INCH Hike: Butano Ridge Loop

697. Butano Ridge Loop (10/24/09)

Hikers (18): Arlene, David, Derek, Diane, Harvey, James S, Jeff, Kirk, Linda L, Mike, Paul, Paul R, Robert, Rufina, Sabine, Sarah, Sonia M, Steve
Distance: 17 miles
Rating: 3 difficulty, 8 beauty
Park info: Pescadero Creek County Park near Pescadero

Write-up by Steve

As always, people got lost on this fine hike. The surprising twist was how early it occurred. Useful information to remember: in Pescadero, the fire roads are named "roads" and the single-track trails are named "trails". This logical scheme is different from many parks, such as Henry Coe, which label everything "trail". So if you are in Pescadero, and should be on "Brooks Trail", then you shouldn't be walking on a fire road. You should also not follow people on fire roads, no matter what they say or do. Instead, RTFM!

There was just enough water in Pescadero Creek to make the crossing tricky without removing boots. Otherwise, it was clear sailing on a nice, cool day. Despite picking up a few geocaches along the way, I was back well before the next hiker. . .Paul. Paul was very pleased to have such a strong showing! Turns out most people got lost, with many people logging over 20 miles taking various wrong turns and following each other. Love this park! I had left arrows at nearly every junction, so the slower hikers (who were behind me) finished about the same time as the faster hikers (who started ahead of me).

Milestones:
Mike's 10^th leaf
Rufina's 1^st leaf
Sonia M's 1^st leaf