tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65501357292231935592024-03-12T16:17:03.484-07:00HoboKittenThe Adventures of Joshua "Bobcat" StacyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-25043132158200841442014-12-07T14:27:00.002-08:002014-12-07T22:24:10.227-08:00Favorite Gear from the Triple Crown: The Big Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a combined weight of 2.6 pounds, I have used this combination of pack, shelter and sleeping bag in temperatures ranging from 20 - 100+ degrees Fahrenheit.</div>
<br />
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.gossamergear.com/">Pack: Gossamer Gear Kumo</a></span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czh3Ksb8-cw/VITR_ufXeKI/AAAAAAAAA4g/1ZRBZ7ioDjA/s1600/P1090948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czh3Ksb8-cw/VITR_ufXeKI/AAAAAAAAA4g/1ZRBZ7ioDjA/s1600/P1090948.jpg" height="480" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
With the 7-8 lb. base pack weight I use for my thru-hikes, this is my perfect pack. The Kumo is made of extremely durable Dyneema that has withstood a lot of off-trail use in alpine and desert ecosystems. The back mesh pocket is the only part of this pack that has really shown any signs of wear. However, repairs on the mesh are quite easy and any hole that forms doesn't tend to expand.<br />
<br />
With a total volume of 36L , 28L in the main pack body, the Kumo was the perfect size for my Continental Divide thru-hike this past summer. My longest food carry was 165 miles (5.5 days) and with the addition of the optional hip belt, this pack handled the load with grace. Pretty impressive for a 13 oz. frame-less rucksack. I've used this pack for over 4,000 miles now and plan to use it for pretty much every trip that I do.<br />
<br />
Disclosure: I am a Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador. However, I only accept sponsorships from companies that make products that I believe in. Gossamer Gear did not ask or require me to write this review as a part of my sponsorship agreement.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/">Shelter: Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Solomid</a></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR3NeuSPVqU/VITPwzUsCsI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/MgV0QxKcgjg/s1600/P1100275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR3NeuSPVqU/VITPwzUsCsI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/MgV0QxKcgjg/s1600/P1100275.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
My MLD Cuben Solomid has over 6,000 miles on it and hasn't gotten a single hole. This is the first cuben shelter that I've used extensively and I was reticent about the durability but I've been very impressed. The pyramid shape of this shelter is very easy to set up and it sheds wind very effectively. Without any broad sides, there isn't the surface area to turn the tarp into a sail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">
<br /></div>
This tarp has performed extremely well in snow, sleet, rain and hail. Paired with a Gossamer Gear Polycro Groundsheet, and a Sea to Summit Bugnet, this shelter can handle any three-season condition. Plus, it only weighs 11 oz.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.zpacks.com/">Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 30 Degree Bag</a></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1C9fwh0vvtc/VITPwuDSFMI/AAAAAAAAA4M/GJaQgKzwUg0/s1600/P1090799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1C9fwh0vvtc/VITPwuDSFMI/AAAAAAAAA4M/GJaQgKzwUg0/s1600/P1090799.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I switched to this bag, from a warmer one, during the course of the southbound Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. I also used this bag for the entirety of my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike. With all of my clothes on, I was able to to use this bag inside my shelter down to 20 degrees F.<br />
<br />
When I hiked the Appalachian Trail, I used a full quilt style bag but being a side sleeper and one that rolls side to side quite a bit throughout the night, I switched to a hood-less bag. This bag is the perfect hybrid for me. My long model is only 17 oz and I would recommend going with a longer than normal model since the bags tend run a little short. I have over 4,000 miles on this bag and it is my go-to for most three season hikes.<br />
<br />
I pair this bag with a Zpacks down balaclava and a Gossamer Gear beanie.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-55354117164059390472014-10-15T22:25:00.000-07:002014-10-15T22:31:48.859-07:00Rim to Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYFzD8knKY/VD9Uj8Es2aI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/rj00hjrbPro/s1600/rrfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYFzD8knKY/VD9Uj8Es2aI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/rj00hjrbPro/s1600/rrfinish.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
April 13, 2014<br />
<br />
The moment I read <a href="http://www.eathomas.com/">Liz "Snorkel" Thomas</a>' article <i><a href="http://www.eathomas.com/2013/05/17/rrr/">Taking trail back from the runners: Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim</a></i>, I knew I wanted take on this challenge. This is classic ultra run for trail runners and at approximately 42 miles, it looked like a very doable day speed hike. When badass hiker Casey "Siesta La Mona" Mangnall told me she was up for joining me on this adventure, I quickly committed to flying directly from the <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2014/10/lowest-to-highest-route.html">Lowest to Highest Route</a> to Siesta's home in Salt Lake City. From there we drove down to the Grand Canyon.<br />
<br />
Siesta and I had met briefly, north of Ashland, on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013. She seemed very cool and her pace impressed me, so I decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did. Our first time hiking together was a 14 hour double traverse of the Grand Canyon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507726308">Route and Details</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Evx3qHroMfc/VD9SnOKeDcI/AAAAAAAAA2c/8a-_4ruVtRc/s1600/rr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Evx3qHroMfc/VD9SnOKeDcI/AAAAAAAAA2c/8a-_4ruVtRc/s1600/rr1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Siesta led the charge that morning, jogging down hill, plunging into the darkness all the way to the Colorado River. By the time we reached Phantom Ranch, there was plenty of light and temperature rose quickly. The sights were stunning and the red rocks cast long shadows until the sun finally broke free over the tops of the towering cliffs. The climb up to the north rim concluded with an inverted tree line and a beautiful pine forest. It was chilly and I put on my jacket as we broke for some snacks and water.<br />
<br />
<br />
The shuffle back to the river seemed to go by quickly, but the last climb back to the south rim, that's where I found out how much gas was left in the tank.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tth2uGXWCw/VD9TyeeI3VI/AAAAAAAAA24/2rYESgHFJJo/s1600/rr6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tth2uGXWCw/VD9TyeeI3VI/AAAAAAAAA24/2rYESgHFJJo/s1600/rr6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't know what time goals to set my for myself for this challenge. I just knew I wanted finish in a single day. I feel pretty good about the time of 13:52. That's right around a 3mph pace. Siesta finished a little bit after. We stuck together until the last climb back up from the Colorado River.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D77S1oZXe0g/VD9Uags__xI/AAAAAAAAA3I/zZEYNryIEQ0/s1600/rr8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D77S1oZXe0g/VD9Uags__xI/AAAAAAAAA3I/zZEYNryIEQ0/s1600/rr8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was really happy to have such a great hiking partner along for this adventure and I hope that we get to hike together again in the future. I also hope to return to the Grand Canyon someday with a better sense of what I can do on a trail of this length and incline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7T5Zwrq7efA/VD9UHP4rAtI/AAAAAAAAA3A/QxBO00l8cPI/s1600/rr7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7T5Zwrq7efA/VD9UHP4rAtI/AAAAAAAAA3A/QxBO00l8cPI/s1600/rr7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-65154962252980009412014-10-15T21:04:00.000-07:002014-10-15T22:33:46.559-07:00Lowest to Highest Route<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ-XUBFl64U/VD8qSL9lMjI/AAAAAAAAAyI/O2hkhr9JNIE/s1600/P1070877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ-XUBFl64U/VD8qSL9lMjI/AAAAAAAAAyI/O2hkhr9JNIE/s1600/P1070877.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I know it's been a long time since this trip happened. I should have written this up months ago but the hikes kept piling up and life just kept marching on with such vigor that I didn't really had time to sit down and reflect on what's happened over the last six months, until now.<br />
<br />
April 5-10 2014<br />
<br />
The Lowest to Highest Route (L2H), designed by <a href="http://www.simblissity.net/">Brett Tucker</a>, starts in the lowest point in the contiguous US, Badwater Basin (-282 ft.) in Death Valley, and finishes at the highest point, Mt. Whitney (14,503 ft.) The route is approximately 135 miles. This was the perfect preparation hike for my CDT thru-hike. Desert and alpine travel, cross country navigation, water management, steep climbs, snow travel, elevation; all elements that came into play this summer. I also couldn't have asked for better companions on this adventure. Swami is one of the most prolific hikers in the world. Dirtmonger is real mile masher and an incredibly skilled hiker. And Malto is an incredible hiker and an expert in preparation and nutritional research. I learned of ton from these three and became very close friends as we laughed non-stop for six days through this challenging, beautiful and diverse terrain.<br />
<br />
You can read excellent accounts with wonderful photos of this trip on the websites of <a href="http://www.thehikinglife.com/journal/2014/05/lowest-to-highest-a-backcountry-route-from-badwater-to-whitney/">Swami</a> and <a href="http://freedirtmonger.blogspot.com/2014/04/lowest-to-highest-badwater-to-mt-whitney.html">Dirtmonger</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmqIfnJZUC8/VD8r-kytxGI/AAAAAAAAAyU/wX0Drk0sYK4/s1600/P1070693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmqIfnJZUC8/VD8r-kytxGI/AAAAAAAAAyU/wX0Drk0sYK4/s1600/P1070693.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>To be totally open, I was definitely nervous about joining this trip. I was really honored by the invite to come along and I just hoped that I lived up to expectations. Could I actually hang with world class hikers such as these? My performance this year on the PCT seemed to indicate that I could. None the less, I was anxious and excited.<br />
<br />
I quickly realized that this was the best possible situation. By surrounding myself with hikers more experienced than myself I was in a fantastic position to learn heaps and heaps. I was also forced to rise to the occasion. Dirtmonger, Malto and Swami immediately made me feel at ease with their lack of pretension and hilarious sense of humor. We had an absolute blast!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzSA5jeD9C0/VD8sucSjppI/AAAAAAAAAyc/m2lX8ZwTI8w/s1600/P1070703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzSA5jeD9C0/VD8sucSjppI/AAAAAAAAAyc/m2lX8ZwTI8w/s1600/P1070703.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>The first section of our route crossed the salt flats of the Badwater Basin<br />
(-282 ft.). I really enjoyed taking notice of all the different forms that the salt mud mixture took. Sage Clegg had warned me of Salt Monsters. I quickly realized why. The patterns in the flat led one to believe that one of the giant worms from <i>Tremors </i>might erupt from the earth at an moment.<br />
<br />
From the salt flat we quickly climbed out of a vegetation choked canyon. We gained over 10,000 feet of elevation in 24 hours, rising to the saddle next to Telescope Peak. Suddenly we were surrounded by bristlecone pine and glittery ice crystals blowing in the wind. The freezing winds were a stark contrast to the toasty valley below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fAJbGmpWSU/VD8tdXOjuhI/AAAAAAAAAyo/F4q-7tuZYU4/s1600/P1070734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fAJbGmpWSU/VD8tdXOjuhI/AAAAAAAAAyo/F4q-7tuZYU4/s1600/P1070734.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Dirtmonger, Swami and I ran across the ridge line, chased by the frigid gusts, before descending into Tuber Canyon. That evening we crossed the Panamint Valley and had a tasty pizza dinner at the resort. The next morning Malto joined us and we continued on towards Darwin Falls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On the climb out of Darwin Falls, Swami slipped and fell on a dead cactus. It took him days to remove all of the spines imbedded in his palm. We continued our way through the Saline Valley and into the Inyo Range. I had viewed these beautiful mountains from the summit of Mt. Whitney the summer before and dreamed of what they would be like to experience on the ground. I got my chance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-676Pke3RL4s/VD8vMvKSIOI/AAAAAAAAAy8/wAq9JcTbRdw/s1600/P1070780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx9wuoVBefo/VD8vDhFiXUI/AAAAAAAAAy0/lTzhR4_LEjY/s1600/P1070784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx9wuoVBefo/VD8vDhFiXUI/AAAAAAAAAy0/lTzhR4_LEjY/s1600/P1070784.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In the Inyos we explored the Cerro Gordo ghost town and an old salt tram. There was a lot of good history to dig up in those hills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-676Pke3RL4s/VD8vMvKSIOI/AAAAAAAAAy8/wAq9JcTbRdw/s1600/P1070780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-676Pke3RL4s/VD8vMvKSIOI/AAAAAAAAAy8/wAq9JcTbRdw/s1600/P1070780.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57fmHp22WCA/VD8w1UgiSeI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/poa0PP2VgqE/s1600/P1070801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57fmHp22WCA/VD8w1UgiSeI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/poa0PP2VgqE/s1600/P1070801.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The descent into the Owens Valley was a quick one. I really enjoyed the scree-ing into Long John Canyon and the spring contained within. Lawrence's Goldfinches danced alongside the Oasis. What a gift after a 45 mile waterless stretch starting back at Saline Valley Rd. where Malto had cached water for us before joining the trip.<br />
<br />
We arrived in Lone Pine early afternoon on the 4th day. We ate pizza again and slept. The 5th day was a very short walk to the Whitney Portal where we launched our ascent with an alpine start on the 6th day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxGixlbu5Os/VD8_nek62-I/AAAAAAAAA1o/s1D-4pU_qFQ/s1600/P1070899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxGixlbu5Os/VD8_nek62-I/AAAAAAAAA1o/s1D-4pU_qFQ/s1600/P1070899.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The summit day on Whitney was one of my most memorable days I have ever had on trail. It was a day of route decisions. The snow melted quickly and we ended up not wanting to climb down the route we summited Whitney. Our return trip included some steep side hill traversing and a 1,500 ft glissade (so much fun!). The postholing was tedious as the hours ticked by but in the end it was one of the most amazing days I have ever had. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57fmHp22WCA/VD8w1UgiSeI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/poa0PP2VgqE/s1600/P1070801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIBzJmqU6ms/VD89j1ibTHI/AAAAAAAAA1c/y92HvGeBwM8/s1600/P1070804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIBzJmqU6ms/VD89j1ibTHI/AAAAAAAAA1c/y92HvGeBwM8/s1600/P1070804.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was really impressed how everyone worked together on this trip. For guys that almost always hike solo, the fluidity of our days, efficiency and lack of ego in decision making was inspiring. I absolutely loved hiking with these guys and hope that we have many more adventures together in the future.<br />
<br />
A huge thanks to Brett Tucker for creating this route and providing us with maps, water info and other resources necessary for a successful completion of the L2H route.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Orn1Pxc4m2U/VD8zvCTzABI/AAAAAAAAA0E/kXWjAglTJ04/s1600/P1070871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Orn1Pxc4m2U/VD8zvCTzABI/AAAAAAAAA0E/kXWjAglTJ04/s1600/P1070871.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcQhIGn4b2A/VD81gKMvSKI/AAAAAAAAA0g/rwhG8LZNCYg/s1600/P1070890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcQhIGn4b2A/VD81gKMvSKI/AAAAAAAAA0g/rwhG8LZNCYg/s1600/P1070890.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6W1EyXDS32Y/VD82JDU-dwI/AAAAAAAAA0w/6Zo-G0t7ATk/s1600/P1070895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6W1EyXDS32Y/VD82JDU-dwI/AAAAAAAAA0w/6Zo-G0t7ATk/s1600/P1070895.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDlpF2NIZCg/VD83eJSylfI/AAAAAAAAA1M/wYEzo-iBOx0/s1600/P1070925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDlpF2NIZCg/VD83eJSylfI/AAAAAAAAA1M/wYEzo-iBOx0/s1600/P1070925.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ1pbxWQbXQ/VD9AjgosuTI/AAAAAAAAA1w/RvOdA0cG-vo/s1600/P1070860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ1pbxWQbXQ/VD9AjgosuTI/AAAAAAAAA1w/RvOdA0cG-vo/s1600/P1070860.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnr5ozrehj8/VD9B6abAo4I/AAAAAAAAA18/zKA8BTDU1aM/s1600/P1070846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnr5ozrehj8/VD9B6abAo4I/AAAAAAAAA18/zKA8BTDU1aM/s1600/P1070846.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LSV1hr2P5A/VD9B9bzq1cI/AAAAAAAAA2E/_gGuuyaTUW0/s1600/P1070850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LSV1hr2P5A/VD9B9bzq1cI/AAAAAAAAA2E/_gGuuyaTUW0/s1600/P1070850.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-62541213754581561622014-10-10T12:31:00.001-07:002014-10-10T12:31:26.734-07:00Appearances in Other Publications<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nygwAPgXZo/VDgzfyehx9I/AAAAAAAAAx4/jBdx5C7a4-c/s1600/P1010298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nygwAPgXZo/VDgzfyehx9I/AAAAAAAAAx4/jBdx5C7a4-c/s1600/P1010298.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Franconia Ridge, NH on the Appalachian Trail. 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During my hiatus from blogging, I did some writing for <a href="http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/atj/atj-march-april-2014.pdf"><i>Appalachian Trail Journeys</i></a> and the <a href="http://gossamergear.com/wp/trail-ambassadors-3/creating-simple-life-hiking-flow-cycle-inspiration">Gossamer Gear Blog</a>. You can view both of these pieces by clicking on the links.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-49772146566458255972014-10-10T11:50:00.000-07:002014-10-10T11:50:32.371-07:00Spring Training<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8UY5t5yOb0/VDghhwk-PqI/AAAAAAAAAxo/4XQOFiqMK9M/s1600/P1070667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8UY5t5yOb0/VDghhwk-PqI/AAAAAAAAAxo/4XQOFiqMK9M/s1600/P1070667.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit of Mission Peak on the Ohlone Wilderness Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In preparation for my bigger hikes this past spring, I decided to take on some big single day hikes with lots of elevation gain. The big day hike strategy also allowed me to balance my hiking a social life a little more. I've been really fortunate to have some amazing friends along for a lot of my hikes this year. These big elevation gain days set me up really well to be in shape for the Lowest to Highest Route and Rim to Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>March 7th: Mt Diablo</b></h4>
<br />
At 28.23 miles and almost 8,000 ft of elevation gain, this was one of my favorite training days this spring. Incredible weather and beautiful sights, this mountain has become my favorite training ground. I just wish that it were a little closer to home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/456826839">Details and Map</a><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>March 9th: Loma Mar to the Sea</b></h4>
<br />
(27 miles and 6,291 ft of gain) One of my classic training hikes. A beautiful walk through the redwoods and along waterfalls; perfect weather and a delightful day with some great friends.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507745761">Details and Map</a><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>March 22nd: The Ohlone Wilderness Trail</b></h4>
<br />
(28.46 miles and 7,842 ft of gain) Christine "Zuzu" Byrne and I hiked this popular backpacking trail as a day hike. A lot of gain, great hill workout and we completed it in a good time. These hills are gorgeous and we had a ton of fun.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507745833">Details and Map</a><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>May 9-11: To SVOS and back</b></h4>
<br />
One of my goals for the spring was to organically incorporate my hiking into my social life. This weekend, I was able to hike approximately 20 miles to and from a really fun pool party at one of our outdoor school sites.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>May 23-25: Castle Rock Loop</b></h4>
<br />
(Approximately 60 miles) Molly "Smiley" Sease and I hiked this classic training loop from our home in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This loop which includes Castle Rock, Big Basin and Chalks is diverse and challenging. Beautiful trail and lots of options for side trips.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-45165992221516996392014-03-04T16:12:00.002-08:002014-03-11T11:57:58.494-07:00Bobcat’s Epic Backpacking Adventure<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Originally Posted in The Exploring New Horizons Newsletter | February 25, 2014 at 2:42 pm</span><br />
<br />
