Itinerary: Y2K Chill-Out

New Year’s Eve, 1999. Does it make you sigh just to think about it?

There are all those nines becoming zeros and the new millennium looming and the whole did-we-fix-all-the-computers question. There are dates and reservations and designated drivers. And then there’s that song by the artist formerly known as Prince (or is he currently Prince? Who knows? Who can keep up with that guy?), which you know you’re going to hear over and over in the next 48 hours. There’s just so much pressure.

If you don’t feel it--if you have a date, and a reservation, and transportation and you’re actually looking forward to dancing to “Party Like It’s 1999” and recovering from a hangover the next day--just skip the rest of this.

This is a New Year’s plan developed under the general theory that it is best to begin the year 2000 calm, focused and without a headache.

Friday

In the afternoon, or when you’re done with work, start shaking off the last century at the Labyrinth at the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica (Simkins Hall, 1008 11th St., Santa Monica, [310] 393-8258). It opens at 3 p.m. and the last entry is at 11:45 p.m.

The labyrinth isn’t a maze--it’s a complicated pattern, with only one beginning and one end, and people walk through it as a form of meditation. Labyrinths date to the middle ages, though some have pre-Christian roots. The 30-by-30-foot labyrinth in Santa Monica is a replica of the one in France’s Chartres Cathedral, where it was laid in the floor in 1220.

Mary Garbesi, labyrinth coordinator at the church, says the walk is also a metaphor for a person’s life, and the experience is different for each individual. “It depends on where one is in one’s own life. Walking it can bring one face to face with issues in one’s life.”

Then, either alone or with family or friends, head to Topanga State Park, where Rick Recht is leading his 10th Welcome in the New Year Hike and Potluck.

“I got fed up with years of going to parties where there was a boom box in your face and cigarette smoke and people getting drunk,” said Recht, who also leads hikes for the Sierra Club and UCLA Alumni groups. “I just wanted to do something more natural and enjoyable.”

Apparently he wasn’t alone. As many as 450 people have accompanied him on this trek to the peaks above Temescal Canyon--from where you can see everything from the Pacific to downtown L.A. Don’t be surprised if there are guitars and singing.

If that kind of peaceful New Year is worth $5 to you, get yourself to the beginning of Trailer Canyon Fire Road in Pacific Palisades before 9:30 p.m., and bring food to share with six people. Call for directions: (310) 479-5717.

Saturday

Still don’t have a feel-good vibe? Maybe try the Get Blissed Marathon at Club Voodoo (4120 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A, [213] 486-4536; $10 to $30, depending on the time) starting at 2 p.m. Saturday. The promoters promise the DJs will send out musical vibes for a fresh and prosperous New Year until 2 a.m.

Sunday

Get ready to face the first work week of 2000 with a visit to a day spa. Beverly Hot Spring (308 N. Oxford Ave., L.A., [323] 734-7000; open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; walk-ins OK) uses natural artesian springs in the middle of the city to fill its hot and cold tubs. It’s grotto-like, but in a good way. Finland Baths (13257 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks, [818] 784-8966; open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; call in morning for reservation) is known for its flame-burning saunas and Swedish massages.

Robin Rauzi can be reached at robin.rauzi@latimes.com.