and yes, my wife DID make me that beanie! Thanks for noticing!
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| Huntington Lake, CA-Sierra National Forest |
Friday, March 7, 2014
Snowshoeing....while you can in the California Snow!
Life has been busy! Haven't had a chance to write about many adventures. However, I did have the chance to get up to Huntington Lake and do some snowshoeing in the fresh powder. I hiked about 9+ miles and it is quite the work. Snowshoeing takes a good deal of energy and coordination, and for a first time user, a bit of practice is a good thing-I learned many years ago to "shuffle step" rather than lift your knees high. By doing this, you will save strength, stamina and muscle aches.
and yes, my wife DID make me that beanie! Thanks for noticing!
Mike
and yes, my wife DID make me that beanie! Thanks for noticing!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Who says they can't be in the Mountains...even in the City?
We all know those times where life gets hectic, busy and or just plain CraZY with work, family, duties, responsibilities etc...And one of my favorite ways to get over those blues is to travel to the Sierras in my backyard. Yet, what happens when I can't take that journey?
You bring it to yourself! Recently, I was able to gather some wood, rocks and materials from a friends property and take them home to create my own "wilderness" area in my back yard. I'm able to sit in an area that feels like a campground, roast smore's, build a warm campfire and hang with the family.
In addition, it has created an outstanding spot to cook with my Dutch Oven! Using the fire pit as an open area for my charcoal and oven, I've been able to cook hearty meals for the family and friends with ease.
In all, the wood, rocks and materials was only one trip in the truck. I had sketched out how I wanted it to look and it came out pretty much just how I wanted. I plan to get more materials to expand the campground around the yard. If I can't get more materials at my buddy's property, I will get a land use permit from the BLM to get wood and rocks from the Sierra Forest.
Good times.
Mike
You bring it to yourself! Recently, I was able to gather some wood, rocks and materials from a friends property and take them home to create my own "wilderness" area in my back yard. I'm able to sit in an area that feels like a campground, roast smore's, build a warm campfire and hang with the family.
 |
| Camp ArmyofMike! |
In addition, it has created an outstanding spot to cook with my Dutch Oven! Using the fire pit as an open area for my charcoal and oven, I've been able to cook hearty meals for the family and friends with ease.
 |
| Three bean chili with pork, sausage and beer |
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| Cauliflower soup-Don't knock it till you've tried it! |
In all, the wood, rocks and materials was only one trip in the truck. I had sketched out how I wanted it to look and it came out pretty much just how I wanted. I plan to get more materials to expand the campground around the yard. If I can't get more materials at my buddy's property, I will get a land use permit from the BLM to get wood and rocks from the Sierra Forest.
Good times.
Mike
Monday, January 6, 2014
Blue Canyon before "Blue Monday."
Took a weekend journey with the kiddo's and our Boxer puppy "Rufus" to Blue Canyon near Shaver Lake. The weather was perfect and the views were even better. The kids hiked and got dirty, the dog wasn't too far behind. There was a LOT of logging/timber work along the roads: Big Creek Road and Peterson Roads. Nice to see the forest getting thinned out a bit. Also, there was a good size prescribed burn off Peterson Road which made for some interesting sights and smells. We stopped along Duff Creek and Rush Creek-both were pretty low, but running.
Bretz Mill Campground and the old Bretz Mill area is beautiful. There was minimal snow for this time of year and the roads were easily maneuvered.
Can't wait to go back up again!
Mike
Bretz Mill Campground and the old Bretz Mill area is beautiful. There was minimal snow for this time of year and the roads were easily maneuvered.
Can't wait to go back up again!
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| Peterson Road near Bretz Mill SNF- January '14 |
Mike
Friday, January 3, 2014
Boots and Backpacks oh my!
I'll start with what I feel are two essentials for hiking/backpacking; what goes on your feet and your back. Your boots/shoes and your backpack need to be a carefully selected, well thought out balance of form, function, comfort and fit. Go wrong in this area and you WILL pay for it with blisters, back aches, muscle injuries, endurance, and not being able to complete the adventure you set out on! These items are where you need to put your mind and your money.
