CMC and Occidental College alumni families are invited on an educational camping trip during Columbus Day weekend at Mount San Jacinto State Park near Palm Springs. The Oct. 5-7 outing will be led by Beth Braker, Occidental associate professor of biology, who will serve as resident naturalist and lead several hikes throughout the weekend, and by CMC professor of physics Steve Naftilan, who will lead nighttime viewings of the sky, stars, and planets, by telescope.
Part of the second highest mountain range in southern California, Mount San Jacinto reaches its summit at 10,834 feet above sea level. The high-altitude park is a designated wilderness area covered with sub-alpine forests and mountain meadows good for hiking and backpacking.
Accommodations will be at one of several sites at the Idyllwild Campground, which provides restrooms and showers. Although families are responsible for bringing their own camping and hiking equipment, meals will be catered. The first meal provided will be Friday evening, Oct. 5, concluding with breakfast at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Camp will break later that morning at about 11.
Cost is $115 per person. Children ages 3 to 9 are $85 each. No charge for children under age 3.
For information on renting camping equipment, contact Dave Wyman, 323-377-7565, or davewyman@imountainman.com.
Due to limited space, camping reservations must be made by Sept. 28. Visit www.cmc.edu/alumni, click on Events and Travel, or call 909-621-8097.
Elena Derby '09