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The Untold Secret – To Share or Not to Share?

In writing this post, I hope to start a thought provoking discussion for a problem that has no clear answer, but please bear with me.  With the emergence of social media advertising the locations of previously pristine natural wonders, there has been a corresponding and exponential increase in traffic in wilderness areas.  This increase in traffic has brought with it some unintended consequences.  My question is this: Should we keep some of these hidden treasures to ourselves, or should we share for all to experience?

I’m at a quandary personally.  Recently, I’ve had many hiking colleagues advise me that I keep the places I hike to myself, and share only pictures, or at most, only divulge the general locations of these areas.  On one hand, I want to share my experiences with others, so that they may too enjoy the wonders of nature. Afterall, it is not my land, but our land.  I believe that by sharing our special places, we ensure more people will enjoy the backcountry and fight to conserve it.

In a perfect world, this would seem the right choice.  But alas, we do not live in a perfect world. Some worship nature, and do their part to conserve it by leaving no trace and also defend it against those who try to destroy it.  Unfortunately, there are those people who do not respect nature, and leave their marks on the environment through not heeding to LNT principles. Trash, human waste, and destruction of nature are the aftermath of their visits into the wilderness.  Just the sheer volume of noise that can come from a single, large group can cause despair for people like me, who cherish the silence of the forest, and desire to hear the natural sounds that come from being in nature. This is also the  impact of wildlife and the land itself that we need to consider.  While the negatives are many, there are also many positives.

More people are getting outdoors.  They are becoming physically and mentally healthier, which leads to less of a burden on our medical system.  More will fight to keep our wilderness areas safe from exploitation. More will reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. More will research future technologies for a cleaner environment. More will consider the future impact of what we do today.  But some won’t, and those are the ones I worry about. Those are the ones that I want to shield my secret, less traveled spots from. It’s not about the ones who appreciate nature. It’s about the ones who don’t.  

There are a couple of personal experiences that have driven my desire to discuss this openly.  One is my annual hike to San Bernardino Peak. Before it became a popular destination with various online hiking groups, I used to see only a handful of people on the trail.  This was a place where I could go to immerse myself in the wonders of the world without a boom-box blaring, without a group of 30 people taking over the trail, without trash littering the camp. It was unspoiled, but sadly this is no longer the case. 

Another example I have is on the John Muir Trail.  The amount of feces and toilet paper on the trail is astounding.  People don’t spend the time to pack their paper out or dig a hole deep enough that their TP and excrement won’t be uncovered.  Near Muir Pass, we camped under the safety of a huge rock during a torrential downpour and thunderstorm. My hiking buddy stepped in human waste, and we later discovered several more disgusting treasures throughout the area where we had sought refuge.  It was very disheartening, and extremely unsanitary for all of us.

In my opinion, there is no reason for this wanton disregard and disrespect of nature.  Why is this happening? Is it due to nature becoming so accessible to many?  Is it the lack of education regarding proper etiquette when people visit these wonderful and magical places?

I’m all for sharing the locations I love, but I’m also adamant in ensuring that they stay pristine and beautiful.  Respecting and taking care of nature is so important. Each of us doing our part to preserve and conserve is paramount. Spreading the word of leaving the land like we found it, reducing the amount of people in a group, doing our part in protecting our environment is the answer. Will you do your part? Are we doing nature a disservice by inviting more to join us, or are we helping our generation and future generations by getting more involved in the outdoors? Are we able to continue sharing those places we hold dear, or should we just post pictures and give the locations to a discreet few? What do you do with your special places that you consider to be your paradise…The Untold Secret: To share or not to share?

Happy Trails! ~SoloYolo

 

To Solo, or not to Solo?!! That is the Question.

The question of “To solo, or not to Solo?”, has been a heated debate amongst sports, adventure, and exploration enthusiasts across the globe, and especially as it relates to the female species.  I am, by no means, an authority in this matter, but I do have a very strong opinion on this topic, being a female, an introvert, and a person who absolutely needs to escape from the craziness of society in order to recuperate and rejuvenate.  For me and many others, it’s important to experience some of life’s adventures…Alone.

After my mother introduced me to the mountains and hiking, around the age of four, I fell in love with nature. She ignited the passion within me, and I have carried this flaming torch ever since.  Ever since I can remember, adventure and the love of nature have been a part of who I am. The mountains became my escape from the stress and demands of family, career, and sheer craziness of everyday life.  There are a great many hikers who share similar sentiments.  Some people need this escape as a time to be alone, whereas there are those who prefer sharing outside experiences with others.  There are merits to both, and neither one should be discounted nor discouraged.  I have met some wonderful people with whom I’ve shared the trail! We’ve had great laughs, companionship, shared memories/experiences, and I’ve gained invaluable knowledge from them as well. I enjoy the kinship, and love meeting new people.  For me personally, I must also have my personal space, my cave time if you will, and I fulfill that need by being alone on the trail.

Why do I enjoy hiking and backpacking solo?   I have pondered this question quite deeply while “sauntering” in the backcountry.  I value my alone time and cherish being able to enjoy the nuances of nature without having to worry about entertaining, looking after, or even getting along with another individual. I can be myself, go my own pace, and be in whatever mood suits my fancy.  The only person that I have to get along with is me.  I can be my worst enemy, or I can be my best friend.  Backpacking solo has taught me a great many things about myself and what I am capable of.  It has taught me to enjoy my alone time, to trust myself, and to be confident in my abilities.  Just as there are many positive reasons to explore nature alone, there are negative ones as well…like the safety issues, long nights, and lack of companionship.  After a week of being on the trail, it’d sure be nice to have someone to share the day and chit chat a little.  Is it possible to have the best of both worlds?!!  Have the cake and the eat it too? Haha!

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There are those staunch believers who are of the firm mindset that hikers should always have a buddy with them.  I appreciate their concerns, and do understand the reasoning behind their opinions, and here’s why: the dangers of being alone in the wilderness are both great and numerous.  They should not be minimized or dismissed.  It is important to understand what “could” happen and take measures to reduce the risk or peril that might occur.  Many people feel that individuals, especially females, shouldn’t engage in outside activities alone, because there would be no one to help in case of need, or in the event of an accident.  I have always espoused the belief that if a person is well-prepared, experienced, and has a means of communicating with others while in the wilderness, the benefits outweigh the dangers.  In my experience, it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female out in nature, accidents happen,  and they happen very quickly.  It’s the level of competency, awareness, and planning that is vitally important.  This fact really hit home a couple of weeks ago, when I was one of the first responders to a winter hiking accident (see blog post “A Learning Experience on San Bernardino Peak”), which made me reevaluate my views on adventuring alone anytime I feel the urge.

