Please join me on a historical adventure with Hank Umemoto, a Nisei (Japanese American), who grew up in Florin, California to live the American dream as a grape farmer alongside his parents, who was confined at the Manzanar internment camp for three years during World War II, and who pursued his greatest passion to climb Mount Whitney – 10 times!

The Book
“Manzanar to Mount Whitney: The Life and Times of a Lost Hiker,” an autobiography by Hank Umemoto.

• You can pick up a copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Kindle, Nook, library, or other sources.
• Read more about Hank here. It’s his obituary (he passed away at the age of 91) but it describes his life in detail.

The Hike
My hikes are slow paced (1.5-2 mph) and the end time is approximate only. We take breaks, we explore, and we don’t leave anyone behind. If this hike isn’t for you, please find another that suits your needs.

This hike is for those who will read the book and join in the discussion. You will be placed on the waitlist. I will move you to going when you confirm that you intend to read the book.

If it rains, I will move the hike to the next weekend when it’s not raining.

This is a 3.7-mile loop hike with an elevation gain of about 600′. Meet me under the big shady tree, alongside the parking lot and near the restrooms, at 1:00pm. We will start promptly at 1:10pm.

We will stop about midway, either at the reservoir, the ocean view lookout, or the cluster of rocks to have snacks and discuss the book. I’ll be able to pinpoint where we will really stop when we are out there.

• View the All Trails map

Details

• High winds, rain, hot weather, or fire will cancel this hike
• Parking: Free
• Terrain: single track, fire road
• Difficulty: Fit beginner, intermediate
• Restrooms: no
• Dogs: Yes, only if leashed
• Known Dangers: slip and fall, rattlesnakes, poison oak

Essentials

• Bring 2 liters of water, flashlights, snacks, electrolytes
• Bring your hiking poles if needed.
• Wear good hiking boots/shoes, sunscreen, hat
• Bring a jacket for cooler weather
• Bug spray
• Ventura County SARS 10 Essentials

The Field Trip?
I am planning a 2-3 day trip to Lone Pine in April or May (stay tuned). My agenda will include:

• Touring the visitor center and the grounds of Manzanar
• A drive to the Whitney Portal, the gateway to Mt. Whitney
• A couple of hikes
• A visit to the film museum
• Headgates to the Los Angeles Aqueduct

Directions to Charmlee

• Address: 2577 Encinal Canyon Rd, Malibu
• Google Coordinates: 34.059028, -118.879472
• View the Google Map
• View the driving directions

DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

1. You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
2. The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
3. If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
4. Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
5. Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
6. These rules apply to any guests you may invite.