Coming from living at 300 feet above sea level in California to 6850 feet above sea level in New Mexico had it’s challenges at first. I had a little bit of altitude sickness (headache, no appetite and lethargy for the first week, but I adjusted slowly. Riding my bike uphill to the mailbox was a bitch but I did it daily to get those red blood cells built up! But, since I’m already half way there, why not go up a little further? Just 35 minutes from my house, the mountains rise to over 10K feet! Let’s go check it out, shall we?
Tag: Hiking
First Maltby Descendant’s Journey to Historic Maltby Lake
HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT: First Maltby Descendant Conquers Maltby Lake
In the early 1940s, the owner of Maltby’s Resort at Upper Twin Lakes in Mono County, California, ventured high into the Sierra mountains. Hal Maltby, on a scouting trip for deer to benefit his lodge’s customers, stumbled upon a hidden gem: a pristine lake sitting above 9,000 feet that wasn’t marked on any Forest Service map.
Fast forward 81 years, Hal’s great-grandson, Carson, undertook the same challenging trek to locate this family legacy, now known as Maltby Lake. This journey not only retraced Hal’s footsteps but also forged a new chapter in their family’s history.
Watch the video, edited and narrated by me, to delve deeper into Hal’s discovery and Carson’s epic, albeit arduous, journey to Maltby Lake.
New Hiking Trail near South Lake Tahoe | California Ranch Move
My time is getting short in California! In between all of the house projects for the upcoming sale of the ranch and move to New Mexico, I’m trying to find some time to get Sierra hiking in. Here is a trail near South Lake Tahoe that I haven’t done before! This trail is considered moderate at 7.2 miles round trip and 1300 feet of elevation gain, but you are rewarded a nice cool lake to take a dip!
What’s in my Day Hiking Back Pack?
Even if I’m doing an easy 5 miler in the wilderness, I always carry the 10 essentials and MORE! After having to almost spend the night in the Lassen National Park wilderness completely unprepared after a short hike to a lookout tower, I learned a hard lesson! I now carry items to sustain me in the wilderness until help arrives. This could be hours or even days!
Disclaimer: This is what I carry. You may have different ideas! I’d love to hear them!
Here is the link to the fiasco I was involved in a few years ago where I almost had to spend the night in the freezing cold forest!
The Story about my (almost) night in the mountains!
My Day pack is an REI Trail 40 and Here’s what’s in it! (NONE of the links are affiliate. All are non-sponsored)
- First Aid kit: Put together what you like. I also add Leuko tape for blisters.
- Fire Starting Materials (Cotton Balls soaked in Petroleum Jelly work great) Don’t forget the lighter or waterproof matches. Even though a fire could save you from freezing to death, you could possibly start a devastating forest fire, even in winter so be very careful! Learn how to start, maintain, and extinguish a life-saving survival fire. There are many videos on Youtube!
- Compass & Maps: https://amzn.to/2t2yoQ4 My REI Compass Class Video https://youtu.be/iMaSsgeEHno?si=V5iI963sQcyIt_Nc
- Signal Mirror: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=signal+mirror&ref=nb_sb_noss
- Whistle and Air Horn
- Emergency Bivvy Bag: https://amzn.to/2ykuwyS
- Emergency “space” Blanket (Amazon): https://shorturl.at/YR3jO
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: https://amzn.to/2tbtCyV
- Water Collection Bag (Amazon): https://rb.gy/r1rkil
- Water Purifying Tabs in case your water filter fails. Shop on Amazon
- Small Gerber Knife: https://amzn.to/2t0wTlz
- Neck Knife https://mtknives.net/
- Light folding Saw (sometimes-depending on conditions): https://amzn.to/2HSFVWj
- Tyvek Sheet (5×5 ft) : https://rb.gy/arbnl5 This is super light (weighs nothing), waterproof, and can be used as a ground sheet, wind block, shelter, etc. I’ve used this to sit in the snow!
- Inreach Mini with Subscription: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/592606
- Bug Head Net: https://rb.gy/c8q42f
- Bug Spray with Deet. Good luck using the foo foo kind with no Deet. These mountain skeeters mean business and laugh at your feel-good perfume as they bite the living hell out of you. Trust me, I’ve tried everything!
