Hal Thilmony, Chair
2026 Day Trips
June 2026
On June 23rd, 20 RAM’s and guests toured the San Luis Obispo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). The tour focused on many of the new technologies that were incorporated into the facility during the recently completed a 10-year upgrade. These included the use of superfine ultrafiltration membranes, the expanded odor control and neutralization process and the ultraviolet disinfection process to replace the use of chemical and their carcinogenic by-products. The end result is a much cleaner effluent in support of recycled non-potable irrigation water as well as aquatic life in San Luis Obispo creek. Following the tour half of our group met up at the SLO Public Market for lunch and continued conversation.
April 2026
On a rainy day in SLO, ten hardy RAMs and guests ventured into Carrizo Plains to tour Painted Rock – a sandstone formation where over 3000 years ago Native Americans sheltered and began painting sacred images. We were treated with ideal weather while exploring the horseshoe shaped historical site. We met at the Goodwin Education Center joining others who had signed up for this ranger led public tour. The tour began with a short 3/4-mile trek to the rock. The photos document our journey.
We had also hoped to enjoy the wildflowers that carpet Carrizo Plains during super bloom years. This year the flowers were sparse and bloomed early. The last photo, provided by Nick Higgins, was taken on his visit to Carrizo Plains in April 2023 when the flowers were in full bloom.
January 2026
As part of Cal Poly’s focus on “learn by doing” a third-year Agriculture Science student led our RAM Group on a tour of the Cal Poly Meat Processing Facility. This full functioning USDA-inspected facility involves students in all stages of meat processing from in-take to packaging. As we toured the facility, we were introduced to each stage of the process. The on-site retail store was also opened early so that we could purchase packaged meats before leaving.
Following the tour most of our group gathered at @Bites to enjoy a Vietnamese lunch and casual conversation.
Day Trip Recaps (2021-2025)
Click here to view recaps of previous year outings.
Virtual Day Trips
Click here to view videos that compliment RAM Day Trips or provide insights into historical events or locations in and around San Luis Obispo.