Trails and Tales VIP EVENTS. Please check out the webpage for up- coming events information!

Transcription

1 Trails and Tales News for VIP Volunteers in the Montane Sector November 2013 VIP EVENTS Photo by Jason De Mendonca Please check out the webpage for up- coming events information! Cold Spring Reroute Trail work-november 2 nd Volunteer Awards Banquet- November 9 th Photo by Michele Hernandez 1 Photo by Michele Hernandez

2 IAU Roves Article & Photos by Chris Jones October were perfect days to be in the park. It was sunny with only a little breeze and just cool enough to enjoy hiking. The air was fresh after rains earlier in the week, and there were a few slightly muddy spots. Audrey Spindler and I met on Friday afternoon. It was too late in the day to do a long hike, so we opted for a short one on Cold Stream Trail going north from the visitor center. Between markers 3 and 4, we came across a huge branch that had fallen across the trail about a foot in diameter. We noted that and went on around on F12 and Upper Green Valley Fire Road to end up back at the VC. That was a bit shorter hike than I intended, so then we went south on Cold Stream Trail behind the Mickey James horse camp. I hadn't been that way in a while, so I was surprised to find both a horse and hiker crossing over the Sweetwater River. Someone had put boards across the river for hikers, and it was nice not to worry about wet feet. Then we hiked back north along the East Side Trail, recrossed the river, and came back through School Camp. It was a nice way to spend a couple hours. It was peaceful and relaxing. Saturday morning Michele Hernandez and I hiked on the Marty Minshall Trail. We saw a number of deer in the wooded area near Stonewall Mine parking area as well as some turkeys. One of the deer was a young buck with antlers starting to grow. At Lake Cuyamaca, we saw ospreys, eagles, egrets, coots, and a blue heron. Michele got some great photos, and she could name off the smaller birds that we saw as well. There was a tree down just before the bridge to the island on Cuyamaca Lake, and we warned a number of horseback riders to go another way. We also found another one in the meadow near Los Vaqueros. As we were finishing up our hike, three campers outside the cabin at Stonewall Mine asked for more information about the mining and the location of the old town. They also shared their bird photos with us before heading down the hill toward Lake Cuyamaca. Finally, the leaves have started to turn, and they were so beautiful against the clear, blue sky. Overall, both days were definitely great incentives to get out in the park and enjoy it. 2

3 MBAU Article by Jonathan La Rosa The backdrop: another gorgeous October day in the east San Diego County mountains The event: The 23rd annual MBAU Pok-, er, I mean BENEFIT Ride With a last minute scheduling switcheroo of the event (Los Vaqueros had been double-booked!), the intrepid volunteer units met and were able to quickly "call an audible"-- The staging area for the event was moved up to the enchanted Stonewall Mine. Volunteers Phil O, Susie M and I "drew the short straw" and were assigned to card stop 5 (on Soapstone Grade Road where it meets the western loop of La Cima Trail). Here, riders finish up their "hand" after riding 15 miles of the 18- mile course. It was actually not bad duty at all. The sun was shining and the unseasonal high winds kept the temps from getting too high. We got to see the best and worst hands, and rewarded an extra card to riders who opted to do an additional four-mile loop around La Cima trail. This year, there were no major injuries or wild animal attacks reported. A few mangled bikes came our way, though. Volunteer Phil O with some of the riders at Card Stop 5 Photo by Jonathan La Rosa After the "sweepers" met us, ensuring all the riders made it safely around the course, we rode the final three miles back to base camp. With the afternoon sun behind us at Stonewall Mine, volunteers and riders alike enjoyed their well-earned spaghetti lunches under the pines, while being showered with hundreds of prizes donated by dozens of local businesses. It's always inspiring to see how much the community rallies in order to support the Park! It was clear that everyone had a wonderful time. As they left, we made a point to try to thank each rider for supporting the Park! Special thanks to Susan Russo, who bravely volunteered to head up the event. It's not always easy to corral us MTB'ers together, but she did it with good nature and aplomb! Three cheers for Susan! Editor s note: I had a great team to support me! Thanks everyone! 3 The hard working volunteers after the Benefit Ride