I speak from experience (sorry for the graphic picture, but I'm trying to make a point!) These two lovely blisters are my own feet. After completing an 8 mile fitness hike in under 3 hours for my Search and Rescue team a few years back, I realized I left some of myself back on the trail. I wore an old, worn, cheap pair of HiTec boots for the trip and paid dearly. Luckily for me, I have a family member in the medical field who was able to dress my wounds for over a week until I could feel comfortable walking again. I actually had to get Velcro tie shoes and cut the heels out to wear to work as slippers....NOT worth the pain! Get better boots!
Bleh, still makes me cringe with pain! OK, stop looking!
I prefer REI for boots www.rei.com. They have an outstanding assortment, knowledgeable staff, good fitment and their return policy on boots is bar none. And NO, I am not sponsored by REI! I have also seem some good to moderate quality boots at Big 5, Sports Authority and local outdoor running/shoe stores. Don't be afraid to try on multiple pairs, walk around, perform lunges, climb up clothing racks or run in the boots. They are going to travel many miles with you and need to be comfortable, supportive and fit your need-hiking, rock climbing, trail running, etc.
I am currently wearing Vasque Goretex boots with Vibram soles for hiking, SAR and even everyday use. They are light and very comfortable. Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Boots
~Here are some tips for finding your Das Boot!~
Flexibility-Stiffer boots in the ankle and tread are for backpacking with larger loads. The boots are stiffer to accommodate for the heavier weight. These boots tend to be heavier themselves though.
Hi-top v. low-top- I prefer hi-top as I have had previous ankle injuries from motorcycling and mountain biking. They offer more ankle support from rolling, twisting and scraping rocks/debris. In addition, hi-tops are a bit better for stepping in mud or water. Low-tops are good for quicker agility, ease of putting on and more ankle articulation.
Vibram soles-Vibram is a brand of sole that many boot manufacturers use. They are harder rubber, but last longer and are considered more durable. They may be a bit heavier also. A drawback of Vibram is that they can be slippery on granite, mud or rocks compared to softer rubber soles.
Rubberized toe box- This is a must in my book. I am always slamming my toes into rocks and debris and without the rubberized front toe box, I probably would have a few less toe nails and a couple upset piggies.
Goretex- Superior breathability, waterproofness and comfort. Goretex makes the boots generally good for warm/hot weather down to cold/freezing temperatures. However, in deep freeze weather, without warm, thick socks, Goretex can be cold. But it warm weather or on strenuous hikes, nothing will cause more problems than damp/wet feet. Goretex helps to wick away moisture and sweat, keeping your feet good for the long haul.
Waterproofness- Weather you plan to be in the wet/cold, or not, I believe waterproofness is a MUST for boots. What if that creek you usually cross is now a stream...having to cross it and getting your boots wet in the process, having a waterproof boot will save you a LOT of time, pain and discomfort.
Next, we'll talk backpacks. OK? Alrighty then!
Mike
I speak from experience (sorry for the graphic picture, but I'm trying to make a point!) These two lovely blisters are my own feet. After completing an 8 mile fitness hike in under 3 hours for my Search and Rescue team a few years back, I realized I left some of myself back on the trail. I wore an old, worn, cheap pair of HiTec boots for the trip and paid dearly. Luckily for me, I have a family member in the medical field who was able to dress my wounds for over a week until I could feel comfortable walking again. I actually had to get Velcro tie shoes and cut the heels out to wear to work as slippers....NOT worth the pain! Get better boots!
Bleh, still makes me cringe with pain! OK, stop looking!
I prefer REI for boots www.rei.com. They have an outstanding assortment, knowledgeable staff, good fitment and their return policy on boots is bar none. And NO, I am not sponsored by REI! I have also seem some good to moderate quality boots at Big 5, Sports Authority and local outdoor running/shoe stores. Don't be afraid to try on multiple pairs, walk around, perform lunges, climb up clothing racks or run in the boots. They are going to travel many miles with you and need to be comfortable, supportive and fit your need-hiking, rock climbing, trail running, etc.
I am currently wearing Vasque Goretex boots with Vibram soles for hiking, SAR and even everyday use. They are light and very comfortable. Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Boots
~Here are some tips for finding your Das Boot!~
Flexibility-Stiffer boots in the ankle and tread are for backpacking with larger loads. The boots are stiffer to accommodate for the heavier weight. These boots tend to be heavier themselves though.
Hi-top v. low-top- I prefer hi-top as I have had previous ankle injuries from motorcycling and mountain biking. They offer more ankle support from rolling, twisting and scraping rocks/debris. In addition, hi-tops are a bit better for stepping in mud or water. Low-tops are good for quicker agility, ease of putting on and more ankle articulation.
