dovetothemax's Journal

Hiked upper Los Osos campground to peak above the saddle with 15lb pack to condition for camping trips. The wildflowers were going crazy, and lots of herps were out. Seeing the pond turtles was a treat, and whiptails were everywhere but not posing for pictures. Lots of side-blotched lizards as well, plus a gopher snake and a lined racer.

Gaia map: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/EnjgWeM3Iz5o496SIJ1uQdtR/

Forbush canyon from top of Camino Cielo to Cottam camp with 22lb pack. Got rained on on way back up, and lower trail is buggy and quite overgrown. Not observed were second toad, lined racer, and many many alligator lizards.

Our Gaia map: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/lrGqRvvf9G9QobtoYQD71zEX/

Forbush trail from Camino Cielo to Forbush flats for lunch, then on to Cottam camp. We camped across the stream because a group was at the nice site. We hiked out the long way along Blue Canyon trail, then up Romero Trail and back to the car along the road.

Gaia map here: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/a9uvWcI7NSrsApzGvOOgCUfn/

Upper Oso campground to picnic spot above Happy Hollow to drop packs. Continued to Little Pine Spring for water, then collect packs to Happy Hollow. 21lb pack at Trailhead. 19.1 miles over two days.

Gaia Map: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/4cGGiZDThMmUHtK9xkhKcK2z

Menu included:
Refried Bean Ramen no-cook salad - yes
Lentil/couscous/tuna "surprise" and christmas pudding - yes, but needed more oil
Chia and cranberry maple oatmeal - yum!
Pinenut/cranberry/couscous no-cook salad - yes, but needed dressing

Most of the above recipes used dried veg that I powdered in a blender to add flavor and fiber without extra hydrating time. Went very well!!