Scripps Ranch Troop 301

Anza Borrego Campout and Launch

On December 5-7 the troop went to Anza Borrego State Park to camp and also launch rockets. About half the troop went out Friday night out through Julian and down the Banner Grade to Agua Caliente Campground. It was dark when we arrived, but the boys did a great job of setting up their tents by the light of their flashlights. There was some time for some exploring the camp and star gazing and just goofing off.

The next morning we got up early and headed out to the Plaster City Launch site in Ocotillo. It’s a pretty good drive down the S2. We got there and got set up quickly with a shade tarp, beach chairs and a work bench all on the front row of the launch line. There were a number of other scout troops there that day and the low power pads were busy, but after some initial confusion a system was set up so each troop got their fair share of launches.


Most all of our boys brought the Baby Berthas they had constructed. We had a few early failures, but most launched without a hitch. Eventually the kinks were ironed out and each boy launched at least twice and had some kind of stated objective, of which all were met.

Josh had a very interesting objective to build the rocket in a way that it met the minimum requirements for flight, but do it in such a way that complete destruction of the rocket was guaranteed. He of course also met his object. It was quite a sight.

Mr. Bosworth and Mr. Stachwick brought other rockets. Mr. Bosworth’s Pershing Missle was crowd pleaser with his very impressive launch on the high power pads. Mr Stachwick’s Phoenix Rocket (built from pieces of previously broken rockets) was launched and of course flew apart, but was found about a 1/2 mile away, thanks to the help of Mr Zimmer and it was appropriately put back to together so it can fly another day.

Many of the Scouts enjoyed time shopping in the rocket trailer. Jacob Z. spent quite a bit of time in there and I suspect he’ll be back to launch again.

We finished launching in the early afternoon and headed back to camp. Those that went straight to Ocotillo from San Diego still needed to set up. Once we got back and set up we ended up with an un-equal allocation of tents on each site. The rangers came by and made us move some tents to space things out. They said too many tents would have a negative impact on the site. Scouts are all about minimizing impact, but how much impact can a tent have on the gravel? One has to wonder.

As the sun started to set scouts all made dinner and set up a fire. Ryan M. was our emcee and there were plenty of well known favorite skits, songs and yells that everyone enjoyed.

The next morning after breakfast, we got up and headed out to the mud caves. We drove down the S2 to the Palm Spring turn off. We dropped of the cars that were not suitable for off road. We then headed out to the caves. Our first stop was Hollywood and Vine. There is a sign post mounted on a big hill about 2.5 miles off the highway. Everyone scrambled up the hill for a picture and then we were off to the cave. Last year we actually launched here instead of going Ocotillo. Our first stop was at Little Mud Cave. N 32 55.430 W 116 11.291 This fun cave goes on and on and may be the coolest cave (temp) in the area. – Little Mud Cave has an entrance right on the road, but because it’s small, you could easily pass by. The boys got on their head lamps and other gear and we spent about 30 minutes exploring this cave.

Our next stop was Carey’s Big Mud Cave. N 32 55.506 W 116 11.347 The largest cave in the Arroyo. Rooms with 80 foot ceilings. Carey’s Big Mud Cave is 200 feet away from the road in the Arroyo. It is also obscured by a mud berm and thick brush growth, so it can’t be seen at all from the road. The entrance is against the far canyon wall behind the brush. As usual we drove right by it and only recognized it by looking for it the mirror, There is thick brush growth on the west canyon wall and a small trail that cuts through it. This trail lead us to the entrances. We could have also got to the entrances by following one of the many trails just to the north that climb over the large mud berm. We spent quite a bit of time in the cave. It ends in a scramble up and out a dusty hole at the back end of the cave into a fairly steep grade, that is best taken one person at time. Everyone one did the scramble and once everyone that went up that wanted to, we all went back one at a time.

Our last stop was to visit Plunge Pool cave. N 32 55.646 W 116 11.701 This short cave dead ends in a spectacular round room dry falls. The entrance is located next to the easy to find Big Mud Cave. We thought about going into Big Mud Cave, but by then we had run out of time and decided to turn back.

There are plenty of other caves left to explore in the Arroyos of Borrego. A document has been placed on the secure web page that documents the locations and how to get to all them. You are welcome to down load it.

Plenty of pictures were taken, but so far none have been shared, so if you have some, get them Mr. Stachwick, so this blog and the secure web site can be updated.

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