Vibram soles-Vibram is a brand of sole that many boot manufacturers use. They are harder rubber, but last longer and are considered more durable. They may be a bit heavier also. A drawback of Vibram is that they can be slippery on granite, mud or rocks compared to softer rubber soles.
Rubberized toe box- This is a must in my book. I am always slamming my toes into rocks and debris and without the rubberized front toe box, I probably would have a few less toe nails and a couple upset piggies.
Goretex- Superior breathability, waterproofness and comfort. Goretex makes the boots generally good for warm/hot weather down to cold/freezing temperatures. However, in deep freeze weather, without warm, thick socks, Goretex can be cold. But it warm weather or on strenuous hikes, nothing will cause more problems than damp/wet feet. Goretex helps to wick away moisture and sweat, keeping your feet good for the long haul.
Waterproofness- Weather you plan to be in the wet/cold, or not, I believe waterproofness is a MUST for boots. What if that creek you usually cross is now a stream...having to cross it and getting your boots wet in the process, having a waterproof boot will save you a LOT of time, pain and discomfort.
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| Big Creek, CA (you can see the SCE power plant penstock pipes in the top right corner) |
Next, we'll talk backpacks. OK? Alrighty then!
Mike
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Walk with me, talk with me. Let's Go!
Where to begin....It all started in Kindergarten when I couldn't sit still...so I flunked. Yes, yes, I flunked Kindergarten and had to go to pre-first, whatever that is. I will NOT be put into a box like the rest of the kids, and naptime, in Kindergarten, really? I couldn't survive.
...Ok, I won't go back that far, but I have completed my Master's Degree since then.
I am a resident of beautiful California. I have the Sierra Mountains in my backyard, the Pacific Ocean in my front yard and some farm land in between. I like the fact, I can visit either in the matter of less than 3 hours if I choose. I've always loved the outdoors and Central California affords me the opportunity as much I can manage. Some people like the taste of good cooking, sound of good music or feeling of a good sports event to set their mind free...I've always liked the smell of pine and dirt...if only they made a little air freshener with that scent I could hang from my rear view mirror....
This blog is for you, but you are just a co-pilot on my ramblings. Sorry, it's not you, it's me, I need the space. But you are welcome to join, just don't eat all my beef jerky or Vienna sausages. Get your own!
I am going to give some insight, overview and thoughts on things I like about the outdoors in my world: hiking, gear, fishing, trails, cooking (I'm getting into Dutch Oven cooking, mmmm mm) and tips I've learned through my Search and Rescue, hiking, fishing and camping experience. I won't claim to be the all encompassing outdoorsman, but I will claim to be one who loves the all encompassing outdoors! When God made the Garden of Eden, he made the outdoors...we pretty much screwed it up from there. Yet, God willing, there is much beauty in the outdoors left to enjoy. So let's go!
Mike
...Ok, I won't go back that far, but I have completed my Master's Degree since then.
I am a resident of beautiful California. I have the Sierra Mountains in my backyard, the Pacific Ocean in my front yard and some farm land in between. I like the fact, I can visit either in the matter of less than 3 hours if I choose. I've always loved the outdoors and Central California affords me the opportunity as much I can manage. Some people like the taste of good cooking, sound of good music or feeling of a good sports event to set their mind free...I've always liked the smell of pine and dirt...if only they made a little air freshener with that scent I could hang from my rear view mirror....
This blog is for you, but you are just a co-pilot on my ramblings. Sorry, it's not you, it's me, I need the space. But you are welcome to join, just don't eat all my beef jerky or Vienna sausages. Get your own!
I am going to give some insight, overview and thoughts on things I like about the outdoors in my world: hiking, gear, fishing, trails, cooking (I'm getting into Dutch Oven cooking, mmmm mm) and tips I've learned through my Search and Rescue, hiking, fishing and camping experience. I won't claim to be the all encompassing outdoorsman, but I will claim to be one who loves the all encompassing outdoors! When God made the Garden of Eden, he made the outdoors...we pretty much screwed it up from there. Yet, God willing, there is much beauty in the outdoors left to enjoy. So let's go!
 |
| Upper Twin Lake above Kaiser Pass-November 2013 |
Mike
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