Boy Scout Trail 2003

Detail
Friday Feb 21st, 2003—Day 1
JJ and I left Santa Barbara around noon, and arrived at the Mara Oasis headquarters at 5:00pm to watch the ranger take down the flag. Since we weren't to meet the group until 8:00am the next day, we sought a car-camping site, first at Belle, then White Tank, then Jumbo Rock. At that point I knew they'd all be full and suggested we crash in the backcountry. As we were heading toward the backcountry board between White Tank and Belle I remembered that there was a backcountry board right at Indian Cove. That being a no-brainer, we made that our destination. We first stopped at the Indian Cove headquarters so that JJ could show me some amazing photographs he had seen on a previous expedition to the park. The ranger verified that the backcountry board was just up the road. We found a spot as per regulations and pitched camp. The weather was clement, so JJ braved ferocious moths to read with flashlight upon a rock; I was tired and crashed.

Saturday Feb 22nd, 2003—Day 2
Heading back to the backcountry board, there was one vehicle already there. We came upon Rick, a.k.a. Naviguesser who was to be part of our entourage. We chatted with Rick about gear while we prepared our packs. Rick had also arrived the previous night, but camped in the opposite direction of JJ and me. Thanks to Rick for lending a backpack to JJ.

Soon Sooz, a.k.a. TrailTrekker, and David, a.k.a. MrHarm, joined us—now we were five. I recognized David from the Mt. Pinto hike where I met WLD by his garb, but unfortunately did not recognize TrailTrekker—sorry TrailTrekker. Turns out that TrailTrekker had smacked her toe pretty severely the day before but was still willing to hike the trail. I saw the toe later and was amazed and impressed. Bill a.k.a. WLD, and Janet a.k.a. JDSmiling soon drove up make our initial contingent of seven. We loaded the gear on to WLD's Dodge and headed for the backcountry board on the opposite end of Boy Scout Trail.

The weather was excellent and after some pictures we began to hike. It didn't take us long to reach the approximate area we wished to camp, but Rick and TrailTrekker differed on the exact location.

TrailTrekker found a place heretofore called the "Secret Spot" while Rick felt at home where we were, albeit closer to the trail. After some debate and a most intriguing proposition/entreaty from TrailTrekker to Rick, the group finally decided upon the Secret Spot endorsed by TrailTrekker.

Scot a.k.a. Redondo Scot and Susan a.k.a. TrailBunny arrived after we set up camp. They made pretty good time considering they started after us and that Susan is still convalescing from a broken leg.

After camp was set up, Keys Peak beckoned us. Off in the distance it looked rather formidable, but checking the elevation of our camp with my handy GPS and comparing it to the map elevation of the peak, Keys Peak was only about 400 feet higher! The valley between the two points made the difference seem greater.

JJ was already at the top when I arrived. Having hiked with JJ many times in Santa Barbara, I knew him to be a strong hiker/climber. This was JJ's first backpacking adventure and I think he took to it readily. Later JJ showed his finesse at bouldering—both he and WLD showed me techniques that are currently out of my grasp, but not for long.

Next TrailTrekker made it to the summit, soon followed by WLD & Janet. We toyed with the logbook, then had fun taking photos. No one remembered to bring their nifty tripod, or at least no one remembered that they had brought their tripod, so there were some rather creative camera setups.

Some time later we scattered as the second wave of climbers ascended the peak (Scot, Susan, and Dave). JJ and I attempted to find Rick at the Wonderland Of Rocks, but realizing that Rick could be anywhere, we circled around Keys Peak instead then returned to camp. Nearing camp we saw Susan, her leg spattered with blood. Hiking in the desert is like that—it is easy to acquire "honor scars."

Back at the campsite, Rick's sleeping quarters somehow became the kitchen, and dinner was underway. An enclosed candle acted as our campfire but somehow didn't have the same effect. Rick settled in with an interesting elixir of tequila and fresh lemon. A few others nursed wine while we contemplated thought provoking questions offered by Rick. Abundant stars and good humor made up for the loss of a campfire.

Sunday Feb 23rd, 2003—Day 3
Waking early, I got some food and water and climbed the rocks behind us. Sitting on high I munched my breakfast while watching the other protagonists rouse themselves and assemble for breakfast.

Coming down, I chatted with Rick and Janet while WLD, JJ, and David climbed the rear rocks for some morning bouldering—TrailTrekker joined a little later. After our morning fun, we struck camp and headed towards Indian Cove.

The sky was more hazy than sunny as we hiked toward the backcountry board where the vehicles were parked. While hiking, WLD mentioned the $6 burger at Carl's Jr. thereby planting a seed in the brains of both JJ and me. The seed gestated and eventually we lost control to the urge of fast food.

At the parking lot, we unloaded and unwound. Earnie a.k.a. Altairsoar drove up to say hello and became the designated photographer.

The last item on our agenda was to go into the park to retrieve cached vehicles. About forty minutes later the group reconvened at Carl's Jr. JJ ate two $6 burgers, and I believe WLD also ate two due to an order mishap. That's a whole lot of burger.

JJ and I made it back to Santa Barbara in pretty good time. I was fatigued, but pleasantly comfortable reminiscing over events of the preceding weekend.

See some images of the trip.