Saturday,
October 9, 2004
Purisima Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve
WHAT: This is our third hike in a series of four hikes on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The trail descends a canyon under tall second growth redwoods and tan oaks. At the bottom of the canyon is Purisima Creek. Over 100 years ago this stream was used to power sawmills. Scouts will find this to be a challenging and an excellent hiking experience close to home. This hike qualifies as a troop outing in advancement to First Class, will count towards the hiking merit badge (complete pre/post requirements) and is an opportunity to learn additional outdoor skills. Cumulative climb is expected to be a little over 2,000 feet.
Members of the High Adventure Team should be using this hike to check out equipment and stay in condition. If you are planning to go on the high adventure trip next summer and you do not plan to go on this hike, please contact Mr. Hamilton.
WHEN: We will meet at 7:15 am and leave the clubhouse promptly at 7:30 am on Saturday, September 9th. We plan to return to the trailhead by about 2:00 pm and we will be back at the clubhouse by mid afternoon.
DETAILS: Take Highway 280 south and at Highway 92 go west to Skyline Blvd./Highway 35. Drive south 4.5 miles to a large parking area on the west side of the road. This is the north parking area of the preserve. We first hike 1.4 miles down on Harkins Ridge Trail, and then take Soda Gulch Trail (2.5 miles) down to the stream. Next we take Purisima Creek Trail for 1.8 miles up to the south parking area of the preserve. We will have lunch here. If we have parent volunteers to meet us at the south parking area, we can resupply our water and they can help pick up scouts that may opt out here. If you opt out, this hike will not qualify towards the hiking merit badge. After lunch, we will return back to the north parking area. Adults are invited, of course, for this very pleasant and beautiful hike.
BRING/WEAR: The “10 Essentials”. Troop 88 t-shirt and appropriate clothing. Check the weather before the trip. There is no water available on the trail, so bring water (I recommend at least two liters, three liters or more if the weather is warm) and a lunch. Pack only what you want to carry, but keep in mind that it may rain. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your blister kit.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Review your Scout Handbook - what do you need for Tenderfoot, Second and First Class? Don’t forget to log this hike in your handbook addendum. For older scouts, this is a great training hike in a beautiful area, is part of the Santa Clara County Council High Adventure Team’s Bay Area Ridge Trail patch program, and in part fulfills your leadership requirements.