The troop visited Sugarloaf Ridge for the first time in a number of years. We had been intending to go for some time, but the park was shut down for some time with the California budget crisis slashing the park funding. Thanks to the efforts of a number of local volunteers, the park is fully open again. 
This is especially fortunate as the Robert Furgason Observatory is located at the park so youth groups can once again access that educational resource. What we were there for wasn’t the observatory, but it was associated it. One of the parks trails starts at the observatory parking lot and markers have been placed along the trail in proportion to their distance from the sun. So you can take the planet walk on a realistic hike through the solar system! The markers even have a proportional sized circle (or dot) representing the size of the planet with facts about the heavenly body you are visiting.
After arriving at the park and checking in, the troop pitched camp and then headed up the hill, stopping at each of the markers. We also took time out for the first year boys to master their compass and map ready skills. Lunch was just past Neptune (when have YOU ever been able to say that), with plenty of discussion of the upcoming zombie apocalypse. Afterward the troop continued on to Pluto and then turned around to head back to camp.
Back at camp, the troop decided to build an axe yard and split wood for the fire that night. Then they made a trip to the visitor’s center where everyone got to see the exhibits and eat ice cream (courtesy of Mr. Peacock). Then it was back to camp for dinner, campfire and bed.
Leaders: Mr. Peacock, Mr. Polkinghorn
Lessons Learned: The best campsites are at the corner close to the visitors center. The showers are fantastic!
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