3 Peaks 3 Days

Arrow and I headed for the southern Sierras to enjoy some peak climbing, great food, and luxury hotel camping. The video above is a mix of our weekend. This was my first attempt at video editing and movie making. I used iMovie on my Mac with the help of a plethora of online tutorials. I now have a BIG appreciation of how much expertise and time it takes to create a video project. Background music by Ryan Bingham “The Wandering” is an environmental benefit track for Surfrider Foundation I bought from Patagonia.com.

Day 1 – We met the Kern River Valley Hiking Club at the trail head to Red Mountain. This is a great group of hikers that are knowledgeable, friendly, and love the outdoors. Red Mountain is a fun mild climb with easy route finding that rewards the hiker at the top with expansive views.

Click on the map for Red Mountain GPS data and pics on Everytrail.

The group members recommended visiting Burro Schmidt Tunnel in the El Paso Mountains. It was definitely interesting and worth the visit. We would like to return to the area to climb Black Mountain.

Day 2 – After a great night at the Comfort Inn in Ridgecrest and excellent dinner at Mandy’s Cottage, recommended by  the club we headed out to climb Boulder Peak in the Owens Peak Wilderness. This is a strenuous climb straight up loose rock and sand, thankfully the stunning views at the summit are a big time reward.

Fun part? On the way down we descended the westward sandy slope that proved impossible to climb up, but turned out to be a soft boot ski down. Very luxurious.

Click on the map for Boulder Peak GPS data and pics on Everytrail.

Day 3 – I have always wanted to stay at the historic Dow Villa Motel in downtown Lone Pine, CA. I loved it and want to go back soon. Sunrise over Mount Whitney (center) was inspiring and amazing.

Haiwee Reservoir south of Lone Pine and is closed to the public, but the  Coso Mountain Range that frames the reservoir is open for endless exploration. The backdrop of the Haiwee Reservoir is the rock monolith Jurassic Peak. This is a fun peak with a class 3 section at the top and plenty of opportunity for extra bouldering.

Click on the map for Jurassic Peak GPS data and pics on Everytrail.

Climbing lower elevation desert peaks in the cool air of winter with hotel camping…try it. Anyone have favorite winter peak recommendations around the Southern Sierras? I am ready to plan the next climb.

• View additional photos from this trip on Flickr

Hiking Favorites of 2011

In 2011, I logged a bunch of dirt and snow trail miles, over 800 miles in fact. I had a chance to try new gear and gain a deeper respect and love for old favorites. Surprisingly, I think I even altered how I now tolerate some of the daily discomforts that often accompany the hiker. Believe me this is good news. Especially when in the process of cutting pack weight, unfortunately the result does not always equal ultra comfy.

I have always been thankful for online hiker gear lists and find them super helpful. Last year I posted Hiking Favorites of 2010. After compiling my 2011 list, I found a few new finds that really made a difference or were just plain fun,  like Amtrak and hiking in a skirt.  I have posted information in past blog entries about some of the gear on the list and others I will be adding in-depth information upcoming in 2012. Also, I have included my updated Misc. Tried and True Favorites, which includes The Diva Cup (number one piece of gear I am asked about).

Please leave a comment below if you have questions or input. I just LOVE  talking gear. Happy 2012!