After this near tragic event, I have amended my die-hard solitary viewpoint.  I am now of the mindset that if there is a high degree of danger associated with a certain activity, and having a buddy along significantly increases the chance of survival or decreases the likelihood of an accident, then it is important to bring someone with you.  Winter mountaineering is one of those activities where I will routinely seek a buddy to go with me, instead of venturing out alone.  Some other examples of when to bring someone with you might be during a large snowpack year, when the snowfield and river crossings might be treacherous, on dangerous trails, or in unfamiliar countries where the customs/laws/etc. are new or unknown.  Most sports (climbing, skiing, river kayaking, etc.), have situations where a companion is necessary.  A couple of simple, but good questions, to always ask yourself are: “How much risk/danger is in this activity?” and “Would I reduce this risk/danger by having someone else along?”.  Thoughts to ponder before embarking on an adventure through nature…

Don’t get me wrong, I will never give up my alone time in the wilderness, but I will be more cognizant of when it is necessary for a buddy to accompany me on an adventure, and so should you.  If you love to be alone, and you trust your abilities and experience in the wilderness, then I fully recommend enjoying the beautiful backcountry by yourself.  Memorable experiences are created every step of the way! However, being mindful of what “could” happen is all a part of the planning and preparation process. In addition, taking navigation, wilderness first aid, survival, and/or a winter mountaineering courses will increase your knowledge and skill set, and enable you to be more prepared if something were to happen.  Above all, knowing when to enjoy your alone time, and when to share your enjoyment with another person is key. Live to hike another day!

Happy Trails! ~SoloYolo

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A Learning Experience on San Bernardino Peak (10,649’/4650′ elev gain/16 mi)

What started as a beautiful weekend of hiking and climbing, almost turned into a deadly event.  I am being a little over-dramatic, but with good reason as you will soon see.

San Bernardino Peak is a yearly trek which I take to complete the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge for SoCal Hikers, and to get into shape for my summer excursions.  I was a little hesitant to go this time of year because I wasn’t sure what the trail conditions were like near the summit.  I had put some “feelers” out in various Facebook groups, did my research as best I could, and decided to go ahead and go.  I told myself that if the conditions were too dangerous or the snow too arduous to hike through (endless post-holing), I would suck up my pride, submit to Mother Nature and turn around.

I knew a woman from Facebook,  hiking the mountain on the same day as I was.  We actually arrived at the trailhead the same time, around 8:30am on Saturday, March 24th.  Great timing, and so I was able to meet her at the trailhead. I do enjoy my alone time, so I opted not to hike with her group of 10, but knew I’d see them at Limber Pines Bench Camp, and could chat with them then.

It was a cool brisk morning, and not as much snow as I expected to encounter at the lower elevations.  The endless switchbacks, until Manzanita Flats, had me ripping off my layers, chugging down the water, and sucking up the air around me.  At around 8,000 ft, the trail turned to hard pack snow and continued as such until about 100 feet below Limber Pines Bench, where it turned to windswept ice from the freeze/thaw conditions and high winds.  I did not put on my crampons, but dug my boots deep into the snow with every step near camp.  I would later reflect back upon this decision, and how foolhardy it was not to stop, just take a brief moment, and put on my crampons.

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I made it into Limber around 12:30 pm and proceeded to set up camp and wrestle with erecting my four-season tent. It’s an awesome tent, but a pain to set up.  The winds started to increase and the fog soon moved in.  At this saddle, the winds and weather can be quite ferocious because it’s so exposed.  We were expecting 45+ mph winds, single digit windchill temps, and 10% chance of moderate snow.  A couple of hikers asked me if I wanted to climb with them to the summit that afternoon, but I declined because of the winds and incoming clouds.  I hoped that the following day would be a better day to summit.  I battened down the hatches and took a light nap.  Right before sunset, I got ready for a long night in the tent, and snapped a couple of pictures of the sunset.  It was a long and chilly night, but alas…Daybreak came soon enough.

I still wasn’t sure I wanted to head up to the summit, but I spoke to the trio who summited the day before, and they said the conditions were good for climbing with crampons.  Three hikers ended up joining me from the group.  Hindsight, I was very thankful to have the company.  We left camp at around 8am, and made our way straight up the main chute. The crampons dug in well in most spots, and the other harder areas, you had to really make a concerted effort to dig in to gain purchase.  The main chute wasn’t overly steep, just a constant ascent.  We decided to take a smaller chute to the left for a direct path to the summit.  This chute was steeper and the ice was harder because it was a little more exposed to wind.  The weather was beautiful: sunny, light wind, and warm on the ascent.  We soon made it to the summit, snapped a couple of pics, congratulated each other, and headed back down before our finger tips fell off from frostbite.  Okay, I’m exaggerating again. =) It was damn nippy!

On the way down, I was chatting happily with my partner when I tripped over my other crampon, and immediately starting sliding down the main chute.  I didn’t slide far before I flipped over and self-arrested.  It was a little disconcerting, but good practice. Murphy’s law is always present in my life, as I was just talking about self-arresting techniques with my buddy previous to my slide. Haha! We made it back to camp, taking about 3 hrs round trip. I took off my crampons and began to pack up for the descent back down to the trailhead.

As I was deciding what I wanted to pack up first, two young women approached me and asked if I was leaving.  I thought it an odd question, and was wondering if they wanted my camp spot, but they did not have overnight gear.  The duo then told me that another woman, who they were talking to on the trail, had shifted her weight, and subsequently, slid several hundred feet down the steep icy slope. She (Michelle) stated that the woman was most likely in serious condition, because she had hit a few obstacles on the way down.  They could not attempt to rescue her because, like the victim, they only had micro spikes on.  I immediately requested that my two hiking buddies join me to help (power in numbers/knowledge/experience), put on my crampons, and assembled some of my measly first aid equipment.

I then hiked down to where the main trail makes it’s last ascent into Limber, approximately 100 feet downslope.  I could not see the victim, nor could I hear her from this vantage point. The two women, Michelle and Chelse, pointed to where the victim (Rachel) had stopped.  I hiked up the steep icy slope and found that she had come to rest behind a tree.

This woman had fallen more than 500 feet, hit a tree and a few rocks along the way down.  She flew over a natural rock ramp and head first into a tree, which finally broke her fall (slide).   She was in shock, but coherent, and was able to answer my questions with a some difficulty.  The victim had multiple injuries, including a two-inch gash in her head, a broken wrist, and was bleeding pretty badly from her elbow, along with other unknown injuries. Rachel, the victim, was also complaining of back pain, but thankfully, could move her extremities.  Michelle, miraculously a trauma nurse, was assisted up to the location by my hiking buddy, Julian.  As first responders, we administered first aid, cleaned her up, and Chelse called SAR from the trail below.

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The immediacy of the Search and Rescue Team is to be commended.  They, along with a sheriff’s helicopter, were at the accident site within the hour.  I was very impressed with not only the response, but also the professionalism and expertise of the SAR Team.  They airlifted the victim and took her to a nearby hospital.  She had remained conscious the entire time, stated that she was afraid, but was calm even though she was in excruciating pain.  We had called her boyfriend and told him where she’d be.  We knew Rachel was in good hands when we last saw her being drawn into the helicopter.

