Ask Me A Joke...
It was one of those unexpected days, hiking deep in the backcountry, just me and my pup Lu. I had kind of run away from home for three months because I was going through a major life change and needed to clear my head. Big-Lu was turning 13 and a lot of her friends had recently passed on. This three month adventure was really for her too. She was beginning to slow down and I thought it would be great to see how much we could do together. We did a lot: We swam in as many sierra lakes as possible, ate fresh trout, climbed to the top of every peaks we could. We were just free in the mountains. It really was a magical time.
Let me rewind by telling you in the mist of this crisis I purchased a vintage travel trailer (1960 Oasis) It was love at first sight. I spent 2 months bring her back to life even naming her Château Bijou. (Tiny Castle) And a castle she was! Chateau Bijou was our home base in the Sierra’s. We would spend a few night resting eating and relaxing, then head out with our packs deep into the woods.
Lu and I were hiking up to one of the famed tout lakes in the Easter Sierras. The day was perfect; temperatures in the mid range, neither hot or cold. It was the year we got unusually heavy snowfall. So even at lower elevations the ground was covered in snow. I was following my map to the lake and keeping our bearings North west, trying to stay in the right direction as we made first tracks. I always love the crunching sound of the snow under my feet. Lu loves it just as much, I watched her jump and run and roll around in the snow as we made our way upward. She always makes me laugh, “God I love her!" I thought to myself.
When we were what seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, two fully decked out trout fisherman simply appeared. They both had full waders with suspenders, carrying their polls, and draped across their chest were baskets filled with Cut-throat tout. I smiled at the sight of them and Lu run up to them with great curiosity, tail a wagging.
The first words out of one of them:
“Two bear were sitting around a campfire. The one bear says to the other: ‘Now its white wine with fisherman and red wine with hunters, right?’ ”
I burst out laughing as we struck up a conversation. They began telling me about some amazing things I needed to see while on my crazy runaway trip. Needless to say, Lu and I saw it all. (smile) I also have to confess I never remember jokes, but by gosh, this joke is the one always on my mind and ready in a moment.
Let me rewind by telling you in the mist of this crisis I purchased a vintage travel trailer (1960 Oasis) It was love at first sight. I spent 2 months bring her back to life even naming her Château Bijou. (Tiny Castle) And a castle she was! Chateau Bijou was our home base in the Sierra’s. We would spend a few night resting eating and relaxing, then head out with our packs deep into the woods.
Lu and I were hiking up to one of the famed tout lakes in the Easter Sierras. The day was perfect; temperatures in the mid range, neither hot or cold. It was the year we got unusually heavy snowfall. So even at lower elevations the ground was covered in snow. I was following my map to the lake and keeping our bearings North west, trying to stay in the right direction as we made first tracks. I always love the crunching sound of the snow under my feet. Lu loves it just as much, I watched her jump and run and roll around in the snow as we made our way upward. She always makes me laugh, “God I love her!" I thought to myself.
When we were what seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, two fully decked out trout fisherman simply appeared. They both had full waders with suspenders, carrying their polls, and draped across their chest were baskets filled with Cut-throat tout. I smiled at the sight of them and Lu run up to them with great curiosity, tail a wagging.
The first words out of one of them:
“Two bear were sitting around a campfire. The one bear says to the other: ‘Now its white wine with fisherman and red wine with hunters, right?’ ”
I burst out laughing as we struck up a conversation. They began telling me about some amazing things I needed to see while on my crazy runaway trip. Needless to say, Lu and I saw it all. (smile) I also have to confess I never remember jokes, but by gosh, this joke is the one always on my mind and ready in a moment.
Words of Wisdom from One Solo Adventurer to Another
One of the amazing women in my life recently headed out on a 300+ mile portion of the PCT. This was her fist time hitting so many miles solo. I was beyond excited for what she was about to experience. It allowed me to reflect on my own solo journeys. Before she left I sent her a note to whisper a few things in her ear. I wanted to share them with you too because I think that these are such important things to remember as women on the trail!
... This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime! Take your time to breath it all in.
... Stop often and notice the small details.
... Remember to smile when it gets tough. That smile will keep you going.
... Bears are a big myth! (Laughing) Not entirely, but sleep soundly.
... For every pass you go over. Take your time. Enjoy that 360 view.
... Sometimes you may be fighting intense weather, this is where the true adventure begins!
... Don't worry, everything is always amazing no matter how tough it might get.
... There are going to be days that are hard, I mean truly hard. But when you least expect it, the trial will lift you up in a way you did not know possible.
... Cry! It will feel amazing! The best tears you will ever have will be when you are deep into an adventure like this one.
