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Looking Back: The Top Posts of 2014

SoCalHiker_Top_Posts_of_2014

Yesterday I shared the Most-Read Posts of 2014. Today, I’m sharing the top posts. Which might make you scratch your head and wonder… “What’s the difference?” The most-read posts included posts from previous years. In fact, all of them were from previous years. Which tells me that the trail guides are still valuable to readers long after they are still posted. And being the web, updates are a cinch!

But I digress. This list is about the top posts (based on the number of reads) that I actually wrote in 2014. Here they are:

  1. Casey Nocket’s Trail of Defacement: An Interactive Map
    The Casey Nocket story was big news in 2014. I put together a map that showed the sightings of her vandalism. The latest word is that authorities have spoken with her and they are completing their investigation.
  2. Muir Monday: The Paths You Takethe-paths-you-take-in-life-3
    I periodically post inspirational quotes and images on Mondays, in the spirit of John Muir. I shot this photo of my wife Joan on a hike to Trail Canyon Falls, and it went viral. So now you can get your own t-shirt or poster.
  3. The Lost Coast Trail: An Overview
    This 25-mile trail in Northern California hugs the coastal bluffs. It’s called the Lost Coast because the terrain is so rugged that the 101 veers 30 miles inland. It’s remote. It’s beautiful. And it was one of my favorite adventures of 2014. The overview links to day-by-day recaps and maps.
  4. How to Use a Buff as a Backpacking Pillow
    Curt Cragg actually showed me this nifty backpacking hack when I was at the 2014 JMT JAM. I liked it so much, I wrote up step-by-step instructions so you can do the same. Carry less, and make your gear do double (or triple) duty.
  5. Mt Wilson Trail to Manzanita Ridge
    The steep Mt Wilson Trail climbs from Altadena up to Manzanita Ridge (and on to Mt Wilson itself, if you’re feeling motivated).
  6. Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 800
    I like to sleep on my back, on my side and on my stomach. Instead of getting all twisted up, I got a Backcountry Bed. I’m a believer.
  7. Trail Canyon Falls and Lazy Lucas Camp
    This trail just reopened after being closed from the Station Fire for several years. It’s beautiful, with a great (seasonal) waterfall and a lot of easy stream crossings. The trail has a lot of downed trees, so at times it also felt like an obstacle course.
  8. Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park
    I like Topanga State Park. It’s got some great trails with wonderful views. And this one has some awesome sandstone geology shaped somewhat like an eagle. What’s not to love?
  9. Don Viejo: 85 Years Young and Seeking Female Hiking Partner
    I ran across ‘Don Viejo’ when re-hiking the five peak challenge. He was posting flyers advertising for a female hiking partner, with interviews scheduled to take place atop Mt Baden-Powell. You go, old guy!
  10. Temescal Canyon Loop
    On the edge of Pacific Palisades likes Temescal Canyon. It’s got great ocean views. My recommendation? Bring a headlamp, and be here to catch the sunset.

What was your favorite from 2014?

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