Ventura Settling Ponds, Visitor Center and Harbor Cove Café

Let's head to Ventura for cooler weather and a walk around the Ventura Settling Ponds, a beach walk to the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, the Mermaid Playing Lute statue, and a late lunch/early dinner at the Harbor Cove Café.

**The Hike**
This is 4-mile hike/walk/beach walk with an elevation gain of a whopping 50'.

Park at the Dolphin Parking lot **(see directions below**) then meet me at the trailhead of the Ventura Settling Ponds at 1:00pm which is about a block away from the parking lot. We will start promptly at 1:10pm.

Let’s finish the day with a late lunch at the [Harbor Cove Café](https://harborcovecafe.net/).

**Overview**
The Ventura Settling Ponds (named Snoopy, Lucy and Bone) are man-made beds used to collect water discharged from the wastewater treatment plant. Up to 243 bird species have been recorded such as the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, pelicans, and cormorants.

At the Visitor Center we will learn about the wildlife and history of the Channel Islands. It features a lookout tower, native plant garden, display of marine aquatic life, tidepool, and other exhibits.

The Mermaid of Soter Point sculpture, and its sister, that sit at the mouth of the Ventura Harbor, were donated by Russian emigrants Alec and Tatyana Benke, as an expression of love for their new country, America.

**Essentials**

* [Ventura County SARS 10 Essentials](https://www.vcsar3.org/plan)
* Bring 2 liters of water, flashlights, snacks, electrolytes
* Bring your hiking poles if needed.
* Wear good walking shoes, beach shoes, sunscreen, hat
* Bring a jacket for cooler weather
* Bug spray

**Details**

* Trail type: trail, beach, sidewalk
* Sorry, dogs are not allowed
* Parking: free
* Restrooms: none
* Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, poison oak, mermaids, tsunami’s

***Even More Details***

* Hot weather (85 degrees or higher), high winds, rain, or fire will cancel this hike
* My hikes are slow paced (1.5-2 mph)
* **The 4:30pm end time is only an estimate**
* As a team, we take breaks, explore and we don't leave anyone behind
* As hikers, we enjoy listening to the symphony of nature. You are more than welcome to play music as long as you are wearing headphones

**Directions to the Dolphin Parking lot**
Parking is free
Address: 1001-1399 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura,
Located east of Ventura Harbor Village
Google Coordinates: 34.242639, -119.260917
[Click here to view the Google Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B014'33.5%22N+119%C2%B015'39.3%22W/@34.2426411,-119.2622068,367m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d34.2426389!4d-119.2609167?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTEwNC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)

**Directions to the Ventura Settling Ponds**
From the Dolphin Parking lot, walk .2 miles to the corner of Spinnaker and Angler Court
Google Coordinates: 34.239917, -119.261000
[Click here to view the Google Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B014'23.7%22N+119%C2%B015'39.6%22W/@34.2399214,-119.2635749,735m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d34.239917!4d-119.261?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTEwNC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)

**DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:**

* You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
* 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.
* If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
* Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
* 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.
* These rules apply to any guests you may invite.