<div class="featured-thumbnail" style="float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="post-content" style="color: #965d2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.exploringnewhorizons.org/site/wp-content/uploads/P1050105.jpg" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.4s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="P1050105" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1868" src="http://www.exploringnewhorizons.org/site/wp-content/uploads/P1050105-300x225.jpg" height="225" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline-block; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 590px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: text-bottom;" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Bobcat By the Numbers</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />2,665 miles<br />$1,435 for scholarships<br />98 days<br />27+ miles a day!<br />3 pairs of shoes<br />10 pairs of socks<br />7 lbs of gear<br />500+ energy bars<br />19 bears<br />6 rattlesnakes<br />0 mg of painkillers</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What was your route?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />I hiked the entire </span><a href="http://www.pcta.org/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.4s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Pacific Crest Trail</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">—2,665 miles from Monument 78 on the US-Canada Border to Campo on the US-Mexico Border over terrain ranging from high alpine to desert. I traversed eight mountain ranges: Cascade, Klamath, Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi, Liebre, San Gabriel, San Bernadino, San Jacinto and Laguna. I also made a side trip up to the summit of Mt. Whitney, as I was only a few miles away from the highest point in the lower 48 states.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What inspired you to make this trek?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />My successful 2012</span><a href="http://www.appalachiantrail.org/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.4s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> Appalachian Trail</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> thru-hike was a huge inspiration. I felt so good after that hike. Some physical ailments that I had been struggling with in previous years were gone and I felt so connected and energized by the land. I also just love walking. Three miles per hour is a speed that lets you take in the world with immense detail. It also leads to connections with other people that are lost in other speedier forms of transportation. I have learned so much from all of my long distance adventures and they have made me a much happier and healthier person. I really thrive when I’m taking on these huge challenges.</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What was in your backpack?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />You can check out my gear list on my </span><a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/11/pct-southbound-thru-hike-gear-list.html" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.4s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Bobcat's Blog site"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">. I started in the snow of Canada with 10 lbs. of gear and finished at the Mexican Border with less than 7 lbs. The more miles I hike, the less I carry with me. There’s a saying among ultralight backpackers that, “you pack your fears.” The more you confront these fears the less you need to carry.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What were some of your biggest challenges?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />My biggest challenge was navigating and traversing the first 200 miles of trail south of Canada. I was on snow most of the time and the icy side hill sections were quite treacherous. My ice axe saved my life on several occasions. Some of the river crossings were quite challenging, since the rivers were extremely swollen with snowmelt.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">In Oregon, the hordes of mosquitoes emerging from the melting snow really started to get to me. In Yosemite, smoke from the Rim Fire made breathing difficult for a week or so, but it was great lesson in forest dynamics. From locals to park officials, everyone seemed to have a different opinion concerning fire politics.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">One challenge that was less difficult than I imagined, was the water situation in the deserts of Southern California. At this point in the trip I was dialed in, moving and thinking like a desert animal. I started my days early and used my naturalist skills at times to locate water. It’s amazing how much a little knowledge about vegetation can help you. Willows mean water; so grateful for that tree.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Can you share some of your wildlife encounters?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />My most nerve racking wildlife encounters were with rattlesnakes. There is something so visceral about the reaction our bodies have to that buzzing sound! Four miles from the end of my journey, I stepped next to a speckled baby rattlesnake. I think my mind registered the snake as a rock, which is why I didn’t crush it. I was startled and pirouetted away when I realized what had just happened. It was a great reminder that my adventure required awareness and vigilance to the very last moment.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Back in snowy Washington at the beginning of my trip, I took a slide on a very steep section of trail. I self arrested with my ice axe and when I came to a stop I noticed a series of beautiful bear tracks going straight up the hillside. It was humbling to witness the power of this incredible creature. I also followed Mountain Lion tracks up over very steep terrain and along the tops of cornices.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">One day, in Southern Washington, I trailed a large herd of Elk for several miles as they thundered on like an earthquake in front of me. It is always a powerful moment when you realize that animals are following the same path as hikers.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">How did this journey change you personally and as a naturalist?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />I learned a deeper sense of patience as well as more confidence to deal with anything that comes my way. Knowing that you have what it takes to survive in a diverse array of ecosystems with only 7 pounds of gear creates a deep sense of calm. Not only did I survive, but I had some of the most fun I’ve ever experienced.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I also learned about the western states’ environmental dynamics through intimate and extremely sensory experiences. I traced the water source of Los Angeles from its beginning high up the Sierra into Owens Valley, where the snowmelt is directed into a lake that feeds the L.A. aqueduct. I even walked along the aqueduct and amongst hundreds of wind turbines in the Mojave Desert. It’s experiences like this that deepen your perspective on what our impact on the earth really is.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What personal stories do you share with Outdoor School students?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />I connect my adventures to those of the famous naturalist </span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/john_francis_walks_the_earth.htmll" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.4s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">John Francis</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">, also known as The Planet Walker. Mr. Francis gave up petroleum-fueled transportation for 22 years. He didn’t speak for 17 of those years. During that time, he became an expert on oil spills and was able to complete three college degrees including a PhD in Land Management. Additionally, John Francis is an avid musician.<br />I also tell my students stories of my wildlife encounters and observations about human impact on the land. I hope to inspire them to follow their dreams and learn from experience, directly from the earth.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 300; font: normal normal normal 13px/1.4em Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What’s next?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />I’ve really fallen in love with exploring urban areas on foot. Last year I routed and hiked a 110-mile stairway thru-hike of San Francisco. This year, I’m looking at possible routes in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. The big hike I have planned this year is a thru-hike of the 3,000-mile </span><a href="http://www.continentaldividetrail.org/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.4s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Continental Divide Trail</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> which stretches from the Montana-Canada Border to the New Mexico-Mexico Border. I’ll leave for this adventure in late June. I’m always looking for more challenge and connection in diverse environments.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-64313744554686993642014-03-03T19:06:00.000-08:002014-03-03T22:31:27.590-08:00Why I Hike...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvtKF34o9Y4/UxPVBPsq85I/AAAAAAAAAss/Y5uXQvkd1XY/s1600/P1070077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvtKF34o9Y4/UxPVBPsq85I/AAAAAAAAAss/Y5uXQvkd1XY/s1600/P1070077.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forester Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many times, while I was southbounding the PCT, I was asked: Why did you decide to do this? Why would you walk that far? The more I thought about these questions, the more the list of answers grew.<br />
<br />
Starting with the physical, a nice tangible place to start, I like how hiking makes me feel. The blood pumping, the breathing, the sweating, the endorphins running though my brain. Some people describe it as a runners high, but imagine what the feels like to feel that good for three months straight. Sure, things get hard, mosquitoes swarm every patch of exposed skin, you get cold in sub freezing temperatures and slightly above freezing rain, sand fills your shoes, blisters colonize your heels, the wind whips at your body, springs run dry and you have to save yourself from sliding off icy sidehill in an ice axe self arrest. The list of challenges is immense, but it's all worth it. At the end of the day you feel accomplished, fit, ready to take on any challenge that might come your way. You feel like you are doing what humans are meant to do and you've never felt so alive and engaged with the world.<br />
<br />
I wrote an earlier post about <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/12/why-would-anyone-want-to-walk-1845.html">walking and our connection to the land.</a><br />
<br />
When I hike, I feel connected to our ancestors. Moving with the seasons, running from weather, finding water and making my way to the next food source. It seems so basic and it is, but it makes me happy on a deep visceral level.<br />
<br />
And I just love the act of walking. Plain and simple. It's our brains, legs and hands that have kept us alive for these thousands of years. We're not the fastest animals, we can't breathe under water, we can't fly, but we do have incredible endurance that surpasses most other creatures. It's quite logical that we would love walking. But so many people don't and that leads to challenging physical and mental states. I really feel like I am at the happiest and achieving the best version of myself when I'm hiking.<br />
<br />
And of course there's the beauty of the earth. I though a lot about a song that my friend Nereyda de la O wrote called "Beauty is Everywhere." I was walking amongst the Three Sisters in Northern Oregon when the immensity of this notion hit me like a herd of elk. I was overwhelmed, how could I ever absorb all the beauty if it was everywhere? I would always be missing something incredible; and it's true, I always will. But then, as I passed Obsidian Falls, transcendence happened, I realized the infinite optimism of this song. I realized that there would always be something to look forward to, always new beauty to experience and new adventures to be had. I felt very comforted by this idea. The pressure released and I entered a far more peaceful state.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYGoJFwj0uE/UxPOBmtIKsI/AAAAAAAAAsc/2QgrQimPNtI/s1600/P1050666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYGoJFwj0uE/UxPOBmtIKsI/AAAAAAAAAsc/2QgrQimPNtI/s1600/P1050666.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Obsidian Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On my hikes, I get to see the sun rise and set everyday. I get to hear the birds wake up in the morning and owls calling through the night. I get to see the snow melt and the spring flowers emerge. The daily gifts are endless and the surprises consistent.<br />
<br />
I also love hiking because you meet incredible people at their best. People who have decided to live their dreams and confront their fears. These are people that I often feel close to very quickly and the sense of community and family is incredibly strong on the trail. Almost every hiker is willing to chat and share. Also, the fact that there is immediate common ground in experience leads to a wonderful basis for conversation and friendship.<br />
<br />
You also get to meet your heroes and they're almost always friendly wonderful folks. People like Bink, <a href="http://blueridgehikingco.com/">Odyssa</a>, <a href="http://runhikelivelove.blogspot.com/">Anish</a>, <a href="http://www.eathomas.com/">Snorkel</a>, <a href="http://www.thehikinglife.com/">Swami</a>, <a href="http://www.justinlichter.com/">Trauma</a>, <a href="http://www.linthikes.com/">Lint</a>, <a href="http://freedirtmonger.blogspot.com/">Dirtmonger</a> and Billy Goat. Famous in the hiking world, these superstar hikers are nearly unknown to the general public. This anonymity creates a dynamic of hiking only to impress yourself, challenging yourself to be your best and pushing yourself in order to grow and learn. It would be crazy to hike only in an attempt to be famous.<br />
<br />
Since my completion of the PCT, I've reflected on how far I've come in the last couple years. Two years ago, I was seriously struggling through a broken relationship, physical ailments and a general discontent with life. I wasn't really excited about anything that was happening in my life. In this floundering state, I sat down to write down a list of everything I could do in that moment. When I wrote the words, "hike the Appalachian Trail, " everything changed. I suddenly had a life dream to look forward to, a goal and a focus. My problems quickly faded into the background, and when I finally hit the trail in June, I was already in a very good place.<br />
<br />
On October 28th, I completed the Appalachian Trail on Springer Mountain in Georgia. After I descended to the trailhead past Amicalola Falls, I met one of the most inspiring people I have ever encountered. His name is <a href="http://jackfussellacrosstheland.wordpress.com/">Jack Fussell.</a><br />
<br />
Jack weighed approximately 270 lbs., ten years ago. At that point, his doctor told him that he was going to die from bleeding ulcers if he didn't get in shape immediately. Over the next several years Jack worked hard to lose weight. He began running the stairs at Amicalola Falls and setting goals. Last year at age 62, Jack ran all the way across the width of the United States in order to raise money for <a href="http://jackfussellacrosstheland.wordpress.com/">Alzheimers research.</a> He now weighs 155 lbs. Jack is a true inspiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVGfqTtSs7E/UxPNUKBWD1I/AAAAAAAAAsU/CE_DJRau8S4/s1600/wpid-wpid-facebook_17405679971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVGfqTtSs7E/UxPNUKBWD1I/AAAAAAAAAsU/CE_DJRau8S4/s1600/wpid-wpid-facebook_17405679971.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In our conversation, we discussed the journeys we were on and what brought us hope and joy in our lives. He told me that his mother said there were three keys to happiness:<br />
<br />
1. Something to Do<br />
2. Someone to Love<br />
3. Something to Look Forward to<br />
<br />
These elements have been quite powerful for both of us. Right now, I'm looking forward to hiking the <a href="http://www.continentaldividetrail.org/">Continental Divide Trail</a> and completing the Triple Crown this summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-16576612549360077542014-03-02T11:57:00.001-08:002014-03-02T12:17:57.112-08:00Mount Diablo: "Just the Right Amount of Banged Up."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyuIJflWj7E/UxOE6QxCTYI/AAAAAAAAAqs/g-Jwrk82Z-0/s1600/P1070597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyuIJflWj7E/UxOE6QxCTYI/AAAAAAAAAqs/g-Jwrk82Z-0/s1600/P1070597.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'd heard about Mt. Diablo for years but for some reason the hike never happened. Finally, after some encouragement from my friend Scott "Shroomer" Williams, I made the trip up north to hike this legendary peak. </span></div>
</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Diablo isn't the tallest mountain in the world but it does have an imposing presence in the Bay Area. At 3,838 ft. it is one of the most visible landmarks in California. The mountain stands alone and is surrounded by legends and creation stories of the native people who called this land home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuhYirIQpM0/UxOE6UgX3xI/AAAAAAAAAq4/gcwVbNaKJM4/s1600/P1070601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuhYirIQpM0/UxOE6UgX3xI/AAAAAAAAAq4/gcwVbNaKJM4/s1600/P1070601.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Summit of Mt. Diablo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftouoyL1Ook/UxOE7RkQ2-I/AAAAAAAAArM/W0fOKw6sy1g/s1600/P1070602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftouoyL1Ook/UxOE7RkQ2-I/AAAAAAAAArM/W0fOKw6sy1g/s1600/P1070602.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
After hiking from Burma Rd. to the main summit up a 42% grade, with Shroomer and a really nice hiker named Chris, I set off on my own. My goal was to hike to the four main summits in the park. I quickly bagged the Main and North Peaks making my way towards Olympia peak. The connecting trail between the peaks was quickly cutoff by a series of large downed trees.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzjG74sqJPY/UxOE8BlSpAI/AAAAAAAAArQ/uUtBahBx5hs/s1600/P1070603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzjG74sqJPY/UxOE8BlSpAI/AAAAAAAAArQ/uUtBahBx5hs/s1600/P1070603.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Peak<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPxpajyhhmg/UxOE8I6O72I/AAAAAAAAArU/esYdDu6MI0w/s1600/P1070606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPxpajyhhmg/UxOE8I6O72I/AAAAAAAAArU/esYdDu6MI0w/s1600/P1070606.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burn Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwTwIACRGwM/UxOE9vEDp0I/AAAAAAAAAro/DDYgwBHRAYk/s1600/P1070609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwTwIACRGwM/UxOE9vEDp0I/AAAAAAAAAro/DDYgwBHRAYk/s1600/P1070609.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was a great excuse for some cross-country exploration. I started climbing up to the ridge and scrambled up some loose scree. The ridge was beautiful and I was very happy to have been forced into this detour.<br />
<br />
When I reached the last knob on the ridge, I met another impass. Both sides of the knob were quite steep and I chose to make my way down the rocky north side. About 20 meters into the descent, a large rock broke under my right foot. I fell quickly, bounced and spun around. I felt my lower back and face hit the ground. Based on the impact zones, it's still kind of hard to imagine the path that my body took in the air. When I stopped falling down the hillside, I immediately started to give myself a once over in order to evaluate my injuries. There was decent amount of blood coming from various spots on my legs. The back of my right thigh was gushing pretty well and I used a bandana to stop the flow.<br />
<br />
Fortunately and miraculously, I didn't have any facial or head injuries. I took a selfie to make sure I wasn't missing any adrenaline masked lacerations. It seems like the visor of my hat saved my face.<br />
<br />
I was shaken, but the injuries though bloody, were minimal. It was good wake-up call. Random things happen; large rocks can break off. I can also make better route decisions and think more about the the quality of the rock I'm traveling on. Diablo has some special geology that you can read about <a href="http://www.mdia.org/site/geologic-history/guide-mount-diablo-geology">here.</a> I thought about fellow <a href="http://www.barefootjake.com/2014/02/walking-through-seasons-rescued-pt-1.html">Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador Barefoot Jake's rescue</a> earlier this year. I also thought about my self arrest in the <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/07/washington.html">North Cascades last June.</a> This lesson was mostly painless but I stood there shaken, staring down at my strewn trekking poles and hat scattered amongst the scree and brush. Things could have been a lot worse.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGuRqMKuRfw/UxOE96wahpI/AAAAAAAAArg/4Qwa-gRvgis/s1600/P1070616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGuRqMKuRfw/UxOE96wahpI/AAAAAAAAArg/4Qwa-gRvgis/s1600/P1070616.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gossamer Gear Minimalist Day Pack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the initial shock, I started to feel great. This was just the perfect amount of banged up. Roughed up to the point where you feel like you are on an adventure, pushing your limits a little, and learning lessons. Not banged up to the point where you feel like an absolute idiot for making terrible decisions. It's a fine line.<br />
<br />
After taking a few minutes to evaluate my aches and pains, I carefully made my way down to the trail below. The rest of the day was beautiful and thankfully more uneventful. There were some great climbs, cascading waterfalls and the biggest swarm of ladybugs I had ever witnessed. Ladybugs aggregate in enormous groups to keep themselves warm in the winter. There was also a large section of the park that had burned that previous fall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWoMcMkrBKQ/UxOFBWzJgHI/AAAAAAAAAr8/gSpyVjvqL3U/s1600/P1070625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWoMcMkrBKQ/UxOFBWzJgHI/AAAAAAAAAr8/gSpyVjvqL3U/s1600/P1070625.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWoMcMkrBKQ/UxOFBWzJgHI/AAAAAAAAAr8/gSpyVjvqL3U/s1600/P1070625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVFAB8KrKYM/UxOFA-r5p4I/AAAAAAAAAr4/GmvihpAoNt0/s1600/P1070630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVFAB8KrKYM/UxOFA-r5p4I/AAAAAAAAAr4/GmvihpAoNt0/s1600/P1070630.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I finished the day with over 7,350 ft. of elevation over 22 miles. It was one my favorite day hikes I've done in years. I will definitely be back to hike this mountain again in the coming months. This is the one of the best winter training grounds in the Bay Area and a land of incredible diversity.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, my GPS went out for a couple miles on the climb up to Eagle Peak. However, the majority of my route can be seen <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/446839075">here.</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-89362116985786444352014-02-20T19:19:00.004-08:002014-02-20T19:45:18.415-08:00Winter Training<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-035iv5wGkbE/Uwaw76VeJBI/AAAAAAAAApU/GZUUku7AVbs/s1600/1779919_10153745377895436_1152847106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-035iv5wGkbE/Uwaw76VeJBI/AAAAAAAAApU/GZUUku7AVbs/s1600/1779919_10153745377895436_1152847106_n.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Frozen Narrows of Henry Coe State Park, photo courtesy of John Abela</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 24-26: GGG at Henry Coe State Park</span><br />
<br />
Since my C&O Canal thru-hike in January, I have been out on some fun hikes closer to home in California. The first of these hikes came during the Gathering of Gear Geeks (GGG) at Henry Coe State Park. On the first night of the gathering I made some wonderful friends; Scott "Shroomer" Williams and <a href="http://jackhaskel.com/">Jack "Found" Haskel (PCTA Trail Specialist)</a>. I had heard great things about both of these hikers and was glad to finally connect with them in person. Shroomer is an enormous positive presence with a wealth of wisdom. Jack and I had so much to discuss and I absolutely loved our conversations. I learned an incredible amount from our discussions concerning the <a href="http://www.pcta.org/">PCT</a>.<br />
<br />
The next morning I met Triple Crowner Nancy "WhyNot" Huber. Once again, so much to be learned from her immense experience and inspiring stories. After breakfast, WhyNot, Shroomer, a delightful woman named Melanie and I headed down to the Narrows. Shroomer reported that they would be frozen and I was excited to see them in this state. On the way out of camp we ran into John Abela, a hiker whose <a href="http://hikelighter.com/">incredible gear blog</a> I had been following for quite some time. John joined us as we descended into the canyon.<br />
<br />
Upon arrival in The Narrows, we found the conditions just as Shroomer had reported; a gorgeous frozen creek that was thick enough to walk on. 4-6 inches deep in parts, The Narrows were a shadowy sliver of winter air.<br />
<br />
The rest of the GGG was just as fun. I got to check out a bunch of new gear, some in its prototype stage and nerded out with dozens of hikers. However, it wasn't the futuristic splendor of the new gear that I loved the most, it was the new friends I made that weekend. My conversations with Found, Shroomer, WhyNot and others left me inspired and connected to a community of tremendous people.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 9th: Loma Mar to the Sea</span><br />
<br />
My friends, Bullfrog, Tule, Bay, Spark and I hiked from our home in Loma Mar along a network of familiar trails connecting to the Skyline to Sea Trail. The trip was 30 miles and the rain was pretty steady most of the day. We only stopped when there was some kind of natural shelter; overhanging rock, burned out redwood etc. California Newts covered the trail in the thousands and it was a challenge to avoid crushing the little guys. The highlight of the trip had to be the gushing waterfalls in Big Basin. Silver Falls, Golden Cascade and Berry Creek Falls were flowing with enormous volume.<br />
<br />
Here's a link to our <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/446839007">route.</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 16th: Mt. Diablo</span><br />
<br />
I've wanted to hike here for about a year and didn't get around to it until last weekend. Now I'm wishing it hadn't taken me so long to make it to this training wonderland. I'll do a full report on this 21 mile day hike with over 7,350 ft. of elevation gain in the next post.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mt. Ellen (Throughout the Winter)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
