Extra-Day Trips, Spring 2012

(approx. 40 miles, strenuous backpack, boulder-hopping, possible mandatory swims)

This backpacking trip begins at Lions Camp on the Sespe and proceeds through some of the most breathtaking wilderness in southern California. We will hike down the Sespe, leaving the trail just downstream of the Sespe Hot Springs Creek confluence. Beyond this point the terrain presents a series of challenges involving boulder-hopping along rushing waters, scaling small rock walls, and---if the winter storms have pushed enough sand down and out of the streambed---mandatory 100 yard swims, floating our backpacks on pads or small rafts. Pending ongoing access negotiations, we will either exit the wilderness near Oak Flat Guard Station, or along the Sespe near Fillmore. Along the way, we will be surveying the Sespe for steelhead/trout presence and aquatic habitat conditions. This will include snorkeling the creek---if you have never snorkeled a creek and watched trout feeding from inches away then you are in for a mind-blowing experience. Evening activities will include discussion with the trip leaders regarding aquatic ecology, genetics, field biology, and salmon and trout conservation. Eric Anderson (CdeP 1988) is a statistical geneticist with the National Marine Fisheries Service and member of the Technical Recovery Team implementing the Endangered Species Act for southern California steelhead. Matt Stoecker, an ecologist with an encyclopedic knowledge of local creeks, is one of the most influential and active figures studying steelhead in California and advocating for their preservation. This trip is a great opportunity for physically fit students interested in science to challenge themselves in the backcountry and to collect data on recovering populations of endangered species.

with Mr. Pidduck and Grant Ellman (trip captain)

Join Mr. Pidduck and Grant Ellman for a 105 mile mountain bike tour of our local back country. We will be riding mostly dirt roads as we venture along the boundaries of the Sespe, Dick Smith and San Rafael Wilderness, but will enjoy some tasty downhill single track as well. This trip will be a superb combination of backcountry adventure, physical challenge, and solitude in the mountains. Our departure trailhead is in Upper Ojai at Sisar Canyon, where we will ride over Nordhoff Ridge and then bomb down Milddle Lion Trail (look out horse pack trips!) to Patton’s Cabin for our first night. After an evening of grilled steak and verdura griglia, we will depart early the next morning for a long ride to Oak Camp on the Chorro Grande Trail at the edge of the Sespe Wilderness. The next day we will venture deep into the Los Padres to Don Victor Valley, followed by a night at Rollins Camp and then a final night on the Santa Ynez River, with a possible side trip to Big Caliente Hot Springs (yeah!). On our last day we will grind up to El Camino Cielo above Montecito, and then drop down the Romero Canyon Trail (incredible single track downhill) to Toro Canyon and then continue downhill to the beach in Carpinteria (for a swim in the Pacific). As luck would have it, our trip will end at the Padaro Beach Grill where we will feast on burgers (we will be hungry) before we catch a ride home from Mrs. Pidduck. Please join us.

Serving and Surveying the Sisquoc: Hiking and doing trailwork in the San Rafael Wilderness with Ms. Hooper, Ms. MKent, Trip Captains Sarah Ratsimbazafy and Nu Xiong, and Special Guest Stars Mike Vaughn and Timbah Bell

We will head into the San Rafael Wilderness for five days of hiking and trail work. Mike Vaughn, backcountry extraordinaire, will join us for several nights and will help pack in our tools. We will start out hiking the Rocky Ridge Trail to Painted Rock Camp, where we will spend two nights. This camp site has some petroglyphs that we will get to explore. We will spend a layover day here and work on the Rocky Ridge Trail. On our third night, we will head to Sycamore Camp on the Sisquoc River, doing trailwork along the way. Night four will feature a night at South Fork or Lonnie Davis campground, most likely with some more trailwork mixed in during the day. On day five, we will hike to Salisbury Portrero, where we will spend a night at a cabin, and then we will hike out along the Bull Ridge Trail in the morning. We will hike about thirty miles all told, contribute some good work to the trail system in the area, enjoy some good swimming holes and fine camraderie. Joining us will also be Timbah Bell, brother of Joe.

