half Moon Bay State Beach.

Camping Trip Links:

Camping trip guidelines

Camping trip discussion forum

Local Points of Interest:

Fitzgerald Marine Preserve: Bay Area Hiker & County page

Redwoods

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay State Beach

McNee Ranch State Park