Hiking Favorites of 2011

Trail Shoe: Merrell Moab Ventilator Waterproof, I am a Moab fan, but this year I used the waterproof version while hiking the snow-covered Sierras. They also work great for winter hiking because they are warmer and keep dry feet.
Hiking Skirt: I have several brands and love them all. Love, love, love hiking in a skirt. Try it.
Pack: ULA Circuit, bought this first because of weight and recommendations, but this video featuring a woman sealed the deal. The pack is comfortable, very durable, fits a bear canister, and easy to pack.
Food Protection: Bearikade Weekender Bear Canister (simply the lightest approved canister available)
Headlamp: Petzl E02 P2 e+LITE Headlamp with Integrated
Whistle
Traction Device: Kahtoola Microspikes and CAMP Corsa Ice Ax (ultra lightweight but worked well on steep snow fields)
Sock: NRS Wet Socks
Camera: Panasonic Lumix LX5
Water Container: 1 liter Aquafina water bottle and Wide Mouth 1 liter Gatorade bottle for filtering water with Steripen, picture here
First Aid: Nu Skin (sample size found at Dollar Store)
Backpacking Food: Breakfast and lunch drink, Gatorade 1 liter bottle (fruit punch…my favorite) and powder packets, Cliff Bar flavors Coconut Chocolate Chip and Gingerbread (seasonal flavor), Nutella
Hiker Transportation: AMTRAK train
Best Climb: San Jacinto Peak
Best section of trail: Castle Crags State Park to Etna Summit
PCT Maps: Halfmile’s PCT maps and way-points
Phone/GPS/Camera/Blog Writer/Book/Voice Recorder/Music Player: iPhone 4s of course
iPhone App: Star Walk, iMovie
Hiker Info Card: Moo Mini Business Cards
Movie: Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol
Magazine: Women’s Adventure Magazine and Facebook page
Health and Exercise Podcast: The Jillian Michaels Show
Health Book: Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels

Misc. Tried and True Favorites

Down Jacket: Mont-bell U.L. Down Inner Jacket (this in my pack always, here is what it looks like on)
Trail Shoe: Merrell Moab Ventilator (after the plethora of trail shoes I tried and went through, this was the overall winner, comfortable, cushy, tough, grippy, and no blisters, not water-proof)
Socks: injinji Trail Toesock (click here for pic and thoughts)
Sleeping Pad: Therm A Rest Neo Air (okay, this little item is simply 2 1/2 inches of luxury)
Poles: GossamerGear LT4S Trekking Poles adjustable with straps (the Mercedes of poles, once you try these babies you are hooked)
Hygiene: Diva cup (for ladies only, I really like Wired’s quick review), Dermatone Lip Balm
Comfort: Z-rest sit pad
i Phone apps: Topo Maps, PeakFinder, Evernote (I use this for hiking to do lists, mileage, food, resupply info, GPS Info, shopping, trip ideas, anything I want to remember)
Necessary Hiker Fashion: Tarma Jewelry
Rain and Water Protection: Trash compactor bag (inexpensive waterproof tough pack liner and cover)
Misc.: Zip lock baggies (I especially like the snack and quart sizes), cotton bandana (sun shade, Kleenex, towel)

Introducing Hike a Week 2012

Daunting, crazy, and just plain scary…for me this year it was the WordPress 2011 Post a Week Challenge. This challenge was organized by WordPress to encourage bloggers to blog more and on a regular basis. I was a purist and chose to blog once a week, not just an average of once a week throughout the year. This year I managed to post 92 blog entries. Success, but honestly I have to admit I am selfish. I found that by documenting and writing once a week I became more focused and motivated to move, make goals, and get out. But the biggest benefit I found by documenting travels and ideas on this blog was I now have an organized history of memories and facts from the last 2 years.

I will never forget a conversation I had with my kids a couple of years ago. We were looking at piles of unorganized and unlabeled photos in shoe boxes. Many of the photos were from my 20 years of backpacking and climbing trips. Yep, before digital. I distinctly remember my daughter looking straight at me saying “Mom all these photos of you at the top of mountains look the same, you could be anywhere. If something happens to you we will have one picture after another and will not know anything.” This sounds funny I realize, but so true. From my kids’ point of view they did look the same… smiling woman standing on top of a bunch of rocks with blue sky behind and there she is on another walk.

Thankfully this overwhelming project of photo labeling with descriptions of trips now has a good start. So I’d like to propose a new idea for this year, the Hike a Week 2012 with just 1 easy and simple rule.

Easy and Simple Rule:
-Hikes must be on a natural surface (dirt, snow, grass, rocks, water, sand, etc.) and once a week.