... laugh out loud!
... Sing!
... Be naked as much as possible!
... you may not be looking for any, but you will find answers!
I just recently added my Top 10 list of things to remember when planning for your first thru hike. They can be found in Trail Tips & Thru-Hiking.
... This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime! Take your time to breath it all in.
... Stop often and notice the small details.
... Remember to smile when it gets tough. That smile will keep you going.
... Bears are a big myth! (Laughing) Not entirely, but sleep soundly.
... For every pass you go over. Take your time. Enjoy that 360 view.
... Sometimes you may be fighting intense weather, this is where the true adventure begins!
... Don't worry, everything is always amazing no matter how tough it might get.
... There are going to be days that are hard, I mean truly hard. But when you least expect it, the trial will lift you up in a way you did not know possible.
... Cry! It will feel amazing! The best tears you will ever have will be when you are deep into an adventure like this one.
... laugh out loud!
... Sing!
... Be naked as much as possible!
... you may not be looking for any, but you will find answers!
I just recently added my Top 10 list of things to remember when planning for your first thru hike. They can be found in Trail Tips & Thru-Hiking.
International Women's Day
All week long great articles on all things "awesome" have been posted. I've enjoyed reading every word! It has also prompted me to think a lot about myself, my journey, and the joys of living. I mean truly living!
I've always just been present and lived in the moment. Even as a young girl it just seemed so simple. I never thought about yesterday or tomorrow but of just where I was, in the now. I always just knew what I wanted and went after it. I never thought of the "what if's". I just set a goal and moved towards it, quickly, precisely and without consequence. And you know what? It always seemed to work.
As an adult I still live by that same philosophy. Just go for it! Don't over think it, just set a date and go! By nature the things I do: Backpacking, hiking, Mountaineering, Snowboarding, Surfing, skateboarding, Mt. biking (the list goes on) have all kept me completely present. Or "On it" as I like to put it.
As a mentor and founder of a nonprofit that works with young women, I am regularly reminded of just how easy it is to have our own internal dialog keep us down, afraid or just doubtful of what can be accomplished. To all those doubtful moments we all have, remember, never loose that dream! It is our dreams that drive us, keep us alive, keeps us going, makes life real!
I have always felt blessed. Not because my challenges haven't been real. Some have been incredibly overwhelming and took everything I had to make it through. But in all the hard times, I had my dreams, my passions, and the drive to always find something precious no matter the moment.
I've always just been present and lived in the moment. Even as a young girl it just seemed so simple. I never thought about yesterday or tomorrow but of just where I was, in the now. I always just knew what I wanted and went after it. I never thought of the "what if's". I just set a goal and moved towards it, quickly, precisely and without consequence. And you know what? It always seemed to work.
As an adult I still live by that same philosophy. Just go for it! Don't over think it, just set a date and go! By nature the things I do: Backpacking, hiking, Mountaineering, Snowboarding, Surfing, skateboarding, Mt. biking (the list goes on) have all kept me completely present. Or "On it" as I like to put it.
As a mentor and founder of a nonprofit that works with young women, I am regularly reminded of just how easy it is to have our own internal dialog keep us down, afraid or just doubtful of what can be accomplished. To all those doubtful moments we all have, remember, never loose that dream! It is our dreams that drive us, keep us alive, keeps us going, makes life real!
I have always felt blessed. Not because my challenges haven't been real. Some have been incredibly overwhelming and took everything I had to make it through. But in all the hard times, I had my dreams, my passions, and the drive to always find something precious no matter the moment.
