Driving back to Monterey on Highway 1 this Evening

Sunlight through the redwood canopy

Fox Camp

Fox Camp is a beautiful outpost camp in the Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest about 2 hours upstream along the North Fork of the Little Sur. This is a great base camp as one can continue up the North Fork to the Circular Pools or follow Jackson Creek to Upper Esselen and La Ventana.

Fox Camp is also a great overnight or day hike destination since it lies in the redwoods and is a relatively flat hike. The hike is lined with swimming holes and the camp itself is divided by the river in to two sites, each of which could accommodate several patrols. In fact, we've had 2 full troops camped at Fox Camp before. Each site is flat and has a fire ring.

Fox Camp is also home to Drum Rock but we'll save that story for later...

Fire Restrictions Lifted

Effective Monday, November 14, fire restrictions have been lifted and open fires are now allowed in the backcountry. A free California Campfire Permit is still required. Please be careful with fire (it's part of the Outdoor Code) as there are still long periods of dryness in the winter.

CLICK HERE to print out a California Campfire Permit

Forest Order

I am always a fan of photos of Our Lord's Candle, the flowering stalk of a yucca plant. This was taken in the summer of 2011 near the top of Mount Pico Blanco. The ocean is about 3500' below. Something unique about the northern Santa Lucia Mountains, the range that Pico Blanco lies in, is that it is home to the northernmost yucca, a Southern Californian plant, and the southernmost Coast Redwoods, a Northern Californian plant, making the region botanically Central California. This phenomenon creates a very unique ecosystem in that there are large, open, warm slopes rising above cool redwood canyons.

Moose the Ranger's Dog

Safety First at the Ranges

"Hands On" Reptile and Amphibian Study

Notley's Landing

Notley's Landing is where Palo Colorado Canyon meets the Pacific Ocean and Highway One. This photo was taken in July as we drove back into Monterey from camp around 6PM. It was a beautiful day on the Central Coast.

Campsite Names

1. Awanee

2. Blackfoot

3. Cayuse

4. Delaware

5. Esselen

6. Fontana

7. Geronimo

8. Huron

9. Iroquois

10. Jicarilla

11. Kiowa

12. Lamont

Pioneer Camp (Separate from main camp)

The campsite number corresponds to the letter of the alphabet (E is the fifth letter so Esselen is Campsite 5). People either refer to the campsite by its name or as campsite and the number such as Campsite 1.

Summer 2011 #10: The End of Summer Season 2011

This marks the end of the 2011 summer season at Pico Blanco Scout Reservation. Today, we will be removing the seasonal dam and begin to prepare the camp for the winter. It has been a great summer for the camp.

However, camp is available year round. Your organization, company, or Scout unit can rent part or all of Pico Blanco by contacting the Council Office or using the form earlier in this blog. You can also use Pico as a trailhead. The rates are very reasonable. Also, there is a fall campout for Cub Scouts coming up at the end of the month called Dad N Lad which will be great fun for Cub Scouts and their dads.

It's hard to see our favorite season come to an end, but we know that the old growth redwoods will be there for us for generations to come and Pico is always there for the Scouts. We look forward to next summer but know that fun can be had year round at Pico Blanco.

Throughout the year we will update you on any events and news of the camp and we will also continue to provide a look at the facilities, program opportunities, and culture of the camp.

The above picture is the moon over the Bixby Creek Canyon while driving out late Sunday night.

Summer 2011 #9: Labor Day Weekend

Over 12o Scouts and Scouters enjoyed this year's Labor Day Family Weekend at Pico Blanco. Scouts had the opportunity to have a final campout for the summer and spent their days at the waterfront or up at the ranges. One dad brought down some stand up paddle boards and gave free lessons, introducing Scouts to a fun and exciting sport right on our waterfront. Parents and kids got to canoe together too, enjoying some family time together out on the water. The Saturday night campfire was full of energy and included many skits and songs from the packs and troops in camp. It was a great way to bring this years summer season to a close.

