With temperature swings of more than 20 Celsius (30 F) in only a few hours, and close on 2,000 feet (600m) of climbing, Pine Valley can be a challenge. But the beauty more than makes up for it.
Around 3 hours South of San Jose, and inland from Carmel Valley, the Ventana Wilderness forms part of the Los Padres National Forest. For decades, Troop 260 has returned to one particular section on our ‘backpacking years’ – from China Camp into Pine Valley camp. This route offers a short way into the solitude of the wilderness, and a higher level of physical challenges that starts to prepare scouts (and adults!) for the 50-miler. There is reliable water in a small tributary of the Carmel River that runs past the camp, making for a cool refreshing draft at day’s end.
We were a group of 19 (including 11 scouts) of who for several this was their first (or second) backpacking trip with the Troop. Bravo in particular for their commitment and effort!
An extra ‘dimension’ on this trip was that a total fire ban precluded the use of even backpacking stoves. The hot-or-cold menu went reasonably well, but we aren’t sure that warming rice pouches under your arm pits is a top tip that will make the next Scouts BSA handbook 🙂
Most of us took the time to go and visit Jack English’s old cottage – it is still in good condition and appears to be maintained. Despite Jack no longer being there, Mark Cahn did share some stories with us of his conversations with Jack over the decades. Some with more info below the picture gallery link (thanks Kate).
CLICK PICTURE BELOW TO ACCESS THE GALLERY