Mt. Whitney Winter Summit via the Mountaineers Route
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I was recently asked to give a presentation for the Sierra Club Wilderness Travel Course, on my winter summit of Mt. Whitney climbing the mountaineers route. Mt. Whitney is the tallest peak in the 48 states. Standing a glorious 14,505'. While it had been a few years since this adventure, I was reminded of so much going through my slides and presenting. Reliving this experience reminded how important trip prep and planning are. Anyone of my big challenges really does require spreadsheets and logistics and trip planning to the tiniest detail. Even more so when on the mountain, having a plan in all instances is critical to success. Knowing and trusting the other climbers on your team is a must. Knowing the safety precautions, how to self arrest, and the use of your gear is key. I am always one for the big adventure But doing it smartly is beyond important. I encourage friends to take that challenge. To live, because for me life is about the adventure! |
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PCT New Year Eve & Trail MagicTrail magic is real! Never doubt the kindness of strangers. While I have spent time thru hiking and have felt the trail love, this New Years Week was pretty darn perfect! My friend Shawnte and I decided to spend five days along the PCT starting on new years eve day. From the get go our energy was perfectly paired, and our excitement equally matched. To read more about our epic New Year Even adventure please go to my PCT page |
Snow Bound to Islip Saddle
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Another winter wonderland adventure, only this time to Islip Saddle heading to Little Jimmy for an overnight backpacking trip. As I was driving up highway 39 and getting closer I could see the mountains in all their glory covered in snow from the storm that just passed. To me, there is nothing more breathtaking than fresh snow, first tracks and a snowy backpacking trip. I travels up the mountain with my favorite band of backpacking pirates! Our crew was restless and anxious to get to the top. The further up the mountain the more epic the views. The snow was deeper and the trees heavy with snow. Something seemingly harder to find in drought stricken California. But when we do get a good storm nothing stops me! |
Clouds, Fresh Powder and a Memory
When I was a little kids (Vs the big kid I am now) I use to love to watch the clouds. I would always hike off and sit by the little creek that would run near by my parents house. I would sit for hours just watching the sky and listening to the sound of the water. I would always wonder what it would be like to sit on a cloud, play in its fluffiness. I remember the first time I ever snowboarded fresh power in the back country. It was exactly the way I imagined those clouds to feel: Light, fluffy, swimmingly. I remember laughing out loud at the joy and bliss of that moment and feeling like a kid. If ever I am asked what fresh powered is like I would only be able to reply, the way I imagined playing in a cloud would be. (smile)
The Golden Rule: Leave No Trace
With all the recent news of Casey Nocket and the graffiti she placed in our national parks, I thought it appropriate to talk about the Golden Rule: Leave No Trace.
Leave no trace refers to a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors. It is built on seven principles: Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. There is a great Leave No Trace organization that helps to educate on the LNT ideas. You can also check out their Facebook page.
We are blessed to be apart of a generation that has had land set aside for us to enjoy. The impact we make effects future generation and how they can enjoy the beauty as it is today. It is all of our responsibility to abide by the golden Leave no trace rule. Having been to some of the most remote place in the world and seeing seemingly untouched land I can't imagine the impact of careless people there. Please remember to help do your part when out enjoying the wilderness. This land is our land and the land of future generations.
Leave no trace refers to a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors. It is built on seven principles: Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. There is a great Leave No Trace organization that helps to educate on the LNT ideas. You can also check out their Facebook page.
We are blessed to be apart of a generation that has had land set aside for us to enjoy. The impact we make effects future generation and how they can enjoy the beauty as it is today. It is all of our responsibility to abide by the golden Leave no trace rule. Having been to some of the most remote place in the world and seeing seemingly untouched land I can't imagine the impact of careless people there. Please remember to help do your part when out enjoying the wilderness. This land is our land and the land of future generations.
Cloudripper (13,531'): The Name of This Peak Says It All
Cloudripper earns its name, With the most epic 360 degree views! This 13,531' peak is one heck of an adventure. Actually it takes climbing another 13,000'+ peak (twice) to get to this epic summit! You certainly earn every bit of that breathtaking view!
Cloudripper is the highest peak of the Inconsolable Range, a small subrange north of the Palisades and just outside Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada. Rising to just over 13,500 feet, Cloudripper also ranks as the 58th highest in California and is included on the Sierra Club’s Sierra Peaks Section. While this can be a long day hike, our group opted for an overnight stay. With the many alpine lakes as a choice stays before your climb it makes for the perfect nights rest. Our path upward was an off trail hike which took us scrambling up and over Vagabond Peak then down and up Cloudripper.
The vista includes notable points such as Mount Sill, North Palisade, Mount Agassiz, the Palisade Glacier, Mount Goode, Mount Goddard, Mount Darwin, Mount Humphreys, White Mountain, and many more. Trips to Cloudripper can easily be combined with a stop at Chocolate Peak, Vagabond Peak, or Sky Haven, and if on an overnight trip there are countless other possibilities.
I would gladly hike to cloudripper again. but likely I would take an alternative rout to spice things up a bit!
Cloudripper is the highest peak of the Inconsolable Range, a small subrange north of the Palisades and just outside Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada. Rising to just over 13,500 feet, Cloudripper also ranks as the 58th highest in California and is included on the Sierra Club’s Sierra Peaks Section. While this can be a long day hike, our group opted for an overnight stay. With the many alpine lakes as a choice stays before your climb it makes for the perfect nights rest. Our path upward was an off trail hike which took us scrambling up and over Vagabond Peak then down and up Cloudripper.
