North Fork of Big Pine Creek: Lakes 1-3, Sam Mack Meadow & Beyond, October 3, 2015
Earlier this year, I made a mental list of the alpine lakes, mountain passes and peaks that I wanted to visit before leaving California. With a busy schedule, I’ve had to do some crazy things to see all that I have over the last few weeks. This trip to the North Fork of Big Pine Creek was no exception. If planning … Read More
Banner Peak Backpack, Day 2 – Thousand Island Lake to Banner Peak to Rush Creek TH, September 13 2015
When we left Rush Creek trailhead on Day 1, we were planning on setting up camp at Thousand Island Lake, possibly waking up to take some sunrise photos, then hiking out at a leisurely, enjoyable pace. About 9 miles into our hike though, we got our first good look at Banner Peak. At that point, we both knew we’d be headed up … Read More
Trip Planning: Baldy Sunrise Hike, then Dawson & Pine via N. Backbone 13 miles, ~5750′ climbing
Planned Itinerary 1:15 AM Meet in Colton Drive to Inspiration Point 2:00 AM Pick up JG at Inspiration Point Drive to Duffy Campground 2:45 AM Start Hiking 7:00-7:30 AM Summit Baldy 7:45 AM Descend Summit Pine Mt. Summit Dawson 12:00 PM Finish Hike Eat Pizza & Ice Cream Food I plan to bring breakfast plus a snack to get me … Read More
Black Mountain, September 20 2015
Out for an early Sunday morning hike with co-workers and Riley. For some in the group, it was their first hike – not exactly an easy one to start with, but they did great. …more details to follow as time allows. Geek Stats Black Mountain Fire Tower || Distance: 8.87 mi || Duration: 4h 40m (2 hr ascent, 1 hr on summit, 1 hr 40m … Read More
Trip Planning: North Fork of Big Pine Creek
I’ll add more details as time allows and as I find more information about this area. Planned Itinerary Day 0 (Fri) 7 PM Drive to Big Pine area 11 PM Setup camp, go to bed Day 1 (Sat) Early AM, Hike: Big Pine Lakes 1-5 Loop with Summit Black Lake (orange, see below) Mileage: 13 miles total || Duration: 6-8 hours total || Elevation … Read More
First Look: Jacks ‘R’ Better High Sierra Sniveller Backpacking Quilt
Typically, I’d want to get out with a new piece of gear more than a couple of times before dedicating a full post to it, but since I have several friends already asking about my experience with the High Sierra Sniveller and Jacks ‘R’ Better is also having a sale right now, I decided to post my first impressions of the quilt right … Read More
Banner Peak Backpack, Day 1 – Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake, September 12 2015
Thousand Island Lake is one of those places that I knew I had to visit the moment I saw pictures of it. I didn’t think I was going to fit it in this year, but things lined up last minute – I found some available permits online, there was campground with an open site the night before we wanted to start our … Read More
Hiking With Dogs: Prado Lane Training Hike, September 7 2012
With an upcoming backpacking trip, I wanted to get out for a quick hike to test the adjustments I made to my SMD Fusion 65. The pack has always carried well with 20 pounds or so, but when loaded with 30 lbs or more, it has been uncomfortable to carry. I loaded up the pack with some of the gear … Read More
Hiking with Kids: Oak Glen Preserve, September 5 2015
We attended a birthday party at Oak Glen Preserve. As soon as Ethan saw that it was outside, he kept saying “Daddy we go hike.” After hanging out at the party for a couple of hours, a few of us decided to hike a 2 mile loop around the preserve. Geek Stats Distance: ~2 miles || Elevation Gain/Loss: ±300 … Read More
Gear Review: Deuter Airlite 28
Why Buy? I bought my first hiking backpack on a whim. I had been using my wife’s old Camelback and had intended to carry it on Mt. Whitney hike I was preparing for. Through an online sale, I was able to buy a backpack with a suspended back panel for $60 (REI Venturi 30). After three years of abuse, it was time … Read More