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The first responders were grateful to one another for helping a fellow human being, and remaining calm throughout the entire ordeal.  We helped save a life that day.  It’s what we do for each other.  Rachel could not be seen or heard from the main trail.  She was traveling alone, and had limited cell reception.  There was no way, without assistance, that she could’ve made the climb down to the main trail. It was forecasted for one degree windchill temps that night.  She had a cotton sweatshirt on, and most certainly could’ve died of exposure if SAR or others hadn’t come to her rescue. Although she was in serious condition, she was extremely blessed that day.

This was a learning experience for everyone involved, and could’ve happened to any of us, even with experience and proper gear. However, the chances of getting hurt are greatly increased from not having the right gear that fit the conditions, and not knowing how to use them.  The victim had micro spikes on a steep slope, and poles with rubber attachments still on the ends.  Micro spikes are ineffective on icy steep slopes.  The victim, as she was falling, was not able to self arrest.  She hit head first into a tree. Helmet, ice axe, and crampons were mandatory with the steepness and icy conditions of the terrain.

In reflecting upon this almost tragic incident, I came to the realization that gear, experience, and having buddies when winter mountaineering is vitally important, and could make the difference between life and death.  Personally, I did not bring my helmet.  My excuse: in order to reduce the weight I had to carry…Bad mistake #1.  I went solo…Bad mistake #2.  I had my InReach with me, but failed to leave an exact itinerary with my family.  They erroneously thought I was on San Gorgonio…Bad mistake #3. Although, I value my alone time on the trail, and will never give that up, I will make a concerted effort to have fellow hikers join me on my winter excursions from this point forward.

It is my hope that by telling this story that others will see through my eyes, and think twice about what is needed in the wilderness, and especially during the winter season.  Preparation, knowing your limits/comfort zone, and experience will enable you to hike yet another day.

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I would like to extend a very special thank you and my utmost gratitude to the victim (for being a strong and calm woman), Michelle (heaven sent nurse), Chelse (her friend who directed SAR to our location, Julian and Kirk (my hiking buddies), The Mountain Humpers (helping to flag down the air vac), and most of all the SAR Team (San Bernardino Sheriff’s Dept, Sheriff’s Air Rescue (AR306))  who risked their lives to save a fellow hiker! Everyone was amazing, and helped this accident come, not to a tragic ending, but a positive one. ❤

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Happy Trails and Stay Safe! ~SoloYolo

Big Pine Lakes via North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail (10.5 mi/10,059′ elev/3000′ elev gain)

Put Big Pines Lakes on your “Must Hike List”!!! My usual hiking area is from the Mammoth northward, so this trail really surprised me with it’s grand scenery, gently flowing creek, and pristine alpine lakes. Similar to many trails in the Sierra, this is definitely one that shouldn’t be missed.

 

 

This well-maintained trail is located in Inyo National Forest and resides mostly within the John Muir Wilderness.  It begins right before the Glacier Lodge on Glacier Lodge Road. There is a parking area with restrooms near the trailhead.  A National Forest Adventure Pass is required.  You pass through a gate where there are cabins on the right.  You’ll follow along the bank of Big Pine Creek, and will quickly come upon the main North Fork Trail, which starts with a couple of switchbacks to the right.  In less than a half mile, you’ll come to an old road bed.  Turn right and cross a bridge, then take the trail to the left.  It is level through the valley, but soon starts to become steeper with several switchbacks. 

 

 

The trail follows along the Big Pine Creek, with a couple of small waterfalls, and ridgelines on both sides.  In two quick miles, Lon Chaney’s log cabin comes into view.  It was built in the perfect spot, along side the creek, with a spectacular view of the mountainscape in the backside of the cabin.

“Lon Chaney, best known for his acting, was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.  In 1929 Chaney commissioned Paul Williams to design and build a stone cabin for him in the eastern Sierra Nevada.  The cabin still stands today, however, it is now owned and preserved by the Inyo National Forest Service.” (http://www.thecreakofboots.com/2010/12/lon-chaneys-stone-cabin.html)

 

 

The trail to Second Lake maintains its gradual incline.  It’s a strenuous climb, but never gets overly steep, so when you’ve reached Second Lake, 3000 feet of gain doesn’t seem too terribly arduous.  The entire trail experience is quite pleasurable.

 

 

 

Within a couple of miles, First Lake come into view.  It was frozen over when I visited so I didn’t get to see the emerald blue of the water, but the pictures I’ve seen of the lake are beautiful, especially with Mt. Alice and several other peaks surrounding it.  Second Lake is a mere 1/2 mile north of the first.  The views of Temple Crag and the lake were breathtaking!  When I visited, the lake was partially frozen, but the color was still spectacular.  Glacial silt makes this lake a shimmering turquoise color.

“Glacial silt, or rock (glacial) flour is caused by a the mechanical grinding of bedrock caused by glacial erosion. When the sediments enter a river, they turn the river’s colour grey, light brown, iridescent blue-green, or milky white. If the river flows into a glacial lake, the lake may appear turquoise in colour as a result. When flows of the flour are extensive, a distinct layer of a different colour flows into the lake and begins to dissipate and settle as the flow extends from the increase in water flow from the glacier during snow melts and heavy rain periods.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_flour)
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Second Lake, 10,059′

It was very hard to turn around and not hike the full loop. Unfortunately, I started this trail quite late, so the sun was setting by the time I made it to Second Lake, therefore I was limited to the 10 miles out and back.  The total Big Pine Creek Trail loop is 13 miles, with 1000′ more of elevation gain.  The trail goes by seven lakes, including Black Lake.  I will definitely be doing the loop later this year.  In addition to this loop, there is a 19 mile trail that leads to the Palisade Glacier, a perfect overnighter, with a total of 5000′ elevation gain.

 

 

 

Thankfully, I did turn around, because I arrived back to the trailhead well after dark.  Oh well, there was a bottle of “Happy Camper” Chardonnay waiting for me. =) I had such a fantastic day on the North Fork Big Pines Trail and can’t wait to go back and do some more exploring!  You surely won’t be disappointed making this trail one of your hiking destinations!!!

Happy Trails! ~SoloYolo

Canada or Bust! (Jasper National Park)

Continuing our trip in Canada, we traveled from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, along the Icefields Parkway, (Hwy 93).  Before embarking on this grand tour, I did a lot of research and made camping reservations for along the way.  Although I did pretty well in my planning, I was not prepared at the sheer distance between the parks.  It took about 4 hours to drive into Jasper, which looked like a mere hop, skip, and jump on the map.  We did not mind at all, however, because the drive was absolutely stunning and such a voyeur’s rush!  Along the route to Jasper, I viewed sharp granite peaks, endless valleys, huge glaciers, emerald blue lakes, swollen rushing rivers, beautiful lush green forests, and amazing forest animals, like bears, mountain sheep, and Canada geese.  I was as giddy as a young child going to Disneyland for the first time.  My eyes were in stimulation overload at the spectacular scenery of the Icefields Parkway.