The vista includes notable points such as Mount Sill, North Palisade, Mount Agassiz, the Palisade Glacier, Mount Goode, Mount Goddard, Mount Darwin, Mount Humphreys, White Mountain, and many more. Trips to Cloudripper can easily be combined with a stop at Chocolate Peak, Vagabond Peak, or Sky Haven, and if on an overnight trip there are countless other possibilities.
I would gladly hike to cloudripper again. but likely I would take an alternative rout to spice things up a bit!
Celebrating 50 Years of the Wilderness Act
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On September 3, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law one of our country's greatest conservation laws, the Wilderness Act. This historic bill established the National Wilderness Preservation System and set aside an initial 9.1 million acres of wild lands for the use and enjoyment of the American people. Over the past 50 years, and as a result of America’s support for wilderness, Congress has added nearly 100 million more acres to this unique land preservation system—in 44 out of 50 states. The 1964 Wilderness Act defines “Wilderness” as areas “where the earth and its community of life …appear to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable…”
For me nature is my home. I will always be so grateful to the wilderness act for keeping the land as it was; For allowing me to explore, discover and be. My spirit is full because of these experiences. You can learn more about wilderness and find 50th anniversary celebration events near you by visiting www.wilderness50th.org. |
Lady Mountaineers & Cirque Peak (12,900)
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This hands down was one of my favorite trips this summer as 10 girlfriends headed out into the Easter Sierra's for a great weekend of mountaineering fun. Mind you we are not just pretty faces. We have strength, stamina and an adventure filled spirit. Girls are awesome, even more so an amazing group like this one!
Our adventure began with a mellow 7 mile hike in from Horse Shoe meadows. The trail took us past several of the Cotton Wood Lakes with breathtaking views past meadows, creeks, and big mountain ranges. We decided on camping at Long Lake just below New Army Pass with spectacular views of Cirque Peak (12,900') . Since this was going to be a short weekend with one night camping, setting up our camp as soon as we arrived was crucial to our summit success. We arrived just before noon. Relaxed for a bit, ate and energized for the next strenuous part of our day. We were taking a class two rout up to the top. The views of Cirque peak were really incredible as we approached. This was not an easy hike up. We crossed scree, scrambled up rocks for several hours, stopped half way to see our first glimpse of Mt. Whitney. We all gave a yelp or haler....whoooHooo! Which help to energize the tired group as we continued upward. We reached the summit beating our estimated time by almost and hour and a half! "GO GIRLS" I yelled as we reached the top and witnessed the most epic panoramic view. To our north we could see Mt. Whitney, Mt. Russell & Mt. Langley (all 14,000' peaks) As the awesome girl we are we of course had the best time taking pictures. We laughed, relaxed, shared smiles and enjoyed that epic moment! |
I Always Carry My 10 Essentials, but My 11th Essential is the Most Important
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We all know the importance of carrying our 10 essentials.
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Hart Lake & an Ice Cold Swim!
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While up at Ostrander Lake, I thought an off trial hike to Hart Lake would be a blast. This was the perfect test for my map and compass skills as I lead 8 friends on this day hike adventure.
We left early morning choosing a 1.5 mile off trail path. Our hike brought us to another small lake just above Ostrander. We named it Bull Frog lake because as we approached we could hear the singing of hundreds of frogs. It was magical. The views of Yosemite were incredible as we hiked up and over the ridge to get to Hart lake. We would stop on occasion to take a new bearing so we knew we were on the right track. Our bearing was perfect and lead us straight to Hart Lake. Yahoo, the view of the lake just over the top of my compass gave me a smile the size of Texas. Of course I am a true believer of swimming in as many lakes as I can! This one was no exception. 1...2...3...jump...Whew...it was ice cold but refreshing! All the others jumped into the lake too! We sun-dried, ate a light lunch then returned back. Great hike! I love nature! It makes my soul sing. |
Ostrander Lake & an Epic View From Horse Ridge
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You know its the beginning of summer when you head up to Yosemite for a multi-day backpacking trip. Destination of choice: Ostrander Lake 8,505'.