The canoes on the beach at the waterfront

A Scout tries stand up paddleboarding

A late summer afternoon looking out from the deck of the Admin

Scouts and their parents gather around one of the campfires after the campfire

Songline

A few decades ago, the Pico staff developed a way to entertain Scouts as they wait in line to be served their meals. The staff line up and form a corridor for Scouts to walk from the serving line to their tables and sing songs from the Pico songbook. Sometimes the song fits a theme like "W e Had a Henhouse" when its chicken night, "Six Pence" on pay day, "Viva La Compagnie" on the first night, or "Rise and Shine" in the morning. Many of the songs like "Quartermaster Store" have verses added by staffers that relate to camp events or certain staffers. Scouts and Scouters enjoy songline since it emphasizes that "A Scout is Cheerful".

Dad N Lad 2011

Want more Cub Scout fun? Come to Dad N Lad at Pico September 23-25. Did we tell you there will be fun? There will be bb guns, archery, hiking, woodwork, and........slingshots! you won't want to miss this fun weekend to kick off the fall!

Click Here for more information and registration

Year Round Use of Pico Blanco

Does your group, company, organization, or Scout Unit want to camp in the Big Sur River? Pico Blanco Scout Reservation is a great place to camp and can be reserved year round. The camp offers facilities such as the newly completed Hayward Lodge and Mazzuca Campfire Bowl, a medical lodge, platform tents, a nature lodge, a chapel, and 12 spacious campsites. Pico Blanco is also located at a Forest Service trailhead, offering opportunities for hiking in the Los Padres National Forest and Ventana Wilderness. Rates vary by group size and facilities used, so it is very affordable.

Please fill out the following form to reserve Pico Blanco Scout Reservation for your Scout or non-Scout group:

Pico Blanco Year Round Use

In addition, hikers who wish to use Pico Blanco as a trailhead and avoid hiking 4 miles on the camp road each way from Bottchers Gap can call the council office in Salinas at 831-422-5338 for a parking permit. The rate is $8/day instead of $5/day at Bottchers Gap, which is a great deal in that it saves 1-2 hours of steep hiking in each direction.

The Hayward Lodge dining hall, photo credit: Jim Bowels

USFS Backcountry Fire Restrictions

It's that time of year again. While we were blessed with a wet and extended winter, the Los Padres National Forest has ordered backcountry fire restrictions. Normally this happens 1-2 month earlier.

The restriction that would really effect you is that there may be no open fires, campfires, or charcoal fires are allowed outside of designated campfire use sites such as a car campground like Bottchers Gap. If you are in the backcountry, you may still use a gas stove as long as you carry a free campfire permit. These are available at any USFS or CalFire facility such as from Larry at Bottchers Gap, Big Sur Station, or the Carmel Hill Fire Station or may be printed by following the link at the bottom of this post.

This order mainly affects you if you plan to travel into the backcountry. At Pico Blanco Scout Reservation, we still allow fires under our special Campfire Use Policy. This will be provided to you upon arrival.

While fires can be a great addition to a camping trip, we also must think back to 2008 when we almost lost our camp due to wildfire. As Scouts, we must do our part in protecting our environment.

The order will remain in effect until there has been sufficient rainfall forestwide (from the Ventura/Los Angeles County Line to Carmel). This is usually in November.

LPNF Order 11-02

Effective August 18, 2011

California Campfire Permit

I Point to Mineself

I Point to Mineself

I point to mineself and say das here
Das is mine topnotcher, ya mama dear.
Topnotcher, topnotcher, ya mama dear,
Dat’s what I learned in der school, Boom! Boom!

I point to mineself and say das here
Das is my sweat browser, ya mama dear.
Sweat browser, topnotcher, ya mama dear,
Dat’s what I learned in der school, Boom! Boom!

