"DAM" THERE'S POISON OAK IS EVERYWHERE!!
BACKGROUND:
The Rindge Dam in Malibu Canyon, located 2.5 miles north of Malibu Lagoon, where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. During improvements to the Malibu Rancho, the 100-foot-high dam was built in 1925 by May Rindge, with a 574 acre-foot reservoir to control floods and conserve the water of Malibu Creek. The reservoir filled with silt in less than twenty five years and is under consideration for demolition, part of efforts to restore the Malibu Creek watershed and re-establish native species, especially the Steelhead Trout. The dam is one of the few vestiges of the Rindge period of Malibu.
STATS:
Distance: 5-6 miles.
Elevation Gain: less than 500
Trailish: Out and back.
Numerous creek crossings
Poison Oak
Rock & Boulder Hopping
Slippery Algae Covered Rocks
Great Scenery
ESSENTIALS:
At least 3 liters of water
Know your limits
Hiking boots that can resist water
Layered Clothing
Gloves
High protein food/snacks
Electrolytes
Camera (waterproof or some form of protection)
Hat (optional)
Sunblock
Technu
OUR ROUTE:
I rarely do the same hike twice, but when I do it's worth it, I've hiked this route twice now and look forward to a good rain to drop much needed water in this area. Our route took us down Malibu Creek which parallels Malibu Canyon Road to the Dam where we explored and stop for breaks and lunch along the way. Me and The Crew began this adventure following a single track trail that lead us though canopies of trees, as well as poison oak that seemed to be growing from the ground up through the trees. It was everywhere.
We come to the canyon where boulders occupied a majority of the stream that runs to the dam. Up and over, scale like a Spidy man, might as well jump we got along till the boulders shrunk to rocks, then it was skip, hippity hop, might as well jump, or just take the plunge and dredged through it in hopes it would rinse off at least some of the PO we plowed through. The water might not potable and might be murky, but sometimes it's safer to just walk through it than to avoid it, especially when safe rock hopping is virtually impossible or the rocks are covered with green slime. One hiker slipped on a rock and ended up with a non-functioning cell phone, she was using as a camera.
Once at the dam, the adventure continued. There were re-bar ladders embedded in the cement blocks to climb down and up with short crossings in between. Then down a bum sliding dirt slope, we eventually arrived at the watering hole, not the bar, an actual watering hole. While some went in the frigid water, the daredevils swam to the far side where they sprang into the water, still others chilled on the rocks, ate lunch, and took pictures. This is a good time to use that Technu, PO breakout prevention.
Disclaimer: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.
Review 70 Yelp 100+ Challenge 2015
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