The hike in was incredibly beautiful, flower filled meadows, snow caped mountains and the smells of everything fresh made your heart smile. It is a nice resonable length hike: 6.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1505 feet. Which is mostly fell on the second half of the trail as you hike up and over a ridge to then descend to the lake. The first view of the lake is also accompanied by the Ski hut sitting on its shores. (used in the winter for cross country skiing) I set up camp on the right side of the lake about 1/4 mile from the trial head which offered amazing views of both the lake and Horse Ridge. With lots of great fishing, hiking and an epic summit of Horse Ridge the weekend could not have been more perfect! |
20 months & just over 5,100 miles; My Asolo's were a best friend
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Replacing boots that you have had such a love affair with is always hard. I have hung onto my trusted Asolo's as long as I could. But with nearly no tread left, it was time. These boots have done so much with me. Been on amazing adventures and journeys I could never have imagined. Looking back these last 20 months and peeking into my hiking journals and mileage logs its hard to believe I have hiked just over 5,100 mile in these boots. They have become apart of my daily sunrise hikes and the bigger adventures I headed out on as well. They were like a trusted friend: reliable, always there and super supportive. (smile) While they will no longer be worn, they will go into a box with my hiking journal and mileage log, so in the future years I can one day open up that box and read with a fresh set of eyes the adventure they (we) had. As you can see my new replacement boots are a bit more colorful but a trusted brand I know well. We will be starting off with a bang; Heading to Ostrander lake this weekend for some backpacking, fishing and off trail hiking. Should make for a perfect beginning to a new hiking journal. (smile) |
Man in a Muir Tartan Kilt & 10,064 Feet
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One of my favorite local hikes is Mt. San Antonio (Baldy) which takes you to an elevation of 10,064" and views that are breath taking. Today's hike was much more special for the simple reason it was a Birthday hike for my friend Cindy. Could there be any more perfect birthday than this?
Our hike began nice and early with cooler weather at the lower elevation. We decided on hiking up the Bear Canyon rout, which is looser, steeper and more challenging. But this allowed us to also practice our map and compass skills at our rest stops. Views were beautiful with flowers all variety covering the hillside. At about our half way point we came across a man wearing a Muir Tartan Kilt. A man after my own heart for a number of reasons. We talked a bit about our love for the hiking skirt and all things John Muir Trail related. Of course the opportunity for a picture was a must (apparently ladies he wears his kilt like a true Scotsman) We summit-ed early afternoon and took a well deserved lunch and desert break (can you say chocolate chocolate-chip bunt cake) Enjoyed the views and the great company of Rad girls! Our rout down was the well know Back Bone trail. Which is always a blast no matter the weather! |
Camping in a Winter Wonderland
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A perfect snowy weekend at Rock Creek Lake in the Eastern Sierras with the WTC.
There is something really magical about snow camping. The smell of nature seems to linger in the air with the cool breeze and bright snow. I love winter camping for many reasons; The absence of crowds, The cooler nights always help me sleep and big campfires are apart of the experience. This weekends trip to Rock Creek Lake proved to be another amazing winter adventure. Arrived Friday night to an untouched snow filled campground. Saturday spent the afternoon snowshoeing and enjoying the breathtaking vistas. As the sunset the night skies brought an overnight storm. It snowed several inches as we slept. I just love the sound of the snow falling as it covers your tent. Woke Sunday to fresh powder and another bluebird day. Great friends, snowshoeing, shelter building, campfires and fresh baked Peach Cobbler! Just simply awesome! |
Little Jimmy & Walter Mitty
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There are some pretty amazing Hidden backpacking spot in the Angeles National Forest. Just an hour and a half outside the bustling Los Angeles metropolitan are some incredible gems. Little Jimmy's is one of them. A short 3 mile hike leads you to an elevation of 7500-foot and 16 hike-in campsites. This campground is along the route of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. From there are some great day hikes including Mount Islip. For a longer hike you can head out to Mount Baden-Powell. What made this an extra fun trip, aside from a great group of friends; was the fresh snow, campfire and a screening of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. "Life is about courage and the unknown"(smile) Now that's glamping! |
Maps, Compass & Peak 4377
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Joshua Tree National Park is known for its incredible rock formation, climbing, hiking, camping and night skies. My weekend brought me to J-Tree for all that plus some map and compass skills for my WTC class.
We arrived to rainbows and the smell of rain washed desert. The sky was clear with scattered clouds from the storm that was still lingering. After setting up camp we headed out for our first day of navigation skills with our map and compass. I've always wanted to learn this skill which will be a needed one for my PTC travels. What a great time honing skills. Walking leading the team with my compass and navigating to distinctive landmarks. That night was a welcome happy hour with shared food, a fire pit and live acoustic guitars. Perfect night indeed. The following morning the skies were clear with scatter clouds and no sign of rain. Which was great! It allowed us to head out to peak 4377. The peak named only for its elevation. We navigated through the canyon, scramble, hiked, scrambled some more. Stopped for lunch. Then leaving our heavier packs behind we did some very vertical scrambling the last 500+ feet to the rocky summit. The view at the top was incredible! You could see the other peaks and the flat desert landscape. Pretty epic indeed! |
Travel as much as you can.
As far as you can.
As long as you can.
Life is not meant to be lived in one place.