The campground that we stayed was Whistlers Campground.  This was a wonderful campground! The sites were large and somewhat secluded.  It was a very foresty and quiet campground.  There were little hobbit trails throughout the camp to take easy and enjoyable strolls through.  The amenities were excellent (wash rooms, hot showers, playground, firewood for sale, interpretive walks, etc.). The best experience at this campground was the huge herd of elk that came to visit as the sun was setting…Absolutely awesome!!!

The town of Jasper is quite quaint, but teeming with people…Not as many as Banff, so it was very tolerable.  I must say that the Canadian people are very welcoming and truly appreciate the tourists.  I visited the Jasper Park Information Centre to ask questions about transportation to and from the Skyline Trail, because my son and I were going to backpack the 30 mile trail in a few days.  The ranger was very informative and answered all my questions thoroughly.  A couple of noteworthy restaurants were: Jasper Brewing Company, Bright Spot Family Restaurant, and Bear’s Paw Bakery.  I did not eat out much because I had an RV to cook my meals in, so these are definitely not an exhaustive list, but ones that I found very delicious!

We spent a couple of days exploring Jasper National Park.  We visited Athbasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and Jasper Lake.  The falls were spectacular, with the stunning mountain backdrops, and the deep gorges forged by glaciers and the glacial river.  I was blown away by the sheer power of the rushing water!  The bridges and walkways were a little more extensive at Athbasca Falls, but both areas provided beautiful views of the forces of nature.

Jasper Lake was remarkable as well.  It is actually part of the Athbasca River.  We walked quite aways out and were only knee-high deep in the water.  Jasper Lake Sand Dunes is the only sand dune ecosystem found in the Canadian Rockies.  The dunes were formed during the last ice age, and have been reshaped by water and wind ever since.  The dunes provided a stark contrast to the Canadian Rockies, which surrounded them.  The lake acts like a sieve for the silt and sand that come off the dunes.  I guess that’s the reason it’s such a shallow lake.

Two other lakes we visited were Medicine and Maligne Lakes, along the scenic Maligne Lake Road.  Medicine Lake is a geologic anomaly, because it isn’t really a lake, but a huge drainage basin for the surrounding peaks and glaciers.  It is actually part of Maligne River, which flows from Maligne Lake into the Athabasca River.  During the summer months, the “lake” fills with meltwater runoff, but slowly drains into aquifers, becoming a river with small pools.  The underground water system is one of the most extensive in the world.  Medicine lake is a gorgeous “lake” with quite a story behind it.

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Medicine Lake

 

Maligne Lake is a resort and photographers paradise!  It is famous for the color of its water, the surrounding glaciated peaks, and Spirit Island.  It is coined as the largest glacial fed lake. Wildlife is abundant around the lake (bears, caribou, wolves, moose, mountain sheep, eagles, osprey, Canada geese, etc.). There are plenty of activities and services offered at the lake.  Shuttle buses are available from Jasper, and boat tours are also available that run to Spirit Island from spring to autumn.  There are boat and kayak rentals, as well as a gift shop and restaurant at the lake. There are two campgrounds available near the lake, Coronet Creek and Fishermen’s Bay Campgrounds. It would be very easy to spend a week at this lake just hiking, fishing, and boating.  Maligne Lake was one of my favorites in Jasper NP.  It’s another must visit attraction in Canada!

I could definitely live in Jasper…My kind of national park, quaint town, and mountainous topography.  The town and park have so much to offer, from spectacular scenery to activities that challenge anyone’s sense of adventure! We spent a week here, but I could spend a lifetime!!!  Canada please take me away! ❤   Happy Trails! ~Solo Yolo

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Canada geese at Maligne Lake

To Do Canada

Jasper National Park (Plan your Visit)

Backcountry Camping Reservations

Athabasca Falls

Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Accomodations

Maligne Lake (Attractions/Sightseeing)

Maligne Lake (Campgrounds/Hiking)

Medicine Lake

 

Canada or Bust! (Banff National Park)

I crossed over the border from Washington into British Columbia.  The Canadian border guards were very amiable and hospitable, more than I can say for the U.S. Border Patrol.  As I made my way east on the Trans Canada Highway, the scenery became more and more breathtaking.  The glaciated peaks of the Canadian Rockies should truly be one of the wonders of the world!  They are just amazingly beautiful.  No superlatives can do them justice! Needless to say, the long drive to Banff was extremely pleasurable and enjoyable.

I had planned to stay for the week at the Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Campground in Banff, Alberta, Canada, and meet my family there to do the tourist activities and get some day hikes in with them before heading to Jasper National Park to hike the Skyline Trail.  The campground was very clean and well-kept.  It was a beautiful campground.  The employees were very nice as were the other campers.  It was in close proximity to Banff and the main roads to other tourist attractions.  We had a very enjoyable experience there.  After we had left, some habitualized wolves threatened the campers in that area, and everyone had to be evacuated and moved to other camps, until the situation could be taken care of.  Scary experience for them, I’m sure.  I’m thankful we were in Jasper at the time.

The town of Banff was beautiful and quaint.  It was exactly how you envision an upscale small mountain town to be.  Way too many people for my taste, but a wonderful experience anyway.  Banff Brewery is definitely a must do, great beer and scrumptious poutine (gravy and cheese covered fries).  The Canadian food was very good, but for some reason they don’t cook Mexican food well, not surprising, but much to my dismay as it is one of my staple foods!

One of our first day hikes was to Bourgeau Lake, Banff National Park.  It was a wonderful short hike with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain summits.  It had a constant incline to the lake with the last 1/4 miles being quite steep and arduous.  No pain, no gain, right?!! On the route to the lake, there’s an refreshingly beautiful waterfall.  The trail is very well maintained.  Bourgeau Lake itself is a small, pristine sub-alpine like surrounded by stunning mountainous peaks.  From Bourgeau Lake, you can hike to “the notch” and see even more spectacular and sweeping vistas from Harvey Pass.  We opted to end our hike at the lake.  On our way down, we encountered a thunderstorm with loud thunder, crackling lightning, and pouring rain.  The sky opened up and it began hailing the size of jelly beans.  It was such an awesome sight, sound, and experience!  The trails became rivers…What a rush!

Another day, we took a bus and visited Lake Louise, Banff NP.  Lake Louise is one of the prettiest lakes I’ve ever seen.  The color of the water was a crystal blue and the mountains surrounding the lake were just as glorious.  We didn’t get a chance to have a drink and see the inside of the Fairmont Chateau, but it looked like a very luxurious hotel.  I don’t generally enjoy tourists attractions, and this was no exception.  It was very difficult to get even a picture of the lake without someone in the way, mass humanity.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t wait to leave, however for the scenery, it is certainly a must see location!

A fun side excursion we took was a whitewater rafting trip down the Kicking Horse River near the town of Golden.  We chose Hydra River Guides for this fun adventure…The trip was Class 1-3 rapids, but it was a blast nonetheless!  The rafting company was very well organized and safety was of prime concern.  The guides served a delicious hamburger and hot dog lunch after the rafting trip.  We thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and would definitely do it again, but with more dangerous rapids! WhooHoo!