4 MBAU 23 rd Benefit Ride Highlights! Photo by Daniel Saum Photo by Daniel Saum Photo by Michele Hernandez Photo by Michele Hernandez Photo by Jason De Mendonca 4 Photo by Jason De Mendonca Photo by Michele Hernandez Photo by Michele Hernandez

5 A little help among Volunteer Units Photos and trailwork by Jason DeMendonca Jason DeMendonca (MBAU) did a little trimming and tidying of CRHT/La Cima trail on a Saturday afternoon. Dave Hernandez (IAU/TMU/VP CRSPIA) is always ready to help all units all the time. Photos by Michele Hernandez Ron & Erin Robillard (MAU) graciously lent their horse trailer as a wind block at the 23 rd MBAU Benefit Ride. Erin also saved the day by helping us (Chad & I) rent portapotties. IAU & MAU: Holding down the fort at the Visitor s Center Yours truly (TMU/T & T editor) helped coordinate the MBAU Benefit Ride. 5 Dave McClure (CRSPIA Pres./TMU), Ron Robillard (MAU), Serena Hill (TMU) & Ranger Brent helped get ready for the MBAU Benefit Ride.

6 Rangers in Action! Photos by Michele Hernandez A big thank you to the Rangers for all their help! 6

7 TMU Article & Photos by Michele Hernandez It s fall- the most wonderful time of the year! The trails unit has been busy, busy, busy. Mike Curtis & John Sproule have been busy clearing trees all over the park. Thank them when you see them! The Milo & Janet work party was very exciting. Chris Ruiz, Susan Russo, Milo Prodanovich and Ranger Eric went to clear a big oak on Arroyo Seco fire road. It took a goodly amount of time. The rest of the crew, Skip Davis, Dave McClure, Elizabeth Baker, Reeve & Georgia Peterson, Mike Hamm and Ray went to work on Azalea where they were able to help a hurt mountain biker. She was walking out when our merry band of trail workers came across her and they were able to radio for help. The mountain biker was helped to the road and Ranger Brent took her to be transported to help. She had fallen and broken her wrist. 7

8 A First-hand Look at Kelly s Ditch By Ken McIntyre Cast of Players: Park staff Chris Ruiz & Jim Dascoulias (on their day of ) TMU volunteers Dave Hernandez & Skip Davis w/ Chris on Pole saws, Mike Curtis & Ken McIntyre on chainsaws, led to Heise Park boundary by Susan Russo packing 32" saw & Handsaw on her hip! Jim D. on the 34" big saw (see pic o' now cleared tricky big Oak) 12 to 14 remaining obstacles to Equestrian/Hiker passage now removed, through to Heise Park. (Nearly spot on 10th Anniversary o' Cedar Fire) Jim D transported tools & gear in the sweet new crawler to various drop off points working down KD toward Heise Park boundary. Driving lessons quickly grasped by our intrepid S. Russo. Smoothly operated on reasonable path w/ decent openings....jim resumed reins to negotiate tight log passages & multiple ridges/rocks/boulders (trail features, o' course) & bring that surging, twisting, bucking wagon o' bolts safely back to the Barn. Where there was a wonderful luncheon of enchilada delights put on by Milo & Janet! Thanks! 8

9 Saying Sayonara to Syd & Ernie Groves Article & Photos by Michele Hernandez Syd & Ernie Groves are parking their 5 th wheel and diesel truck and calling their Camp Hosting duties done. After 13 years of volunteering their time and talents at both Cuyamaca and Anza Borrego, Syd and Ernie are settling down in a 1930 s era craftsman home in North Park. Besides selling firewood, working in the Kiosk, Syd worked in the Visitor Center and for the maintenance as paid staff and as a volunteer. Ernie has been a go to guy for taking the recycling in, wood bundling, kiosk building and anything else the park asked him to do. The Groves hard work and ready smiles will be missed. They have contributed thousands of hours of volunteer time over the years and now are looking forward to having a yard for gardening and a phone that will send and receive calls without having to contort their bodies to get reception. We wish them all the best! 9