This mountain stands right next to my house and is the perfect quick workout. 800 ft of elevation gain and nice descent through Pomponio Canyon over 5 miles makes this a fantastic run and nice hill training.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-33195133977805099902014-02-11T13:55:00.000-08:002014-02-11T19:31:44.195-08:00C&O Canal Thru-Hike<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKPFPME_o7E/UvqYyCSNgII/AAAAAAAAAm4/0JMAwohV1Yw/s1600/P1070551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKPFPME_o7E/UvqYyCSNgII/AAAAAAAAAm4/0JMAwohV1Yw/s1600/P1070551.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock and Lockhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had a premonition before I left for my C&O Canal thru-hike that this trip was going to be tough. 184.5 miles of flat terrain seems like a cake walk but the cold temperatures caused by the strengthening "polar vortex," chilly damp riparian campsites, a lack of clean water sources and the repetitive strain of flat land walking led to an interesting challenge.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2EI4jiUEX0/UvqYxZVCayI/AAAAAAAAAm0/8SxCg48oFCA/s1600/P1070549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2EI4jiUEX0/UvqYxZVCayI/AAAAAAAAAm0/8SxCg48oFCA/s1600/P1070549.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule Monument at the Cumberland Terminus<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The knowledge that we could "bail" to a warm cafe or motel led to an interesting strategy when planing for this hike. I found myself much more willing to experiment and take chances with a minimalist setup. This was a great opportunity to see just how far into the single digits my ultralight setup would take me. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Part of traveling smart and light is using your surroundings to their fullest. It helps to know that you can pull big miles to make it to the next set of amenities. I started to look at some of the heated restrooms with a whole new appreciation. My hiking partner Jerry Freedenberg (Not Bad) and I joked that we finally understood why the were called "restrooms" and fondly referred to them as "sleeping huts."<br />
<br />
My friend Rocks helped us out in a huge way on the coldest night of our journey. He connected us with his friend Johnny who lives along our route. Johnny and his beautiful family reside in an old 1750's farm house. What an amazing gift and enhancement of our already historically rich adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJ6J8vLXZaI/UvqYx7Uj4oI/AAAAAAAAAm8/sPuDP2FWEv4/s1600/P1070554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJ6J8vLXZaI/UvqYx7Uj4oI/AAAAAAAAAm8/sPuDP2FWEv4/s1600/P1070554.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpEl-RIifrw/UvqYy7W6hSI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/rc76v3_fc_U/s1600/P1070557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpEl-RIifrw/UvqYy7W6hSI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/rc76v3_fc_U/s1600/P1070557.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paw Paw Tunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the snowiest night, Jerry and I were gifted a motel room by Jerry's father. Not exactly "roughing it" but I didn't complain. That same day, Mike Nardolilli, president of the <a href="http://www.canaltrust.org/trust/">C&O Canal Trust</a> bought us lunch at The Desert Rose Cafe. Mike read about about my <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-60th-anniversary-thru-hike-of-c-canal.html">60th Anniversary Hike</a> and was very supportive of the adventure. He shared some wonderful stories and added to our historical perspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCiHprZc5rM/UvqYzZtKhGI/AAAAAAAAAnU/x5syWQrgyvw/s1600/P1070560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCiHprZc5rM/UvqYzZtKhGI/AAAAAAAAAnU/x5syWQrgyvw/s1600/P1070560.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WqBaVfY9H90/UvqY0BgzV3I/AAAAAAAAAng/pjSzqfh6oLA/s1600/P1070561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WqBaVfY9H90/UvqY0BgzV3I/AAAAAAAAAng/pjSzqfh6oLA/s1600/P1070561.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On the second to last day, we experienced freezing rain that formed dome shaped sheets of ice on top of my umbrella. I was very grateful to have the chrome dome along.<br />
<br />
The water along the towpath is not very appetizing. The Potomac River is heavily polluted and the water in the canal is stagnant. Much of our water came from small towns but I did find a couple side streams that seemed to have decent water.<br />
<br />
This trip was a good experiment in the world of winter camping. I discovered that I need to hydrate a lot better in the future. Dehydration was very likely the cause of some intense hip flexor/ IT band pain. I used ibuprofen for the the first time in years to alleviate some of the strain and inflammation. I hadn't used a single mg of pain killers on either of the my thru-hikes the last two years and here I was, resorting to medication on a flat walk.<br />
<br />
Walking into Harpers Ferry was like going to see an old friend and we had a very nice visit at the the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters. I just love that town so much.<br />
<br />
The Great Falls section of the towpath was the most scenic and is definitely a stretch of trail I would like to return to on a day hike.<br />
<br />
Overall, this adventure was very beautiful. The views of the river and the small towns were quite nice and the wildlife sighting were certainly a highlight. Foxes, possums, 5 species of woodpeckers, and bald eagles were among the creatures seen. I also really enjoyed reading all the interpretive signs describing life on the canal, westward expansion and stories of the Civil War.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGFVBTF02Kk/UvqY1H1F3NI/AAAAAAAAAnw/YZX3iCsfel0/s1600/P1070563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGFVBTF02Kk/UvqY1H1F3NI/AAAAAAAAAnw/YZX3iCsfel0/s1600/P1070563.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muJsTZ9l7aI/UvqY1w2kZXI/AAAAAAAAAn8/jgM1NOiDJuc/s1600/P1070565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muJsTZ9l7aI/UvqY1w2kZXI/AAAAAAAAAn8/jgM1NOiDJuc/s1600/P1070565.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HORrvTJjLI/UvqY2C6k6rI/AAAAAAAAAoE/nHfB9tIauxM/s1600/P1070569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HORrvTJjLI/UvqY2C6k6rI/AAAAAAAAAoE/nHfB9tIauxM/s1600/P1070569.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When Jerry and I arrived in Georgetown, we paid our respects to William O. Douglas and took the obligatory finishing photo by The Watergtate Hotel. Who knew that the hotel was named after the first canal lock?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7gIF1aV6KI/UvqY2qtzpmI/AAAAAAAAAoM/ugkQ6_OPKgE/s1600/P1070572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7gIF1aV6KI/UvqY2qtzpmI/AAAAAAAAAoM/ugkQ6_OPKgE/s1600/P1070572.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading into Georgetown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waUm9d-mEdI/UvqY3agkGlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/jzKb_UYjBZ0/s1600/P1070573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waUm9d-mEdI/UvqY3agkGlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/jzKb_UYjBZ0/s1600/P1070573.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal Barge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the canal, we walked over to The Whitehouse, across the mall and over to Union Station. It was fun to imagine, Justice Douglas, barges, mules, naturalists and boat captains all making this journey.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaSKFnLqMNw/UvqY4n4Z1mI/AAAAAAAAAoc/gDsnI2h_zxM/s1600/P1070574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaSKFnLqMNw/UvqY4n4Z1mI/AAAAAAAAAoc/gDsnI2h_zxM/s1600/P1070574.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justice William O. Douglas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3Spbf4JzUw/UvqY5LQfEbI/AAAAAAAAAog/TRwYHPe5ixo/s1600/P1070577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3Spbf4JzUw/UvqY5LQfEbI/AAAAAAAAAog/TRwYHPe5ixo/s1600/P1070577.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile Post 0</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not Bad and I finished our thru-hike in 6.5 days (December 31- January 6). Slower than expected, but considering the weather conditions, we were very satisfied with our performance. We were especially happy to have finished before the temperatures plummeted even further. Another rewarding and challenging adventure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-22664785269379672112013-12-26T09:16:00.000-08:002013-12-26T09:44:43.154-08:00Why would anyone want to walk 184.5 miles on a flat dirt road?: Ingredients for Meaningful Challenge and Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwJBFpS0Oy8/UrogM9EFH4I/AAAAAAAAAjg/jrO0NLkiEFs/s1600/1461716_668351890438_703742413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwJBFpS0Oy8/UrogM9EFH4I/AAAAAAAAAjg/jrO0NLkiEFs/s400/1461716_668351890438_703742413_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the LA Aqueduct. Photo Courtesy of Jane Boer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I wrote about my <a href="ttp://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/06/sf-urban-thru-hike-part-1-design.html">San Francisco Urban Thru-Hike</a> last June, I opened with the question "why would you take on this hike?" I think a lot of people might have the same question for the choice to hike 184.5 miles on a flat dirt road along the C&O Canal.<br />
<br />
I've heard it hundreds of times from fellow hikers: "Road walking sucks! I hated hiking alongside the LA Aqueduct on the PCT. I would love to hike the PCT again but not the desert with all its wind farms and dirt roads." I've heard it as a warning during my preparations for my CDT thru-hike this year. "Be prepared for some long road walk sections." And when I talk to westerners about hiking the Appalachian Trail I often hear: "I don't have any interest in hiking so close to civilization through those tiny hills."<br />
<br />
Listening to these sentiments, I realize that my goals are different from many other hikers. It seems that there are a large number of people who wish for a human-less experience in the backcountry. A lot of folks just want to see the rare beauty that comes from remote areas infrequently visited by other hikers. I love this too, so deeply, but I also love learning and feeling connection to our true relationship with the land. I want to feel the full force of our actual impact. I want to learn, not simply entertained.<br />
<br />
My friend <a href="http://freedirtmonger.blogspot.com/">Dirtmonger</a> and I have had some wonderful conversations along these same lines. A fantastic article of his was recently published on <a href="http://gossamergear.com/wp/">Gossamer Gear's blog</a>. In this <a href="http://gossamergear.com/wp/trip-reports/vagabond-blue">article</a>, Dirtmonger tells the story of trespassing on federal lands during the recent government closure. He explains his thought process and rationale for disregarding the closure and continuing on with his adventure. This controversial article has received a large number of responses and in one of these critical retorts it was written:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"And last, there are these things called mountain bikes. They make dirt roads into something other than a sisyphian exercise in neolithic absurdity."</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvWOdUW3DXI/Uro9xN8QwyI/AAAAAAAAAkA/4z97qR8xCC8/s1600/1468580_668351865488_1210764900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvWOdUW3DXI/Uro9xN8QwyI/AAAAAAAAAkA/4z97qR8xCC8/s400/1468580_668351865488_1210764900_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirt Road Fun on the PCT. Photo Courtesy of Jane Boer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's through the liminal space between urban, rural and wilderness that the biggest lessons reveal themselves. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love walking on High Sierra granite. I love dusty dirt roads. I love sandy beaches and paved city streets and railroad beds and walking just about anywhere. Any time a car passes or I catch someone's smile I feel like a superhero and a time traveller; walking without insulation, as naked to the world as possible in a land and time dominated by vehicles. I feel like a coyote trotting along the seams of civilization, free to sleep just about anywhere. I know I can survive in just about any circumstance. This is freedom! Walking is my way of life, it heals me spiritually, emotionally and physically; it provides balance and perspective. Walking is not just some activity I do to complete a long trail. Walking brings me the deepest joys and sorrows; it is love.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've also been trying to incorporate my adventures as organically as I can into the framework and flow of the rest of my life. Last week I walked a 90+ mile loop between my house in Loma Mar and Santa Cruz. I visited friends along the way and pieced together single track, dirt roads, paved roads, ocean beaches and railroad beds. It was a so much fun to choose the route as I progressed. The uncertainty created the sense of adventure I had been craving. To see this land from a new perspective was enlightening. I was not in the wilderness in the traditional sense but I had a blast!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Right now, I'm home for the holidays with my family in Baltimore. What better opportunity to walk the border of my birth state and develop a better sense of place in my birth land? Not to mention the historical and ecological context described in the <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-60th-anniversary-thru-hike-of-c-canal.html">previous post.</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To take things one step further; there are days that I dream of leaving all petroleum transportation behind. I want to live a human powered existence. I'm sure the challenges would be huge, but so would the rewards. The day may come when I'm ready to fully immerse myself in this lifestyle, "but it will not be this day."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A huge inspiration, John Francis chose to live without motorized vehicles for 22 years. 17 of those years he was silent. You can watch his incredible <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/john_francis_walks_the_earth.html">TED talk</a> here.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what are some of my ingredients for meaningful challenge and adventure?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Attempt something you've never done before. Set goals and intentions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Stay open to connecting with the land no matter what the environment.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Talk to the people you encounter and learn their stories.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Embrace uncertainty and impermanence.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Accept the moment for what it is without judgement.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Try to stay as positive and authentic as possible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Remind yourself that "beauty is everywhere."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having absolutely loved my walking adventures in a full range of environments, from city streets to remote alpine ranges, it's no wonder that I would be willing to take on 184.5 flat miles of walking meditation. Plus, an entire journey taking place deep in a river valley in the middle of winter has its own unique challenge and lessons. There's a lot to be learned and I'll address these special concerns in the next post.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-10910223397586612042013-12-24T14:05:00.001-08:002013-12-24T19:28:56.553-08:00A 60th Anniversary Thru-Hike of the C&O Canal: The Legacy of Justice William O. Douglas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uq13jLH1gg/Urn3L_-S1jI/AAAAAAAAAi0/h1WD2B3pH10/s1600/500px-Muir_and_Roosevelt_restored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uq13jLH1gg/Urn3L_-S1jI/AAAAAAAAAi0/h1WD2B3pH10/s400/500px-Muir_and_Roosevelt_restored.jpg" width="333" /></span></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />This past summer I thought a lot about my love for this country. I love the preservation of open space, the diverse beauty of the land, the generosity of its people, our freedoms and wide variety of cultures. And when I find myself getting bogged down in pessimistic analysis of our convoluted political machine, it's time to go for a long walk.</span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Through these long walks I've developed an intimate relationship with the land that brings sensory understanding to political philosophy. I've often dreamt about what decisions our political leaders would make if they experienced just one thru-hike.</span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />John Muir seemed to catch the ear of many powerful politicians like President Theodore Roosevelt, and journalists like </span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">the influential associate editor of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_(magazine)" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; text-decoration: none;" title="Century (magazine)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Century</span></span></a></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> magazine, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Underwood_Johnson" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; text-decoration: none;" title="Robert Underwood Johnson"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Robert Underwood Johnson</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> On my PCT thru-hike last summer I perused a collection of Muir's writings and conservation accomplishments posted near soda spring in Yosemite. His eloquent passages inspired dreams of taking a walk with President Obama through the High Sierra. We'd drink directly from alpine lakes and touch the last of the spring snow before it melted off into the Owens Valley. Weaving our way through the ancient foxtail pines, we'd eventually clear the treeline and climb to the summit of Mt. Whitney. There, below us, we'd look down on that magnificent valley to the east. Full of history and less full of water than in previous years, the Owens Valley hydrates our international image by giving Hollywood what it needs to survive. How many residents of LA understand that they are drinking Sierran snow melt that collects in a lake adjacent to Manzanar, a WWII Japanese Internment camp?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8X7QpUxUgw/Uro3QQsvXAI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-hcYR94sRvA/s1600/564403_627256441550_25683492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8X7QpUxUgw/Uro3QQsvXAI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-hcYR94sRvA/s400/564403_627256441550_25683492_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Summit of Mt. Whitney</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Next, I'd invite the President to join me on the long descent into the valley. Upon our arrival in the town of Independence we'd be hard pressed not to get an earful from the locals about a wide array of power, water and historical management issues. The lessons and experiences would continue on and on. We'd walk the aqueduct towards LA, passing through the heart of the Mojave Desert. We would witness huge stretches of colossal wind farms whirling alongside us for days on end and eventually, the lights of the LA Basin would greet us as we traversed the Angeles Crest. The President and I would finish our journey by walking through the heart of LA until we reached the Pacific Ocean.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Sounds fanciful I know. What top level politician today would take on such a journey? Would you believe me if I told you that a Supreme Court Justice once thru-hiked the C&O canal towpath in order to preserve this crucial riparian corridor? </span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4FgZhqo-tg/Urn6LsCwdZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/ffdmWTXfgsE/s1600/douglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4FgZhqo-tg/Urn6LsCwdZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/ffdmWTXfgsE/s320/douglas.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Justice William O. Douglas thru-hiking the C&O Canal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Almost exactly 60 years ago, this letter to the editor, written by Justice William O. Douglas, appeared in the Washington Post:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The discussion concerning the construction of a parkway along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal arouses many people. Fishermen, hunters, hikers, campers, ornithologists, and others who like to get acquainted with nature first-hand and on their own are opposed to making a highway out of this sanctuary.</span></i></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The stretch of 185 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Md., is one of the most fascinating and picturesque in the Nation. The river and its islands are part of the charm. The cliffs, the streams, the draws, the beaches, the swamps are another part. The birds and game, the blaze of color in the spring and fall, the cattails in the swamp, the blush of buds in late winter-these are also some of the glory of the place.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In the early 20's Mr. Justice (Louis D.) Brandeis traveled the canal and river by canoe to Cumberland. It was for him exciting adventure and recreation. Hundreds of us still use this sanctuary for hiking and camping. It is a refuge, a place of retreat, a long stretch of quiet and peace at the Capitol's back door-a wilderness area where we can commune with God and with nature, a place not yet marred by the roar of wheels and the sound of horns.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is a place for boys and girls, men and women. One can hike 15 or 20 miles on a Sunday afternoon, or sleep on high dry ground in the quiet of a forest, or just go and sit with no sound except water lapping at one's feet. It is a sanctuary for everyone who loves woods a sanctuary that would be utterly destroyed by a fine two-lane highway.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I wish the man who wrote your editorial of January 3, 1954, approving the parkway would take time off and come with me. We would go with packs on our backs and walk the 185 miles to Cumberland. I feel that if your editor did, he would return a new man and use the power of your great editorial page to help keep this sanctuary untouched.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One who walked the canal its full length could plead that cause with the eloquence of a John Muir. He would get to know muskrats, badgers, and fox; he would hear the roar of wind in thickets; He would see strange islands and promontories through the fantasy of fog; he would discover the glory there is in the first flower of spring, the glory there is even in a blade of grass; the whistling wings of ducks would make silence have new values for him. Certain it is that he could never acquire that understanding going 60, or even 25, miles an hour.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">From the National Park service </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/choh/historyculture/associatejusticewilliamodouglas.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The editors of the Washington Post accepted his challenge to hike the entire length of the canal. Justice Douglas assumed the hike would consist of three or four people simply backpacking along the canal. However, news of the walk spread and many other conservationists asked to join the hiking party.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The hiking group grew to 58 by the time it left Cumberland on March 20. The group included Dr. Olaus Murie, president of the Wilderness Society, and Sigurd Olson, president of the National Parks Association. The group also included experts on geology, geography, ecology, history, ornithology, and mammalogy. Each night the group was treated to lectures on what it had seen and would see the next day. Sporting clubs along the route hosted the group in the evenings, various organizations prepared and served meals, and a trail club transported the gear so the hikers wouldn't have to carry it.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Although these additions made the trip more enjoyable, it was still a difficult hike. The hikers averaged 23 miles a day, and Justice Douglas set a brisk four mile per hour pace. They even had to contend with a driving snow storm on the second day of the eight day hike. In fact, only nine men, including the 55 year old justice, completed the entire hike.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Douglas also went on to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Respect.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who will be the next John Muir? Theodore Roosevelt? William O. Douglas? Is it possible for hikertrash to be respected and heard on the national stage if they are eloquent and compelling enough? How can long distance hiking be used to make the biggest positive impact on the earth and its inhabitants?</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not saying that thru-hiking produces enlightenment but I will argue that people who make decisions about a country should get to know it. A sense of place is an imperative part of education. Muir even went as far to say,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> "I never for a moment thought of giving up God's big show for a mere profship!"</span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don't get me wrong, I believe that academic education is incredibly important but so is the education of the land. They are partners in an inspirational cycle. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On January 1, 2014, I plan to thru-hike the C&O canal from Cumberland to Washington D.C. in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of William O. Douglas's historic thru-hike. While I walk the 184.5 miles of the canal I'll be thinking about the following:</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Late in life, someone asked the justice how he would like to be remembered. Although he was involved in many landmark decisions while serving on the Supreme Court, he replied as someone who tried to make the earth a little more beautiful.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (http://www.nps.gov/choh/historyculture/associatejusticewilliamodouglas.htm)</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrX6zEpX5r0/UroEJHv_sAI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/znB7_nEJEAc/s1600/map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrX6zEpX5r0/UroEJHv_sAI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/znB7_nEJEAc/s400/map.png" width="151" /></span></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">http://bikewashington.org/canal/</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-23583111478962598592013-11-29T14:20:00.000-08:002013-11-30T18:45:38.693-08:00PCT Southbound Thru-Hike Gear List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht-r7WcaXnM/UpkSO81ymCI/AAAAAAAAAic/U2U--SXrx3Y/s1600/P1050157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht-r7WcaXnM/UpkSO81ymCI/AAAAAAAAAic/U2U--SXrx3Y/s400/P1050157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Every long hike I've done has brought about some serious gear revelations. Sometimes I painfully reminesce about the monster loads I carried in my late teens and early twenties. It's easy to imagine the intense pain in my knees, hobbling down to springs in the evening to collect water for dinner and struggling through 20 mile days. If the 30 year old Bobcat raced the 20 year old Bobcat, there'd be no contest. 30 year old Bobcat wins every time. Another Bob comes to mind: "Ah, but I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now." There are some amazing benefits to getting older. I hope this trend continues for quite some time.<br />