Kayaking Around Catalina Island

with Mr. and Ms. McMahon and the Wachtell sisters (trip captains)

If you love being on and in the ocean this is the trip for you. We will spend our days kayaking along the beautiful coast line of Catalina Island and camping at remote beach sites. You don’t need kayaking experience (although it helps) since the sit-on-top kayaks we will rent are very user friendly. However, you do need to be a confident swimmer and willing to kayak for hours at a time. Conditions are usually great but rough seas are certainly possible. The first day we will take the ferry to Two Harbors where we will get our kayaks and camp for the night. The next day we kayak to the Parson’s Landing camp site which is about 5 miles. The rest of the day we will explore the beach and hopefully snorkel. (Borrow snorkeling gear if you can!) The next day we will kayak around Land’s End (The western point of the island)) and then return back to Parson’s (about 7 miles total). The following day we will kayak back to Two Harbors for water and then continue East until we reach Ripper’s Cove where we will spend the night. (At Ripper’s we have to pack everything out--everything!). On the penultimate day we kayak all the way to Avalon/Descanyo Beach which is about 9 miles. The next morning we take the 10:30 ferry back to San Pedro and drive back to campus. While paddling we should see lots of great wildlife like Harbor seals, Sea Lions, dolphins, and beautiful fish like Garibaldi and Opaleye.

Kern River Valley Cross-Over with Mr. Fagan, Jin-Ah Jung and Viri Hernandez

We will leave from the Jerkey Meadows trailhead and hike to the little Kern river stockbridge for the first night. The second day we will hike down into the Kern river along Kern flat. At that point, we will turn north along the Kern to relax at Painter camp. Then hike up and out towards Jordan Hot springs and Blackrock ranger station. Note: This trip might change direction at Kern Flat to do a three-way cross-over with Mr. Meyer and Mr. Doyle’s groups. You can expect good campsites, a raging river and moderate elevation.

Kern River Valley Cross-Over with Mr. Meyer and Erich Herzig

We will leave from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead and hike to the Jordan Hot Springs and the Black Rock area in the southern Sierra. We will then hike down into the Kern River and turn south toward Painter Camp. Our itinerary will take us west up out of the Kern River gorge toward Trout Camp, the Little Kern stock bridge and Jugg Springs. Our trip will terminate at Jerkey Meadows. Note: This trip might change direction at Kern Flat to do a three way cross-over with Mr. Fagan and Mr. Doyle’s groups. You can expect good campsites, a raging river and moderate elevation.

Kern River Valley Cross-Over with Mr. Doyle and Willie Halsted

We will leave from Forks of the Kern trailhead and hike east in the southern Sierra. We will then hike up the Kern River and turn north toward Painter Camp. lots of fishing and exploring the river along the way. Our trip will terminate at Black Rock Trailhead. Note: This trip might change direction at Kern Flat to do a three way cross-over with Mr. Fagan and Mr. Meyer’s groups. You can expect good campsites, good food, a raging river for fishing, moderate elevation.

Sespe Narrows Swimming/Trail Blazing/Rock Climbing Adventure with Mr. Manson and Madeline Taylor

We will begin our trip on a trailhead just outside the town of Fillmore, and make a nice 25 mile loop, going along the Sespe river. A large portion of the trip won’t follow a trail, and in some parts we will need to rock climb or swim our way through some tricky spots. While the total mileage isn’t too bad the lack of trails will make this trip slightly strenuous. If weather permits, we will be able to sleep in the sand along the Sespe without having to carry heavy tents.

From Jerkey Meadows North to the Kern River Valley and Back with Mr. Coleman and Willy Newirth

A moderate to strenuous backpacking trip into the most beautiful part of the high Sierras, the Kern River Valley with its 2500’ shear walls, ferns, and many streams tumbling into the valley from high country snow pack. Total distance travelled should be 40-50 miles and elevations will range from 5500-7500 feet so altitude sickness will not be a problem.

