Hiking Hints (Learned the Hard Way)

*Always tell someone where you will be hiking, in case you don't come back!
*Always carry a cell phone. Most areas get cell coverage because many trails go along mountain tops.
*Always have a trail map of the hiking area. Many trails are very poorly marked.
*Don't wander off the trail. There is likely to be poison oak in the brush. Learn to recognize it, but remember it is still active in the winter when all it is a stick.
*Use a walking stick for steep trails. It saves strain on the knees and can double as a weapon if you encounter mountain lions or wild boar. (Which you most likely won't)
*Always take water with you.
*Use sunblock or you will end up looking like a piece of rawhide.
*Keep granola bars or other non-perishable snacks in your pocket or backpack.
*Have a jacket with you that can be tied around your waist in case of chilly weather.
*Ibuprofen is an essential item for your pocket also.
*In cold weather kleenex comes in handy for your nose. It's an essential for women too on long hikes with small bladders.
*A pedometer is a fun item to use so you can brag to your friends about how far you walked!
*Leave enough time so that you will not be caught with the sun setting and you're still out on the trail.
*Avoid walking through tall grass. Ticks love to wait on a stalk of grass and jump on your leg as you pass. Ticks infected with Lyme disease have been found in the Santa Cruz Mountains and other areas of California. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. (A tick remover is a handy device for your backpack.)
*If you do encounter a Mountain Lion, calmly repeat "nice kitty, kitty" while backing away slowly.
*Be careful where you sit and put your hands, especially around sunny rocks. Rattlesnakes like to sunbathe there and will resent your intrusion. (A snake bite kit is another handy item to carry.) By the way, you probably won't die if you get bit by a rattlesnake.
*One of the most important items to carry is Chapstick. Huffing and puffing uphill can really dry out your lips.
*Sucking on hard candy can help with a dry mouth from all that huffing and puffing too.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

From Wilder to Shadowbrook

This was a quick hike from Empire Grade through UC property, then down into Wilder Ranch. This was actually a closed area according to the Ranger we met. We also met the Ritchies and Ian showed us a beautiful little canyon. We were late getting back and had to almost run the 2 miles back to the car. Good exercise.

This little canyon looked like it never saw any sunlight and so it was very lush and green. Lots of sorrel and ferns.

The no name trail into Wilder

This is the meadow you have to cross to reach the Wilder trails that are in the trees in the distance.

Young redwoods clustered in the canyon.

Look who we ran into! Some of our favorite people.

Trail through the shady canyon


Today was a special day for Jeanette. I can't tell you why! We picked up Lacey and met Jeanette for dinner at Shadowbrook. Thanks to Cheryl who picked up the tab!
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1 comment:

Gail said...

you cant just say today is a special day for someone and then not say WHY... thats just sooooooooo wrong.
wrong I tell ya.

The Ritchies look well, A looks much older than when I saw her 3 months ago.

So missing the mountains and the mountain folk!

July 2, 2008 at 9:09 AM

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