Another awesome day hike we did was to Bow Glacier Falls, Banff NP. The hike commenced at Bow Lake (Num-Ti-Jah Lodge) along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Every step of the way was amazingly picturesque! You hike through diverse terrain, along a river, steep canyons, and surrounding glacial mountains, to the waterfalls emerging from the Bow Glacier.  From there, you are able to summit some of the peaks to provide even more dramatic and remarkable views.  It was a magnificent hike!

One last noteworthy place that we visited was the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier.  Again, a very touristy attraction and teeming with visitors, but a definite must do.  I am just constantly reminded at the awesome powers of nature, and this glacier just reemphazied that fact.  It is on the edge of Banff and Jasper National Parks.  There are several activities available here: Columbia Icefield Interpretive Center, bus tours, and icewalks on the glacier itself.  It is one of the most visited glaciers of the 100 glaciers in the national park.  I was amazed at all the cairns people made at the edge of the glacier…People are interesting to say the least! Haha! Overall, it was sure an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

The week that we spent in Banff National Park was nothing short of a trip of a lifetime.  I truly fell in love with Canada, especially the Canadian Rockies.  I will most certainly make several trips back to visit friends, ski, sight see, and most of all to hike.  If you’ve ever have the opportunity to visit Canada, make sure it’s one of your must-do bucket trips! You’ll never be the same once you visit the majesty of the Canadian Rockies!

Happy Trails! ~Solo Yolo

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Bow Lake, Banff NP

Canadian National Parks Info/Wilderness Passes

Canadian Rockies Info

Camping in Canadian Rockies/Banff

Banff National Park Info

Top Hikes to do in Banff

3-Day Winter Mountaineering Course in the Sierra (Twin Lakes, Bridgeport, CA)

I’ve been winter snowshoeing and camping on many occasions, but this was the first time in eXtreme conditions.  The Sierra Mountains are as stunning and spectacular as they are relentless and unforgiving.  We are but mere specs in its vastness and power…As it very well should be.  

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Twin Lakes/Mono Village (Bridgeport, CA)

I had been looking forward to this trip for several months.  I conducted a winter equipment research, bought high quality gear, and tested it out in my local mountains.  Now, consequently, I’m in the poor house, and must sell my first born! 😉 It’s amazing how expensive gortex and waterproof gear are! Wow! Plus, of course, I purchased many items at the height of the season.  My lot in life! Haha!  Finally the weekend came.  I was a little nervous at the prospect of climbing, as I am a hiker, not a mountain climber, but I thought that this was a perfect time to fine tune my winter backpacking skills, as well as to broaden my horizons, and maybe, just maybe, find a new hobby.  You know what that means…More gear!!!  

I drove to Bridgeport, rather early the day before the trip, because I wanted to make it to my destination prior the snow storm and before Hwy 395 could close down.  I reserved a quaint cabin room at Virginia Lakes Settlement.  Virginia Lakes Settlement Motel is quite the find, and a precious little gem!  It has it’s own restaurant, motel rooms, and small cabins along side a small gently flowing creek.  It is only a couple miles from Bridgeport and half the cost of the lodging in town.  

I ate a wonderful meal in the restaurant, then hit the sack early so that I could be well-rested for my adventure.  Unfortunately, I had difficulty sleeping that night because I was so damn excited! I woke up to repack my backpack at 2am.  I know, crazy! I tried to figure out items that I didn’t need in order to make my pack lighter.  I am always amazed at how heavy winter backpacking is!  My backpack had to weigh between 50-55 lbs after I took out a few things. That’s it!  I am going to build a sled for next year’s winter excursions!

Finally, the morning came and I actually made it to the meeting place (Ruby Inn) on time! WhooHoo! Things were falling into place.  I met the two mountain guides (Joe/Ross) and the other clients.  The guides handed out gear and also checked to make sure we had what we needed for winter mountaineering.  After about two hours, we caravanned to Twin Lakes/Mono Village to embark upon our journey.

The first part was a meadow, very flat and extremely easy.  I said to myself…Oh, this is going to be a “cake walk”! Hahahaha…Not! We quickly crossed a log bridge, tested our beacons, and then it was up, Up, UP!  Switchback after switchback, up the ridge, we went. Tirelessly, we pushed.  Along the way,  we were like the hobbits with first, second, and third lunches.  A glorified, 10 minute stop here and there to drink, eat, and rearrange gear.  The guides were slave drivers! Hahaha! I can honestly say that all of us were working hard and huffing and puffing, even the guides!  One of my fellow hikers said that he went from a kid to an old man on the course of the trek to our camp.  I thought he meant that he was giddy at beginning, but he meant that he complained like a kid would, which was then transformed to that of the complaints of an old man! He provided me a great description of how he felt and many others, including me a “tad bit” at times! Haha! After several hours of postholing, slipping, sliding, digging in deep with every step in our snowshoes…We finally made it to camp! WhooHoo! I was so excited that I brought out my Rumchata in celebration.  The tribe was a little reluctant to try my milky goodness…But hey, all the more for me right?!!

We each picked out a spot for our tents and erected them.  Mine took quite sometime because of all the tie downs, which would become a problem on the last day.  I chose what I thought was a perfect spot, but hindsight…It was not the best.  Now, I know to pay closer attention to wind direction and choose a spot that doesn’t have a slope and is better protected by trees.  It’s all about the learning experience, right? After setting up our tent, bedding and living area, we dug out a kitchen and privy for our use for the rest of the trip.  The storm blew in by this time, so we spent dinner and the rest of the evening trying to keep warm.  Dinner (vegetarian mac-n-cheese) was good, but cold because of the outside temps.  Needless to say, we hit the hay early, plus we were going to get up a 3:30am, if the weather cooperated in order to climb Matterhorn Peak (12,267′).  Evening was uneventful, and as always, I tossed and turned.  I had never had a tent buddy who I didn’t know before, but he (Alex) ended up being a wonderful companion.  He never moved an inch at night, nor did he snore! Plus, we engaged in some damn good conversation.  He was perfect!  The wind howled all night and a fair amount of snow fell.  I had the feeling that we were not going to be able to summit the next day. Ahhhhh, the sweet feeling of being able to sleep in!  Priceless!!!

Because of the weather and avalanche danger, we were able to sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast. After breakfast, we put on our snowshoes, with ice axes and shovels in hand. The guides lectured us about avalanche awareness, finding a buried beacon, and the importance of getting to a victim within 15 min. if possible.  We also learned how to self-arrest and build snow shelters (snow trench and snow cave).  It was a very productive day and I learned a wealth of knowledge about backcountry winter camping/hiking.  The day was cut short because the brunt of the storm moved in.  We climbed in our tents at around 4pm. The guides delivered our dinner to the tents.  The dinner was absolutely delicious (salmon/sun dried tomatoes/walnut/parmesan cheese pasta).  The meal was hot and succulent.  Hands down, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in the backcountry.