Iron Lion Zion -- Zion National Park with E. Patterson, L. Currie, M. McMorrow, and J. Carney

An epic excursion to play around in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. Moderate to strenuous backpacking. This might not be the best trip for those who have a fear of heights and/or don’t like cold water.

Thorn Meadows to Thacher with Mr. Bueti and DrD, captained by Cooper Penner.

We will be dropped off at Thorn Meadows (a 90 minute drive from school). After setting up camp we will climb Thorn Peak (6,900 feet) for a day climb. Expect stunning views of the Los Padres from this mountain. The next day we’ll head to the Fishbowls where we can swim in any number of waterholes. From there we head up to Pine Mountain Lodge and down towards Piedra Blanca for the night. We’ll camp along the West Fork Lion trail, by the river, for night 4. We’ll spend our last night at the Pines. There’s plenty of hills here to give your legs a workout.

Sespe Horse Packing Trip with Ms. Vancisin captained by Maeve Briggs and Paul Cresanta, Special Guest: BEAN.

On this glorious expedition, we will be travelling into the unknown, aka the Sespe. Our first night will be spent in an unknown campsite, and not to worry...Paul will provide infinite comic relief. On the second day of our magical journey, we will travel to the steamy Hot Springs to soak ourselves in their sulfuric waters. The following day we will venture to Willett, where we will be joined by Ms. Halsey’s group to partake in a big horsey slumber party! Woohoo! The following day, we will be staying in Ladybug...need I say more?! On the final night of our succulent trek, we will rest our weary and stinky bones in the palatial camping site known as Elder. Upon arriving back at Campus, Ms. V will break into an Irish jig. The End.

The SCENIC SESPE with Ms. Grant and Mr. Sohn: Captain Justin Myles.

This 50 mile round trip journey will begin with an amazing ascent into the Sespe to the beautiful White Ledge camp. On day two, those with an adventurous spirit can attempt a wander up Hines Peak at 6704 feet for an amazing view of the Condor Sanctuary (bring some binocs) before making camp by the creek at Lady Bug in the shade of the some big-cone Douglas firs (you know, the kind of tree people like for Christmas decorating). The journey continues toward Ten Sycamore with a journey through the Harris Tunnel (a magical portal that leads to a land of unicorn princesses) for some gourmet camp cooking by Ms. Grant. There are rumored deep pools nearby where we might spot some mythical steelhead trout. There are also some hot springs nearby that may or may not have questionable characters that can fill your camp journal with stories of bearded naked hippies. A stop at Bear Creek crossing for another day and another gourmet meal, before making the trek to Spruce Falls for the final night. The journey ends with a climb up to the ridge and downhill hike to Thacher, where Ms. Grant and Mr. Sohn promise hot showers and a game of hide-no-seek in your own sweet bed.

2012: A SESPE ODYSSEY with Mr. Van Sant and Will Rutter (CdeP 2011)

Join us for a forty mile hike through the Sespe with games, swimming, and riveting conversation about vikings and interplanetary travel. We will begin our journey with a hike along Rancho Nuevo creek to the Upper Rancho Nuevo campsite. We will linger here for a day to visit the famed lizard head rock formation, locate a cave opening that may lead to the Mayan underworld, and investigate reports of a time machine crash site. We will then ascend 2,000 feet through Boulder Canyon keeping our eyes peeled for the fabled remains of a Spanish galleon (rumored to have been swept up into mountains by a 17th century tsunami). Here we will camp above 6,000 feet at Raspberry Spring before descending to Piedra Blanca. Those who choose to accept this challenge may bear witness to some of the great backcountry culinary achievements of our time (courtesy of Mr. Rutter). Trip will last from six days to a lifetime depending on whether or not we discover a portal to Narnia.