That’s it. Sounds easy, right? Maybe and maybe not. So who is up for it? Do it. Sign on. It will be fun.The benefits are huge: fresh air, exercise, vitamin D, and overall well-being.  Sign-up here or clicking on the icon in the menu on the right. Just write on the page comments, “I’m in,” or “I’m committing,” or “I will do it,” or “it will be great.”  We will be in this together. Simple, sign-up. Quit reading and sign-up. Get out and explore your neighborhood, climb a peak, hit the dirt, feel that grass, and breathe fresh air. I’m in. Are you? Everyone, sign-up. You CAN do it. NOW.

Need accountability? I’ve added the page “Hike a Week 2012” to record your hikes and also to get motivation, encouragement, and ideas from other readers.

Need more motivation? That gentle push? Here are some pics to get you going…do it! Sign on.

Pinnacles National Monument

Years ago a good friend/photographer highly recommended visiting Pinnacles National Monument. In addition, Greg Aiello featured Pinnacles in an episode on Livewell Motion, making Pinnacles a must do trip. Usually the park is best visited during the fall and spring (summer is too hot), but with California’s above normal winter temperatures we set out for a 2 day escape to explore this natural volcanic wonderland.

Pinnacles National Monument is located in central California, about 50 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 140 miles south of the San Francisco Bay area. The park has over 30 miles of trails featuring 2 caves, hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. It is also famous for citing birds of prey namely, the California Condor. Overnight camping is allowed only in the campground accessed from the east entrance. We were able to explore the entire park in 1 1/2 days.

Day 1 – Early afternoon we arrived at the East Entrance Pinnacles Visitors Center. We checked in at the campground and the Visitor Center Ranger gave helpful tips and recommendations for planning our 1 1/2 day exploration of the park that included being equipped with good working flashlights for both the Bear Gulch and Balconies Caves. First, we parked at the Bear Gulch Trail Head and hiked the Bear Gulch Trail to the High Peaks Trail, to the intersection with the Juniper Canyon Trail. At the intersection we headed back to the car. We then drove to the Condor Gulch Trail Head and hiked up to the overlook and back. It was a perfect plan to experience the southern part of the park complete with caves, views, exercise, and a bit of optional rock climbing.

Day 2 – After a very cold night, we got on the trail to hike a 10 mile loop. After talking to the ranger the day before, we altered the direction and route of our original plan. Our loop started at the Old Pinnacles Trail Head, north on the Old Pinnacles Trail, south on the Bench Trail, east on the High Peaks Trail, north on Juniper Canyon Trail, north on the Balconies Trail to the Balconies Cave Trail, and west on the Old Pinnacles Trail to the car. I recommend this route with the biggest elevation gain in the morning, cave exploration in early afternoon, stunning views, and the trail is fun and very creative.

The trail system in the park was well designed and very diverse with sections perfect for kids to explore and wander and also features strenuous portions for the avid hiker. Also, the park has many established climbing routes making it a playground for the experienced rock climber. We would definitely like to revisit during the spring when wildflowers are in bloom and perhaps have the opportunity to cite a California Condor.

Links:

• View additional trip photos on Flickr

• Directions on Google Maps

• View topographical map with route and photos using EveryTrail and my GPS enabled iPhone

International Cow Ushering Technique

While section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail the last 2 summers, I have posted daily online journals from the trail. It has been so fun and encouraging to hear and know that readers are following along. Last summer while hiking through Northern California just below the Oregon/California border, I experienced an onslaught of on-trail cows sporting loud bells. I posted a video of this experience online that proved to entertain readers and motivate the testing of my cow moving technique. I even had readers comment advising of additional shooing calls.

Recently, I received a very clever, thoughtful, and informative email from Noel and Ulrike in Australia. The email included the support in the form of the video “Internationally Verified Cow Ushering Technique”.

Dear Rockin’
Thanks for blogging this year. We have really enjoyed your observations, and your positivity and energy in and about the outdoors.
Now, with mock seriousness – we were very concerned at the suggestion that your cow ushering techniques needed polish (based on comments on your cow video from July 22). We attach a video verifying your cow moving technique. The attached video demonstrates that cows do “respond well to ‘shoo’” and that no “yehaaaarrr” is necessary.
We are really happy to internationally verify your approach.
Warm regards from down-under,
Noel and Ulrike

I immediately responded.

