Lookout -- ranger trap! Don't take the singletrack that bypasses the asphalt road back up to the dam. This is the one where you enter right after the sandy creek crossing, just as the asphalt starts, back thru the old mining debris and gully, and then uphill, to wind up popping out on the asphalt halfway up. Last Saturday a CNLM ranger was walking the trail. The fence was missing at both ends. On Sunday I saw the upper fence replaced along with a big sign warning of $1000 fines. Today a Carlsbad park ranger in a CNLM truck was waiting at the top and confronted some folks as they crossed the fence. They got verbal warnings that he would remember them and ticket them next time. The bottom fence is still open and unmarked, so this is something of a trap if you're approaching from the bottom. Look out.

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

A $1,000 ticket for an "illegal" trail? Only in this screwed up place called California!

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"New York City is a mismanaged carnival of stupidity that is desperate for revenue and anxious to criminalize behavior once thought benign."
--Alex Baldwin, unknowingly describing his socialist utopia.

If busted, say Fred said it's ok.

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Department of Good Times

insert polite comment here

Be polite and keep moving, if that doesn't work you can try " this is Freds' trail and he said it was okay" and keep moving
Let's stay out of that area for a bit and just climb the spine or the pavement after the carwash downhill; it'll make us stronger

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"Just stop this walking shit and let's get this done"
Avidtesty (Arch 2019)