Horsepacking in the S E S P E with Ms. Halsey and ATTICUS the WonderDog:

We’ll ride out of school over the ridge and down Lion’s Canyon Trail to Patton’s cabin for the first night. We’ll then wend our way up the Sespe River (one of the last W I L D rivers in Southern California), stopping at scenic campgrounds along the way, including: Oak flats; Willet’s (where we’ll enjoy a layover day, having the place to ourselves one night and then another night of slumber-party fun with Ms. V’s group-- see above); and Ten Syc. We’ll ride home over the Red Reef Trail to complete our loop of this extraordinarily beautiful backcountry.

Sketching/Painting/Creative Writing trip - South Fork of Kern River with Mr Harris

This is an ideal mild, and low altitude, hiking trip for budding artists/authors. We will be hiking in the Southern Sierras alongside the Kern River. Each day there will be a couple of hours dedicated to your artistic project. The physical challenge of the hiking may not be arduous, but on the lay-over day there will be the opportunity to tackle a significant hike/bouldering/scree running challenge if you wish. Campfires every night (weather permitting), marvellous companionship, witty conversation and the rare opportunity to really get back to nature, and away from all those annoying electrical devices.

Backpacking from Matilija Canyon to Scheideck with Ms. Rogers, Ms. Bastian, and Brittany Holden

This is moderate backpacking trip. We will depart Friday morning and hike to Matilija Middle Camp. Saturday we will be camping at Maple Camp, followed by Oak Camp the next night. Next, we will make our way to Haddock Camp, followed by Bear Trap camp and then hike out. The first two days, weather permitting, we will spend a lot of time swimming in the water holes and enjoying the Matilija Canyon scenery. Accompanying us will be Kevin (Ms. Rogers’ hubbie) along with Ella and Frank (both doggies). If you like to laugh and have a good time, this is the trip for you.

Horsecamping Along the Sespe with Mr. Sawyer, Cayce Cover, and Helen Brown

We will be leaving late Thursday afternoon and return a day early in order to spread out the horses travelling in the Sespe. We will trailer to the Piedra Blanca Trialhead and travel the very easy two miles into Patton’s Cabin on our first night. We will then travel down the Sespe River, taking time out to explore Willet and Sespe Hot Springs. Highlights include good food, good company and some amazing views from the back of a horse with experienced horsemen (and women).

Catalina Island with Ms. Witmer and Mr. Snyder

We will be taking the ferry to beautiful Catalina Island and then hiking around 45 miles with Cap’n Jackson “The Dolphin” Dolphin and his musical guests. Catalina is full of beautiful beaches and dramatic mountain views, and we’ll be sure to take full advantage of both on this trip. We’ll cover most of the island over the course of the week, landing at Two Harbors, hiking out to Parson’s Landing, and then crossing the island to catch the ferry back to civilization at the town of Avalon at the end of the week while hitting some pretty fantastic campsites in between. We’ll be hiking around 7-10 miles on an average day while enjoying top-notch scenery and some fairly enjoyable company (if we do say so ourselves). We can guarantee extreme doses of The Dolphin and mac and cheese.

Sisquoc Adventure with Mr. St. George, Mr. Harris, Alex Duncan and Will Muir

The Greatest Riding Adventure Ever: Mr. Mulligan and ms.sm, Shelby Luce, and Hutton Becker

Captains Shelby and Hutton are roping their cayuses (and Spike and The Fluffernutter) and heading into the magnificent high country. Looping from Twin Forks up to Pine Mountain, they will traverse ridges over to Piru Creek and the Mutau, down past the Hot Springs and back along the Sespe, telling tales and taking swims whenever possible. The last night celebration will be held at Patton's before the intrepids ride home. Only the adventurous and need apply: this is the real deal.