<br />
Last year, I started the Appalachian Trail with a base gear weight of over 15 lbs. (not counting consumables like food and water). I finished at Springer Mountain with a baseweight just under 10 lbs. This year, I left Canada heading south on the PCT with some important snow gear and a baseweight of just over 10 lbs. By the time I reached Mexico, my gear had shrunk to just under 7 lbs.<br />
<br />
Of course, the warmer climate of the south had something to do with this drop in weight but it wasn't the biggest factor. My abilities to thermoregulate, choose warm dry campsites, read the weather, navigate, manage water and confront my fears have all improved greatly. This knowledge cuts weight and increases the amount of joy experienced on long hikes.<br />
<br />
One of the greatest lessons I've learned from these adventures is that my limits are always further than what I imagine. Two years ago a 98.5 day PCT completion or a 36 mile day over Forrester and Whitney would have seemed fanciful. Now, I know I can push myself even further. <a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/125-risk-takers/gwin-text">Dopamine addictions</a> are strong; the rewards are timeless and powerful.<br />
<br />
It's not just the lack of weight that is satisfying. It's also the joy of having fewer possessions. Packing up in the morning in two minutes is easy, there's less to worry about and the bottom line is: you end of having more brain space to think about the more important things in life. Don't get me wrong, gear is cool, but it's just a vehicle to incredible experiences that teach us infinite lessons.<br />
<br />
By the end of this hike I stopped thinking so much about my gear. I had my system dialed. I know what gear I like. I know what has proven itself over several thousand miles and what hasn't.<br />
<br />
This is not to say that I'm not still experimenting. I am. It's just that the changes are minute at this point. Thru-hikers approach their gear like scientists. In fact, I've included my new prototype gear list below.<br />
<br />
So far, with my new sub 6 lb. setup, I've been comfortable in freezing temps while on my training hikes here at home in the Santa Cruz Mountains.<br />
<br />
Even though I might not be thinking about gear all the time on trail anymore, I'm always more than happy to talk with anyone about the gear discoveries I've made over the last few years. There's nothing better than helping someone have more fun in the back country. I'm certainly grateful for all the ultralighters who have mentored me over the years.<br />
<br />
Detailed commentary on certain pieces of gear to appear in subsequent posts. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 421px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6912; mso-width-source: userset;" width="189"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2998; mso-width-source: userset;" width="82"></col>
<col span="2" width="75"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13" width="189"></td>
<td class="xl26" width="82">PCT START</td>
<td class="xl26" width="75">PCT FINISH</td>
<td width="75">CURRENT</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td class="xl24" height="13">CLOTHING</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Zpacks Fleece Hat</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.8">0.8</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.8">0.8</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.8">0.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Dri Ducks Jacket</td>
<td align="right" x:num="5.6">5.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="5.6">5.6</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Mont Bell Ex Light Jacket</td>
<td align="right" x:num="5.7">5.7</td>
<td align="right" x:num="5.7">5.7</td>
<td align="right" x:num="5.7">5.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Cap 2 Bottoms</td>
<td align="right" x:num="4.6">4.6</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">FITS Low Runner</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Zpacks Down Hood</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Zpacks Fleece Mittens</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Patagonia Houdini</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.7">3.7</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.7">3.7</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.7">3.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">MontBell Windpants</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.6">2.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.6">2.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.6">2.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td class="xl25" height="13">SLEEPING</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">(9) Stakes in Bag</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Polycro Ground Cloth</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.6">1.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.6">1.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.6">1.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">MLD Solomid</td>
<td align="right" x:num="11.0">11</td>
<td align="right" x:num="11.0">11</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">BPL Stealth Nano Tarp</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right" x:num="6.3">6.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Zpacks 10 degree Bag</td>
<td align="right" x:num="22.7">22.7</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Zpacks 30 degree Bag</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right" x:num="17.0">17</td>
<td align="right" x:num="17.0">17</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Nightlight Torso Pad</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.1">3.1</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Neoair Xlite Small w/patch kit</td>
<td align="right" x:num="7.7">7.7</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right" x:num="7.7">7.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG ThinLight</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.6">2.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Bugnet </td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.7">2.7</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td class="xl26" height="13">PACK</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Pack Liner</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Gorilla w/o Stay</td>
<td align="right" x:num="19.5">19.5</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Stay</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.8">3.8</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Kumo</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right" x:num="11.0">11</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Murmur</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right" x:num="9.199999999999999">9.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td class="xl27" height="13">H2O AND COOKING</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Ziploc Screw Top</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.4">1.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.4">1.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.4">1.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Sawyer Squeeze</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.0">3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.0">3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="3.0">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">1L Smartwater</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Snow Peak Ti Spork</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.9">0.9</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.9">0.9</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.9">0.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Sea to Summit 20L Nano Sil Food Bag</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Sawyer 2L Bladder</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td class="xl28" height="13">ACCESSORIES</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Fenix LOD1</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.5">0.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.5">0.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.5">0.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Lithium AAA</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Derma-Safe Blade</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.2">0.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.2">0.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.2">0.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Nail Clippers</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Lumix DMC-TS20 w/Battery</td>
<td align="right" x:num="4.9">4.9</td>
<td align="right" x:num="4.9">4.9</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Lumix Charger</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="1.9">1.9</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="1.9">1.9</td>
<td class="xl26"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">GG Orange Cord</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.1">0.1</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.1">0.1</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.1">0.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Sawyer SPF 50 Sun Block</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.2">1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Tooth Brush</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.2">0.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.2">0.2</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.2">0.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Tooth Paste</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.6">0.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.6">0.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.6">0.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Bear Bag Rope</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="1.3">1.3</td>
<td class="xl26"></td>
<td class="xl26"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Bic Mini Lighter</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.3">0.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.3">0.3</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.3">0.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">1st Aid Kit</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.4">0.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Pills</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.5">0.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.5">0.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.5">0.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">BG Skin Glide</td>
<td align="right" x:num="2.0">2</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Phone</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="2.7">2.7</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="2.7">2.7</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="2.7">2.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Phone Charger</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="1.5">1.5</td>
<td class="xl26"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">SPOT</td>
<td align="right" x:num="4.1">4.1</td>
<td align="right" x:num="4.1">4.1</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Peter Vacco Headnet</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="0.3">0.3</td>
<td class="xl26"></td>
<td class="xl26"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Maps and Guides</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="6.1">6.1</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="3.0">3</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="3.0">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Compass</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="0.7">0.7</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="0.7">0.7</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="0.7">0.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">SPF Chapstick</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.3">0.3</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Golite Chrome Dome</td>
<td align="right" x:num="7.9">7.9</td>
<td align="right" x:num="7.9">7.9</td>
<td align="right" x:num="7.9">7.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Bandana</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="0.8">0.8</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.8">0.8</td>
<td align="right" x:num="0.8">0.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Ice Axe</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="9.699999999999999">9.7</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Irrigation Syringe</td>
<td align="right" class="xl26" x:num="1.0">1</td>
<td align="right" x:num="1.0">1</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">TOTAL oz.</td>
<td align="right" x:num="160.6">160.6</td>
<td align="right" x:num="111.5">111.5</td>
<td align="right" x:num="93.2">93.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="13">
<td height="13">Total lbs.</td>
<td align="right" x:num="10.0375">10.0375</td>
<td align="right" x:num="6.96875">6.96875</td>
<td align="right" x:num="5.825">5.825</td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-60234676706315981632013-07-16T18:39:00.002-07:002013-07-16T18:44:31.907-07:00WashingtonI knew this hike was going to be tough and I knew that there was going to be a lot of snow, but I didn't expect this. Upon arriving at Harts Pass, 30 miles south of the Canadian Border, I was encouraged by what I saw. There was snow but it was compact and very manageable. The snow increased as we made our way north to the border and pretty soon navigation was a challenge. Rob, a very kind man from PA, who I hiked that first day with had brought along a GPS. I was rolling with just maps and a compass. I got a little off course at one point but was able correct and re-find the trail. Things were looking pretty good after that first day.<br />
<br />
The second day, the size of the task at hand became more apparent. I had hiked ahead of Rob in the morning and when I arrived at Rock Pass I was greeted by a giant cliff of snow. The trail stopped right at the top of a nearly vertical, approximately 1,000 ft. snow bank. I thought my trip was over. I checked my maps and guides, and sure enough, there was supposed to be some switchbacks here that would bring me down into the valley. I tested the snow wall and after a few steps of descent I took a slide. Day two and I was already self-arresting. I swung onto my stomach, set my ice axe into the snow and and came to a skidding stop on some scree, which took some flesh out of my knuckles.<br />
<br />
Slowly, I climbed my way back up the slope and took a seat atop the bank. "That was scary", I thought and took a deep breath. Then I noticed, next to my self-arresting slide were a series of bear tracks. The bear had just clawed it's way right up this vertical slope. The day before I had seen cougar tracks going down a similarly precipitous route.<br />
<br />
It was time to regroup, slow down and tap into some patience. My enthusiasm and thirst for speed had nearly cost me dearly. I got out some lunch and just looked at the pass for the next three hours; inspecting various angles and options.<br />
<br />
After a long deliberation I decided that I didn't have to turn back. There was an option. I just had to do something I had never done before. <br />
<br />
I had read up, visioned and acted out many basic mountaineering skills before my hike but I had never put them to the test on snow before. I knew that glissading ( a controlled snow slide) was part of traversing the PCT but I didn't imagine that my first one would be over 500 ft.<br />
<br />
I broke the glissade into pieces. 4-5 slides into self arrests so I wouldn't pick up too much speed. It was a success, but only the beginning. Afterwards, I had to traverse half a mile in a very slow axe, step, axe, step, manner across some very steep side hill with another 500 ft. drop below me. If you are my mother, I hope you aren't reading this.<br />
<br />
It was a tiring afternoon, but all in all it went quite well. I made it to the border, saw a beautiful black bear who was unaware of my approach as it was deafened by two creeks, and signed at Monument 78 on the Canadian-US Border. Now the hike could officially begin.<br />
<br />
To summarize my trip through Washington, it was the most challenging and rewarding hiking I have done. I can't wait to post some of the photos I took. That will have to wait until I return. I've learned the power of patience and teamwork at such a deep level. In the Glacier Peak Wilderness I waited by the gorgeous glacial summit for nearly a day after not being able to locate the route of the trail for nearly a day before that. I got myself into some steep, dicey situations and ultimately I had to show some humility. Once again, the lesson was patience. At this wouldn't be the last time. Patience is needed to wait for the soft snow of the afternoon and the lower flow of water in the morning when fording the larger swollen ice melt creeks. Patience is needed when waiting in the blazing sun for someone to pick you up and take you to town for resupply. Patience is need to hike over 2,650 miles.<br />
<br />
While I sat next to that glacier I knew that Nat and Jane were behind me; two great folks from Alaska. I knew that my map and compass weren't getting me through this section, at least not alone. I needed friends to feel safe and no one could have been more helpful in that moment than Nat and Jane. The three of us along with their GPS-PCT linked iphone apps allowed us to navigate trail-less trail for the next 6 days. We worked so well together, spotting glimpses of trail and gaps in the trees. Sometimes it was just a sawed off log that gave us piece of mind that we were still on track. Nat truly is a snow whisperer and Jane is one of the kindest, most positive, gifted conversationalist I have met. It was a joy to hike with them and I definitely miss their company. They're going to take some time off to go to a family gathering once they reach Cascade Locks.<br />
<br />
Since Stevens Pass, about 200 miles from the border and the end of the North Cascades, the snow has been significantly less abundant. I'm happy to not have to deal with icy side-hill traverses everyday but this comes with mixed blessings as the clear-cuts and mosquitoes have become more abundant. Up in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, it was just us, the whistling marmots, thumping spruce grouse, bears and cougars. The only signs of humans we saw for five days were two F-18 jets which flew very close to our heads. But southern Washington has had immense beauty as well. There have been some giant herds of elk that rumble on in front of you like an earthquake for miles. Without exaggeration, I walked behind one herd for about 2 miles. <br />
<br />
And of course, little compares to the beauty of the Knife's Edge in the Goat Rocks Wilderness or the brilliantly designed Cat Walk north of Snoqualmie. The beauty of this trail is boundless and I'm less than 1/5 of the way. Oregon awaits, but before that I need to go eat some barbeque at Shrek's Swamp, a fantastic trail angel's place who lives here in Cascade Locks. The generosity of kindness of trail angels and town folk have been astounding. Up in Baring, WA the Dinsmores have put together an idyllic Hiker Haven and I can only hope that throughout my life I can "pay it forward" as often as possible; living with intention, kindness and joy. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-58594721481763161432013-06-20T15:36:00.000-07:002013-06-20T15:41:43.077-07:00Giving Thanks: Setting Off to Hike the PCT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<img src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5323905.jpg" /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
It's finally time. After months of dreaming and planning, I am about to set out on my southbound thru-hike of the 2,655 mile Pacific Crest Trail. I've barely had enough to time to digest and process my San Francisco hike and already I'm up here in Seattle preparing to get back on "the trail."</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I wouldn't want it any other way; one adventure after another. It has seemed like an endless stream of hikes between the Appalachian Trail thu-hike last year and the hike I am about to embark on. My fitness is up, my skills have developed, my understanding of gear has deepened and I'm feeling really good. I can see a marked difference in my mindset at the beginning of this hike as compared to a year ago. I have a lot more confidence but I'm still anxious about the new elements that the PCT will bring to the table.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I have very little snow experience and even though my navigation skills have been growing, this will be a new test. I've also never experienced the miraculous alpine world of the west. I have a lot to learn and that's why I'm taking on this challenge.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
The Pacific Crest will also bring a whole new dimension of beauty. Replacing the "green tunnel" of the Appalachian Trail with the expansive vistas of the Cascades and Sierra. I'm also very excited about the possibility of hearing wolves and witnessing the northern lights up in Washington.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Once I left my home in Loma Mar, CA a lot of the stress and anxiety that comes with meticulous trip preparation evaporated. I just can't wait for that moment when I actually set foot on the trail. At this point I just have to react to what happens; no more preparation. There is definitely a lot of peace of mind that comes with having been through this experience in the past.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
In these last few days before I embark on this next adventure, I have been thinking a lot about the innumerable people who have helped me on my journeys this past year. I want to give thanks before I depart.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
First of all I am so grateful for the support of my family. My parents and sister have helped me so much emotionally, supporting me unconditionally. They have also provided some key logistical support during my AT hike. I love my family so much and deeply appreciate all that they do to aid me in living the life that I love.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