Topnotcher - top of head
Sweat browser - eye brows
Eye winker - eye
Horn blower - nose
Soup strainer - mustache
Lunch eater - mouth
Chin chowser - chin
Rubber necker - neck
Chest protector - chest
Bread basket - stomach
Thigh slapper - thigh
Knee knocker - knee
Shin splinter - shin
Foot stomper - foot

Summer 2011 #8: End of resident camp but still more summer fun to come

Today the staff packed up camp and, after the annual staff banquet, began to head home. The staff had a great time serving Scouts this summer and is excited to return next year. The end of camp is always a strange time; it's somewhat sad to see all the areas packed up and the Scouts heading home for the last time but there's hope in knowing that there are more great times to come beneath the redwoods. The camp is always there for the Scouts.

This has been a great summer. Thanks to countless volunteer hours, the camp completed and dedicated the Bob Mazzuca Campfire Bowl. The patrol method program gained momentum with the amount of patrols earning the Honor Patrol award growing exponentially. Still, many great traditions that Scouts have come to expect remained strong.

Although the summer resident camp season is over, there are still chances to enjoy camping along the Little Sur with Labor Day and Dad N Lad coming up. Also, your troop or group can stay at Pico on its own; just contact the council office. We are also accepting reservations for Summer 2012.

Thanks for all the great memories this summer!

The waterfront sits empty but awaits future Scouts

Staff cross a bridge over the Little Sur. They are done cleaning up their program areas and are heading back to the final Staff Banquet in the Hayward Lodge.

One last look at Mt. Pico Blanco on the road out.

Driving into the sunset out Palo Colorado Canyon Road

Past and Present Staff Members Singing the Pico Hymn at the Firebowl Dedication

Photo Credit: Jim Bowels

Summer 2011 #7: Cub Scout Week is Upon Us

Cub Scout week has begun! This week will consist of two 4-day Cub Scout sessions. This year, the theme is Frontier Days and the staff is excited to welcome out brothers in blue to camp. Cub Scouts will have the opportunity to canoe, shoot BB guns, hike, learn knots, and a whole lot more. Here are some photos from today:

A Pack walks down the trail

Evening Flags

Songfest before campfire

Fire lighting performed by the OA

The Staff performs a skit at the opening campfire

Labor Day Weekend Family Weekend 2011

Want a final weekend under the redwoods this summer? Come to the Labor Day Family Weekend! You and your unit or family will have the opportunity to swim and canoe in the waterfront, shoot at the ranges, go on hikes, and, most of all, relax away from work and school. There will also be a campfire at the brand new Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl. Sign up today by filling out this form and sending it to the Council Office.

Summer 2011 #6: Checking in for Week 3

This week we welcome more in council troops plus many out of council troops.

Scouts coming down the trail to do Med Checks

A Scout Troop being welcomed to camp by the Program Director in front of the Admin

Commissioners are standing by to help make your troop feel at home

Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca Cutting The Ribbon For the Bob Mazzuca Firebowl

Article in the Salinas Californian about the Firebowl Dedication

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Summer 2011 #5: The end of Boy Scout Week 2

Boy Scout Week 2 came to a conclusion with the Water Carnival, a weekly aquatics competition, and the closing campfire. At the closing campfire, the Scouts are the stars and each troop performs a skit and a song. Near the end of the campfire, the Staff gives awards to Troops and Patrols that won different competitions and then the Program Director awards the Honor Patrol Award to Patrols that complete certain tasks such as doing the Polar Bear Swim together and cooking a meal in their campsite. Before this week, 6 Patrols had ever earned this award. This week, 7 patrols earned the award.