Noel and Ulrike,
Well this is a relief! I had to revisit the cow shooing video to verify in fact that cows roaming wilderness areas do move when presented verbally with the command “shoo cow shoo”. This is especially true when the request comes from a startled and sometimes frightened hiker. You have even documented that they do indeed sometimes scurry away quickly to this request. Thank you for this vital verification. Happy New Year!
Rockin’

To appreciate Noel and Ulrike’s video, first view the original cow video posted from my July 22, 2011 trail journal, then view their international video second.

Thank you Noel, Ulrike, and all followers. Your support, encouragement, and humor is priceless.

Outdoors with Jason Mraz

I am smiling from ear to ear. My awesome daughter just shared this video with me. Now… if only I could sing and play the guitar just like Jason Mraz. It would then be so easy to get kids outside and move! How could they possibly resist? Enjoy.

Spanish Needle Climb Debacle

Most likely many of you have planned trips with the best of intentions, trying to please everyone in a group, yet things plain old go awry. Yesterday Spanish Needle climb was my blunder.

Our winter weather this week has been unseasonably warm with no winds. Also, December has been the driest month in a number of years.  These are ideal hiking conditions.  Unfortunately, our family all caught colds the day after Christmas. After a 1 day break we thought a good climb in the Southern Sierras would get us back on the mend. I needed a trip that had enough miles for exercise and some class 3 climbing for the guys (climbing on rock with hand holds and some exposure). After some research online, I felt Spanish Needle in Owens Peak Wilderness was the best choice.

What I didn’t foresee was that the 4WD road we were supposed to take was way over the level our Mazda Tribute could handle, causing us to take the Pacific Crest Trail access which added 4.4 miles to the hike; AND that I would miscalculate the point of access to the peak from the PCT which added ANOTHER 2 miles; AND that we would run out of daylight to actually climb the summit block. Our little climb for recuperation from our colds ended up at a whopping 16.4 miles. On top of everything else, we didn’t get on the trail until 9:45 AM and got back to our car at 5:35 PM (dark). Do the math… we were flying.

I did however get my fix of being back on the trail again, but the guys…not so much. So my apology and reassurance that the next trip WILL be better.

LENGTH 13.9 miles round trip (the miles the trip should have been)
ELEVATION 7841 feet
ELEVATION GAIN 3000 feet
TRAIL HEAD Intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail and Canebrake Road. Use T30 in Exploring the Southern Sierra: East Side
DIFFICULTY Summit block is a difficult class 3 climb
BEST TIME TO HIKE Fall, spring (can be very hot during the middle of summer) and a great climb while the High Sierras are under snow
ROUTE Head south on the PCT where it crosses Canebrake Road for 6.6 miles, climb from the saddle below peak the saddle of peak 7841 on the 7.5′, good description of route to the summit block in Exploring the Southern Sierra: East Side.

Links:

• View additional trip photos on Flickr

• View topographical map with route and photos using EveryTrail and my GPS enabled iPhone

CD Calendar 2012

I just love making and giving CD Photo Calendars during the holiday season. They are little calendars that fit into a plastic CD case that I buy from Calendar Case. I also purchase an online template and create each month with a new outdoor photo in Photoshop. 2012 calendar is finished and it was great fun reflecting on the year’s outdoor adventures. Last year I posted some of my favorite months from 2011. Here is a sneak preview of 2012.

This beauty was taken moments before sunset after a thick fog mysteriously cleared that had covered the entire Yosemite Valley all day. Magical.

THANK  YOU readers for stopping by, subscribing, following along, and for your thoughtful comments. Wishing you all a very Merry Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with adventure!

Rockin’

Tarma – Simply Beautiful

I have been a long time fan of Tarma Designs Jewelry. Many a photo I have sported my Mt. Rainier or Cairn pendant and Tarma is featured on my list of Hiking Favorites of 2010. Tarma Jewelry has been the perfect Christmas gift for my adventuresome, artisan, or nature loving friends and family.

