Tag: backpacking

Welcome New Hikers, Now go the F**k Home!

I know… that was kind of harsh.. right? Let’s talk about the current state of our Forests, Mountains, Water Falls, Trails and other nature areas during this time of Pandemic. Simply put, they are being mobbed by bored humans! Is it because venues such as movie theaters, concert venues, etc are closed? Maybe. Is it because we had to spend two months in our homes? Maybe. Will this wave of crazed humans that suddenly want to explore the outdoors fade when this pandemic is over? Hopefully!

Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve been encouraging people to get outside and explore our fabulous wonders of the Earth for a long time! This current situation has put me in a quandary! And, I know some of you longtime outdoor people feel the same! What I’ve been seeing on social media, with the mountains of trash that has been left in the wake of all of these humans, sickens me! The mile long line of cars at trail heads where emergency crews can’t get through. Big Foot is getting pissed and I don’t blame him! I just have to tell myself that these people are temporary tourists and they will soon be back going to the movies, bars, concerts and other stuff that typically keeps urban dwellers busy.

If the pandemic got you out for the first time, and you decide that this hiking lifestyle is for you, then WELCOME! But know this… romping around in the woods comes with responsibility for yourself and others. THE WILDERNESS IS NO JOKE AND SHOWS YOU NO MERCY.

Forest Service personnel are working harder than ever to put out illegal campfires, pick up trash, and RESCUE lost and injured hikers.

Do your part and be smart. Like that rhyme? Here’s another one for ya.. Stay safe and leave no trace!

Let’s go hiking! But, let’s go hiking the responsible way! Don’t Piss off Sasquatch!

Here is the link to what I carry in my Day Hiking pack and other useful information to help in your quest for the outdoors.

The Big Thaw in the Northern Sierra is Happening!

While the blazing sun is lighting our hair on fire in the Valley, there is still quite a bit of lingering snow in the high country. Here’s a short clip of me and my hiking buddy John on our little romp in the slushy snow heading towards Peter Grubb Hut. It was slow-moving, but we had a ton of fun and out of the heat. Snow will probably be mostly gone in a couple of weeks.

The Loooooong Climb to the Sea

Follow the adventures of Pokey, Tumbleweed and Sparkles as they make their way up and over many steep hills on a three day backpack to Pt. Reyes National Seashore in Northern California.  Spoiler alert… there will be Tequila, Rum and Whiskey!

Adventure at 11 Thousand Feet

In the epic episode, John (Trail name Pokey or Sloth , Paige(trail name Badass)  and myself (Trail name Sparkles) head up to the Cottonwood lakes area of the Southern Sierra.  We got more of an adventure than we bargained for!

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We are Fleas on a Dog.. but WHAT A DOG!

During all of my hikes over the Sierra the past few years, I’ve had soooo many questions about how and why things are the way there are, geologically speaking.  I’d see a huge lava outcropping and I’d wonder when that got there and how?  Was it blown to it’s current resting place from a distant volcano? Did it pop out of the ground from an ancient fissure?  Just how old are the Sierra anyway?

I’m finally taking some time to seriously study Geology.  I have some answers and my hikes are that much more interesting!   This Earth has been evolving for 4.6 billion years and we’ve only been here 200,000 years of it.  Heating up, cooling down, over and over again with many variations of life forms that have come and gone over the millions of years.  Continents moving around, and still on the move. The Hawaiian Islands are moving in a Northwest direction about 4 inches a year! Eventually, they will join up with Japan! Australia is moving Northward about 2.7 inches a year. All the plates are moving, some faster than others.  Don’t believe me? Study Geology!   I would love to drive to Australia..  Mountains pushing up and STILL getting higher.  Think Everest is high now? Just you wait!   What will be here a million years from now? Us? Something else?   Nothing?  Hmmm…..  things I think about when I hike!  Geology is COOL!

Today, we take a short hike up to an ancient lava flow plateau that was formed during the creation of the Sierra Nevada when the entire range was bubbling with volcanoes and molten lava being pushed up everywhere!!  Here is some interesting reading about the Sierra.

With winter around the corner, the trees are singing their songs and a warning that a big change is soon to come.

This Summer was/is JACKED UP!

It’s been a horrible summer for a lot of people in California. Many homes lost, firefighters killed, thousands evacuated for days on end. My big PCT adventure is on hold as the smoke has choked out the Sierra, the Valley and my ranch!  I’m so over summer….

 

Mt. Judah & Donner Peak! WOW!!!!

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This wonderful trail in the Northern California Sierra, with abundant spectacular views is a must-do if you traverse around Donner Summit. The trail starts on the PCT just down the road from Donner Ski Ranch. You then take the Mount Judah loop trail from the PCT. Don’t forget to hike up to the summit of Donner Peak while on your way around and look out the “window” onto Donner Lake! WOW!

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