Trail Life Families,
As announced this week at our troop meeting, our Hit the Trail this Sunday is going to be a bit earlier than previously planned to accomidate the early sunset (to ensure we can, hopefully get down the trail before dark).
Chumash Trail – Point Mugu State Park
- Sunday Nov. 22
- Assemble 1:45 PM. We will HIT THE TRAIL at 2:00 PM, in order to be safely off the mountain by twilight (4:45 PM)
- We will go up slope, then across part of the grassland, rest under shady oaks, then head back. We don’t have time for the full “Mugu peak loop”.
What to Wear and Bring
- (I did the trail in Teva sandals last Sunday, but if it rains between now and then you’ll want more traction)
- Hats, Sunscreen, etc – The winter sun can be surprisingly intense.
- Jacket or heavy overshirt – Even though it can be hot in the day, a cool ocean wind can change the temperature quickly.
- Water, Water Water: No matter how much water you drink at the car, halfway up the slope you will be thirsty. For sure.
- Hiking Stick – you’ll want this on the slope. For sure.
- Camera (a cell phone camera is okay)
- Snack for the top of the mountain
- All the usual day-hike gear (1st aid kit, etc)
Prepare for
- Very steep and rugged first ¾ mile. We will need to take several breaks on the way up. At least the adults will…
- Along the trail you may observe ancient pieces of seashell - leftovers from Chumash meals ages ago. If it rains, there should be many uncovered.
- Snakes are out. I saw one non-venomous snake.
- Not much poison oak except at creekbeds, and it all seems to have red leaves this time of year.Still, don’t be careless.
- Look for native Bunchgrasses on the grassland at the top. These are rare remnants of what used to cover much of the state
- How many species can you identify?
- Are they completely dry like introduced annual grasses? Or do they retain some green all year?
- How would this affect animal populations?
- Prepare to photograph plants, animals, animal scat (what was the animal eating – can you tell?). artifacts (eg, shells far from the sea), views of the ocean, islands, and mountains.
- Paul Bryson
Troop Committee Lead and Pointman for this Hike
More details on the event page: http://tlsv.org/event/malibu-hills-hike-outdoor-skills/