Blue Sky Docent Retreat May 1-3, 2009

The Docent Retreat organized by Friends of Blue Sky was May 1-3, 2009, at Dos Picos Park outside of Ramona. There had been reports of rain for that Friday night and Saturday morning but we lucked out and it stayed dry. I had left work at three, rushed home and got to the park just before seven. Anna was already there and had just finished putting up her six foot tent by herself, with supervision from Sadie her dog. Anna graciously graciously helped me pitch my tent before it got dark. She also started our fire like a trouper and had many needed implements I had forgotten, the most important being a bottle opener. We awoke the next morning very glad to be dry and not too cold.

Carol Simpson joined us Saturday morning and Annie followed not long after that. We had a delightful breakfast of fresh fruit, muffins, bagels and cream cheese and orange juice. Annie and I then scouted out the Nature Trail. John Morgan, a new Docent was next to arrive. He had a really neat tent that fitted onto his truck bed and came complete with a canopy. While we helped John with his tent the crows and ground squirrels discovered the raw almonds and muffins which they enjoyed. Next to arrive was Celeste.

Lunch was sandwiches, chips and cookies courtesy of Subway. After that, We all felt a bit restless and went for a hike and then to a program called Snakes and Skins which was conducted by Park Ranger Ron Babcock. Dave joined us here. Although this program was geared for children it was very much enjoyed and informative. We headed back to the camp sites where Ann and Eric Martin were setting up camp. John and Laurann and her friend were also with us briefly. We did another hike down and around the pond to explore our environs some more.

When we returned from that starting dinner seemed like a really good idea. There was more than enough food and all of it delicious! Cooking provided by Dave who did a remarkable job and also got La Salsa Chilena, the folks who work next to him to donate chips and salsa. Muy Bueno! Jack and Rob joined us and we settled in to eat, drink and gab around the fire. About 9:00pm some folks headed back “down the mountain” while the rest of us enjoyed more campfire chat before turning in around 11.

Sunday dawned and was a beautiful and warmer day. We had plenty of leftovers which were added to scrambled eggs and made for a hearty breakfast. We broke down camp and enjoyed a last hike before leaving.

The Retreat is something Friends does to thank the Docents and to give us all a chance to spend time together without having a program to put on or a meeting agenda to distract us from enjoying Nature and each other. Thanks to those who came out and please consider joining us next time to those who missed out.