OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING TRIP

Saturday and Sunday, January 22 and 23, 2004

Wildcat Camp

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

 

 

WHAT:  Point Reyes is a popular Bay Area backpacking area and Wildcat Camp is a great spot for camping, whale watching and easy access to observe Alamere Falls from the beach.  The trails are very good and the scenery is terrific. 

 

WHEN:  We meet at 7:00am and leave the clubhouse by 7:30am on Saturday, January 22^nd.  We will check in with the Park Rangers at the Bear Valley Visitor Center at Point Reyes National Seashore and then backpack to Wildcat Camp.  We will return to the Visitor Center by about 11 am on Sunday and, allowing time for a lunch stop in Fairfax, we will be back at the clubhouse by mid afternoon on Sunday.

 

DETAILS:  We will cross the Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 101 to San Rafael, then take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west to Olema, and check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.  We will divide into two groups.  Group 1 will backpack 6 miles to Wildcat Camp via Bear Valley Trail.  Group 2 will backpack up the Rift Zone Trail (on the San Andreas Fault) and then loop down to Wildcat Camp for a total of about 12-13 miles.  After making camp at Group Campsite #1, both groups may plan to hike along the beach to Alamere Falls (1 ¼ miles).  The next morning, both groups will backpack the 6 miles back to the Bear Valley Visitor Center. 

 

WE WILL PACK EVERYTHING IN.  We will focus on efficient packing and food planning.  We will also need properly operating water filters.

 

BRING/WEAR:  Troop 88 t-shirt and warm clothing, as well as rainwear.  Dress appropriately.  Bring water for the trail, and a hardy lunch for Saturday’s trip to Wildcat Camp.  Pack only what you want to carry, but keep in mind that it may rain.  Wear good fitting hiking shoes and bring your blister kit.  Bring $6 to pay the cooks for food (dinner and breakfast), $4 to pay the drivers (for gas, bridge toll and any parking fees) and some lunch money ($10?) for Sunday’s lunch in Fairfax.

 

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:  Review your book - what do you need for Tenderfoot, Second and First Class?  Bring a compass and the rest of the ten essentials.  Don’t forget to log this backpacking trip in your handbook addendum, as this counts towards your Camping Merit Badge and as an outing in your advancement to First Class.  For senior scouts, this is a great shakedown trip to get back in shape and check out gear for future events.