I love my new PCT earring and pendant set. As a PCTer, wearing them is celebration of the trail. It makes me feel connected and recall many great PCT experiences, especially all the funky PCT signs along the way. So valuable and great. Thank you Sky George of Tarma Designs.

Design – I love the size and simple stainless look.
Very durable – I have yet to lose or replace necklace cords, stainless pieces do not change over the years no matter what you put them through or how many showers, earrings have a comfortable closed clasp, great for everyday or outdoor adventures
Easily adjustable – the length of the neck cord can be changed quickly by tying a knot, pendants can easily be interchanged with different cords or chains (I change mine up often and love this feature)
Reasonably Priced – Price range allows me to give as gifts and buy for myself
Pacific Crest Trail Association Donation – $1 is donated for each purchase of PCT of jewelry

Tarma offers a big variety of lines for both men and women. They have a fun, well-organized, and informative website. Be sure to check them out.

A Few of My Favorites:
Cairn (trail marker) pendant, OM pendant and earrings, Golden Sun pendant and earrings, Leaf pendant and earrings, Spiral Pendant + Blue Bead, Spiral wristband, PCT pendant and earrings.

*Tarma is currently offering free domestic US Shipping for orders over $50 with coupon TARMAHOLIDAY

Liberty Bottles…BOMB!

“Liberty Bottleworks’ made-in-America aluminum water bottles are the perfect holiday gift for your environmentally, economically and style-conscious peeps.”
~Liberty Bottleworks

Eating healthy and organic foods I can handle, BUT what I constantly struggle with is drinking the magic 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water everyday. Believe me I try. Yes…commitments, strategies, and goals I have made. Really. I have often wondered who actually consistently accomplishes this away from home or on the trail? I have tried stainless steel water bottles, which are easier to clean and safer for daily use than my traditional Nalgene water bottle. Sadly, I found that the metal taste and feel to my lips made me actually drink less water. Not good.

One of my personal favorites is when I bought my last Nalgene bottle at Sports Chalet. The very informed cashier verbally gave me lengthy instructions on the cleaning, disinfecting, and care of my new plastic water bottle. It was overwhelming and complicated and more importantly worried me. Is drinking from this each day actually putting my health at risk? Who really knows?

A couple of weeks ago while shopping REI in Reno, Nevada, I discovered my new friend, Liberty Bottleworks metal water bottle. What attracted me first was the streamlined, VERY artistic look, and no bare metal surfaces exposed (inside and out). Luckily, the bottles were on sale (I bought 3) and a very helpful salesman offered a list of positive online reviews.

Three members of my family have been using and loving this bottle. I for one am drinking a lot more water and feel mighty special carrying it around.

Pros:
Easy to clean, keeps water cold, fits nicely in outside pocket of day packs or a soft briefcase, unique designs from a variety of artists, fancy and plain patterns available, no metal taste, opening is perfect size to drink from, offered in 2 sizes (24 and 32 ounce), ice-cube friendly (no condensation here)

Cons:
Lid takes some time to get used to (twist until it clicks)

From the Manufacturer:
*Open up and say Ahhh to BPA free water. The wide mouth threadless design makes for easy cleaning and is ice-cube friendly.
*The ONLY American made metal bottle in the marketplace.*
Recycled and Recyclable. Liberty Bottles are the ONLY bottle to be made from recycled materials.
*Deep Drawn Aluminum Construction. Less dents, greater durability, and precision construction.
*Drink Confidently. Flexible Food Grade Coatings insure no chips or flakes end up in your water. Unlike uncoated metal bottles, our coating insures no heavy metal leaching or porous surface for bacteria build up.
*Simple 1/4 turn on/off design (patent pending). No more turning and turning.
*Splash free drinking. The gradually tapered neck mimics the smooth pour of a wine bottle.
*Fight Hunger! Buy art from your local starving artist. We do! We search out local, small, and unique artists.
*Commitment to safety. Liberty Bottles exceed FDA requirements, are nontoxic and non-leaching. Independent Lab Certified to be 100% BPA FREE.

Amazon and Backcountry are now offering discounts on some sizes and designs.