My friends and community at home in Loma Mar and around the world have also been incredible. Hiking with me, meeting me on my hikes with delicious treats and showering me with love through calls, letters and the internet. Thank you all so much for your support. I look forward to exchanging stories when I return. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I want to thank, in particular, my community at Exploring New Horizons Outdoor School. I can't thank you all enough for helping me grow and being flexible enough to let me go on these journeys. What a gift it is to have a beautiful and inspiring community and job to return to after a long hike. Many thanks to all of my students as well. You have taught me so many lessons and I look forward to returning home with some new lessons to share. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Thank you to the Trail Angels and strangers who have helped me exactly when I needed it. I hope to "pay it forward" as much as I can in my life. Thank you to all the wonderful trail friends I have made and I look forward to many more on the PCT</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
And of course, thank you to the land, the animals, the plants, the fungi and the water for sustaining me and inspiring me on my journeys. Your healing abilities are infinite. I hope that I can return the gifts that you have given by helping to protect you. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
May the good fortune continue and weather be kind. May it be a fun adventure and a meaningful journey. Here's to safe passage!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-66508351137692610492013-06-19T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-19T09:07:17.420-07:00SF Urban Thru-Hike Part 2: Community Focal Points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yBdvGI_YS0/UcFN9qQ_wBI/AAAAAAAAAbo/N-VaALVQL4w/s1600/P1040429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yBdvGI_YS0/UcFN9qQ_wBI/AAAAAAAAAbo/N-VaALVQL4w/s400/P1040429.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mosaic Staircase at Moraga and 16th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The SF urban thru-hike was diverse, challenging, and beautiful. I was constantly navigating and never on autopilot. My senses were fully engaged at all times and I was constantly surprised by the hidden gems tucked away around every turn.<br />
<br />
I fell in love with stairways on this trip. I know that sounds weird, but I really did. I would get so excited every time I would see one. Each had a different design and ornamentation. It was such a fun game trying to find where they were hidden between houses and at the terminus of dead end streets.<br />
<br />
Many of the stairways were surrounded by spectacular gardens. These pedestrian passages were community centers and the glue to many of these neighborhoods. Without a connecting stairway between two streets, residents might never interact with each other, much less grow vegetables and raise bees together. Stairways are also the focal point of a lot of exercise groups. I ran into many of these groups on my hike as well as a few folks who were using Adah Bakalinsky's book to explore the city.<br />
<br />
I was also pleased to see that there were a lot of native plant gardens. These green spaces provide important habitat for endangered butterflies such as the Mission Blue and the Green Hairstreak. I actually had some really great nature moments during my hike. In Golden Gate Park I saw a Red-Tailed Hawk catch a vole. And in the Presidio there were three baby cygnets with their parents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC_5BL8gBf0/UcFPZuVIKAI/AAAAAAAAAes/sLbnLZD3Ia0/s1600/P1040638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC_5BL8gBf0/UcFPZuVIKAI/AAAAAAAAAes/sLbnLZD3Ia0/s400/P1040638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even cement couldn't keep the Poppies from thriving:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9xI4ajGU4I/UcFOm0Uw3yI/AAAAAAAAAcY/5WzPRXy7mRI/s1600/P1040328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9xI4ajGU4I/UcFOm0Uw3yI/AAAAAAAAAcY/5WzPRXy7mRI/s400/P1040328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some of the stairways:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8R0UUp92nWs/UcFOjgOlAxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/xxtiSls_-PU/s1600/P1040270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8R0UUp92nWs/UcFOjgOlAxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/xxtiSls_-PU/s320/P1040270.jpg" width="300" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_64RIUVoDvo/UcFOkORxILI/AAAAAAAAAcM/xKsjFpIWo4Q/s1600/P1040306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_64RIUVoDvo/UcFOkORxILI/AAAAAAAAAcM/xKsjFpIWo4Q/s400/P1040306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COQnCEDWMik/UcFOy_jZbxI/AAAAAAAAAdU/uEhd7495zEg/s1600/P1040453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COQnCEDWMik/UcFOy_jZbxI/AAAAAAAAAdU/uEhd7495zEg/s400/P1040453.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3CBpcbZEL8/UcFPv_nP5jI/AAAAAAAAAfs/iLgQUuw1ulY/s1600/P1040560.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3CBpcbZEL8/UcFPv_nP5jI/AAAAAAAAAfs/iLgQUuw1ulY/s320/P1040560.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BR8Yk2g3L9E/UcFPaRblKoI/AAAAAAAAAe0/-kyDX-O6djw/s1600/P1040594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BR8Yk2g3L9E/UcFPaRblKoI/AAAAAAAAAe0/-kyDX-O6djw/s400/P1040594.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx9egYn1dI0/UcFPpT84J4I/AAAAAAAAAfU/po612sBD-vM/s1600/P1040658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx9egYn1dI0/UcFPpT84J4I/AAAAAAAAAfU/po612sBD-vM/s400/P1040658.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQHeIouallg/UcFPu91TGnI/AAAAAAAAAfc/ZICIMLI0HFE/s1600/P1040666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQHeIouallg/UcFPu91TGnI/AAAAAAAAAfc/ZICIMLI0HFE/s400/P1040666.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j8dxN713w-g/UcFOuLZi1iI/AAAAAAAAAc8/QDuc_OUtsfs/s1600/P1040440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j8dxN713w-g/UcFOuLZi1iI/AAAAAAAAAc8/QDuc_OUtsfs/s400/P1040440.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Some of the stairways were in the sidewalk next to the road. That's how steep these SF roads are.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvk9cTP0ZVY/UcHR-YcsQ9I/AAAAAAAAAhg/B3sT3yYtrR8/s1600/P1040580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvk9cTP0ZVY/UcHR-YcsQ9I/AAAAAAAAAhg/B3sT3yYtrR8/s400/P1040580.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The 42 hills of San Francisco also make for numerous stunning views. Whether shrouded in fog or illuminated in sunshine, this city is gorgeous. I learned a lot about the power of the elements on this trip. Mountains aren't the only places that have powerful weather. The weather alternated constantly between blowing cold fog and skin burning sunshine.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On top of Twin Peaks I felt like I was climbing through the blowing fog of Mt. Washington:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEBNx-QZJtk/UcFOxI4lF8I/AAAAAAAAAdE/_fSctcFq5Fg/s1600/P1040465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEBNx-QZJtk/UcFOxI4lF8I/AAAAAAAAAdE/_fSctcFq5Fg/s400/P1040465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
San Francsco is also a very quirky city filled with unexpected surprises:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkgqF7PC7wg/UcFOxgHhrbI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ge2fVGAWYSo/s1600/P1040477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkgqF7PC7wg/UcFOxgHhrbI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ge2fVGAWYSo/s400/P1040477.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seward Stone Slides<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9PCCtiV4Qw/UcFO2kNiR4I/AAAAAAAAAds/B9iTMzDqlfI/s1600/P1040527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9PCCtiV4Qw/UcFO2kNiR4I/AAAAAAAAAds/B9iTMzDqlfI/s400/P1040527.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could've used one of these</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPJyt9WPy94/UcFO4sEl3sI/AAAAAAAAAd0/-eidBlZcu1c/s1600/P1040531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPJyt9WPy94/UcFO4sEl3sI/AAAAAAAAAd0/-eidBlZcu1c/s400/P1040531.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banksy perhaps?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myr8kDc9oMo/UcFPjiJcV3I/AAAAAAAAAfM/WdP0oWJL-Rs/s1600/P1040651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myr8kDc9oMo/UcFPjiJcV3I/AAAAAAAAAfM/WdP0oWJL-Rs/s400/P1040651.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wave Organ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Other great sights:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXMfVpgNyVY/UcFO0MpsozI/AAAAAAAAAdc/USArpEHhH9Y/s1600/P1040516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXMfVpgNyVY/UcFO0MpsozI/AAAAAAAAAdc/USArpEHhH9Y/s400/P1040516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corona Heights<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi1wWC9MjOU/UcFOenqfwCI/AAAAAAAAAb0/4Ep9kXlXWLE/s1600/Mt.+Davidson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi1wWC9MjOU/UcFOenqfwCI/AAAAAAAAAb0/4Ep9kXlXWLE/s640/Mt.+Davidson.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Mt. Davidson<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSbxBYpLnw4/UcFOnVhgdDI/AAAAAAAAAcc/Igj5AUGlkSk/s1600/P1040367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSbxBYpLnw4/UcFOnVhgdDI/AAAAAAAAAcc/Igj5AUGlkSk/s400/P1040367.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17SVYf_j4ws/UcFOpBaz_iI/AAAAAAAAAck/WqIhDnsjsBQ/s1600/P1040339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17SVYf_j4ws/UcFOpBaz_iI/AAAAAAAAAck/WqIhDnsjsBQ/s400/P1040339.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Glen Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: auto;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwnuuog1I6Q/UcFPJ10OUGI/AAAAAAAAAeU/eZo2_E7Dq30/s1600/P1040606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwnuuog1I6Q/UcFPJ10OUGI/AAAAAAAAAeU/eZo2_E7Dq30/s400/P1040606.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alcatraz</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMxFOjYINrc/UcHSNXu8DxI/AAAAAAAAAho/7Tqa-0p8xVc/s1600/P1040631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMxFOjYINrc/UcHSNXu8DxI/AAAAAAAAAho/7Tqa-0p8xVc/s400/P1040631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSzpj7cOQFU/UcFPRp0JmBI/AAAAAAAAAec/bdtXOu6kFmA/s1600/P1040612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSzpj7cOQFU/UcFPRp0JmBI/AAAAAAAAAec/bdtXOu6kFmA/s400/P1040612.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lombard Street</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXcpFTJt5sQ/UcHSfzYfBDI/AAAAAAAAAhw/BCy1d2OdcRE/s1600/P1040684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXcpFTJt5sQ/UcHSfzYfBDI/AAAAAAAAAhw/BCy1d2OdcRE/s400/P1040684.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Sutro Baths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFHMEStrnBM/UcHSkV5WvEI/AAAAAAAAAh4/6d-Wcc-yEeY/s1600/P1040730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFHMEStrnBM/UcHSkV5WvEI/AAAAAAAAAh4/6d-Wcc-yEeY/s400/P1040730.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The Batteries. This is where the stairway counting got tricky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Finishing my trip with a hike through the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, Mt. Tam and Pt. Reyes was a great transition to hiking the PCT next week. I like the progression of moving from urban spaces and parks to less urban to wilderness. I felt like I was walking along a connecting thread that links our cities to the mountains. Hopefully this will help me understand our connection and impact a little bit more. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32IdTBcNKik/UcFQGMCOk_I/AAAAAAAAAgc/DMvlJvK8_w8/s1600/P1040762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4z5Byp_uTM/UcFQCgxlsZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/WuLzVYXNfis/s1600/P1040754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4z5Byp_uTM/UcFQCgxlsZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/WuLzVYXNfis/s400/P1040754.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">End of the Urban Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></a></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PU-vqSIs7SQ/UcFQOPdTuII/AAAAAAAAAg4/7iwPG9BSCSg/s1600/P1040768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32IdTBcNKik/UcFQGMCOk_I/AAAAAAAAAgc/DMvlJvK8_w8/s400/P1040762.jpg" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Marin Headlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></a></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-vMQMqsVXY/UcFQOVrAhJI/AAAAAAAAAg8/I-vPvB4-Rxk/s1600/P1040771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-vMQMqsVXY/UcFQOVrAhJI/AAAAAAAAAg8/I-vPvB4-Rxk/s400/P1040771.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PU-vqSIs7SQ/UcFQOPdTuII/AAAAAAAAAg4/7iwPG9BSCSg/s400/P1040768.jpg" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Bobcat Trail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DcWSy_jTY24/UcFQUbWSUPI/AAAAAAAAAhM/QYC2pCmR5zE/s1600/P1040812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DcWSy_jTY24/UcFQUbWSUPI/AAAAAAAAAhM/QYC2pCmR5zE/s400/P1040812.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Mt. Tamalpais Fire Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On my way out of Muir Woods I ran into this fellow on the road. A Pacific Giant Salamander. I rare find and one of my favorite amphibians. This one was almost a foot long.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU6jA5uJ0Ck/UcFQQv5MREI/AAAAAAAAAhE/oXj5ZHV8peY/s1600/P1040796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU6jA5uJ0Ck/UcFQQv5MREI/AAAAAAAAAhE/oXj5ZHV8peY/s400/P1040796.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_be4EZq_tw8/UcFQWJZaHlI/AAAAAAAAAhU/xMMCywStjPM/s1600/P1040835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_be4EZq_tw8/UcFQWJZaHlI/AAAAAAAAAhU/xMMCywStjPM/s400/P1040835.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The End of the Hike in Pt. Reyes</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHINpZrIHbw/UcFPfBTHVoI/AAAAAAAAAe8/BeGRST0irPU/s1600/P1040647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHINpZrIHbw/UcFPfBTHVoI/AAAAAAAAAe8/BeGRST0irPU/s400/P1040647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-54769604389535319932013-06-18T22:37:00.000-07:002013-12-24T19:39:38.909-08:00SF Urban Thru-Hike Part 1: Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhVjIzjK8d0/UcEtxEYB3lI/AAAAAAAAAbY/e29bWDfJGLk/s1600/P1040720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhVjIzjK8d0/UcEtxEYB3lI/AAAAAAAAAbY/e29bWDfJGLk/s400/P1040720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In preparing for this urban thru-hike of San Francisco, I was often asked "why are you doing this?" or "how did you come up with this idea?" The original idea came from an article I read about professional hiker extraordinaire Liz Thomas. Liz, who goes by the trail name "Snorkel" hiked what "might be the world's first urban thru-hike." Snorkel posted an account of her hike on her <a href="http://www.eathomas.com/2013/05/07/walking-the-worlds-first-urban-thru-hike/">blog</a> and LA Magazine published a great <a href="http://www.lamag.com/citythink/citythinkblog/2013/04/22/pounding-the-pavement-a-qa-with-urban-hiker-liz-thomas">interview</a> with the hiker. The more I read and researched the more excited I became about the possibility of an urban thru-hike of SF. What better city to attempt this hike in than the hilly and beautiful "city by the bay?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first challenge I had to overcome was how to find the stairways. This was actually a lot easier than I thought. I quickly purchased a copy of Adah Bakalinsky's absolutely amazing book <a href="http://sfstairwaywalks.weebly.com/index.html">"Stairway Walks in San Francisco."</a> In this book, Adah has routed 29 lovely walks that traverse over 200 stairways. I started constructing my route by linking and slightly altering all of Adah's routes. In the appendix of Adah's book she also lists 670 stairways throughout the city. I then expanded the routes to include more stairways and ended up with 65 pages of maps and directions which would guide me to over 370 public stairways in the city. The route ended up being about 110 miles within SF. The planning for this trip was far more intensive than any wilderness hike I had planned previously.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Many questions came up over the course of this planning process. I figured there was no one better qualified to help me with my hike planning than Snorkel herself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snorkel is amazing! She was very generous with her time and information. She answered all of my questions and this whole hike would have been much more challenging if not impossible without her mentorship. One of my biggest questions was about the rules for designing an urban stairway route. I wanted to be respectful to the stairway culture. I knew that there was a big stairway culture in SF, as there was in LA, but I couldn't find any long distance routes that had been constructed. In LA there are several. Liz linked together the <a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/3580678-the-300">Inman 300</a> (designed by Robert Inman) and Dan Koeppel's "Stairtrek." She traversed 300+ stairways over 165 miles in 5.5 days. I wanted my journey to have similar dimensions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rules for stairway routing that Snorkel passed on to me, I suspect, were based on Dan Koeppel's list. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's Dan's list from the <a href="http://bigparadela.tumblr.com/faq">Big Parade FAQ</a>, a yearly stairway walking festival in LA:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">When it comes to the stairways - especially my other stairway routes (I’ve got about 20 of them, ranging from five to forty miles), all follow some basic rules. I made up the rules, and I try to obey them at all times. Why? Because I think they make the routes into real treks, and give them an aesthetic consistency.</span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Here are the rules:</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">1) We never go up and down the same stairway - with one exception.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">2) The exception is if the stairways is a circuit, meaning that it has a built-in split that allows us to ascend and descend it in a way that’s fun (think of it as a revolving door.) There are about five stairways on the route that fall into this category, which I call “circuit stairs.”</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">3) The route never doubles back on itself. Ideally, we should never walk the same stretch of street twice. Sometimes, this is impossible to avoid. If that’s the case, I try to minimize doubling to as little as possible, and - if practical - walk on opposite sides of the street. This may sound nuts, and probably it is, but the point, again, is to make this a real exploration. Why see something twice?</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">4) We try to use only genuine public stairways. Sometimes, that’s hard to determine, but property tax and city assessor’s maps help. 5) On walks that claim to be complete - for example, and “Every Stairway in Silverlake East of the Reservoir” walk - we will add any stairway we find, no matter how it forces us to change a seemingly-perfected route. That’s part of the challenge. The new route must always meet the general rules.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">5) Another design goal is to minimize the distance between stairs, so our routes tend to “tighten” over time as we find ways to make them more efficient.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">6) The Big Parade is a little different in that it doesn’t attempt to include every stairway within the set boundaries of the trip (it can’t - we’d never get done in two days.) So the basic rule of what to include and what not to is that we don’t “cut” stairways that are on the outer fringes of the route.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">7) Stairs that are very close to each other should be done in sequence. This is because they are usually built in sequence, or to serve similar needs. Plus, they’re fun to do all in a row."</span></i></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snorkel added a few rules that I followed as well:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">1) No backtracking on road or stairs<br />2) Stairways count as 2 if separated by a road<br />3) Buses and other public transit available to everyone are allowed but private cars and taxis are not<br />4) Allowed to go "off trail" for bathroom/food/water<br />5) All sections of staircases should be covered as either an up or a down (including when it splits into 2 directions, in which case, backtracking is ok to get both sections).</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snorkel also gave me lots of tips on gear, logistics, bathrooms etc. Her suggestion of a GPS watch was critical in the success of this trip. I ended up purchasing a refurbished <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/running/forerunner-310xt/prod27335.html">Garmin Forerunner 310XT</a>. Without this device, it would have been very difficult for me to keep track of my daily mileage. In addition, I now have maps of my routes created by the GPS software.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check out the maps:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/328204516">DAY ONE</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/328204389">DAY TWO</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/328204287">DAY THREE</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/328204180">DAY FOUR</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the end, I covered 165+ miles in 5.5 days, averaging a little over 30 miles a day. 110 of those miles were part of the "urban hike" and the remaining 55 or so took pace in Marin County, traversing the gorgeous Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais and Pt. Reyes. Over 370 stairways were traversed over the course of the hike although sometimes the counting of what was one or multiple stairways became a bit difficult to judge. I'll demonstrate these circumstances in Part 2.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I plan to streamline my route and estimate that it will get down to about 100 miles even. We'll see what happens. I'm excited to come back to it after I get back form the PCT. I also hope that others will come hike the SF route in future. I'd like to name it in Adah Bakalinsky's honor but I haven't been able to get in touch with her to get her blessing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Getting back to the original question: "Why would someone want to do an urban hike?" The more I thought about this, the more the answers seemed to be the same as why I do any long distance backpacking trip. Walking allows for a more intimate understanding of a landscape. The intricate dynamics and relationships between people, other living things and the land are much more apparent at 3 miles an hour than they are at 30. I also wanted to really learn the layout of the city, explore its fantastic parks and meet its amazing and diverse residents. Plus, Adah Bakalinsky's book is full of wonderful history and ecology that added a great deal of depth to the planning of the hike. All of this added up to yet another meaningful and very entertaining adventure. And of course, there was the physical challenge of navigating a city that has 42 hills. Averaging 30 miles a day with 5,000 ft of elevation gain was no easy task. I'm feeling very ready for my Southbound PCT thru-hike that starts this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once again I want to thank Adah Bakalinsky, Andrew Lichtman, Ying Chen, Robert Inman, Dan Koeppel and especially Liz Thomas for their inspiration and guidance directly or indirectly. This was an incredible adventure and I look forward to more urban hiking adventures in the future. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-15406168849976102142013-06-05T21:27:00.000-07:002013-06-05T21:37:23.246-07:00Appearing in the Wall Street Journal: A Powerful and Mostly Painless Lesson in The Press and Positivity<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="266" name="1H57F15zF9vnwM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5xhpbV_ROpckwFajYyJEHs2ylOV0fRVMZXDjyVmb_RbSQ8BHsow" style="height: 168px; margin-left: -8px; margin-right: -8px; margin-top: 0px; width: 252px;" width="400" /><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="192" name="l66MgT486rXOpM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHasNhvIMOZc0JH5i9kFxVXxgBk8NTbwWV94nSiqiQPxH5j4o_" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /><br />
<br />
Sure, it's cool to appear in one of the United States' major news sources but I didn't feel that good about it. This past week, I appeared with other long distance hikers in a front page Wall Street Journal article about advances in performance sock technology and how wonderful <a href="http://www.darntough.com/">Darn Tough Vermont Socks</a> are. The thing is, I agree that Darn Tough socks are great. it just didn't come off that way in the paraphrased paragraph I was attributed with. You can read the full article <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324682204578515021407071076.html">here.</a><br />
<br />
My paragraph read:<br />
<br />
<i>Joshua Stacy, who hikes about 2,500 miles a year, says his Darn Tough
socks bunched up, got wet, and gave him toe and heel blisters because
they didn't fit him snugly. Now he swears by socks from Fits Sock Co.
