Bob,
There are three (or more?) groups/clubs in Southern California who
have a history of sucessful soaring safaris, the Soarfari group which
Greg mentioned, the Orange County Soaring Assoc., and the AGCSC
(Associated Glider Clubs of Southern Calif.). I have flown with all
three groups on Safari and the trips are some of the very best
experiences I have ever had in the sport. The best of which has been
the wonderful people I have met and the lasting friendships
established.

I would suggest you contact John Templeton at the website previously
mentioned. He can either answer your questions or forward you to
long-standing members for details.

The AGCSC web site is: http://www.agcsc.org/
I think there should be contact information there. This club doesn't
reside at one airport permanently so I guess you could say they are
always on safari! In addition to their annual trips to Lone Pine this
group also is responsible for keeping Torrey Pines available for
soaring during the winter.

The OCSA website is: http://www.ocsoaring.org
There are descriptions of past and plans for future trips at this
site. Their trips encourage new pilot/student participation and are
great ways for a newbie to get away from the home airport with friends
and CFI's who they are familiar with.

I believe this activity is great fun and a wonderful learning
experience. I would recommend clubs who aren't alreading doing so
incorporate them into their activities.