Domelands   (Southern California)       December 4-5, 2005

 2 Days       Total Miles- 6

This was a backpacking trip organized by the Sierra Club.  There ended up being 15 of us and we met in San Diego and were on the road by 7:30.  The place was facinating, southern Californias desert at its finest. There was no water sources at camp and we all had to lug it in. I had no idea what to expect from this trip... the weather was also a bit unclear, but everything turned out fine and we had a wonderful time. 

 

 

  It was a short off-road drive to the trailhead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The excitement of gearing up before a trip.  Doug the group leader made a short announcement and we were on our way.

 

 

 

  Take note of the bullet holes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trail started steep and headed up into the mountains.  We passed over a small ridge and then into some flatter terrain.  We followed a wash and stopped to take a look at 25 million yr old fossils of shells and starfish.  Wow, this once was the floor of an ancient ocean.

 

 

At the top of a ridge the vastness of the desert opened up before us.  I did not expect such views on this trip.  I could imagine getting lost out their in the endless maze of the badlands.

 

 

 

  Shortly later we topped a ridge and were all delighted at the sight of our new home- a large mass of sandstone, with caves the perfect size for one or large ledge that could fit multiple tents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markings from past dome dwellers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not long after settling in we took a dayhike and explored the nearby area. 

 

Fossils were everywhere.  It was a quite a hunt looking for the best one.  We found fossils of conch shells, corral, clams, sea snails and more.

 

 

 

   Doug and Susan seen here with conch and clam shells. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  It was dinner time.  The winds picked up quite a bit, but cover was found in one of our larger caves... perfect for cooking. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  That night we huddled around a small "buddy burner" that lit up another cave.  Everyone brought something to share and we had... cheese, crackers, meats, avacodo, cakes, cookies, chocolate and candy. Talking around the small flame we settled the dispute that Mountain House makes the best freeze dried dinners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  I was up before sunrise the next morning.  The desert glowed beautiful shades of color.  MOVIE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  A blooming octillo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My campsite nearby the domes.  It got cold fast this morning.  The sun was only out for sunrise then a huge mass of clouds quickly descended upon us.  We packed up and were out at 9:30.  About a mile later we dropped off our backpacks so we could begin a dayhike.  We dropped into a nearby canyon and it started to rain a bit.  The canyon gave a new perspective of the area as we navigated through it. The rest of the day we encountered lite showers.  The lunch spot was at a dry waterfall.  Debating to go further it was decided to head back due to the deteriating and cold conditions.  The trek back to the car was hilarious.  In certain sections mud would stick to our boots with every step.  Then you would be about 6 inches taller and LOTs heavier.  It was only a few miles and we were back on the paved road to SD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 On the ride back home we encountered snow over the Laguna Mountains. Thats right.. snow only a few miles from San Diego.  The trip was an overall great time. Thanks everyone for being so welcoming and to our guides Doug and Marty for showing us this intriguing place.  The Domelands was quite a spot- Easy hike in, expansive views, and a perfect camp.

 

 

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