Forwarded by Jane Clark Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24: Loess Hills Backpacking at Preparation Canyon State Park Enjoy the emergence of fall colors backpacking through Iowa's most unique land form. Depart 9 a.m. Saturday morning for the 2.5-hour drive to Preparation Canyon State Park near Pisgah. We will stop briefly at the Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center on the way to learn more about the area, then hike about 1 to 1.5 hours to our primitive campsite. There will be additional day and/or evening hikes (without packs) after setting up camp to explore the state park and adjacent state forest. The new moon should also provide us great skies for stargazing. We will stop at one or two scenic overlooks of the Loess Hills before returning home around noon on Sunday. Difficulty level: Moderate. Estimated cost, which includes food and camping fees, is $12. Contact Doug at 277-1263 or [log in to unmask] by September 18 to sign up and get a gear list. Doug Aupperle - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/