- Anker Charging Station (20,000 mil Amp) https://amzn.to/2l9Nwa5
- Butt pad: https://amzn.to/2t1aS5Y
- Cooling towel: https://amzn.to/2LPw2Lt
- Paracord (Amazon): https://rb.gy/5tc3c1 About 15 feet will do
- Rain Gear (Amazon): https://rb.gy/sqwjep This rain gear is super light and works! Mountain thunderstorms are real and can really dump water!
- Salt Tabs and Electrolytes
- Extra socks and long sleeve top
- Down Jacket – In case I have to spend the night in the woods. Temps drop dramatically at night at high elevations.
- P-Style (This one’s for the girls. Guys… you have one built-in) Amazon https://rb.gy/7vxv3w
- Day Pack Rain Cover or Garbage Bag
- Fanny Pack: This is the one I have and I love it! https://www.thrupack.com/
- FOOD! Pack extra in case you get stuck for a while!
A word about navigation apps and what I use:
I rely on a few essential navigation apps, tested and trusted by hardcore mountaineers and thru-hikers. These apps provide reliable navigation and have been field-tested by the toughest adventurers. Here are my go-to primary choices:
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Gaia GPS is a powerful app offering detailed topographical maps, weather data, fire information, private property boundaries, and many other useful layers. It’s widely used by serious backcountry hikers. While the free version offers many features, the paid version is highly recommended for those who frequently venture into remote areas.
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FarOut: FarOut is particularly valuable for the three long trails: the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and Appalachian Trail (AT). A one-time fee allows you to download the trail you hike most often—for me, that’s the PCT.
These are my secondary apps:
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AllTrails: AllTrails is excellent for researching and finding hiking trails. The paid version includes a cool 3D animated feature, plus up-to-date trail data from recent hikers, which is especially helpful during the spring thaw. However, be cautious with the navigation feature, as it has been known to be unreliable on backcountry trails.
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Wikiloc: Wikiloc is another useful app for researching trails and discovering new hiking destinations.
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PeakFinder: PeakFinder can be hit or miss when identifying peaks. It’s great when it works, but don’t rely on it in a moving car. The app is free.
Other Things I take:
Hiking Umbrella – Trekking Poles- Water Bladder-Cell Phone- Hat- hiking gloves- roll of duct tape wrapped around chapstick, garbage bag, toilet paper (pack out used!), Hand warmer, Smart water bottle, it fits the water filter, and A FRIEND! Don’t hike alone!
Here is what’s in my multi-night (backpacking) bag!
I Get a New Trail Name? NO!!!
What a difference a year makes in the Sierra. This time last year, there was about 60 or more feet of snow, completely burying homes, cars and of course trail signs! This year, there was beautiful snow, but all trail signs are prominently visible. Let’s go for a snowshoe up to Castle Pass!
ANNOUNCEMENT! New YouTube Channel!!!
Hello, nature enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to introduce my new YouTube channel, “Old-ish Hiker,” specially curated for adventurous souls over 60 who are passionate about hiking and exploring the great outdoors. As some of you may know, I’ve been running a channel called “TwylaWorld,” but I’ve decided to shift my focus and dedicate more time to this new venture. In this blog post, I’ll share some details about Old-ish Hiker, its purpose, and why you should be a part of this exciting journey-even if you aren’t a hiker!
- A New Adventure Begins: Old-ish Hiker
Old-ish Hiker is the latest addition to my YouTube ventures, catering specifically to the vibrant community of hikers aged 60 and above. As we age, our interests and preferences change, and this channel aims to provide valuable information, tips, and inspiration for senior hikers who want to embrace the beauty of nature in their golden years.
- Why the Shift from TwylaWorld?
You might be wondering why I’ve chosen to focus more on Old-ish Hiker and what that means for TwylaWorld. While TwylaWorld will continue to be active, it will now serve as a platform for music and various intriguing content. Old-ish Hiker, on the other hand, will take center stage with its purpose-driven content, showcasing my hiking experiences and the magnificent landscapes I encounter.