that feature a small toe cup and deep-heel pocket and slide easily onto
his feet, he says.</i><br />
<br />
I felt pretty bummed when I read these two sentences because I realized that my role in the article was to provide a counter argument to the rest of the story. I learned a powerful lesson: never even approach a negative comment during an interview. The severity of comments can be easily spun. <br />
<br />
My seemingly negative review of Darn Tough bothered me enough that I wrote them a letter a few days later. I wanted to explain that I still love their socks and raved about them to everyone after my Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I'm just trying <a href="http://fitssock.com/">FITS</a> right now and they have been quite good as well. Gear choices are a constant experiment.<br />
<br />
Here is the letter I wrote Darn Tough:<br />
<br />
<i>Hey Darn Tough,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I wanted to apologize to you guys for the journalistic spin that was put on</i><br />
<i>my words in the recent Wall Street Journal Article. To set the record</i><br />
<i>straight, I raved about your socks after my Appalachian Trail thru-hike last</i><br />
<i>year. Their durability was unparalleled and they were the best socks I had</i><br />
<i>ever used. This winter, I was given some FITS socks to try and I really</i><br />
<i>liked the way the hugged my feet. In the several hundred miles of use I've</i><br />
<i>put on the FITS they have been hotspot free but they have yet to be tested</i><br />
<i>by a thru-hike. I'll be setting out for my PCT southbound thru-hike on June</i><br />
<i>20th and if the FITS fall apart, I have some Darn Toughs on call to be sent</i><br />
<i>to me on the trail.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I know, all in all, my paragraph in the article is pretty much meaningless</i><br />
<i>but it has really been bothering me and I wanted to get this off my chest. I</i><br />
<i>still love your socks, I am trying different socks right now but that</i><br />
<i>doesn't mean that I don't think you guys make an outstanding product. Darn</i><br />
<i>Tough socks are still part of the rotation. I want to thank you guys for</i><br />
<i>making and standing behind a top quality American product.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Respectfully and apologetically,</i><br />
<i>Joshua Stacy</i><br />
<br />
Darn Tough responded with a letter that put my mind at ease:<br />
<br />
<i>Hi Joshua,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thank you for writing us. We really appreciate you taking the time to let</i><br />
<i>us know how much you really do care about Darn Tough Vermont socks. Let us</i><br />
<i>know what happens this year on your PCT southbound thru-hike this year? It</i><br />
<i>is so nice to hear you still "love" Darn Tough Vermont socks and you feel we</i><br />
<i>make an outstanding product. We couldn't agree more. As you know, our socks</i><br />
<i>are guaranteed for life. I, personally, don't know of any other sock</i><br />
<i>company that does this. Our socks are guaranteed to be the most</i><br />
<i>comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you can buy. When you buy our</i><br />
<i>socks you buy us.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>We do have a terrific team who works here to strive to make socks that out</i><br />
<i>last your expectations. We will continue to do this in this small town of</i><br />
<i>Northfield, Vermont. We are very proud of our American made product.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Again, thank you for voicing your concern. No problem. We just want you to</i><br />
<i>always be happy in Darn Tough Vermont socks.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>All the best,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Andrea Donahue-Smith</i><br />
<i>Customer Service Representative</i><br />
<i>Darn Tough Vermont</i><br />
<br />
I'm proud to see "hikertrash" (an endearing term) on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. I'm proud to appear in the same article as professional hiker extraordinaire <a href="http://www.eathomas.com/">Liz "Snorkel" Thomas</a>. I'm proud to support and promote FITS socks. I'm also proud to say that Darn Tough socks are incredible! No one else has an unconditional lifetime guarantee on their socks. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-5625467547663961492013-05-13T13:39:00.002-07:002013-05-13T22:53:34.264-07:00Gear Guide Spring 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a rundown of some of my favorite gear used in 2013. I made a lot of changes after my Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2012 and have been absolutely thrilled with many of the results. There have also been some pieces of gear that have not worked for me. I'm just not going to write about them. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me.</div>
<br />
I'm sure that after I thru-hike the PCT this year I will have even more thoughts about my "perfect" setup. As The Trail Show's Paul Magnanti says: "There is no such thing as the best gear! What is best for one person may not be the best for another person." That being said, I highly recommend the following:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.sawyer.com/sawyersaves/products-squeeze.html">Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter</a></span></b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzU4Iz6-uAw/UZEzkzN5ZQI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Vkro8ubRi54/s1600/42e4001e-ff09-4876-ad04-99db09f263a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzU4Iz6-uAw/UZEzkzN5ZQI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Vkro8ubRi54/s320/42e4001e-ff09-4876-ad04-99db09f263a9.jpg" width="109" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzU4Iz6-uAw/UZEzkzN5ZQI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Vkro8ubRi54/s1600/42e4001e-ff09-4876-ad04-99db09f263a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>If there was one gear change that has made my life exponentially easier on trail it has been the switch to using the <a href="http://www.sawyer.com/sawyersaves/products-squeeze.html">Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter</a>. I absolutely love this filter and in general I have detested filters in the past. I have been a tried and true Aqua Mira user for many years but now that I don't have to wait for chemicals to mix and sterilize, I don't think I'll ever go back. I also didn't want to continue to dump large amounts of chlorine into my body for months at a time.<br />
<br />
Typically, I use the provided bladders only for storage and squeeze the water through the filter using a 23.7 oz. Smartwater bottle. I also have replaced the cap on the filter with a Smartwater cap. This makes for better flow and ease of use. It is amazing how long one bottle and cap will last.<br />
<br />
I can't recommend this filter enough. It is so easy, doesn't clog and has a one million gallon guarantee. A significant amount of time is saved by using this filter and that means more time and miles hiked each day. Just don't let the filter freeze. This could damage the filtration mesh inside. The 0.1 micron mesh is designed to filter out all protozoans but it is not small enough to catch all viruses. However, I've been assured that this isn't a problem in North America,<br />
<br />
I have the older version of the Sawyer Squeeze with the bags that had a tendency to break on people. Since I don't drink from the bags this has not been a problem for me. I hear the newer bags are far superior and this shouldn't be a problem.<br />
<br />
The Sawyer Squeeze only weighs 3.1 oz. and is being sold for $39.95. Only straight bleach beats this bargain.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Gossamer Gear </span><a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Gorilla Ultralight</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/murmur-hyperlight-backpack-464.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Murmur Hyperlight</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"> and </span></b><b><a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/kumo-superlight-backpack.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Kumo Superlight</span></a></b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aly8oT5q_mY/UZE3tFYnu0I/AAAAAAAAANg/pxGO4yAdsWE/s1600/gossamer-gear-murmur-backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aly8oT5q_mY/UZE3tFYnu0I/AAAAAAAAANg/pxGO4yAdsWE/s1600/gossamer-gear-murmur-backpack.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murmur Hyperlight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It's no secret to my friends that I love Gossamer Gear packs. I've used the <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all.html">Gorilla Ultralight</a>, <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/murmur-hyperlight-backpack-464.html">Murmur Hyperlight</a> and <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/kumo-superlight-backpack.html">Kumo Superlight</a> for different types of trips in 2013. This winter, I started experimenting with the <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/murmur-hyperlight-backpack-464.html">Murmur Hyperlight</a> to drop my base pack weight and see what it was like to travel hipbelt-less on fast, high mileage weekend trips. I absolutely loved it and found the Murmur to be more than roomy enough for the gear needed for multi-day trips with subfreezing winter night time temperatures in Central California. With the amount of weight I was carrying and the Murmur's wide shoulder straps, there was no need for the hipbelt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After two exciting off-trail cross-country adventures (one which involved bushwhacking through spiny chemise and whitethorn ceanothus, and another which involved foot and butt-skiing down clay and fallen redwood trees) I only had a small hole in the back mesh of the Murmur to show for all the wear and tear I had put on the pack. I was impressed and the hole was easily repaired on the spot with a little needle and thread. The Murmur is not designed for off-trail travel and it faired excellently under some pretty extreme circumstances.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Af8D11LrDKw/UZE3tNua6XI/AAAAAAAAANo/AwPFb4AW5c0/s1600/kumo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Af8D11LrDKw/UZE3tNua6XI/AAAAAAAAANo/AwPFb4AW5c0/s320/kumo-4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Kumo Superlight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Even though the Murmur excelled in this experiment I couldn't resist the temptation of trying the <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/kumo-superlight-backpack.html">Kumo Superlight</a>. The 30D body of the Murmur had done its job but it was always in the back of my mind that some blackberry bush was going to snag the fabric and rip it to shreds. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Kumo has been the perfect pack for my cross country tendencies. It gives me piece of mind in advance, while I prepare for trips, and it gives me the freedom to explore and go off trail if I get in the mood to do so. I will still be using the Murmur for what it was designed for, fast on-trail adventures, while the Kumo has become the favorite for my more adventurous outings.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all.html">Gorilla Ultralight</a> is the largest Gossamer Gear pack that I own. I used this pack on my recent Lost Coast Trail Yo-yo and was extremely happy with how it handled the required bear canister. I'll be using this pack on my Southbound PCT thru-hike starting in June and any other adventure that requires a larger heavier load. I've been using the Gorilla with the support stay and hipbelt attached. The suspension is excellent and can easily handle 30 lb. loads. The hipbelt pockets are extremely useful and the hipbelt itself is quite comfortable. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2oNNdvzlbI/UZE3tN-BWqI/AAAAAAAAANk/Ltzqz8cAI3M/s1600/gorilla-2012-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2oNNdvzlbI/UZE3tN-BWqI/AAAAAAAAANk/Ltzqz8cAI3M/s1600/gorilla-2012-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorilla Ultralight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The only thing I would have changed on these packs has already been addressed by Gossamer Gear. The gross-grain straps used in the 2012 versions of these packs did not hold their tension very well on the shoulder straps. They have since replaced this webbing and the 2013 Kumo I own does not slip one bit. I have used a slippery hitch on the older Gorilla and Murmur and do not have a problem using them at all. Gossamer Gear does a great job of incorporating the feedback of numerous extremely experienced hikers to constantly refine and improve their products.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
All three of these Gossamer Gear packs are very elegantly designed. I really appreciate their combination of simplicity and features that are truly useful to the long distance hiker. These are ultralight-weight packs that can hold up to some pretty heavy duty adventures.</div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<b></b><br />
<br />
<h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.golite.com/Chrome-Dome-Trekking-Umbrella-P928.aspx">GoLite Chrome Dome Trekking Umbrella</a></span></b></b></h3>
<h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></b></b></h3>
<b>
</b>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LhWwl4L13s/UZE8cTKxWLI/AAAAAAAAAOA/bLOTGgq1KK4/s1600/Chrome_Dome_Trekking_Umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LhWwl4L13s/UZE8cTKxWLI/AAAAAAAAAOA/bLOTGgq1KK4/s320/Chrome_Dome_Trekking_Umbrella.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.golite.com/Chrome-Dome-Trekking-Umbrella-P928.aspx">The Chrome Dome</a> was a godsend on the Lost Coast Trail. I have not used this umbrella as rain protection but as sun protection it excels. The reflective top takes off a lot of heat and the shade provided is a welcome break from a full exposure day. I just wish the chrome dome was a little lighter than 8 oz. Only $19.99 right now!<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b></b>
<b></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b></b></span></b><br />
<b><b></b></b><br />
<b><b></b></b><br />
<b><b></b></b><br />
<h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">
Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn
</span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></b></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b></b></span></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmC0jOcJH6k/UZE9jGIJpVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/s5D-bw3yDr4/s1600/SpinnTwinn-BIG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmC0jOcJH6k/UZE9jGIJpVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/s5D-bw3yDr4/s320/SpinnTwinn-BIG.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><br />
Just like the Gossamer Gear packs discussed above, the SpinnTwinn is a simple and elegant piece of gear. This spinnaker tarp is perfect for two people and has kept us and all of our gear dry in some pretty crazy torrential downpour thunderstorms. The SpinnTwinn also stays taught extremely well. Unfortunately, Gossamer Gear doesn't make this tarp right now but they will be releasing some new shelters in the coming year.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b><h3 style="display: inline !important;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-ld01/">Fenix LD01 Light </a></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><b>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></h3>
</b></b></span></b></b></h3>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0btqzDcHSk/UZE-x_Cw5NI/AAAAAAAAAOY/JVoniKc5uOw/s1600/Fenix+LD01-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0btqzDcHSk/UZE-x_Cw5NI/AAAAAAAAAOY/JVoniKc5uOw/s320/Fenix+LD01-A.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This little light packs a huge punch. I've logged quite a few night hiking miles with this tiny light and have been quite impressed. Powered by a single AAA battery, the <a href="http://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-ld01/">Fenix LD01</a> is far brighter than my old Petzel Tikka. Even while carrying an extra AAA in reserve, this is one of lightest legitimate light sources out there.<br />
<br />
I've also found that prefer a hand light for night hiking. A headlamp can't be beat for cooking, tying knots or setting up a tarp but as far as night hiking goes, I prefer a lower angled light source.<br />
<br />
When light is emitted from the same angle as your eyes you loose your depth perception. At a lower angle, the shadows created by the light allow for better analysis of the terrain.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.derma-safe.com/razor-knife">Derma-Safe Razor Knife</a></span></b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9FzBE1o9JU/UZE_lGIjmfI/AAAAAAAAAOg/giBXjbliabc/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9FzBE1o9JU/UZE_lGIjmfI/AAAAAAAAAOg/giBXjbliabc/s200/DSC_0049.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Some people would say that it's crazy to travel in the wilderness without a real knife. I haven't found this to be a true. This tiny orange .2 oz. folding <a href="http://www.derma-safe.com/razor-knife">razor knife</a> has been more than enough to accomplish anything I have need to do on trail.<br />
<br />
I keep this blade on a length of cord with the Fenix for easy access and to prevent myself from losing it.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b>Leki Makalu Ultralite</b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></b>
These poles have been with me for 10 years now and they are still going strong. One of them did bend at a 45 degree angle coming down Mt. Madison in the dark last summer but that's a story for another time. I think this failure was more of a product of the fatigue induced by a 21 mile AT traverse of the Presidentials in one day.<br />
<br />
The small problems I have had with these poles, after A TON of use, have all been quickly addressed by Leki with replacement parts. Their customer service is among the best I have experienced.<br />
<br />
I have often considered making the leap to carbon poles but the way Leki has taken care of me has kept me coming back to the Leki Makalu Ultralites. They don't sell this model anymore but they continue to make other great trekking poles.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/fast-and-light/neoair-xlite/product">Neoair xlite size small</a></b></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biZOtMKiJ5o/UZFK9dpz5JI/AAAAAAAAAOw/P_9t9582OTw/s1600/NeoAir_XLite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biZOtMKiJ5o/UZFK9dpz5JI/AAAAAAAAAOw/P_9t9582OTw/s320/NeoAir_XLite.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
The most comfortable pad I have ever slept on. It's even more comfortable than many of the beds I have slept on. At the 7.7 oz. with the patch kit, this little inflatable can't be beat. I have had no issues with durability even though it looks like it would be quite fragile. The shoulder, hip and lower back pain of the past have all been mitigated by this luxurious pad. The <a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/fast-and-light/neoair-xlite/product">xlite</a> is also quite insulating with a 3.2 R rating.<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<b> </b></h3>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/pack-accessories/pack-liner-bags-2-pack.html">Gossamer Gear Pack Liner</a></b></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcbYicNp9Sc/UZFLxCX_JvI/AAAAAAAAAO4/TmQCXlglJtY/s1600/pack_liner-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcbYicNp9Sc/UZFLxCX_JvI/AAAAAAAAAO4/TmQCXlglJtY/s200/pack_liner-big.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know, it's just a plastic bag. However, the size is perfect and these bags are quite durable. They keep my gear dry and I have used a single bag for a really long time before having to replace it.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><br /></b></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://gossamergear.com/shelters/shelter-accessories/polycryo-ground-cloth-medium.html">Gossamer Gear Polycryo Ground Cloth</a></b></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qu2gM1iqWw/UZFNPqXHQFI/AAAAAAAAAPE/8p_Y3CNOB5g/s1600/polycryo_ground_cloth-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qu2gM1iqWw/UZFNPqXHQFI/AAAAAAAAAPE/8p_Y3CNOB5g/s200/polycryo_ground_cloth-big.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A simple featherweight groundsheet. It's nothing fancy and it does its job quite well. Pretty tough for a sheet of plastic.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b>
<b><a href="http://gossamergear.com/etc/accessories/dynaglide-cord.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Dynaglide</span></a></b></b></span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDDY8Xe83Cc/UZFOravPATI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/BI7tTccP6xw/s1600/6518300_orig.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDDY8Xe83Cc/UZFOravPATI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/BI7tTccP6xw/s1600/6518300_orig.gif" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span><br />
The best bear rope I have used. Very visible in its florescent green and it slides effortlessly over branches, rarely ever hanging up on the bark. I used this rope a lot on the southern portion of my AT hike and was very pleased.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><br /></b></h3>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.bodyglide.com/products/liquified-powder/">Body Glide Skin Glide</a></b></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Wyi0u4dumk/UZFPGq7WvGI/AAAAAAAAAPY/eVrdXalcack/s1600/LiquidPowder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Wyi0u4dumk/UZFPGq7WvGI/AAAAAAAAAPY/eVrdXalcack/s200/LiquidPowder1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I call this stuff "miracle cream." It does an excellent job of repelling moisture and keeping the feet smooth. This has cut down immensely on the blisters formed on wet days. Just apply the cream the night before or in the morning and give it time to soak in. If used properly, you shouldn't have much trouble with the maceration caused by the loosening of wet skin.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-66756812781764194522013-05-08T19:13:00.000-07:002013-05-11T09:36:19.793-07:00Out the Backdoor: Backpacking in the Santa Cruz Mountains<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-j4QjZqK4c/UYsEe7V6aeI/AAAAAAAAAM4/0b0ofmjDzRc/s1600/P1030709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-j4QjZqK4c/UYsEe7V6aeI/AAAAAAAAAM4/0b0ofmjDzRc/s400/P1030709.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There's something Bagginsesque about putting on your pack and heading out the door of your house, yurt in my case, and going for a wander in the mountains. For the last 8 years I have been lucky enough to live in the Pescadero Valley. Home to three outdoor schools, two county parks, four state parks and hundreds of trails. The possibilities for adventure are infinite.<br />
<br />
Cresting Butano Ridge, one quickly makes their way into <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540">Big Basin State Park</a> to the south. To the east there is a series of Open Space Preserves and <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538">Castle Rocks State Park</a>. The other weekend I did an approximately 60 mile loop that included all of the previously mentioned green spaces. This loop included four giant waterfalls, incredible rock formations, scenic ridge walks and numerous old growth redwoods. I love my home.<br />
