Friday, August 15, 2025 was a fine day for hike.  Twenty of us departed from the Marsh St. parking lot at the base of Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain) for a hike around the Lemon Loop to visit the Mission Prep "M".  Mike Sims refreshed our memory about how back in the 1800's citizens of SLO would ride up to the grove after Church on Sunday to picnic.  The "Carriage Road" survives as does one of the original lemon trees.  The spring that served Marsh street still runs and waters the trees. 

 

For the first time in over three years of use, Russ completely forgot to turn on his GPS recording device.  We do know that the hike covered 2.4 miles and took one hour forty minutes and very likely achieved the approximately 600' elevation change.  The track from the last time is shown below.  Russ has ordered another "flag" for his kit to accompany the big "B's" on his hiking poles which keep Carl and Brad from taking them home.  So if you see Russ walking along with a 17 inch "Remove Before Flight" label hanging from him, tell him to Start his GPS.

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We got some great pictures along the trail including Barb on the "M" and Casanova Marv flirting with the girls.  Remember you can enlarge any of the pictures on mobile devices by touching them and spreading your fingers.