Last year, Bookshop launched a new series of outdoor book-related events—Bookshop Santa Cruz Outdoors— combining our love of nature with our love of reading! This series of excursions is centered on themes such as writing, birding, photography, and poetry, and the hikes are led by authors of books relating to each event’s focus. These events will return in the spring. Stay tuned for more information about our 2010 schedule.

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Hike & Write with Dan White

Saturday, April 18th at 2 p.m.
in the Pogonip

The series kicked off on April 18th with an event with Dan White, author of The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind—and Almost Found Myself—on the Pacific Crest Trail. Dan led this hike and series of impromptu writing exercises through the treasured Santa Cruz Pogonip. The scenic 640-acre expanse was the perfect setting for participants to practice writing themselves into nature. We had a wonderful time and left very excited about future events.

 

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Hike & Poetry with Patrice Vecchione

Saturday, May 30th
in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Our second Bookshop Outdoors event was a Hike & Poetry afternoon with Patrice Vecchione, author of Writing and the Spiritual Life. Guided by Ms. Vecchione's writing exercises and inspired by the beauty of the surrounding redwoods, participants immersed themselves in poetry and explored the strength and resonance of their inner voices.

 

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Family Hike & Explore

Saturday, June 27th at 10 a.m.
at Natural Bridges State Park

Host Martha Nitzberg, the lead interpretive naturalist of Natural Bridges State Park, led a two hour event filled with activity and discovery. Centered around the tidepools at Natural Bridges, it brought the event’s companion book, One Small Square: Seashore to life!

 

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Hike & Birding with Todd Newberry

Saturday, September 19th & Sunday, September 20th at 7:30 am at Natural Bridges State Park

Local birding expert Todd Newberry, author of The Ardent Birder: On the Craft of Birdwatching, led two Hike & Birding events at Natural Bridges. Mr. Newberry’s passion for the “lovely madness” of bird-watching, combined with his field expertise, made for delightful and insightful excursions. Participants received a copy of The Ardent Birder in addition to Todd's guidance, insight, and enthusiasm.

 

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Hike & Sketch with Tom Killion

Saturday, October 17th in the Pogonip

Outstanding Bay Area artist Tom Killion led our Hike & Sketch event last fall. Known for his gorgeous woodcut prints of the local landscape, Killion begins each of his printing projects with extensive on-site sketching (he never works from photos). We were excited to team up with him to provide participants with an unforgettable afternoon of beauty and inspiration.