- What to Expect on Old-ish Hiker
Old-ish Hiker isn’t just about hiking trails; it’s a journey of exploration and education. Through this channel, I’ll be sharing my extensive hiking footage from both past and future trips, highlighting the beauty of Mother Earth. Expect engaging and informative videos that not only inspire but also educate on the best practices for senior hikers.
- The Awesome Production Value
I’m committed to delivering high-quality content on Old-ish Hiker, making the most of my experience in creating captivating videos. The production value will be top-notch, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning visuals of nature and feel like you’re right there with me on the trails.
- Embracing the Beauty of Our Planet
Old-ish Hiker isn’t just about hiking; it’s also about appreciating and protecting our planet. With every step, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the need to preserve it for future generations.
- The Call to Action: Join the Journey!
I have set an ambitious goal to reach at least 100 subscribers within the next month on Old-ish Hiker. Even if hiking isn’t your typical interest, I encourage you to check out the channel and subscribe. By being a part of this community, you’ll not only support my passion but also get a chance to witness the splendor of nature through my lens.
Conclusion:
Old-ish Hiker is a channel designed with love and purpose, tailor-made for senior hikers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors. By subscribing to this channel, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration and a deep connection with nature. So, hop on this adventure with me, and together, let’s discover the wonders that our planet has to offer!
Thank you for your support, and I can’t wait to see you on Old-ish Hiker! Let’s embrace the joy of hiking in our senior years!
- Tips for the Older Hiker
- Gear for the Older Hiker
- Safety for the Older Hiker
- Health issues and fixes for the Older Hiker
- and MUCH MORE!
Mother Earth’s Paintbrush!
Every year I try to head up to Table Mountain, however, last year we were in the midst of a drought and decided to skip it. Well dear friends-o-mine, this year it’s EPIC! With the massive amounts of rain this year, not only are the wildflowers blooming on this million-year-old lava flow, the waterfalls are astounding.
This little slice of heaven sits just above the town of Oroville on top of those big flat bluffs you’ve most likely driven by a million times if you traverse up Hwy 70 in Northern CA. The North Table is 3300 acres and is an ecological reserve managed by the State. There are very easy and moderate trails that meander to the most impressive waterfalls that cascade down sheer cliffs. The 166-foot Phantom Falls is the most impressive.
This place is a photographer’s paradise!
WATCH THIS IN HD ON A BIG SCREEN!
BE PREPARED TO BE BLOWN AWAY!!
Blazing a Trail in Big Snow!
The Sierra saw huge snows in December and the back Country is another world. Huge granite boulders and outcroppings that are impossible to traverse the summer. In the summer, the trail makes switchbacks around this rough terrain. In the winter, the terrain is transformed to rolling hills of snow high above the granite. This is a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail that is just south of I-80 near Boreal Ski Resort. We pretty much went way around where the PCT that sits under 15 feet of snow and forged our own path to an awesome overlook of Donner Lake. The hike was hard and very slow going through the thick powder, but it was worth it! Head over to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL and subscribe and don’t forget to hit the notification bell!
My 2022 Hiking Stats
With my heat related issues, I’ve had to scale down my summer hiking. In the summer months the sun is almost straight above at 9:00am! The temps are already climbing into the 80s and it’s not even noon. In the high country where it’s nothing but granite and lots of uphill, its HOT! So, that means I need to be at the trail head at sunrise which is 5:30am, and that means leaving my house at 4:00am! If that’s what I have to do to keep hiking in the summer, then so be it! I’ll also be doing more Kayaking!
Advantages of the early morning mountain hike: No people and more wildlife! Win Win!
***There were a few trails which I hadn’t done before which are highlighted.
Rebel is the only one who is willing to get up that early!
2021 Hiking Stats
I finally got around to tallying my hiking stats for 2021. (scroll to bottom) With the fires it was a challenge so I went to the coast as much as possible. However, it was hard to escape the smoke even at the ocean on some days! In May, Alex and I took a Colorado/Utah road trip with the camper for a couple of weeks and explored lots of roadside trails, in Colorado, Moab, Arches and Canyonlands. Not much real hiking was done, just some meandering with a poodle riding in a backpack. Check out the vids!
Here are my 2021 stats for a total of 149.76 miles
twylaworld.com 
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