Trip Report - May 18, 2009

The good, the bad and the ugly:

This morning, I completed a warm freehike to the DCHS using the Bradford Ridge trail. It is the first of this season after about a dozen last year, my rookie season.

The good:
*In my opinion, the trail, to the point where the trail splits into the ridge route and the creek route, is in very good condition – a couple points where 10 minutes of shovel work will fix some structural damage to the trail.
*The cacti that are flowering – simply beautiful. There were many examples along the route.
* The trash level at the hot springs – as low as I have ever seen. Hats off to who ever cleaned it up this past weekend.

The bad:
*The route along the ridge needs a fair amount of work. There were a couple sections where I felt it was best to create a new path. The trail is too slanted and simply disappears in one major section.
* No other naturist at the creek even through there were 2 large groups – more than 25 people.

The ugly:
* The loud, cigarette smoking group – all adults (chronologically), screaming like they may have had too much to drink.
* The campers (more than 20, all in their 20s or 30s, men and women) who had built a sizable fire directly in front of the “Do not build fires” sign. I did not feel comfortable enough to confront them. I suspect they would not have taken it kindly if some naked guy is scolding them for being insensitive. What do people suggest? Should I have made it clear that the fire is down right dangerous? What would you suggest?

The surprising:
After a dozen trips via the ridge route last year, meeting a person only once. I met 2 groups of people this time. They were all pleasant.