Just get out there and HIKE! But be prepared.
Meetup.com has many great Hiking and Adventure Groups to join! I have joined several of them in the past year. Find one in your area and start exploring !
that will help us survive overnight in case of emergency.
My 12 Essentials for day hikes.
1. Map (with protective case) Compass and GPS(optional)
2. Sun protection, Sunscreen, chapstick and sunglasses
3. Insulation, Jacket, gloves, hat
4. Flashlight, extra batteries
5. First-aid kit (insect repellent)
6. Fire, Matches or lighter & Fire starter (for emergency survival)
7. Repair kit and tools, knife, duct tape
8. Extra day's supply of food
9. Hydration Water, water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter Tent, tarp, or reflective blanket
11. Camera and Ham Radio (2 meter, 440)
12. Leave trail plan with someone.
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Back in the day... when I was starting out, the Sierra Clubs 10 Essentials were a little different. In recent years the list has changed , not listing 10 items but instead, 10 categories essential for survival in case of emergency. My list above is a reflection of both....what works for me.
REI lists these 10 Essentials.
1. Navigation
2. Sun Protection
3. Insulation
4. Illumination
5. First Aid Supplies
6. Fire
7. Repair Kit and tools
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
10. Emergency Shelter
Below, the wind shelters on Santa Rosa Island
2020
Living in a Cabin in the mountains has its challenges. I believe it has made me a stronger person physically and mentally. Getting to my cabin from lower parking is a hike in itself up a steep driveway then up some stairs. I am living my life long dream! I have booked my summer backpacking trip to the Sierras. In August I'll head into John Muir wilderness from Devils Postpile area.
2019
The year was a blur. I sold my house in Rialto and bought a cabin in the mountains! Then I spent 3 months building a dog run to keep my little dogs safe from coyotes. I didn't do as much hiking as I had 2 surgeries and my mother passed away.
I did go on 2 backpacking trips in-between surgeries. In July I headed up Duck Pass again to Skelton Lake, and in Aug, a place I had not explored yet. ust back to the Sierras this time to Valentine Lake. I really fell in love with The Sherwin Lakes area. Camped there and then day hiked to Valentine Lake. The altitude makes it rough at my age now and I huffed and puffed and it too all day to get there and back.
2018
This was a very sad year for me in many ways.But I did visit the Grand Canyon and hiked down the Bright Angel Trail. I Stayed in Death Valley and Hiked to Darwin Falls, a must see in Panamint Springs. The highlight of my year was a 5 day backpack into the Sierras! Starting out at the Duck Pass Trail-head above Mammoth, I hiked up to Barney Lake, passing Arrowhead Lake and Skelton Lake. There were a few wildfires in the area so the pass to Duck Lake was too smoky to climb.....for me at least because I don't do well with smoke in high altitudes. I saw deer and a Momma Bear with 2 Cubs. The Trail crew came by and said the wildfire was in the next canyon 5 miles away to the north. I packed up and hiked out a day earlier than planned. I jumped into Skelton Lake for a swim on my way down, off the same rock I jumped off in 2014.And left a part of me there ...forever. I will be back I know. my heart is there more than any other place on earth.
2017
Well it's about time! Where have I been? In 2017 I went back to the Channel Islands several times, yes I was addicted and fell in love with the Island Fox there! They re-opened San Miguel Island and I was in the first group to be dropped off! There is no pier so Island Packers dropped us off via skiff craft to the beach. We had to carry our water, (2 gallons for 4 days supply) up a very steep one mile trail to the campground. The Volunteer Naturalist took us on guided hikes to Point Bennett and other points of interest.
2016,
New adventures. Last year I discovered the Channel Islands and Backpacked, Camped and went swimming on Santa Rosa Island and Santa Cruz Island. Hiking trails zig-zag all over these islands offering many exploration opportunities. One Amazing hike on Santa Rosa takes you to Lobo Canyon, a popular day destination. A 9 mile round trip hike is worth the trek to find a pristine beach at the end of an enchanting canyon with multicolored sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation! The elusive Island Fox can be seen throughout the Islands!
I also had a Icy cold weekend on Mt San Jacinto camping in Round Valley in the Snow. I backpacked in 2 miles to Round Valley, set up camp, and then hiked up to the peak , 10,500 ft elevation. Later in the evening I hiked down as the temp dropped gradually and had a late dinner in the dark, (November gets dark at 5pm) and slept in my new cozy Four Season Tent!
I also love to hike Whitewater as well as Chantry Flats, Icehouse Canyon, San Antonio Falls and Mt Baldy!
This year , 2016, I am planning more Channel Islands adventures,
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