Is it spelled Cruickshank or Cruikshank?
It's been confused for years, but the correct spelling is Cruikshank, with only the one "c." Here's an excerpt from the entry in "Monterey County Place Names - a Geographic Dictionary" by Donald Thomas Clark, 1991, page 123:

"Many writers spell the name 'Cruickshank,' but evidence is clear that both the trail and camp were named for a member of the Cruikshank (no second 'c') family. William T. Cruikshank was for many years the recorder of Los Burros Mining District, and in the district's records he always signed his name as Cruikshank."

This is what you all missed on the beautiful day hiking the Cruikshank Trail.
We had snow at higher elevations, but crisp and warm weather as we headed up to Silver Camp to a Rocky Outcropping above the camp.

       We started climbing several switchbacks

On top of the switchbacks we got wonderful views of the coast and into the canyons

Crossing Log Bridges

Trail Junction to Villa Creek Camp

Then stopping at a meadow above upper Cruikshank Camp,

       Then on to the Rocky Outcropping for lunch.

       Chuck was taking a Nap(or doing a Jim?) then towering over all of us.

Climbing above the Rocky Out Cropping heading towards Lion Den Camp
 

Resting at Lion Den Camp

Views from Lion Den Camp

Looking down the Salmon Creek drainage
(Silver Peak Wilderness)

Then a quick jaunt back 6.5 miles to the Cruikshank Trailhead.

       The End!!!!!!!!

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