<br />
A lot of people think of Boulder, Colorado or Bend, Oregon as ideal homes for adventure athletes but I couldn't be happier with the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sure, the elevation in the Front Range is better for cardio training and the weather might be sunnier as well but I rarely run into many people on my hikes and runs. The weather is moderate enough year round and I actually love fog. It's one of my favorite weather conditions. I'm talking Bay Area marine layer fog, not walk off a cliff, Mt. Washington fog.<br />
<br />
Some of our favorite routes have been from our home at <a href="http://www.exploringnewhorizons.org/site/">Exploring New Horizons Outdoor School</a> to the ocean at Ano Nuevo and Waddell Creek. The Chalk Mountains are another favorite, shining in all of their pearly white diatonaceous glory. And the connecting trails down into Big Basin offer a good challenge to even the biggest hill climbing zealot. On a hot day, cap off a ramble in the Chalks with a dip in Silver, Gold or Berry Creek Falls. Last time I visited Berry Creek Falls I was gifted a double rainbow. Not kidding. Don't forget about the old growth wonderland of the Peters Creek Loop in <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=539">Portola State Park</a>. The possibilities are endless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLag1lbl6O4/UYsEdfpC6sI/AAAAAAAAAMs/QhwVB5TpP9Q/s1600/P1030635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLag1lbl6O4/UYsEdfpC6sI/AAAAAAAAAMs/QhwVB5TpP9Q/s400/P1030635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjWeC7eMJDY/UYsEcySDbYI/AAAAAAAAAMo/f5LBMsA_uBc/s1600/P1030632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjWeC7eMJDY/UYsEcySDbYI/AAAAAAAAAMo/f5LBMsA_uBc/s400/P1030632.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The Santa Cruz Mountains are the perfect training ground for my long thru-hikes. No worrying about shuttles and few logistics. I also love the balance of walking across this great continent for half the year and afterwards returning to my home and sinking deeper into a relationship with a beautiful land that I have been studying for almost a decade. Thank you <a href="http://www.exploringnewhorizons.org/site/">Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Schools</a> for allowing me to live in such a fulfilling way.<br />
<br />
The pictures in this post are from a combination of four different trips that took place in first half of 2013.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Brb3Rpm4Q18/UYsEeGdoqBI/AAAAAAAAAMw/V1CGlZKe8NM/s1600/P1030702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Brb3Rpm4Q18/UYsEeGdoqBI/AAAAAAAAAMw/V1CGlZKe8NM/s400/P1030702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-77587145533634305172013-05-06T20:39:00.000-07:002013-05-06T20:41:26.610-07:00A Return to Henry Coe State Park: The Rooster Comb<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: auto;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyG7FNIHwWA/UYhd8cqbd2I/AAAAAAAAALU/0VEB_HSL6ew/s1600/P1030758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyG7FNIHwWA/UYhd8cqbd2I/AAAAAAAAALU/0VEB_HSL6ew/s400/P1030758.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rooster Comb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The view of the Rooster Comb from the Hartman Trail was so compelling on our last adventure to Henry Coe State Park, we returned just a few weeks later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We arrived late on a Friday night around 9 PM. It was dark, windy and very cold, right around freezing. The bathroom of the visitor center was our staging ground due to the heat provided. That first night we headed down Povery Flat Road to Poverty Flat. Surprisingly, it was quite warm down in the valley.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were rewarded by our campsite selection during our last trip by staying away from valleys and choosing east-facing sections of ridgeline.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Narrows were as gorgeous as ever as we headed through on Saturday morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4HbLrjV8x0/UYhduEasabI/AAAAAAAAAKc/qo-DE46mPyg/s1600/Narrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4HbLrjV8x0/UYhduEasabI/AAAAAAAAAKc/qo-DE46mPyg/s400/Narrows.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Narrows<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From Los Cruzeros we traversed the Willow Ridge Trail to Willow Ridge Rd. At Mississippi Lake we hopped on the the beautiful Hartman Trail and took it to Orestimba Creek Rd. Following Orestimba Creek Rd. north we eventually joined the Rooster Comb Trail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzj49gsna9I/UYheGWtya6I/AAAAAAAAAME/uwCgMHCs-Jw/s1600/P1030824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzj49gsna9I/UYheGWtya6I/AAAAAAAAAME/uwCgMHCs-Jw/s400/P1030824.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNvosraSv3k/UYhdzA3OuVI/AAAAAAAAAKs/GOswpePD234/s1600/P1030738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNvosraSv3k/UYhdzA3OuVI/AAAAAAAAAKs/GOswpePD234/s400/P1030738.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjsSqS7AUao/UYhduQzayoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/CvF-FvdWkvI/s1600/P1030736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjsSqS7AUao/UYhduQzayoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/CvF-FvdWkvI/s400/P1030736.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobcat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaexpUN-na0/UYhd8mg_scI/AAAAAAAAALY/UoAezoBzckI/s1600/P1030750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaexpUN-na0/UYhd8mg_scI/AAAAAAAAALY/UoAezoBzckI/s400/P1030750.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orestimba Creek Rd. with the Rooster Comb in the background<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPKG8KW-Izg/UYhd4JzymPI/AAAAAAAAALE/U7CgUnYy2ZM/s1600/P1030748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPKG8KW-Izg/UYhd4JzymPI/AAAAAAAAALE/U7CgUnYy2ZM/s400/P1030748.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooling off at the swimming hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Rooster Comb Summit Trail is a very loose route and the scramble was a lot of fun. We had a great time bouldering on the Comb's prominent features.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ0UAdHKQec/UYhd8gyWFvI/AAAAAAAAALc/oVrbCS0VH6o/s1600/P1030768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ0UAdHKQec/UYhd8gyWFvI/AAAAAAAAALc/oVrbCS0VH6o/s400/P1030768.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6rhcJh_s2RQ/UYheBceREXI/AAAAAAAAAL0/nsInJlYlA2o/s1600/P1030772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6rhcJh_s2RQ/UYheBceREXI/AAAAAAAAAL0/nsInJlYlA2o/s400/P1030772.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjBqn1foqWw/UYheBYyOpCI/AAAAAAAAALs/thBZtTgmieg/s1600/P1030781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjBqn1foqWw/UYheBYyOpCI/AAAAAAAAALs/thBZtTgmieg/s400/P1030781.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_-DxwI2mbw/UYheBWbBspI/AAAAAAAAALw/B7N9yWREtYg/s1600/P1030808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_-DxwI2mbw/UYheBWbBspI/AAAAAAAAALw/B7N9yWREtYg/s400/P1030808.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span id="goog_1982320057"></span>After sunset we backtracked to Orestimba Creek Rd. and camped at Paradise Flat. That night, cold air descended into the valley and the temperatures dipped into the high twenties.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9FH0idZ_Qk/UYheG-XCeeI/AAAAAAAAAMM/ODprRDXbxFk/s1600/P1030821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9FH0idZ_Qk/UYheG-XCeeI/AAAAAAAAAMM/ODprRDXbxFk/s400/P1030821.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning in Paradise Flat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
It was a frigid morning but by midday the temperatures were soaring. We followed Paradise Flat Rd. to the seldom maintained Chaparral Trail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgXbHXJId8w/UYheGqiLx9I/AAAAAAAAAMI/PQ2UjO_oF3I/s1600/P1030827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgXbHXJId8w/UYheGqiLx9I/AAAAAAAAAMI/PQ2UjO_oF3I/s400/P1030827.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chaparral Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Up on County Line Rd. we discovered a horned toad and a wonderful series of cougar tracks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJm9pUHE0hg/UYheJb-A_tI/AAAAAAAAAMU/qJaTwp0GOBg/s1600/P1030837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJm9pUHE0hg/UYheJb-A_tI/AAAAAAAAAMU/qJaTwp0GOBg/s400/P1030837.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horned Toad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3hbZhZEfd0/UYhd3CU3uOI/AAAAAAAAAK8/PC5YIZktVHo/s1600/P1030745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3hbZhZEfd0/UYhd3CU3uOI/AAAAAAAAAK8/PC5YIZktVHo/s1600/P1030745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3hbZhZEfd0/UYhd3CU3uOI/AAAAAAAAAK8/PC5YIZktVHo/s400/P1030745.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck5Iw4pKOQU/UYhd27F62aI/AAAAAAAAAK4/Z_nmzJpJXwA/s1600/P1030742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck5Iw4pKOQU/UYhd27F62aI/AAAAAAAAAK4/Z_nmzJpJXwA/s400/P1030742.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cougar Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finished up our journey with a trip down Bear Mountain Rd. and back to the Narrows Trail. Down in the wash below Bear Mountain the temperature must have been in the 80's, a 60 degree swing from the morning. We cooled our bodies in Coyote creek and made sure to intensely hydrate before the last push up Poverty Flat Rd. We finished up with the Forest Trail to the Corral Trail. Once again, we had another fantastic trip in Henry Coe State Park. Next time we'll have to check out the southern portion of this amazing park.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One parting note: Thank you Sada Coe for preserving and donating this land in your father's name. This park should be renamed in your honor.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4RBhbqsTec/UYhdt25vEtI/AAAAAAAAAKY/RzpwY86bd0o/s1600/P1030723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4RBhbqsTec/UYhdt25vEtI/AAAAAAAAAKY/RzpwY86bd0o/s400/P1030723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Total Mileage: 42.4 </div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-75989076122034609922013-05-04T17:35:00.000-07:002013-05-06T23:31:26.046-07:00Henry Coe State Park: An Introduction<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVkpLJ1tYU0/UYWjTZ5PE2I/AAAAAAAAAHw/foJmh499Cfw/s1600/Arid+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVkpLJ1tYU0/UYWjTZ5PE2I/AAAAAAAAAHw/foJmh499Cfw/s400/Arid+View.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Henry Coe has quickly become my favorite location for multi-day backpacking trips in the Bay Area. It is the only place that I have explored locally, that truly feels like wilderness. Once you leave the zones closest to the main entrance of the park it is very unlikely that you will encounter other hikers and the mix of maintained and unmaintained trails makes for endless route possibilities. I have particularly enjoyed the less maintained trails and the adventures experienced in some of the more remote sections of the park. With over 89,000 acres, I still have yet to explore much of Northern California's largest State Park.</div>
<br />
On our first trip to Henry Coe we took a "choose your own adventure" route starting and ending at the visitors center.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrYV3ki8mps/UYWjl_Eu3sI/AAAAAAAAAJg/0dxnNDLHDKE/s1600/Staging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrYV3ki8mps/UYWjl_Eu3sI/AAAAAAAAAJg/0dxnNDLHDKE/s400/Staging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting ready at the visitor center</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The first evening, Fiona Maclean, Ashley Hebert and I headed up Hobbs Road past Frog Lake up to Blue Ridge Rd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkzkn3GbUJg/UYWjdhjOknI/AAAAAAAAAIg/011_b5fumF4/s1600/Manzanita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkzkn3GbUJg/UYWjdhjOknI/AAAAAAAAAIg/011_b5fumF4/s400/Manzanita.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Big Berry Manzanita, a very good looking tree</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCfGGGFV-eg/UYWjafGphPI/AAAAAAAAAIY/9NvkJnV59VI/s1600/Manzanita+Close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCfGGGFV-eg/UYWjafGphPI/AAAAAAAAAIY/9NvkJnV59VI/s400/Manzanita+Close-up.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We took the Blue Ridge Rd. to Bear Mountain Rd. and night hiked through a spectacular wash until we reached Bear Mountain. In the wash we discovered mating clusters of California Newts and the feathers and skeletal remains of a red-tailed hawk. We finished the night with a steep climb up Bear Mountain before setting up camp for the evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOnxupRte-U/UYWjqYvgPTI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TVlafg2J1qA/s1600/Summit+Stretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOnxupRte-U/UYWjqYvgPTI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TVlafg2J1qA/s400/Summit+Stretch.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fiona's Ridge Stretches</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6us_Eb59UU/UYWjoAY_x3I/AAAAAAAAAJo/MbTcPV5mRGU/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6us_Eb59UU/UYWjoAY_x3I/AAAAAAAAAJo/MbTcPV5mRGU/s400/Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That night there was a hard frost and we woke up with sheets of ice on our sleeping bags. The next day heated up quickly and we took a warming and drying break up on the ridge. Mountain Lion Tracks and sign were abundant and I was really hoping we could catch a glimpse of this ghostly magnificent cat. From the Bear Mountain Ridge we descended to Bear Spring on an unmaintained trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frpQK_VffnY/UYWjiihVmbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/jlpx-GNmjzA/s1600/Off+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frpQK_VffnY/UYWjiihVmbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/jlpx-GNmjzA/s400/Off+Trail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJS5k-AnxJc/UYWjXx8fapI/AAAAAAAAAII/n_MGGU-KBO8/s1600/Gossamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJS5k-AnxJc/UYWjXx8fapI/AAAAAAAAAII/n_MGGU-KBO8/s400/Gossamer.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAD5hAGweOI/UYWjsKkXYII/AAAAAAAAAKA/krdnuQagBbE/s1600/Yummy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAD5hAGweOI/UYWjsKkXYII/AAAAAAAAAKA/krdnuQagBbE/s400/Yummy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yummy! Anybody thirsty?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you're up for some minimal bushwhacking, Henry Coe has some stellar trails that really evoke a sense of wilderness. We continued our descent from Bear Spring down to Mississippi Lake and enjoyed Lunch next to the cattail filled oasis.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFH31GT-lNw/UYWje-2OF6I/AAAAAAAAAIo/X6ENpL70vVs/s1600/Miss+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFH31GT-lNw/UYWje-2OF6I/AAAAAAAAAIo/X6ENpL70vVs/s400/Miss+Lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mississippi Lake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From Mississippi Lake, we chose to take the Hartman Trail, an excellent choice, over to Orestimba Creek Rd. The hilly Hartman Trail is one of my favorite routes in the park. This trail offeres some great views of The Rooster Comb, a rocky ridge that became the focus of our second trip to Henry Coe. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQRPmFtwJRc/UYWjhOdsDgI/AAAAAAAAAJA/MdNTFztw3iw/s1600/Navigation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQRPmFtwJRc/UYWjhOdsDgI/AAAAAAAAAJA/MdNTFztw3iw/s400/Navigation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Navigation Discussion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1_eCc7ElgQ/UYWjVG0wSZI/AAAAAAAAAIA/88uRTXlM4II/s1600/Gossamer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1_eCc7ElgQ/UYWjVG0wSZI/AAAAAAAAAIA/88uRTXlM4II/s400/Gossamer+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hartman Trail</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lg9nhO8iQlg/UYWjgce5aqI/AAAAAAAAAI4/HDR3beqfu2M/s1600/Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lg9nhO8iQlg/UYWjgce5aqI/AAAAAAAAAI4/HDR3beqfu2M/s640/Panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fiona and Ashley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NirvJmVKYUQ/UYWjkwV_v_I/AAAAAAAAAJY/YirZ5vJt-7s/s1600/Shooting+Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NirvJmVKYUQ/UYWjkwV_v_I/AAAAAAAAAJY/YirZ5vJt-7s/s400/Shooting+Stars.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shooting Stars</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We connected Orestimba Rd. to the Orestimba Creek trail, another gorgeous walk above a rocky creek. Next, we took the Alquist Trail to County Line Rd, and over to Coit Rd. At the intersection of Coit Rd. and the Phoneline Trail there is an unmarked trail that runs north along Mississippi Creek. This trail quickly disappeared and after following the creek for the better part of a mile we were unable to locate the Mudd Spring Trail.<br />
<br />
At this point we had a couple of options. We could head south back down the creek or we could try to make it up to Pacheco Ridge. We chose the second option and took on the good old cross-country bushwhack. We became well acquainted with Chemise and White-thorn Ceanothus. In fact we were so well acquainted that they became one with our flesh.<br />
<br />
After an hour of thrashing through brush we found a open clearing and set up camp just as the sun set. The next morning we quickly made our way up to the ridge and were relieved to find ourselves exactly where we expected to be.<br />
<br />
As we descended back down from Pacheco Ridge we were met with a frozen valley. The ridgeline campsites were good choices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtrz_n06of4/UYWjTtyy2uI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Md6aZm960Ok/s1600/Frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtrz_n06of4/UYWjTtyy2uI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Md6aZm960Ok/s400/Frozen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen Valley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The last day we took the Rat Spring Trail to Willow Ridge Trail to Los Cruzeros. The section of trail from Los Cruzeros to the Narrows is a definite highlight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-803S-tZ4cLQ/UYWjezdd6uI/AAAAAAAAAIs/NTNPQd_5q_E/s1600/Narrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-803S-tZ4cLQ/UYWjezdd6uI/AAAAAAAAAIs/NTNPQd_5q_E/s400/Narrows.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fiona climbs the Narrows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After the Narrows, we traversed the Creekside Trail and made the big climb up Poverty Flat Rd. We finished up our Henry Coe adventure with a great walk on the Forest Trail. The Forest Trail has some of the coolest Madrones and Valley Oaks I have seen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxt0NMOqR1M/UYWjqGDJ3yI/AAAAAAAAAJw/elxfN606c1o/s1600/Valley+Oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxt0NMOqR1M/UYWjqGDJ3yI/AAAAAAAAAJw/elxfN606c1o/s400/Valley+Oak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Valley Oaks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_EAbgzolAg/UYWjZTyPSyI/AAAAAAAAAIU/IhPmpihJr-4/s1600/Granary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_EAbgzolAg/UYWjZTyPSyI/AAAAAAAAAIU/IhPmpihJr-4/s400/Granary.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Acorn Woodpecker Granary</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDvzpknFqUc/UYWjjIJO4qI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/CUqsqt1oniw/s1600/Savannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDvzpknFqUc/UYWjjIJO4qI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/CUqsqt1oniw/s400/Savannah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I absolutely loved this arid, hilly, chaparral landscape. The Rooster Comb was so compelling we were already planning a return trip.<br />
<br />
Total Mileage: 37.6Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-44603361968216716192013-05-03T19:30:00.002-07:002013-05-04T01:13:30.563-07:00The Ohlone Wilderness Trail (Apr 12-14 2013)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40lFlZr6fTY/UYRuL__5tPI/AAAAAAAAAGg/npcc80KchS4/s1600/Lichen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40lFlZr6fTY/UYRuL__5tPI/AAAAAAAAAGg/npcc80KchS4/s400/Lichen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Ohlone Wilderness Trail is an excellent length for a quick weekend trip. The terrain is hilly but the tread is kind. This 28 mile trail consists of a mix of double track dirt road and single track linking Fremont and Del Valle. There are numerous campsites and official water sources available. The trail can be very dry and sunny or cold and windy, so prepare for the exposure. There is little cover on many stretches of this beautiful trail. The habitat is a mix of oak savannah, spring wildflower-rich meadows and dry chaparral.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKHTbDb5usw/UYRuSJYkqXI/AAAAAAAAAHI/dpLvqiUzoIE/s1600/Oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKHTbDb5usw/UYRuSJYkqXI/AAAAAAAAAHI/dpLvqiUzoIE/s400/Oak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKHTbDb5usw/UYRuSJYkqXI/AAAAAAAAAHI/dpLvqiUzoIE/s1600/Oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Valley Oaks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJmfb8qpqlY/UYRuOCGNreI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9AM8PnY-MbI/s1600/Pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJmfb8qpqlY/UYRuOCGNreI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9AM8PnY-MbI/s400/Pond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Open Savannah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSCOShdmmFo/UYRuRWyLbFI/AAAAAAAAAHA/hY0DpQoLPX8/s1600/Poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSCOShdmmFo/UYRuRWyLbFI/AAAAAAAAAHA/hY0DpQoLPX8/s400/Poppy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rivers of California Poppy on the way to Rose Peak</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago Fiona Maclean, Jared Baker, Cris Valerio and I finally got to the hike the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. I say "finally" because last year we attempted to hike this trail but there was a closure due to maintenance concerns. This trail is very heavily used in parts, i.e. Mission Peak, and seldom used in others. </div>
<br />
We began our journey late on a Friday evening after tying up loose ends at work and food shopping. By the time we arrived at the Del Valle end of the trail, the road was closed to the Sailor Camp Trail. Fortunately, we could still park at the Del Valle Family Campground and night hike up the Vallecitos Trail. It was a steep accent and we warmed up quickly. It felt so good to be out on the trail again.<br />
<br />
