Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with a friend about what we respectively did during long periods of unemployment. We both realized that neither of us had really done much because there were no real goals (aside perhaps from getting a job), and therefore there was no impetus to push hard to …
In 2013, I hiked 945.3 miles while gaining 149,365' of elevation. I spent 432 hours and 33 minutes on the trails, which amounts to 18 days hiking. My average hike was about about 6.3 miles with 1,010 feet of elevation gain. I didn't ultimately keep track of how many calories I burned, but I know …
Sunset from Haleakala Part of hiking for me includes photography, which has always been a minor hobby for me. Throughout the year, I've taken what I think are some decent photographs. This is my opportunity to share those that I felt were the best. New Year's Day sunset over Oceanside Beach Batiquitos Lagoon, January …
It’s about that time of year where everybody with any kind of opinion is throwing together a completely arbitrary and subjective list that reflects what they think is good and in what order. There is, of course, no science to this, because everything you’ll ever see on a “Best of” list is nothing more than …
Santa Rosa Mountain is a sky island amidst a sea a scorched rocks and barren valley. This offshoot of the peninsular ranges demonstrates the spectacular biodiversity of Southern California while affording some of the best views in all of Southern California.Distance: 7.2 MilesElevation Gained: 1260'Difficulty: ModerateCritters: Squirrels, ravens, hawksTime: 3:15Get there like this.Note: You will …
Mt. Wilson is one of the more well-known "peaks" in the San Gabriel Ranges due to its accessibility, visibility, its significant astronomical history, its campus of telescopes, and the presence of a small city of communications arrays. This long, flat ridge isn't a summit in the traditional sense, but any hike to the top is …
Caspers Wilderness Park is a fine patch of preserved wilderness featuring broad canyons supporting oak and sycamore savannas, as well as sage-scrub covered ridges and ocean views. The trail network ranges from easy to strenuous, and the park offers several campgrounds and equestrian staging.Distance: 10.5Elevation Gained: 1,800Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 3:25Critters: Bunnies, hawks, ravensGet there like …
Relict: N. A remnant or survivorSpecies: N. A distinct sort or kindBursera microphylla Perhaps you’ve had that odd experience where you say a word enough times that it seems to become stranded from its regular associations. When that happens, a common word like “banana” or “toast” suddenly stops representing a thing or a concept and becomes …
Relict, n: a remnant or survivor.Species, n: a distinct sort or kindWashingtonia filifera While you wouldn’t know it based on urban development together with beautifully manicured and shady trees throughout the city and suburbs, Los Angeles and San Diego were once largely treeless. The wide, rolling coastal plains were covered by grasses and …
At the end of 2012, I wrote "I will be setting exploration goals that will help me explore more areas, thus ensuring a better variety of experience." To that end, I determined that I would take 75 hikes that I had never taken before. In some instances, this meant that I would hike places I …
Continue reading "2013 Goal: Take 75 hikes I’ve never taken before."
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