The troop started the day by visiting the park visitor center which is actually housed inside of one of the old silica mines on the property where we watched an episode of Bay Area Backroads which detailed the special history of the park and saw many displays of the parks history.After touring the visitor center, the troop paused for lunch and then strapped the packs on and headed to the campsite. Unfortunately there was a tall ridge in the way! After summiting the ridge, the troop headed into the next valley and the campground. It was a group site with a nice eating pavilion.
The site was next to a "creek" but it was all but dry at this time of the year. The group knew that this would be the case and brought enough water, but conserving water was an important consideration for the whole outing. The boys who had extra shared with those that ran out. By leaving time the next day, everyone had half of a bottle left for the hike out. Meanwhile, the troop visited a couple of the old mines in the area, one of which was open and 150 feet of its tunnel was explorable!
After spending a quiet night, the troop headed back to the parking lot. On the way out we discovered several gopher snakes and several tarantulas. Unfortunately the ridge was in the way again, but the troop climbed back out without problem and headed back home.
Participants: John-Robert, Zack, Carl, Daniel, Payton, Bryce, Owen, Jeff, Devon, Andres, Gerrit, Joey, Marcus, Eric, Adam
Leaders: Mr. Peacock, Mr. Valdelomar, Mr. Polkinghorn, Mr. Frazee, Mr. Griffin
Lessons Learned: Bring extra water!
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