Your hike leader Russ was really worried this afternoon when he downloaded the data from his recording GPS and found that only two waypoints showed up on his computer.  This had never happened before.  Fortunately it worked on a second attempt and none of the data was lost.  No doubt the result of some solar flare.  So it can now be reported that on 11-1-24 at 8:30 AM twelve RAM hikers did the Lemon Loop to the Misson H.S. “M”.  We intentionally deviated very slightly to the right of the planned route to stay on the Lemon Loop.  We covered 2.5 miles in 1:48 with an elevation change of 512 feet.  Maximum elevation 765 feet with a total of 700 ft UP waypoints.

 

It was a “brisk” morning largely due to windchill but turned out to be perfect weather as we moved up the trail.  There is some interesting history behind this trail.  Sometime around 1900, an American Civil War veteran by the name of G. W. Chandler lived on the mountain and planted lemons and oranges.  The trees (maybe not the exact same ones) still overlook the city and are watered by two springs that we noticed are still running! The Lemon Grove Trail at the base of the mountain takes its name from these groves.  The Lemon Grove Loop overlaps the upper portion of Carriage Road as can be seen in the picture directly below.  According to Mike Sims, the story goes that in the early 1900’s citizens of SLO would ride up this road in their carriages after church on Sunday and picnic near the grove of trees overlooking the city.  The story certainly sounds credible and speaks to a time when life was slower and simpler.  Thank you Barbara for the pictures.  Remember than on mobile devices you can zoom in on pictures by touching and spreading fingers.