Scouts perform Quickdraw, a campfire classic

The Camp Director thanks the Scoutmasters for their hard work

Reminder: Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl Dedication this Weekend

This is a final reminder that the Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl will be dedicated this weekend on Saturday, July 16. Bob Mazzuca, former member of Troop 428, San Juan Bautista and Pico Staffer and current Chief Scout Executive for the BSA will be present. A BBQ dinner will be served. This event will cap off two years of hard work by an all volunteer workforce. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

Summer 2011 #4: A Central Coast Tradition

This week, Pico Blanco welcomes many perennially attending troops. This week is always the most spirited because many of these troops have been coming to camp together for decades and friendly rivalries have emerged. At meal times, it is a common occurrence for troop to break out into yells with the ever popular, "We've got spirit, yes we do, we've got spirit, how 'bout you?" yell to circulate from troop to troop. Competition tends to get pretty serious in canoe races and volleyball tournaments as many of the boys are trying to avenge a loss or defend a victory against the same people the year before. The staff loves the energy since boys are being given the chance to be boys. For many troops from the Central Coast, Pico is not just a Scout camp; it's a tradition. Just ask a Scoutmaster that's been coming here almost 50 years.

Summer 2011 #3: A week in the redwoods

The Scouts and Scouters are finishing up their week today with the Water Carnival and Closing Campfire. The Water Carnival is an afternoon of canoe races, swimming races, and the famous Scoutmaster Belly Flop competition. At the closing campfire, the spotlight is on the Scouts; each troop gets to perform a skit and a song.

I had the opportunity to help lead the weekly Mt. Pico Blanco hike, a great wilderness experience for older boys. We spent the night on top of the mountain, enjoying a sunset over the Pacific and sunrise over the Ventana Cones. Along the way, I shared stories about settlers that once lived in the area.

On my way out of camp, I passed the Nature Director who showing some Scouts in his merit badge class the riparian plants and amphibians. Pico's unique ecosystem allows Nature to be a very hands on area!

This time, I remembered my camera and managed to take a few photos. Please enjoy these:

The merit badge rounds on the Nature Lodge. We have a very interactive program that includes astronomy hikes, nature walks, and demonstrations. Why read about it when you can see it firsthand?

Scouts begin their early morning descent of Mount Pico. The Scouts want to make sure they're back in time for breakfast so they can finish their merit badges.

Summer 2011 #2: Boy Scout Resident Camp is Underway

Just visited camp this morning and was really happy with how things are going. Scouts seem to be having a great time. There was a special 4th of July ceremony at morning flags and the shooting sports staff could be seen in pioneer regalia. Merit Badge classes were getting off to a good start.

Sunday night was the first campfire ever in the new Bob Mazzuca Firebowl and I heard it went great. The Camp Director and Program Director even did a Monty Python skit.

As I drove out of camp I could hear through the redwoods the noise of Scouts having fun. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera so I don't have any pictures.

Bob Mazzuca Firebowl is Almost Done

The Bob Mazzuca Firebowl is almost finished! Today, the benches are being stained and then just a few more finishing touches are needed. This has been a massive volunteer effort and the firebowl will serve generations of youth.

Everyone is invited to the dedication on July 16 at which Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca will be present. You can register here.

Summer 2011 #1: Staff Week

The staff arrived in camp Saturday and is working hard to prepare for the arrival of Scouts in a week. We have welcomed many new staffers along with some veteran staffers. Today, the first year staff walked down the road from Bottchers Gap to Pico, learning about camp history and the ecosystem the camp lies in as they descended into the valley.

Check back here regularly for updates. I plan on posting a few each week and will include photos when possible.

Help Needed to Finish Firebowl Project

The firebowl project has come a long way. Here is a note from the project director asking for help this weekend:

"We have all accomplished so much in the last couple months, now this weekend is going to say everything about us all. There is a lot to do, so lets have as many helpers as possible to get this Campfire Bowl complete!!!!! We welcome everyone to participate, Moms,Dads, friends, lets make it happen! We have about 30% of the seating to complete, 70% of the stairs, 35% of the sand material, a bridge to rebuild at the Bill Lidderdale Trail, debris to be hauled to the dumpster, fire pit brick to install, misc. electrical to complete and an overall cleaning. Please let us know if you can help!"

Please CLICK HERE to find out how you can help!

