In the middle of hawk migration season in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Marin Headlands Hostel is hosting a photography exhibit, "Broken Wings: Portraits of Non-releasable Raptors," by photographer and naturalist John Perry.

The exhibition tells the stories of 16 eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls that cannot be released into the wild due to their injuries. These injuries illustrate a complex interaction between humans and the environment, and Perry tells each raptor's story through a portrait and text that relates each bird's life history.

“I want viewers to feel a connection to raptors and the natural world, and at the same time inspire them to help protect these magnificent predators,” says Perry.

Perry's passion for raptors started as a volunteer hawk bander and docent for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. He has worked as a naturalist for Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education, Outdoor Hostel Adventures, and the San Francisco Zoo.

Join Perry for a lecture and slide presentation on September 29 at the Marin Headlands Hostel, where he will discuss the creation of the exhibit and highlight some of the threats raptors face in the wild.

These striking photographs hang in the hostel's reception area, first floor hallways, and guest lounge through December 1, and are available for purchase.

Monsters, fairies, goblins, witches, ghosts, pirates, mummies, and vampires are all about to descend on the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel for the Haunted Hostel Halloween Festival!

This annual event has evolved over the past six years to become a favorite of young children and their families. This year’s festival is also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA.

There will be cauldrons of fun to be had for kids of all ages, including:

• Spooky Scavenger Hunt
  Upon entry to the festival each participant receives a Halloween scavenger card listing all the great activities. Participate in all of them and get a prize!
• Grand Costume Parade
  Keep your scary bingo card handy as you fill in spaces by finding popular Halloween characters to autograph your card.
• Raffles and prizes
• Music, snacks, tricks, and treats

Don’t miss this spirited once-a-year spooktacular!

Golden Anniversary of Golden Gate Hostels

This event is hosted in salute to the 50th anniversary of the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA, as part of a series of celebrations held at Northern California hostels through the fall.

• Check out the full list of anniversary events.
• Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, Hostel Tripper, for updates on upcoming anniversary events.
• Read more about the history of HI-USA Golden Gate Council.

The Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA has been welcoming the world to Northern California for 50 years, and now its time to celebrate!

Join us on Sunday, October 26, and help us commemorate our Golden Anniversary in style. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones, at a special anniversary luncheon at San Francisco's United Irish Cultural Center.

The event begins with an optional pre-luncheon hike on Ocean Beach at 10:30 a.m., and continues back at the Irish Cultural Center with a social hour, luncheon, special anniversary program, and silent auction.

This is also your opportunity to meet the new Executive Director of the Golden Gate Council, Danielle Brumfitt, who comes to us directly from Bruges, Belgium, where she was the General Manager of an association of independent hostels called Europe's Famous Hostels. Come say hello to her and to former Executive Director Barbara Wein, and wish them both well in their new ventures.

The Golden Gate Council of American Youth Hostels was established in 1958 by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Over its 50-year history this nonprofit organization has grown to include ten beautiful hostels and an array of cultural and environmental education programs for youth. Proceeds for this event benefit these important programs, which serve 2,000 Bay Area youth every year.

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Tickets

You can purchase tickets online or by phone at (415) 863-1444 ext. 301 (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. -  5 p.m.).

Individual tickets

• Happy Hosteller ($35)
• Eager Explorer ($50)
  Includes $15 tax-deductible donation.
• Auspicious Adventurer ($75)
  Includes $40 tax-deductible donation.
• Triumphant Trekker ($100)
  Includes $65 tax-deductible donation.
• Child under 12 ($15)

Official Hosts

• Bronze Host ($500)
  Includes seating for up to 5 people and tax-deductible donation.
• Silver Host ($750)
  Includes seating for up to 7 people and tax-deductible donation.
• Gold Host ($1,000)
  Includes seating for up to 10 people (one full table) and tax-deductible donation.
• Platinum Host ($5,000)
  Includes seating for up to 20 people (two full tables) and tax-deductible donation.

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Location

United Irish Cultural Center
2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco
Google Map

The Irish Cultural Center is on 45th Avenue between Sloat and Wawona, a few blocks from the ocean. Taking public transit or carpooling is strongly encouraged. Street parking is limited; allow extra time to find parking. 

BART: Take BART to the Civic Center Station. Transfer to the Muni Metro L train and follow directions below.

MUNI METRO: Take the L train to Wawona and 46th Avenue.

MUNI BUS: Take the 18 or 23 line to Sloat and 45th Avenue, or take the 29 line to Sunset and 37th Avenue.

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Silent Auction Preview

Hybrid bicycle from Noe Valley Cyclery

Rick Steves "Smart Travel Kit": 21" roll-aboard travel bag, 70-episode DVD set, autographed copy of "Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler," and more

Restaurant gift certificates:

• Aslam's Rasoi (San Francisco, CA)
  
• Capannina (San Francisco, CA)
  
• Louis' Restaurant (San Francisco, CA)
• Mountain Home Inn (Mill Valley, CA)

Classic Safari Tour for two adults at Safari West, a wildlife preserve and African tent camp in Santa Rosa, California. View more than 500 animals including mammals native to West Africa and Madagascar, and birds native to Africa, South America, Papua New Guinea, and the U.S.

Tickets to the Traveling Jewish Theatre

Autographed Giants memorabilia

Raffle of assorted wine packages

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Official Hosts

Nicholas S. Andrade, Gold Host

TTI Technology International, Gold Host

50th Anniversary Luncheon Steering Committee, Gold Host

Wraith, Scarlett & Randall Insurance Services Inc., Bronze Host

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Steering Committee

Nicholas S. Andrade
Olive Bavins
Myra Forsythe
Ursula Gummett
Joyce Johnston
Beryl Kay
Walt Knoepfel
Kathleen McAdam
Ron Montes
Kaysea Ray
Fred Tealdi
Barbara Wein (chair)