Sea Kayaking at Laguna Beach

We took advantage of the heat this past weekend to head for Laguna Beach and some sea kayaking in the cool water.  When we first arrived, we dipped our toes in and vowed not to swim in the frigid water.  But once we got our blood pumping with some paddling, a few of us jumped in the crystal clear water.  The water has benefited in recent years from sea kelp that was originally planted by a teacher.  It has flourished, and in the process, helped to cleanse the water of pollutants.  Kelp is the second fastest growing plant on earth, behind bamboo, and can grow up to two feet per day.  We spent some time visiting the ecosystem created by this kelp, catching a glimpse of shrimp, crabs, snails, and garibaldi.  We also visited the sea lions and cormorants at their usual hangout, and then spent the afternoon replenishing ourselves at BJs. 

Jessie and Melissa

Anni and Ian

Mr. Caldwell and his two daughters

Our whole group by sea lion rock.  You can see the kelp around us.

Camping at Joshua Tree

For years, Mr. Maffris has been taking students to Joshua Tree National Park for rest, exploration, and inspiration.  The trip is part scrambling over boulders, part photography and art, part star-gazing, part relaxing around the campfire, and part discovery of the natural environment.  Above all, it has proven to be the perfect place to put all the APs behind you and just breathe.

 Kasey, Mimi, Amada, Mr. Maffris, Melody, Kristen, and Ryan

 Thanks to Ryan for almost all of these photos, and especially the video below.  Watch for the moonrise!

And thanks to Mr. Maffris for the time he gives and the space he provides for the students.

Hiking Mt. Baldy

On our most recent 10,000 foot hike, we thought we'd have snow.  But an unusually warm week led to a quick melt, leaving just patches.  Not to worry -- we still managed to squeeze every ounce of fun out of the hike.  Early on, we talked about "Leave no Trace" trail ethics, and the importance of picking up trash.  About a half mile into the hike, Mr. Dahlstrom found a trash can lid, which he promptly lashed to his pack, winning the award for most ambitious trash picker upper.  Of course, he had plans for that lid, and it turned into a perfect sled once we reached higher elevations.  All the students reached the top in good shape, with Sidney even running the last bit.  Though it reached the 90s down in the valley, we had a cool, comfortable 65 at the top.  A perfect hike.

 Terence and Dolly around halfway up, near the Sierra Club Hut.

 John leads us up the last steep climb.

 This lookout, about a half hour from the peak, overlooks the Baldy Bowl.

 Sidney, Dolly, Terence, John, Mr. Dahlstrom, and Ray at the peak.

 John on the "sled."

 Mr. Dahlstrom on a nice sledding slope.

 

 Crossing the Devil's Backbone