Is this a wild Luffa/ how do I "cure" it if it is?

Hi. I have attached two photos. While out hiking yesterday in southern california I came across these Luffa-looking plants. I am hoping someone can confirm this, and if so, how would I "cure" it? I have done some research and although these do not look like the typical cucumber luffa gourds, I think they could be a variety. Or are they the younger version? Either way, they look pretty cool. Thanks!

I answered my own question with a little research. There is not a lot of information about this type of Luffa, but it is in fact a wild cucumber version of the traditionally grown luffas. I found a great foraging website with a wee bit of information on it, but apparently I can dry these and then once they are brown, boil off the spines. Then they will be ready to use as a traditional Luffa sponge! Cool. Here is the web page I found:

http://urbanoutdoorskills.com/2010a.html

It is the 6th block down on the page and there is more info further down on the page as well. Pretty cool wild Luffa. I will post photos as my experiment progresses and we'll see if I can successfully make some usable loofas.

Very cool!!
I live in San Diego too but haven't seen this while out hiking... I will have to keep my eye out.
Can't wait to see the progress on your project!