Social Activities
(Events listed in reverse chronological order).
FUTURE - 2009-2010:
TBA
PAST - 2008-2009:
June, July, August, 2009: GRAPE EXPECTIONS: See your email for information.
October 4, 2009: CARAVAN/FIELD TRIP TO PAINTED ROCK CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT
After arriving, we had an introduction to the area by Ryan Cooper, another ranger and a local resident who assists with tours. He pointed out the San Andreas Fault area and other interesting facts.
We then hiked down the path to Soda Lake. In the past there were Sandhill Cranes at night in the lake. They roosted there to protect themselves from the wild animals in the area. Since there is no water in the lake now, they migrate east to Fresno to feed in the grain fields and to rest. Many members walked along the boardwalk and looked at the scrubs, grasses, and flowers of the area.
We then drove and ate lunch at the picnic area at the beginning of the path to Painted Rock, a "horseshoe-shaped monolith rock formation which stands about 55 feet above the high plain adjacent to the Caliente Mountain Range. This was formed "during the Miocene Epoch 25 million years ago. An ancient river flowing northwestward carved the central portion (saddle) of Painted Rock during the Pleistocene (Ice Age.)" This place is spiritual in meaning to the Chumash, Yokuts and other native people who lived in the area. It was an easy walk and not uphill.
We tried to avoid the many caterpillars on the trail. We did not see any snakes and many were happy about that! In the distance we saw a herd of Tule Elk.
There were also birds nesting in the high cliff areas. In January of this year, there were 58 species of birds recorded and 9,217 different birds spotted.
Afterwards, many of us visited the Goodwin Visitor Center and store to see the displays and preserved animals of the area. There are two free campgrounds in the area in which to spent the night.
We drove in and out of the town of California Valley in which many people live. A good time was had by all!
Submitted by Janet Grummitt