We camped the night near Boyd Camp and awoke in the morning to a spectacular orange and blue sunrise. There were fantastic views down into the populated valley and Lake Del Valle below. All through that first day there were magnificent views and splendid wildflower displays. Rose Peak offered one of the best views of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiOzRaZNal4/UYRuL-5o_TI/AAAAAAAAAGk/xHNyOjeyqaU/s1600/Baby+blue+eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiOzRaZNal4/UYRuL-5o_TI/AAAAAAAAAGk/xHNyOjeyqaU/s400/Baby+blue+eyes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baby Blue Eyes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The map that comes with the permit required to hike this trail is very well done and offers a great key to identifying the surrounding peaks and cities from Rose Peak.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Goat Rock was one of my favorite spots on this trip. Jared and I even discovered a mother Prairie Falcon whilst scrambling up the grassy side of the rocks. It would be best to leave this nest alone and keep a good distance away from the cliffs at Goat Rocks. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXys6aslA6w/UYRuSi5QcnI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/wFGcRXitZ_4/s1600/Prarie+Falcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXys6aslA6w/UYRuSi5QcnI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/wFGcRXitZ_4/s400/Prarie+Falcon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mother Prarie Falcon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We camped the second night near Hawks Nest campsite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CYrKyY1NbE/UYRuUfHCDAI/AAAAAAAAAHY/joUCyjrCHqQ/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CYrKyY1NbE/UYRuUfHCDAI/AAAAAAAAAHY/joUCyjrCHqQ/s400/Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvzAlNw2FU8/UYRuVJGGOwI/AAAAAAAAAHg/TRRrs1I-ylc/s1600/Sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvzAlNw2FU8/UYRuVJGGOwI/AAAAAAAAAHg/TRRrs1I-ylc/s400/Sunset2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The third day was a scorcher. It was hot and sunny and there were suddenly a lot more people as we neared Mission Peak. All sorts of folks were climbing Mission Peak and not all of them were happy. Jared and I got a kick out of the folks who were loudly exclaiming their discontent with the ascent. It was a sharp contrast to the delightful, laugh-a-minute fun the four us had been having that weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snQWEgF4OWM/UYRuE0KhqlI/AAAAAAAAAGI/pIYljJ14wwQ/s1600/Gopher+Snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snQWEgF4OWM/UYRuE0KhqlI/AAAAAAAAAGI/pIYljJ14wwQ/s400/Gopher+Snake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gopher Snake on the way up Mission Peak</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cris posed a good question: "why are people drawn to use some parkland so heavily and others barely at all?" I could only surmise that the fact Mission Peak was a summit gave people a goal in their outdoor activities. I truly believe that many people have lost their ability to interact with a landscape. They see something beautiful but they don't know what to do with it. We are so used to being fed entertainment that we don't know how to create our own. A peak gives us a singular obvious focus to our time in the outdoors. The view from the summit also gave local residents a new perspective on their home and the surrounding land. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mHs1-WLoKg/UYRuN0j663I/AAAAAAAAAGw/SMyXGEzYt7s/s1600/Mission+Peak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mHs1-WLoKg/UYRuN0j663I/AAAAAAAAAGw/SMyXGEzYt7s/s400/Mission+Peak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mission Peak</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_au6ahruCt8/UYRuKWk6ueI/AAAAAAAAAGY/9iMVtynHSak/s1600/Mission+Peak+summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_au6ahruCt8/UYRuKWk6ueI/AAAAAAAAAGY/9iMVtynHSak/s640/Mission+Peak+summit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The view from Mission Peak</div>
<br />
Every week, as environmental educators we try to pass on the tools for children to develop their relationship with the land.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzbolqv98kw/UYRuEMkW7oI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Qy5T5L02Fos/s1600/Bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzbolqv98kw/UYRuEMkW7oI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Qy5T5L02Fos/s400/Bottles.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recycling is only part of the solution.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On our way down, all of us were gifted with great views of a Golden Eagle who dwarfed the Red-Tailed Hawk that was harassing it. One pass of this enormous raptor brought it only eight feet above our heads.<br />
<br />
This trail is not remote wilderness at all. There are cities visible nearly the entire length of the trail. However, it is still very beautiful and if you are a trail runner looking for a good hill workout or a backpacker looking for something scenic, well organized and close to home in the Bay Area, the Ohlone Wilderness is the trail for you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCALfsfMBf0/UYRuJe8FSDI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/fgL6-ciKPaM/s1600/Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCALfsfMBf0/UYRuJe8FSDI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/fgL6-ciKPaM/s400/Home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-61377063973431328842013-04-29T19:35:00.000-07:002013-04-30T08:24:43.720-07:00Lost Coast Trail Yo-Yo Part 2: The Sinkyone WildernessEven though we had only traveled a modest 8.3 miles on the first day and 18.8 miles the second day, Fiona and I were feeling pretty wiped from the sun and sand.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We received our first bit of trail magic on Monday (Day 3) whilst walking up the hill to the general store to resupply. A kind older gentlemen asked if we wanted a ride up the road after I inquired about the precise location of the resupply point. We had a wonderful exchange about the beauty of the land and he dropped us off just down the street from the store.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There was still 2.5 miles of road walk left before we reached the Hidden Valley trailhead. The road was narrow but there was room to hop off to the side when cars passed. Not the best, not the worst.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When we reached Hidden Valley we were overjoyed with the tread of the trail. Solid ground, switchbacks and a steady climb had never seemed so speedy after two days of beautiful but challenging sand walking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Chemise Mountain, our first peak was very dry was gorgeous views to the east and after a short ridge walk we descended precipitously back towards the ocean. The very steep descent offered some spectacular views of cliffs along the ocean.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARv_hfZkXF4/UX29mJKV0lI/AAAAAAAAADE/oX11Tqsetu4/s1600/Cliffside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARv_hfZkXF4/UX29mJKV0lI/AAAAAAAAADE/oX11Tqsetu4/s400/Cliffside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fiona discovered this giant millipede on the south side of Chemise Mountain.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9R-dm-JAan0/UX2-ByNUCII/AAAAAAAAAE0/SzklXoIkqM8/s1600/Millipede.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9R-dm-JAan0/UX2-ByNUCII/AAAAAAAAAE0/SzklXoIkqM8/s400/Millipede.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It became quite obvious that the trail was taking on a new personality when we transitioned from the King Range National Conservation Area to the Sinkyone Willderness State Park. The nicely graded wide trail was replaced with an overgrown disappearing act.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Don't get me wrong, I love cross country travel, but yo-yoing through nettle, poison oak, pampas grass, thistle and blackberry definitely brought up a unique challenge. I should have brought more durable pants.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our first stop in the Sinkyone was the Needle Rock visitors center. This gorgeous wooden house was being cared for by a delightful man named Rich who offered us warm showers on both visits to the center. We accepted his offer on the return trip.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first dirt road section between between Needle Rock and Bear Harbor was deceptively easy and not at all representative of the trail further south.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRuI9snqCWs/UX29qvqjU8I/AAAAAAAAADc/f91wxPbdilg/s1600/Easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRuI9snqCWs/UX29qvqjU8I/AAAAAAAAADc/f91wxPbdilg/s400/Easy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Sinkyone was magnificent and we were handsomely rewarded for our persistence.The seldom visited coves were like secret paradises and Fiona often related the landscape to her time in Hawaii. Lush forests, steep cliffs and a warm comforting breeze.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bear Harbor, Wheeler and Little Jackass Creek were definite highlights. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyhsKTlCDO0/UX29ixmJDcI/AAAAAAAAACs/gHlnJMflX40/s1600/Bear+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyhsKTlCDO0/UX29ixmJDcI/AAAAAAAAACs/gHlnJMflX40/s400/Bear+Tree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-porkvtkHXv8/UX29fRzxGuI/AAAAAAAAACk/8E09Ms5DxHA/s1600/Bear+Harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-porkvtkHXv8/UX29fRzxGuI/AAAAAAAAACk/8E09Ms5DxHA/s400/Bear+Harbor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">After a 23.4 mile day we arrived at Little Jackass Creek, our camp for the third night. On first inspection we were greeted with a grassy field interspersed with nettle. I don't like camping on grass because of condensation issues. I wasn't satisfied, so I went searching down the creek towards the ocean. My search was fruitful and I discovered one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been. The light was low in the cove while we were there so I didn't get any good photos. You'll just have to take my word for it or go there some day. A warm blow dryer-like wind gently funneled into the cove and we bed down in the sand after cleaning and drying ourselves in the breeze. Such a treat after a challenging up and down bushwhack filled day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had some good adventures that night including gusting wind that forced us into the shelter of a stand of alders surrounding the creek. After our retreat, Fiona woke up in the middle of the night to a tugging on her sleeping bag. A skunk was nibbling near her toes and when she slowly arose to confront it the skunks tail rose. Luckily, for all of us, that was the pinnacle of the excitement and the skunk slowly retreated without spraying.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday (Day 4) was the turning point of the trip geographically, physically and psychologically. Rich, from the Needle Rock visitors center had warned us that Usal, our turn around point and the southern terminus of the Lost Coast Trail, was a dump. He wasn't kidding. After descending a very exposed, very overgrown chaparral hillside down the south side of Timber Point in 90 degree heat, we were welcomed to Usal with trash and a law enforcement ranger who was ticketing three illegally parked cars. Fortunately we were hiking back and none of the vehicles were ours.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyqqxRpIqyI/UX2-ETM-odI/AAAAAAAAAFE/kvGjTymH2zs/s1600/Lighting+Fog+Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyqqxRpIqyI/UX2-ETM-odI/AAAAAAAAAFE/kvGjTymH2zs/s400/Lighting+Fog+Change.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the return trip north, the weather flipped to a colder foggier cycle but it was nice change. We knew that every nettle patch left would be a one time affair and our spirits began to soar. Fiona was battling some foot pain but it was nothing her badass self couldn't handle. We had stashed our bear canisters at Little Jackass Creek and traveled the 15 mile round trip with a little less weight. It was a nice break. I'm really not a fan of carrying those things but I was delighted by how well my <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all.html">Gossamer Gear Gorilla</a> handled the canister.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finished our day (19.5 miles) at Wheeler and were given quite the show by several grey whales as we observed from the cliffs hundreds of feet above.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAwpv36vW5c/UX29miv8bmI/AAAAAAAAADM/WNRSOzWC9Jw/s1600/Cliff+beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAwpv36vW5c/UX29miv8bmI/AAAAAAAAADM/WNRSOzWC9Jw/s400/Cliff+beauty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday (Day 5) was an exact 26.2 mile marathon and it felt great. A shower supplied by Rich at the Needle Rock visitors center, an enormous herd of Roosevelt Elk with some spectacular bulls, a scorching climb over Chemise Mountain extinguished by a beautiful cascading creek, ice cream, goat cheese, orange juice and greens at the general store during resupply were all highlights. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYr4fs5P--8/UX29ua4WgRI/AAAAAAAAAD0/RwemNTVXWNw/s1600/Elk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYr4fs5P--8/UX29ua4WgRI/AAAAAAAAAD0/RwemNTVXWNw/s400/Elk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The most excitement came in the last hour of our day as we raced the high tide to Buck Creek. We didn't get wet but we definitely found some adrenaline to fuel that last mile and a half. Time to rest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Thursday (Day 6) we only had 19.4 miles to hike back to Mattole and a good amount of spring break left so we decided to take it easy. Over the course of the 13.1 mile day between Buck Creek and Cooskie Creek we took a lot of time to explore, track, lounge and snack. It was delightful. Here are some highlights:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dF2wImfr9k/UX29jK3Z8MI/AAAAAAAAACw/VXS0_odiY5g/s1600/Bear+Tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dF2wImfr9k/UX29jK3Z8MI/AAAAAAAAACw/VXS0_odiY5g/s400/Bear+Tracks.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were an incredible amount of bear tracks between Buck Creek and Shipman Creek.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQtob3m-gRQ/UX29niA6XMI/AAAAAAAAADU/WVMgH3VURVM/s1600/Coyote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQtob3m-gRQ/UX29niA6XMI/AAAAAAAAADU/WVMgH3VURVM/s400/Coyote.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coyote Tracks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lwUt9Nezv0/UX2-Qmhrr1I/AAAAAAAAAFc/yPrlU4rEzaU/s1600/Otter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lwUt9Nezv0/UX2-Qmhrr1I/AAAAAAAAAFc/yPrlU4rEzaU/s400/Otter.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Otter Tracks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIYPVHyKsjI/UX298MulkfI/AAAAAAAAAEs/AEQNJJvpWpI/s1600/Ling+Cod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIYPVHyKsjI/UX298MulkfI/AAAAAAAAAEs/AEQNJJvpWpI/s400/Ling+Cod.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lingcod</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-li0Ku6LYM3M/UX2-bPXoknI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Shk1wBSV04s/s1600/Yellow+Brick+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-li0Ku6LYM3M/UX2-bPXoknI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Shk1wBSV04s/s400/Yellow+Brick+Road.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The yellow brick road across Miller Flat</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0oauOKLiiT0/UX2-DQ68lWI/AAAAAAAAAE8/K6eVIJqEfL0/s1600/Old+Growth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0oauOKLiiT0/UX2-DQ68lWI/AAAAAAAAAE8/K6eVIJqEfL0/s400/Old+Growth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Old growth driftwood</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjk92cjhi2Y/UX29qsV7pJI/AAAAAAAAADg/MHbE5hlcr48/s1600/Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjk92cjhi2Y/UX29qsV7pJI/AAAAAAAAADg/MHbE5hlcr48/s400/Creek.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful rock hops across the creeks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZgzT473ekI/UX29yMDwJyI/AAAAAAAAAEM/RK0y8f8cE7E/s1600/Kings+Range.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZgzT473ekI/UX29yMDwJyI/AAAAAAAAAEM/RK0y8f8cE7E/s400/Kings+Range.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The King Range and King's Peak</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71DIaCWrRDs/UX2-Ph5nVCI/AAAAAAAAAFU/QifhvhF4EUg/s1600/P1040147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71DIaCWrRDs/UX2-Ph5nVCI/AAAAAAAAAFU/QifhvhF4EUg/s400/P1040147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We celebrated our final night at the gorgeous Cooskie Creek. There was a meticulous clothing drying session and a giving of thanks for a safe journey. Challenging and rewarding this trip was a great success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGTSsSef7NY/UX29yaZYKPI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/63yKM5NpzUY/s1600/LCT+Yo+yo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGTSsSef7NY/UX29yaZYKPI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/63yKM5NpzUY/s400/LCT+Yo+yo.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back at Mattole, the northern terminus, after the completion of the Lost Coast Trail Yo-yo (115.6 miles)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsMTg8VIjIc/UX29wuDxanI/AAAAAAAAAEE/rfUkYeFcw6M/s1600/Fishsculpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsMTg8VIjIc/UX29wuDxanI/AAAAAAAAAEE/rfUkYeFcw6M/s400/Fishsculpt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550135729223193559.post-25546707358788753322013-04-28T18:22:00.001-07:002013-06-18T22:40:29.678-07:00Lost Coast Trail Yo-Yo Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVzcEFWTyVE/UX2-Y4sNG4I/AAAAAAAAAFk/ptdw2fygH4c/s1600/Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVzcEFWTyVE/UX2-Y4sNG4I/AAAAAAAAAFk/ptdw2fygH4c/s400/Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVzcEFWTyVE/UX2-Y4sNG4I/AAAAAAAAAFk/ptdw2fygH4c/s1600/Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Last year's<a href="http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/krncatrails.html"> Lost Coast</a> adventure was so much fun we couldn't help ourselves but return for spring break once again. Read about the 2012 adventure <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/04/lct-2012-warming-up.html">here</a>.</div>
<br />
This year, the weather was forecasted to be absolutely spectacular and we weren't disappointed in the least. In fact, at times, the intense sun was too much; a rare occurrence on the <a href="http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/krncatrails.html">Lost Coast</a>. After seven hours of driving from the Central Coast of California, up to the shores of Humboldt County, we were more than ready to explore the seemingly ancient landscape of the Lost Coast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBJjGlq7Srw/UX29joPieYI/AAAAAAAAAC8/m9LUEN5kK3M/s1600/Beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBJjGlq7Srw/UX29joPieYI/AAAAAAAAAC8/m9LUEN5kK3M/s400/Beginning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My regular adventure buddy Fiona Maclean hiked with me for the full yo-yo and our friend Anthea Shore camped with us on our first night. <br />
<br />
It had been a year since I'd done any serious sand-walking and the footing took some getting used to. We were very happy to get up on the bluffs anytime the trail gave us the opportunity. It was good to see our old friend, the Punta Gorda Lighthouse. She had sheltered us on several blustery nights a year ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqTZ5DoppnA/UX29zIDOIFI/AAAAAAAAAEc/7RvWTjYDoJw/s1600/Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqTZ5DoppnA/UX29zIDOIFI/AAAAAAAAAEc/7RvWTjYDoJw/s400/Lighthouse.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Tonight we were headed to Sea Lion Gulch to eat some dinner and wait out the high tide. The Sea Lions were their normal boisterous selves, roaring as they lounged on their sea-stack pedestals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFERGIuVarU/UX2-NfDqFeI/AAAAAAAAAFM/V8apnq-VNHc/s1600/Sea+Lions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFERGIuVarU/UX2-NfDqFeI/AAAAAAAAAFM/V8apnq-VNHc/s400/Sea+Lions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the tide had receded to a safe level, Anthea, Fiona and I made our way across a shoreline of boulder fields and a particular difficult pass just south of Sea Lion Gulch. The moon was bright and it was a perfect night for a night hike. Eventually, we made our way to Randall Creek, one of our favorites and bed down next to the calming sound of the cascade. That night we saw two river otters run amongst the shadows and into the water. I hoped that we would get a daytime viewing of these delightful creatures.<br />
<br />
The next morning, we left Anthea at Randall creek and headed across the breathtaking Spanish Flat. Anthea was headed for King's Peak, where we had experienced quite the adventure <a href="http://bobcat-tracks.blogspot.com/2013/04/lct-2012-warming-up.html">last year</a>.<br />
<br />
This year, Spanish Flat was as splendid as ever. The Lupine, Poppy, Cow Parsnip and other wildflowers were at their peak. Fiona often remarked at the way the Lupine flowed down the hillside as if it were purple water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLF9rCBlaMc/UX2930I42rI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Avmrn-jmbtE/s1600/Lupine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLF9rCBlaMc/UX2930I42rI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Avmrn-jmbtE/s400/Lupine.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It was an absolutely gorgeous day but we were both extremely exhausted by the time we reached Black Sands beach and Shelter Cove. The constant sand walking and the exposure from the sun had taken their toll. I was very grateful to have brought along my <a href="http://www.golite.com/Chrome-Dome-Trekking-Umbrella-P928.aspx">GoLite Chrome Dome</a>. This reflective umbrella really took off some of the heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0O3vJfy_sc/UX29v0kuPsI/AAAAAAAAAD8/WfjoDR9MzRo/s1600/Gossamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0O3vJfy_sc/UX29v0kuPsI/AAAAAAAAAD8/WfjoDR9MzRo/s400/Gossamer.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The pretzel on the back of my <a href="http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all.html">pack</a> is a dried piece of Bull Kelp that I have fashioned into a Kelp Trumpet or "Kelpen Horn."<br />
<br />
When we reached Shelter Cove we wandered up the hilly streets in search of our resupply at the <a href="http://www.sheltercovegeneralstore.com/">general store</a>. After feeling a bit hopeless in our search, we talked to some nice residents who were able to point us in the right direction. Unfortunately, the right direction was several miles up hill. We were beat and it was time to rest and regroup.<br />
<br />
Our home for the night was a cozy little willow thicket next to a creek. It was quite a comfortable spot if it wasn't for the raging allergic responses that Fiona and I both experienced as a result of the willow pollen. While I lay down on the edge of dream land I couldn't help but think about the house we had passed earlier that day at Big Flat. It was the house of our dreams in the location of dreams.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Zt4IeerGE/UX29r9uaQ5I/AAAAAAAAADs/3d82d58eHu4/s1600/Dream+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Zt4IeerGE/UX29r9uaQ5I/AAAAAAAAADs/3d82d58eHu4/s400/Dream+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Between the mountains and the sea, only accessible by plane or by foot, this property boasted a wood-fired hot tub, an orchard and other charming luxuries. "Anybody want to invite us over for dinner?" We'd be back in a few days on the second leg of the Yo-yo.<br />
<br />
To be continued...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123837745736951361noreply@blogger.com2