Culp Valley Backpacking Trek, October 2006

The group of hikers at the Culp Valley trailhead ready to go.

The scouts on the trail.

Mr. Creswell brings up the rear.

The scouts stopped along the trail to regroup and check out the views of the desert below.

The California Riding and Hiking trail descends through several different distinct plant communities.

Brendan and Alex taking a break.

Alex, Ted and Taylor cooking a hot lunch on the trail.

Top Ramen was the menu choice for the scouts.

We took a nice lunch break and enjoyed the beautiful weather – not too hot!

Taking a look at Borrego Springs.

Resting in the shade at the end of the hike.

We headed back up the road to Culp Valley to spend the night.

A group near us was firing off guns and illegal fireworks, and accidentally started a brush fire.

The guy on the left and the kids in the black jeep were responsible for starting the fire.

The fire grew quickly and really took off even with little wind.

The fire bombers came and doused the fire quickly. The fire scorched about 2 acres.

The park ranger in the white jeep gave us the order to evacuate and cited the culprits.

We moved the camp out down to the Palm Canyon group campground.

Packing up the gear and getting ready to leave.