Photo Credit: Alex Surber

Update! Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl

Bob Mazzuca, the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts America and former Pico Staffer and member of Troop 428, San Juan Bautista, will make an appearance at the firebowl dedication. Please see this post for more information on the event.

Also, you still have a chance to help with the work at the firebowl over the next 2 weekends. Please visit http://himlyn.com/ for more information on how you can help and to see photos of this $40,000 project the Esselen Lodge of the Order of the Arrow is running.

3 More Spots Available for NYLT

The 2011 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) at Pico Blanco Scout Reservation has only 3 more spots before the course is full and registration is closed.

NYLT is open to all Boy Scouts from 13 to 17 years old and Venturers to age 20. The course consists of an intensive interactive experience in outdoor living and leadership skills development.

NYLT runs from Sunday, June 19 to Saturday, June 25 2011 at Pico Blanco Scout Reservation.

To register for NYLT at Pico Blanco, please call the MBAC Scout Office at (831) 422-5338 immediately. All registrations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yours in Scouting,

NYLT Staff

New Seats at Firebowl

The Esselen Lodge of the Order of the Arrow has been working hard to renovate the firebowl. Here is a photo of the new seats they installed last weekend. For photos and updates, please visit himlyn.com

The View From The Porch of the Admin

Experience Quicksand at Skinner Creek

As part of the Pico Pathfinders High Adventure program, some scouts explored off-trail up Skinner Creek, looking for sights rarely seen by humans. One was some quicksand on a sandbar. As an added bonus, the Pathfinders got to name some of the campsites they discovered for use by Scouts in the future.

Road Conditions Update

As of today, Highway 1 is open all the way from San Luis Obispo to Monterey. Please note that there is still traffic control at Rocky Creek and near Lucia, both south of Palo Colorado Canyon. The fastest way to Pico from all parts of California is still from the north via Monterey since highway 1 is a long, windy, but very scenic road.

We wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you at camp this summer!

Bob Mazzuca Campfire Bowl Dedication

On July 16, 2011, Pico Blanco Scout Reservation will be dedicating the Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl. Over the past two years, the Esselen Lodge has worked to renovate the existing campfire bowl to better serve the camp. The firebowl maintains the rustic magic of the old fire bowl while providing a greater capacity and more comfort. The redwoods and Mt. Pico still remain the focus of the backdrop.

All are invited.

Register Here!

The South Fork of the Little Sur

Hike west over Launtz Ridge and enter a the beautiful valley of the South Fork of the Little Sur. The river runs beneath old growth redwoosa while the trail passes through chaparral and porteros, grassy meadows. Mount Pico Blanco rises to the north and the Pacific sits to the west. Pico Public is a large campsite above the river that can accomidate several units in a large field and has an attractive waterfall and swimming hole. It is a hike great for a wide range of abilities.

2011 Leaders' Guide Online

The 2011 Leaders' Guide can be viewed by clicking here: http://mbacbsa.org/Camping/2011%20Summer%20Camps/~/media/8CDEE1DACD3A48CCAF79F800CCE171DE.ashx.

The staff is preparing to give you a great summer. This weekend, some staff alumni went backpacking to Pico Public and said that the road into camp is in good condition.

Marksmanship!

Access Restored to Pico Blanco

From the council website: "The Pico Blanco camp road is now open thanks to the efforts of the Beaver Work Party. The road is still a little rough around the edges, but passable by pickups/SUVs'. Vehicles with low clearance are not recommended. Road conditions will continue to improve through the first part of May. All events on the May calendar at Camp Pico Blanco are still on. May events include, but are not limited to, the Council Camporee, the OA Ordeal, Mom and Me Weekend, and Memorial Day Family Camp. The landslide on Highway 1 is south of Palo Colorado Road and is not affecting our operations."

