Eleven scouts and four adults went on a back country overnight hike in the El Dorado Mountains this past weekend (April 16-17). The hike was 5.3 miles (8.5 km) long and had a 1380 ft. (420 m) elevation gain. The younger scouts used this hike to complete a first class rank requirement that called for hiking at least five miles and using compass skills to map their route. There was no trail so the scouts learned to use a topographic map to help plan their route and to locate their position. Part of the route followed the Keyhole Canyon wash. On a ridge above the campsite the scouts found plenty evidence of a bobcat and on the way out they saw deer tracks in the sand of the wash. There were also six bighorn sheep (ewes), a few lizards, and a small gopher snake and red racer that were viewed. The desert was very green this year and there were lots of flowers (pollens and flying bugs too). Mr. Corral and Mr. Miller scouted the canyon where it cuts through granite for future rock climbing outings.