That night, the winds were hellacious and the drifting snow sounded like waves crashing against the tent.  A couple times the wind became so severe that I thought I was going to become Dorothy and find myself in the land of OZ.  Again, it was a restless evening.  At 7am, the guides came through and told us that we needed to tear down camp quickly because the storm was not letting up and blizzard conditions were forming.  Over 100 mph winds were recorded on some of the Sierra peaks later that day!  I had to dig myself out of the tent because of the snow drifts and new fallen snow.  Because of the location I picked, as well at how deep we dug the stakes, it was very difficult to retrieve them.  We had to dig quite deep to get them out.  I learned to pick a spot that is a little more sheltered and not to bury the stakes quite so deep.  I had to ask others for help to get the tent torn down, because everyone was standing around waiting  for us.  It was a pretty stressful moment with the wind, snow, and time constraints.  Because of trying to get to lower elevation quickly, we did not make breakfast, and worse yet…No COFFEE! Ugggghhhh, this woman does not do well un-caffeinated.  But alas, I did survive.

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Stormy Sierra Sunset

We left camp and encountered white out blizzard conditions, until we hiked to a lower elevation.  It was a very hard snowshoe trip out because of the deep powder.  We were slipping along the side slope and sinking in…Even the guides were having a tough time.  The lead guide mentioned that he loves guiding people, but that he never would have gone mountaineering on a day like this.  Unfortunately when you make advance reservations, you have no idea what kind of weather you will encounter.  I was unable to capture photos of the blizzard because of technical difficulties (batteries) and time constraints, but it was definitely “Nature’s Fury” out there!  I’m glad that I picked a wild weather weekend…It gave me the skills and confidence to be able to handle severe weather in the future.  Weather can change in a moment and it’s always beneficial and necessary to be prepared.

By the time we got out of the weather and into the trees, we were soaked inside out.  All of us were thankful when the cars and civilization came into view.  Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, the trip was exciting and the knowledge I gained will aid me in my future endeavors.  All of the people on the trip were wonderful and very helpful!  What a awesome experience it was!  I’d do it again in a heartbeat.  My only complaint was that I wasn’t able to learn any climbing or crampon techniques…I guess that leaves something to learn and experience for next time!

Happy Trails! ~Solo Yolo

Guiding Company Critique:  The Intro Mountaineering Course I took was through International/California Alpine Guides.  Overall, the rating I give them is 6/10.  The paperwork, prior to the trip, was streamlined and flawless.  The company and the lead guide called me a week before the trip to touch base and answer any questions I had.  The guides were very personable, and  knowledgable about avi training and winter survival.  I am confident that they would have been adept at teaching me climbing techniques as well. Some of the negatives were that the guides (company) weren’t as well prepared as I would’ve wanted (forgotten items and gear not tested before the next trip) and the equipment, which other clients borrowed, was quite old and in need of repair.  I had all my own gear, so this was not an issue for me.  Some of the items forgotten were: climbing rope, batteries for headlamp, tent vestibule poles, shovel, ice axe, coffee filters, etc.)  Granted, many of the clients requested a lot of gear, but a thorough check by the hired guide company of the equipment and supplies should be of paramount importance.  Other clients I have spoken to say nothing, but good things about this company.  This might have been a rare occurrence, but one that left me a little dissatisfied. There are many guiding companies in the area, which I will list below.  This is not an exhaustive list, but one to start from.  Do your research and choose one that fits your needs and whom you feel comfortable with.

International Alpine Guides

Invaluable Resource: Ned Tibbits, Director at Mountain Education, Inc. is extremely knowledgable of the area and wilderness safety and skills.  His company is based out of South Lake Tahoe and provides clinics in the Sierra as well as WA.  His focus is long haul hiking and being able to be successful in the backcountry for periods of longer than 30 days.  He comes highly recommended and a must for people wanting to thru-hike.  I am planning to take a course through his company, even though my longest planned hike will be the JMT.  I follow him on FB, and he is an invaluable resource.

Mountain Education, inc.

Trip information:

Lodging: Virginia Creek Settlement

Directions: Bridgeport to Mono Village

Mono County Tourism: Horse Creek Trail

Great Eats: Rhino Bar and Grille

Other Local Alpine Guides:

Sierra Mountain Guides

Sierra Mountaineering International

Alpine Skills International

SWS Mountain Guides

Three Sisters Loop, OR (50 mi/4 days/7000′ elev gain)

The Three Sisters Loop is a very unique backpacking trip, extremely different from what I’ve ever done.  For most of the 50 mile trek, I hiked around pristine volcanic terrain of the North, Middle, and South Sisters.  It was so amazing to see a hardened lava flow that looked like a river, a plethora of lava tubes, and glorious mountainous volcanoes.  This scenic loop has quite diverse terrain: gorgeous rivers, emerald lakes, splendid water falls, beautiful colorful wild flower-filled meadows, stunning jagged rock formations, thousands of years old volcanoes.  I was told by the ranger station that this is a must do trip in Oregon…It definitely did not disappoint! I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

 

My trip began at Lava Camp Lake Trailhead.  There are several entry points to this loop, depending on where you want to start.  You can go clockwise or counter clockwise.  I opted for the former.  Although, I hitched a ride to the trailhead, be sure to arrive early to get a good spot to park your car for the next few days. This loop can be done between three to six days, depending upon the side trips you want to do. Climbing one of the Sisters is an awesome side trip and one that I would highly recommend.  The entire trail was up and down, but never too arduous.  The trail has an incline right off the bat, but rewards you with two beautiful lakes (North and South Matthieu Lakes) within three miles of the trailhead.  In a couple more miles, I reached Scott’s Pass, overlooking  Mathieu Lakes, with spectacular views of Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Washington. Be aware that there is a burned section where no camping is allowed (Pole Creek Burn Area), so the first day will be close to 16 miles, unless you camp at Camp Lake (double check with the rangers), to break up the mileage.

 

I felt very strong at the beginning of the first day, but was quite exhausted after having to go several miles further than I had planned.  You know when you get your heart set on a destination and it ends up being like a false summit? Well, that’s how I felt when I arrived at where I thought I could camp, only to read a sign that camping wasn’t allowed until I was out of the Pole Creek burned area boundary.  This added several more miles to my trip that day.  By the time I reached a small unnamed lake (off the Green Lakes Trail), where I could camp, I was dragging and in not such a good mood.  Needless to say,  I was extremely thankful for my adult beverage, of which I imbibed quite happily!

 

Overall, I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the hike my first day.  The only part that was a real bummer was the burned section.  Although disheartening to see so much land charred, it was eerily beautiful with the stark contrasts of blackened trees and the white ash covered ground.  I felt as if I was in an Ansel Adams monochrome portrait.  Much of this area was absent of life, with the exception of green seedling starting to grow and a few small rodents and birds flittering about.  At first, I welcomed the views, but after miles and miles and miles of this section, it grew quite old and tiresome.  If I were to do this again, I would skip this area all together, and start at Pole Creek Trailhead instead.  Live and learn, I guess.  I should’ve done a little more homework on the trail conditions.  I had no idea there was even a burned section.  I was told by a ranger that the fire began with a small campfire and quickly spread for miles and miles…At one point the town of Sisters was threatened.  This is a prime example of someone being careless and ignorant of proper fire safety.