10 MOUNTED ASSISTANCE UNIT BY BONNIE SLAGER October was a busy month for the MAU. The first weekend of the month we had safety training. 23 members of the unit participated in the training in Ramona. For those of us there on Saturday we got the extra bonus of wind. I think I ate at least a pound of dirt and took home more of Ramona on me. The training was very good and the horses did very well. Thank you, Bill for organizing this event. The Park is getting its fall colors now. There has been enough rain so it is green with the trees beginning to turn. What a beautiful time of year in the Park. The deer look very well fed and the turkey population must be at an all-time high right now. There are herds of them everywhere. The banquet is coming up November 9. If you have thought of someone that has earned an award, please let me know. Not many suggestions this year however, I do have a few people on my list. The event is a potluck so bring a dish to share, cookies, salad, or whatever and bring your drink, plate, and silverware. See all of you at the banquet or on the trail. 10

11 What s new in the Visitor Center Store? By Barbara McCoy It s time to start thinking about Christmas gift buying and there is no better place to start then at the Visitor Center shop. We have a new T shirt designed by our very own Maggie Benfante, MAU. The lady s shirt is long-sleeved and I have it on good authority from Marge Cooper that it washes very well and holds it shape. It comes in a cheery red, just in time for the holidays and a light gray. The crew neck style is short-sleeved in royal blue and steel gray. We also have a nice selection of pins, starting with the State Parks 150th Anniversary pin, CRSP and many other Park related pins for your hat, shirt or jacket Don't forget the medallions that go on walking sticks or bicycles, we need to figure out how to stick one on a saddle or bridle. For all of our "crafty" members I have just ordered some pine needle basket kits, so you can create your very own piece of art or get it for the kids or grand kids to keep them busy. I hope to have them by next week. Please come in and look around the shop, we have great books for kids, and adults, coffee mugs, outdoor themed playing cards, caps, visor s, sweatshirts, denim shirts and many small items for stocking stuffers. There is also a limit edition of the 2014 Calendar with photos of the park by Jason De Mendonca. 11

12 Just in Time for Christmas! By Jo Fritz There are a number of single copy books on the gift shop selves and some multi copy titles which have been with us for too long. Before these books begin to look tired, I ve decided to greatly reduce their prices and offer them as stocking stuffers to help make the holidays merrier. Smart shoppers will find colorful and informative books at savings up to 50%. At this rate, the supply won t last long, so come in early to find your treasures. CRSPIA is excited to announce that former Superintendent/Park Ranger Greg Picard will be in our gift store signing his new books on 23 Nov. (unless it snows!) from 11:a.m. until at least 1 p.m. Greg has just brought out two books of interest to people who love Cuyamaca, Julian and points east. His "Captain's Log 'Uncensored' " is a cheeky, tell-all collection recounting his days in park service. His ventures on horseback in Cuyamaca will readily bring chuckles from readers. The other work, in collaboration with his daughter, Wendy, is a mystery set entirely in San Diego's East County. "Old Bones" tells a tale of intrigue and angst while citing familiar places in Cuyamaca and Julian. Volunteers and other associated folk of our local parks may recognize the models for some of the book's engaging characters. We invite everyone who remembers Greg, avid readers, Christmas shoppers, friends of the park and people seeking a lovely day in the mountains to come to Cuyamaca's Visitor Center on Nov. 23rd. His books will be available for purchase on site or you can bring your own copies (available now in the Cuyamaca Gift Store.) 12

13 Things to see in the Park NOW! Fall Colors Beautiful Scenery Lots of Deer A Large Variety of Birds Lovely Butterflies 13 Steve B. Admiring the view

14 Contacts: Palomar TMU-Rick Barclay TMU- Dave McClure - CuyamacaTMU@cox.net MAU- Bonnie Slager- slagerb@sbcglobal.net MBAU- Chad Leptich- leptich@juesd.net IAU-Shannon Svensen- shannonsvensen@mac.com Visitor Center Gift Shop Manager- Barbara McCoy- bmccoy2008@yahoo.com Visitor Center Museum Scheduling- Greg Meckstroth greglm@sbcglobal.net CRSP Park Headquarters (weekdays only) Paso Picacho Kiosk (for weekends) Green Valley Kiosk Palomar Headquarters Send articles and photos (Please, include photographer s name) for next month between the 24th and the 30th to- Susan Russo - nebulae3sma@hotmail.com 14