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, August 31, 2008

Hiking with Ben and the Jensens

Ben was visiting from Portland for the week and Sharon, Jeff, Michelle and Hailee were here from Utah. Sunday, August 31, was hiking day. We went on two hikes. The first one was just Ben and me and we hiked in the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Ben prefers urban hikes because he doesn't like dirt, and enjoys the sounds of the city. Too bad, I wanted him to see where I love to go. The second hike was with the Jensens, along with Nathan, Ben and Jeanette. We hiked in Mt Hermon around the Bean Creek canyon.

This is Bean Creek.
We had to cross on some logs to get from one side of the canyon to the other.

Fueling up for the hike. Jeanette, Nathan and Ben
Dan and Hailee reading about animals we might encounter on the hike, like polar bears!

Ben on the trail.
Zayante Creek boat dock. A weird algae has taken over the creek.
The hiking group assembled.
Hailee didn't last long. Jeff and Michelle carried her most of the way.
Jeanette and Ben.

View from Long Ridge Trail
Another view from Long Ridge Trail
The "Sunset Trail", an illegal trail, heading into the private property where we were shot at. I was curious to see if the trail had been obliterated or if there had been warning signs posted. It looked more traveled than ever!
View from Hickory Oaks Trail. I think this is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.



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3 comments:

Grandma Honey said...

Fun Hike!! thanks. We had a great time even having to cross the river!

September 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Anonymous said...

If anyone has any information or has experienced being shot or shot at - anywhere on the long ridge open space preserve please call in. We need to stop this - It's been going on for at least 9 years - We're still recovering and lucky to be alive! It's illegal to shoot people, even if you are on private property. He's been arrested and is in the process of a trial.... Call ASAP - either the anonymous tip line 1-800-547-2700 or the San Mateo County District Attorney Handling the Case, Rick Good, at (650) 599-7294. Let's hope we can stop this before someone gets killed :(

October 27, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Anonymous said...

my friend and I were shot in Sept. and I'm still recovering - physically and emotionally -This is a call for witnesses and victims to come forward

October 27, 2008 at 8:48 PM

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