Updates on Road Conditions

The access road to Camp Pico Blanco is temporarily blocked by a slide and associated debris at this time. An experienced crew with heavy equipment is scheduled to begin slide removal on April 9-10. The OA Spring Ordeal originally scheduled for the April 8-10 has been postponed. OA leadership is in the process of rescheduling the event. It is anticipated that the slide will be cleared and access restored by April 15, 2011. Please check the Monterey Bay Area Council website for current updates on camp road status. In addition, one lane of Highway 1 is expected to reopen at the Rocky Creek slide at the end of April. This will restore Access to the camp from Big Sur and points on the coast south. For the vast majority of Pico visitors, including those from Southern California, the Rocky Creek slide is not on the route to camp.

Access to Pico

Many of you may have heard of the slip out on Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge (http://www.ksbw.com/video/27222972/detail.html). The closure is just south of Palo Colorado Canyon, the turnoff to Pico Blanco. Therefore, as long as you are coming from the north, which is the way the vast majority of campers access Pico, you will be fine. Sometimes units from the San Luis Obispo area choose to take Highway 1 all the way up the coast. However, with the closure, you'll need to take 101 to Salinas and then cut over to the coast.

We'll let you know when the road reopens. Current estimates are at least one month.

The bottom line:
Travel to Pico Blanco from Monterey is NOT affected by the slide

Snow on the Ventanas

April 2010, taken by our Camp Director.
Ventana Double Cone is on the left, La Ventana (The Window) is the notch in the middle, and Kandlbinder is the rounded peak on the right.

Take a Hike! The Pico Blanco Trailhead

Pico Blanco Scout Reservation is very fortunate to have a National Forest trailhead right at the edge of camp. Without driving anywhere, you can head off into the wilderness and explore the redwood lined Little Sur River, the waterfalls of the Circular Pools, the vast porteros (meadows) of the South Fork of the Little Sur, the marble topped Mt. Pico Blanco, and the remote Window, the namesake of the Ventana Wilderness. You can even hike out to the beautiful Big Sur Coast.

All units are encouraged to do some sort of hike during their stay at Pico. Day hikes are offered on Adventure Day, staff are available to lead hike to our various outpost camps for overnighters, and nature hikes and the famous star trek are available throughout the week. We have hikes for all abillity levels that go to a a diverse range of destinations, some taking an hour while others taking up to a week.

For Scouts seeking a week long backcountry experience, our Pico Pathfinders high adventure program is a great opportunity.

Our staff is just as excited to head into the backcountry as you are, so feel free to ask your favorite staffer for good hikes. You might even want to ask him along!

1000 Visits

Sometime in the past week, the Camp Pico Blanco blog passed 1000 visitors, with well over 2000 page views! Thanks for reading!

"Hooked on Scouting" Camporee

Does your patrol have an epic skit? Are you an expert at Scouting Skills? Do you have a dutch over recipie that is undefeated?

The Esselen Lodge is hosting the 2011 "Hooked on Scouting" Camporee at Pico Blanco and they want your troop to be there! The event runs May 13-15 and is only $15/person if you register by April 21.

We know this will be great since it's brought to you by the same Esselen Lodge that brought you the "Party Like a Star Scout" camporee.

To register, please fill out this form: http://mbacbsa.org/~/media/6AC46631D39F4498AD5090BEFA560B47.ashx

On Target at the Archery Range

Mom and Me 2011

Hey Cub Scouts!
Do you want to have another fun weekend at Pico! Come to Mom and Me at Pico. There'll be archery, map and compass, BB guns, woodcraft, and more. This year's theme is "Finding Our Way Together".
Mom and Me is May 20-22.

http://mbacbsa.org/~/media/6B82A49B2BF64DFEA3A4472DE6AC9CC4.ashx

Learn how to slackline at Scoutpost

You may have seen people slackining at school, a campground, or a climbing area and wondered how to do it. At Scoutpost, you can learn how! The staff there will teach you how to focus your energy and carefully walk from one end to the other.

Slacklining is a great activity because it can be set up anywhere there are two trees, the equipment is relatively inexpensive, and it builds your core muscles.