Day 3 on the John Muir Trail and we were starting a long way from where we originally planned to camp. Our unauthorized off-trail camp dubbed The Middle of Somewhere was beautiful and quiet, but we had 3.5 miles to hike just to get to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, where we should’ve been starting. If […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT, Day-by-Day
Precisely three years ago this day, my girlfriend and I and two hiking friends were driving up to Lone Pine, getting ready for a 22-day thru-hike of the epic 211-mile John Muir Trail. Over the next three weeks, I’ll be sharing a day-by-day guide to our JMT backpacking trek, with each day covered exactly on […]
Movie Review: Flip Flop Flippin’
Long trails have a gravity that pulls thru-hikers toward them with irresistible force. I’ve answered the call of the John Muir Trail — twice. But of all the long trails in the USA, none is better known than the grand-daddy of them all: the Appalachian Trail — or simply the AT. My curiosity about the AT was first piqued […]
Shoestring to Hick’s Haul Loop in Limestone Canyon
Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park is a rare area with beautiful geography and unspoiled trails. One of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Limestone Canyon is best known for it’s iconic geographic feature “The Sinks” which have often been called the “Mini Grand Canyon” of Orange County. The area is normally closed to hikers, except for specific […]
2013 ADZPCTKO in Lake Morena County Park
Each year on the last weekend of April, a motley crew of hikers assemble in Lake Morena County Park, some 20 miles from the Mexican border in San Diego County. The event? ADZPCTKO. Some pronounce it “add-zi-pa-sit-ko.” Some just call it “The Kick Off” as if there were no other. Officially, it’s known as the Annual […]
Book Review: I Hike – Mostly True Stories from 10,000 Miles of Hiking
“I never set out to hike 10,000 miles. It just sort of happened over the course of a decade.” In 1980, I spent 25 days on a thru-hike of the 211-mile John Muir Trail. The JMT was my first taste of long-distance hiking. And it is a truly epic hike. But the JMT pales in […]
Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a located in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Last month, we hit the road to Northern California, spending a few days enjoying Sonoma — my first time visiting. There are many wonderful wineries and restaurants in the area, and of course, one of the wonderful benefits of hiking, is […]
Figure 8 Loop in Schabarum Regional Park
Southern California is blessed with an abundance of wonderful trails to explore, and an equal abundance of hikers who share their experiences on a hiking blog. Not only does this make finding new trails easier, but it often gives you better insight on the trails, and sometimes with an entertaining story thrown in, to boot! […]
