DAY 1: We gathered with anticipation (and perhaps some anxiety) at SBMS to bus up to Foster Park, south of Ojai along Highway 33. We learned (or reviewed) some biking safety techniques from John SB (and did a “slow race”), then set out along the Ventura River Bike Trail toward the sea. Some art, and some hijinx, were in evidence, and although the going was mostly downhill, it was still a long 7 miles to lunch at the beach. From there along the Ventura Promenade and seaside neighborhoods to McGrath State Beach Park, with the occasional unscheduled stop to fix flats (and encounter spiders). We pitched our tents and reviewed the joy of standing in line for food--served fresh off the griddle by the 9th graders--and of washing our dishes. As evening came on, we gathered for singing and a special ceremony at the campfire, before zipping into our sleeping bags for the night.