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Scotchtoberfest is an non-official gathering each fall in the northern Santa Lucia Range. The announcement pretty much covers it. In discussion, a menu was suggested by Chris L.
Coming in Friday midday, the fog was just barely past
the Coast Highway, so the unrelentingly steep and substantially shadeless climb
to the ridge was a hot slog, especially for those of us packing heavy. On the
way up we met the Baldwin Ranch caretakers heading down to the Ragged Point Inn
on an ATV...they offered the shelter of the ranch barn if the weather turned
ugly. After gathering at the ridgetop for a rest and investigation of the
nearby spring, we headed down as a group, continuing on to San Carpoforo Camp,
where we set up camp on the expansive floodplain.
The rest of the evening was devoted to eating and drinking.
Saturday morning there was a short walk
over to the Baldwin Ranch gate and the Mission era olive grove before returning
for brunch. After brunch people went off to various excursions, Dave K, John Y,
Jeff Z and Molly, and I walked over to a camp and waterfall further down the
San Carpoforo Trail. The camp is a nice grassy flat with a grove of redwoods
(beyond their natural range) and cypress. In the canyon below is a nice
waterfall, a pair of moderately sized falls connected by a spectacular swimming
hole. All carved out of serpentine type rocks, with inclusions of jasper and
other interesting minerals. The falls are notable for the large potholes carved
into and under the surface.
Saturday night was somewhat more restrained, but
again with fine food and whisky.
Early Sunday morning, Jeff Z and Molly,
Dave M and I hiked out via a longer and very scenic route north of the way we
came in. Where the route climbs from the creek to the ridge, there are some
insanely steep sections, broken up by a gently flat at the site of an old
homestead.
Participants: Boon H (instigator), Robert P, Jeffrey Z, Molly Z,
Dave M, Dave D, Dave K, John Y, Vince M, Mike H, Chris and Debi L.
Friday, the marine layer was about 300 feet deep, which gave us little relief on the steep, partly shadeless climb up to the ridge (given that the trailhead is at 320'). Otherwise, on the hike in, the moderate temperatures and breezes were pleasant. Saturday, the threat of rain never materialized, with only fleecy clouds overhead. Hiking out early Sunday morning was hot, and would have been so regardless of the temperature...insanely steep for a road or trail.
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