Big Sur Backpacking and trail work with Mr.O

This trip will be heading up the coast to the Silver Peak Wilderness at the southern end of Monterey County. This is beautiful country with breathtaking views of the California Coast. We will see the southernmost stand or Redwood trees, and hike through a few different climate zones in a very short time (from wet dense coastal redwoods up to chaporral at higher elevations). You will get the chance to hike a stretch along the old “Coast Ridge Road” which was the only way in and out of Big Sur before the completion of the Pacific Coast Highway in 1938. You will also get the chance to get into the river to cool off on two different occasions and even get to see an impressive waterfall on the way. Although the total mileage will be about 22 miles, these are “Ventana Miles” with some rugged terrain. For some stretches, we will be lucky to hike 1.5 miles in an hour. This loop will see us gaining and losing about 6,000 feet in total. Guide books rate the hiking on these trails as moderate to strenuous. On Tuesday (Day 5) we will hook up with Greg Meyer, the Youth in Wilderness Director for the Ventana Wilderness Alliance. He will hike in some trail maintenance tools and meet us that morning to work with us and teach us how to do trail maintenance. That day we will only carry our packs about 2.5 miles, but we will also work the trail for 4-6 hours. The trail we will be working is said to have some of the best views of any trail in Big Sur. On our way home Wednesday, we will take a stop along the coast near Cambria to see the elephant seals hanging out on the beach - they are truly amazing animals. Words of caution for this trip - There will be a healthy amount of poison oak. Everyone on the trip will be doing trail work that Tuesday. If you get motion sickness... driving in Big Sur can be fun for some, and nauseating for others.

Giant Sequoias, Raging Rivers, Wild Mushrooms! A Sierran adventure with Joe Bell and Mr. Spaulding (Difficulty: moderate... 30+ miles, with challenging river crossings)

This trip begins in the middle-elevation forest of the Sierra’s west side where we will wander east along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Tucked in small groves along this steep river canyon are some of the most remote and pristine groves of Giant Sequoias, the largest living thing on earth as well as one of the oldest! Our first two nights will be spent at the confluence of Mehrten Creek and the Middle Fork, as we explore the surrounding area. Our third day will find us in one of the Sierra’s most magical spots- Redwood Meadow- a garden of spring wildflowers, millennia-old trees, and hopefully spring morel mushrooms, which we will add to our already gourmet menu. Oh yeah, and the meadow is haunted by a spirit known only as “Cape-man.” We will day-hike from Redwood meadow to some more remote Sequoia groves and return to our vehicle along a spectacular high-route trail on Wednesday.

The “I don’t know what to call it” Crossover Backpacking Trip with Ms. Vickery or Ms. Finley

Close to home but not along the Sespe, about 35 miles of hiking with plenty of variety, short days and long, climbing up and down, oaks and scrubs to pine trees and nice swimming at the end. I can’t wax on about the beauties of the places we’ll see as it’s a new adventure for us, so if you know the campsites called Upper Reyes, Haddock, Reyes Peak and Maple Camp then you know more than I do. I can promise plenty of card games, good food of your choice, engaging conversations and a wonderful chance to relax and all get to know each other. Opportunity to take on trip captain responsibilities still available.

Trans-Sespe Trek! Mr. Haggard and Mr. Shi.

Captains: Emiliano Vargas and Frank Hernandez

We will be dropped off up Highway 33, hike up to Chorro Grande spring. You can drink directly from the underwater spring here. Next day hike to the top of Reyes peak in beautiful pine forest. Spend the night in Haddock camp, and then it’s on to the magical (and when we say magical, we mean winter wonderland MAGICAL), and mysterious Pine Mountain Lodge. Then we hike down into the Sespe and spend the night at Piedra Blanca camp, and are rewarded the next day where we stop for a swim at Lions and then spend our last night at East Fork camp. Last day we hike over the ridge and back to Thacher. Featuring a ramen dinner cooked by Mr. Shi himself!!! There will be lot’s of swimming (2 days spaced out to maximize camping fun and camper hygiene, along with lot’s of waterfall fun, and don’t worry, we won’t be any where near the ice trees when we swim.), and if everything goes well we will on average get into camp around 2-3 every day. This isn’t a hard trip, but you will have to work a bit, and there will be some uphill, but the trees are beautiful when frosted with ice, the trip is satisfying as you can say that you hiked your way back to thacher plus, Mr. Haggard is an amazing cook, Mr. Shi is bringing Ramen, and Frank is going to carry everything! Yay! (Also, there may be a portable guitar brought along for giggles.)