 

Water was quite plentiful along the whole trip, other than for a few miles in the burned section.  Still, planning and carrying enough water is important.  I finally made it to the unnamed lake shortly before dusk.  It was a very quaint little lake, with several overused, but flat campsites.  There are quite a few blood thirsty and vicious mosquitoes, so be sure to bring your repellant and a head net, or you’ll become a meal for many of those little buggers!

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Unnamed lake off of Green Lake Trail

It was a wonderful calm windless night.  Well rested, I woke up the next morning and set out pretty early. Today’s trip provided me with grand views of the all of the Sisters, as well as Broken Top.  I also went through two glorious and expansive meadows called Red and Park Meadows!  Wild flowers were abundant and the views absolutely gorgeous.  I would recommend taking side trip (or camping) at Golden Lake to take in the sights even more.  Also, that would allow you time to bag the one of the volcanic peaks nearby.  I opted to forge on and make it to my next camping destination.  I passed by Green Lakes, and as the name symbolizes, the water of the three small lakes was very green and beautiful.  This area had very few trees, but was surrounded by rolling hills and mountainous peaks.  There was a stunning rushing creek that you hike along for a couple of miles called Fall Creek.  It is adjacent to Newberry Lava Flow.  This lava flow gave me an amazing feeling of living during the stone age in a world of fire and ice.  The trail is a gentle decline until you reach the Green Lake junction, then the trail turns into steep arduous switchbacks for a couple of miles until Moraine Lake.  I again set up camp, but decided to “cowgirl camp”, because the weather was beautiful and sunny.  I didn’t realize that a storm was headed my way! Uh-Oh! I heard the thunder roaring and bouncing off the peaks and saw the heavy dark clouds rolling my way.  I was about to erect my tent, but the mountains surrounding me kept the storm at bay.  It ended up being a wonderful night beneath the stars.

 

The next morning, I packed up camp, resupplied my water, and headed out.  My third day was probably my most difficult because of the up and down nature of the trail and the warmth of the temperature.  I did 12 miles today, and felt every one of them.  I don’t know about you, but some days I feel very strong and other days, I feel weak, out of breath, and disheartened.  This was one of those times.  The terrain was again fantastic however, and the lava and volcanic peaks were absolutely fascinating.  Water was a little more scarce in this section, like the burned out area, but nothing that needed concern.  There are little creeks and streams here and there.  I hiked in a huge plateau prairie (Wickiup Plain) area for miles with the Sisters, now to my right, as I was making the loop back around them.  A wonderful lake to have lunch at was Reese Lake.  I ended up camping at a secluded spot about 100 yards off trail near Linton Meadows.  Here the view of the Husband and valley below were outstanding.  Today, I very much enjoyed my Rumchata mixture and went to bed quite early.  Mosquitoes were dive bombing me, but I still “cowgirl camped”!  I wore my head net to bed because they wouldn’t leave me alone.  Boy, did I look sexy!  Hahahaha!

 

Because I was ahead of schedule and had done more miles than planned on the previous days, I decided to make it back to the trailhead on my fourth day.  I didn’t want to rush this amazing trip, but Mexican food and a warm shower were calling to me.  Can you blame me?

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my last day.  Before I arrived at Obsidian Dome, there was a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush green ferns.  There were a couple of rangers in this area checking for Obsidian permits because it is a limited entry area and you’re only allowed to park/camp with a permit.  The Obsidian Dome permits must be reserved ahead of time, and are difficult to get.  If you are just walking through, a permit is not needed.  It was the only time that my self-issued permit was checked.  The rangers were very amiable!  The Obsidian Trail  was breathtaking.  The black obsidian shone like diamonds on the hills surrounding the lush green meadow where the trail weaved in and out.  There was a little stream that gently flowed right next to the trail.  This scenery made me feel as if I were in the land of Hobbits and headed toward the Shire…Nothing short of spectacular.

 

I thought that was going to be the climax of the trip, but I was wrong.  All of a sudden the terrain became barren, rocky with a red hue, and then I came upon an amazing lava flow of Ahalapam Cinder Field and Yapoah Crater.  It was astonishing how long and wide this flow was…It went on for miles.  I could just imagine being there to witness the eruption and flow thousands of years ago.  What a grand sight that must have been!  The trail was very steep out of the lava flow, but then leveled off once I made it to the valley floor.  The topography again changed to more vegetation, rivers, and lakes.   Once I arrived again at Matthieu Lakes, I knew I was close to the trailhead, and Mexican food!  I needed to get a ride back to town which was about 13 miles away.  Thankfully, I came upon an older couple who had been out on a day hike.  They were very gracious “trail angels” and brought me back into town.  They were such a wonderful couple.  I very much wish I could remember their names!

 

Overall the backpacking trip was a huge success.  It had such diversity and breathtaking scenery.  I found myself just staring, mouth gaping, in wonder and amazement.  I definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience Oregon and it’s spectacular volcanoes!  Adios for now…It’s margarita time!!! Salud!

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Back to the Lava Camp Trailhead! It’s all about the journey…Although making it to the destination isn’t too bad either! 😉

Happy Trails!  ~Solo Yolo

Permits: Self Issued at Lava Camp Trailhead/If entering through Obsidian Trailhead, permits required (reservations 30 days in advance). Note: Beginning in 2020, permits will no longer be self issued. Deschutes NF Info (Permits/Passes)

Northwest Forest Pass 

Ranger Stations: Sisters Ranger District, (541) 549-7700 and McKenzie River Ranger District, (541) 822-3381

Excellent resources:

Backpacking Oregon by Douglas Lorain

Three Sisters Wilderness Trail Map

Mt. Wilson, CA (5710’/4200′ elev gain/14 mi)

What an absolutely wonderful hike from beginning to end!  The only negative part was having to wake up at 4:30 to be able to park at Chantry Flats before all lots filled.  I actually arrived at 6:30 and the lot was already filled so I had to park on the side of the road…Oh well, what can you do? Life is still very good! Haha!  I went to Adam’s Pack Station to get an Adventure Day Pass and a delicious hot cup of coffee because my eyeballs were still sealed shut.  The white billy goat didn’t want to wake up and I know, felt my pain.

I embarked upon my trek at around 7ish and decided to hike to Sturtevant Falls to see the water flow.  The water crossings were very easy and uneventful.  I was amazed at how green and lush the vegetation was after so many years of drought.  It was an overcast, cool, windless day…Perfect weather for hiking!

