OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING TRIP

Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2004

ALAMERE FALLS

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

WHAT: Point Reyes is always a popular 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 … spring flowers should be coming out.

WHEN: We meet at 6:45am and leave the clubhouse by 7:15am on Saturday, February 21^st. We need an early start to be able to get to check in with the Park Rangers, backpack to Wildcat Camp and to hike to Alamere Falls on the beach. We will return to the Visitor Center by about 12 noon on Sunday and, allowing time for a snack 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, Sir Francis Drake Blvd. West to Olema, and check in at the Visitor Center. Then we will drive to the Palomarin Trailhead and we will divide into two groups. Group 1 will backpack 5.5 miles to Wildcat Camp via the Coastal Trail. Group 2 will backpack up Ridge Trail and have lunch at Firtop (1,324 feet), then loop down to Wildcat Camp for a total of about 11 miles. Both group should plan to hike to Alamere Falls (1 ¼ miles) after setting up camp at Wildcat Camp. The next morning, both groups will backpack the 5.5 miles back to the Palomarin Trailhead.

Adults are invited, of course, to this very pleasant backpacking trip. Remember that there will be no trip at all, if we don’t have at least two adults with each group going.

WE WILL PACK EVERYTHING IN. We will focus on efficient packing and food planning. We will also need 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 sturdy shoes and bring your blister kit. Bring $6 to pay the cooks for food (dinner and breakfast), some lunch money for Sunday’s lunch in Fairfax, and $3 to pay the drivers for gas, bridge toll and any parking fees.

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.