After the falls, I took the Gabrielino Trail to Spruce Grove Campground.  This was the first campground I ever stayed at by myself.  It was a test to see if I liked to overnight camp solo.  Well, I guess, it was successful. I have been hiking pretty much by myself ever since…And hence, my trail name, Solo Yolo! There are so many people that feel that you should always have a partner when you hike in case something happens…My thought on this is…”What is going to happen will.” Just do your best to be prepared.  I have found that I thoroughly enjoy my solitude and will never sacrifice this opportunity in order to listen to others’ fears.  Come what may and I will deal with it. That being said, Spruce Grove is a fantastic campground, complete with two stinky outhouses and several flat pads with fire rings. There’s a nice year-around stream that runs behind the camp for water.  Great place to spend a night…

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After Spruce Grove, the ascent begins.  It’s not long before you reach Sturtevant Camp with it’s many small cabins, swing, hammocks, volley ball court, and recreation room.  Many people rent the cabins as well as Girl/Boy Scouts.  When I arrived, there was hot water for coffee and oatmeal…So very cool! I just had to imbibe in the offerings!

Nice refreshing rest to get ready for the switchbacks to the summit (Sturtevant Trail).  I loved the adrenaline rush as my heart was pumping and my sweat was pouring.  I’d stop to catch my breath for a minute here and there, but pushed forward.  I don’t know about you, but I do love the burn and the competitive nature of the climb.  The feeling is most certainly addictive.  Finally, after about an hour, I reached the summit.  I was welcomed with the view Mt. Wilson Observatory, as well as being above the clouds.

I was so excited upon reaching the summit that I had to hug a sign in celebration! Haha!

img_9879Time for the decent…I took the Mt. Wilson Trail to the Upper Winter Trail.  I was expecting all downhill, but was pleasantly surprised (NOT!) that there was a bit of incline with the Upper Trail (lol), but it wasn’t too bad.  The entire trail was beautiful, well marked, and clear for easy navigation.  My feet were sore, but my heart and soul were happy when I finally made it back to Adam’s Pack Station for a much deserved beer!  They have excellent grilled hamburgers as well.  Absolutely awesome hike and my first peak bagged of my Six-Pack of Peaks!!!

Stellar hike, stellar view, stellar exercise…Priceless! Happy Trails! ~Solo Yolo

Directions to Chantry Flats (Sturtevant Falls):

Take the 210 to Santa Anita Ave. and head north.  It is a very windy road, but a straight shot to Chantry Flats.  Make sure you arrive very early as the parking lot fills up by 6:30/7am on the weekends.  The entry gate is opened at 6am, unless there is weather/road condition closures.  Wilderness Pass must be displayed.  You may purchase a daily pass from Adam’s Pack Station for $5.  Annual passes will hopefully be available in February.

SoCal Hiker’s Blog of the Trails

Adams Pack Station

Sturtevant Camp

Info on road conditions/closures to Chantry Flats

Wilderness Pass Permits

John’s Meadow Overnight Snowshoe Trip, CA (7200′)

Nestled in the Southern California mountains of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, this short six mile trek provides you with the beauty and tranquility of the forest, solitude (during the winter only), as well as an awesome workout!

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John’s Meadow, San Gorgonio Wilderness, CA

The trail starts off of Jenks Lake Road West of Highway 38 in Angelus Oaks.  Make sure to carry cables/chains because the parking area is off a dirt road that may not be plowed.  The actual trail is hard to find in the winter. Go past the trailhead signage about a 100 yds where the dirt road begins to steepen and veers to the right.  You’ll see a sign for John’s Meadow if you’re on the right trail.  Not many people venture out on this trail during the winter, so odds are you’ll be making fresh tracks!

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Fresh Tracks!

Although I had my Delorme InReach, I enjoyed following animal tracks much of the way to camp.  I followed deer, coyote, rabbit, and bear tracks, something that I would most likely not have seen during the summer months.  I probably should’ve followed my map a little more as I did some steep sections and went through some shrubs, a little problematic with snowshoes! I cursed a few times or so! But hey, it’s the journey that matters, right?!! I think…

Right before camp is Forsee Creek.  It’s basically the only water supply during the summer months.  Crossing the creek is a little treacherous in snowshoes as there’s snow and ice covering the stream.  I grabbed a handful of bushes and propped my poles on logs and rocks to cross.  I probably should’ve taken off my snowshoes, but I was too darn lazy and confident I could make it across.  Thankfully, I didn’t fall in!  It wasn’t deep, but had freezing water with logs and rocks that would’ve been difficult to get out of.  Plus, being wet in the winter is a sure path to hyperthermia. Needless to say, I made it safely across and patted myself on the back for my success!

Less than 1/4 mile more is the glorious John’s Meadow.  Actually is not all that glorious, but very pretty, pristine, and you’re all alone, which makes it absolutely wonderful!  You can camp pretty much anywhere that you can find relative flat ground and away from hazards.  I was amazed at how much growth had happened since my last winter trek here.  I couldn’t camp in my same spot, but did find an area close by.  I stamped out a flat area with my snowshoes and made my condensation channels (as I have named them) for my tent.  I erected my North Face Assault 2 4-season tent, and had my Rumchata, Vodka, Malibu Rum “Boat Drink” to celebrate setting up camp and enjoying my solitude.

The evening was amazing with it’s absence of wind, dry temperatures, and a waning crescent that allowed for brilliantly bright stars to be gazed upon.  As always, I hit the hay shortly after eating and going through my normal nightly routine.  I was pleasantly pleased that absolutely no condensation built up on the walls of my single-walled tent.  WhooHoo! Life is good without darn condensation drips.  Although I probably shouldn’t say this, but I do pride myself on having an iron bladder during the night! I will, at all costs, refrain from having to get my clothes and boots on in order to go out of the tent, into the darkness of the forest, to take a tinkle…After all, there might be ANIMALS out there! Haha! But alas, nature called, so I had to acquiesce to its request! That was the only negative to the entire night.  The evening was just about perfect! 😉

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Good night! Sleep tight!

I am not an early riser, as my family and friends well know, even though I do wake up early.  I took my time getting up, performed my morning ritual of brushing teeth and making coffee.  I’ve always bragged about my $35 MSR stove special from Big 5, until this time.  It is a propane canister stove, and unbeknownst to me, freezes during cold temps.  I took the same stove last time, but I cooked in the vestibule of the tent, so it was warmer, and I didn’t have any problems.  Well, I had to shake it every so often to keep the flame going because the gas was freezing…Don’t mess with a woman and her coffee, let me tell you!

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Morning view through the tent vestibule

I broke camp and made my way back to the trailhead.  The journey back was a lot easier because it was easier to follow the trail going back and I didn’t make so many arduous climbs or bushwacking through shrubs.  Again, the weather blessed me with sunshine and no wind.  I never saw a soul the entire trip, postholed, made fresh tracks, followed animals, and had a starlit evening.  This is what life is about…Enjoying nature and getting in touch with your soul.  Now it’s time for Mexican Food! Buena comida and well deserved!!!

Happy Trails! ~Solo Yolo

Directions to trailhead: Hwy 38 to Angelus Oaks.  Turn right on Jenks Lake Rd West.  After about 1/3 mile, turn right again and go a half mile to Forsee Creek Trailhead parking.  A Forest Service Adventure Pass must be displayed.  Use the San Gorgonio Wilderness/Big Bear Lake topo map for this area. Wilderness permits available through Mill Creek Ranger Station (909) 382-2882.

Mill Creek Ranger Station

San Bernardino National Forest Home Page