I came across this website that provides trail profiles to many of the popular trails across the US. http://parkaymaps.110mb.com/ has links to elevation profiles, maps and google earth files that have been created by Chris Johnson aka Mr. Parkay.

The elevation profiles are a great resource for planning your trip and are fun to look at! Enjoy his work.

See you on the trail, Peter

I have been contemplating climbing Indianhead Peak in the Anza-Borrego Desert for a few years. But this year everything came together and the summit bid was on! Friends of Debbie and myself were going out to work on their home in Borrego Springs and asked if we would like to stay in their bungalow for the week. The weather has been cool and wet on the coast and sunny and in the 80’s in the desert. How could we decline!

Here is a little information about Anza-Borrego SP from the California State Parks Website:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. Five-hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish name borrego, or bighorn sheep. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Visitors may also have the chance to see roadrunner, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas, chuckwallas and the red diamond rattlesnake.

Here is some of the park history from the DesertUSA Website:

• California State Park Commission created by State Legislature: 1927.
• Guy L. Fleming of La Jolla and Clinton Abbott of San Diego submit first plans for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: 1928.
• All Federally-owned lands north of Highway 78 acquired as park land by State of California: 1933.
• First California State Park Custodian assigned to Anza-Borrego Desert: 1933.
• Filing completed on Park lands south of Highway 78: 1941.
• Construction of Palm Canyon Campground completed: 1949.
• Borrego State Park and Anza Desert State Park consolidated to form Anza
• Borrego Desert State Park: 1957.
• Dedication of Visitor Center: March 16, 1979.

We spent the first few days exploring the vast activities and destinations available to us in this desert resort. We hiked the Yaquitepec Site on Ghost Mountain, saw the Petroglyphs above Little Blair Valley, climbed into Smuggler Canyon. We drove out to Fonts Point to view the Borrego Badlands and a trip to Alcoholic Pass. All this activity was secondary to getting ready to do one thing, climb Indianhead.

Indianhead Peak sits to the northwest of downtown Borrego Springs. The profile of the summit ridge resembles a face with an Indian headdress looking to the heavens. It rises from the Borrego Palm Canyon some 3000 feet in 1.2 miles from the canyon floor.

The evening before summit day, Deb and I prepared our packs and got to bed early. After some additional reading about climbing this peak, I decided to leave around 7 am instead of 8 am. The alarm went of at 6 am and after the morning preparations, Debbie decided not to go. She did not sleep well and was concerned about slowing us down. I am not crazy about going into the mountains alone, but in this case, I thought it best too.

Debbie dropped me off at the Palm Canyon Trailhead around 7 am…

Next edition of OTT Blog to continue the trek accounting!

It was bound to happen, day use limits on the chains to climb Half Dome. Here are some of the details from the National Park Service website:

“Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are now required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up.  This is an interim measure to increase safety along the cables while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail.

Beginning in 2010, all people using the Half Dome Trail above the subdome must have a permit in possession on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. A maximum of 400 permits will be issued each of these days. (Before the permit system, fewer than 400 people used this trail on weekdays, while about 800 people used this trail on weekends and holidays, on average.)”

Read all the details here: Half Dome Permits

Enjoy your climb, Peter

Well, if the rain stops here is Southern California it will be time to get out and start exploring more of the Desert Ranges of California and the Southwest. I have been climbing the desert peaks for many years. Recently I stumbled upon the Sierra Clubs Desert Peaks Section. The DPS as they are know has compiled a list of the “best” 99 peaks in the deserts of the Southwest. This is a great place to start to plan your trips to the desert region. I would have never gone into some of these regions had I not been prompted to do so by this list of mountain peaks.

The desert can be deadly in the summer, but remember it can be very nasty in the winter too. Be prepared for cold and dry conditions. But if the rains do move in, flash floods can be very dangerous! Not only can they swell and fill a canyon, but could block your path back to the trailhead leaving you stranded for an unknown period of time.

The desert offers its own set of beauty that many people miss by not actually taking a trek into it and exploring it for an extended period of time. I have seen some of the most spectacular scenery and natural beauty in the desert!

The next on the list for me is Indianhead in the Anza-Borrego Desert. This peak is an awesome sight from Borrego Springs and gets its name because, you guessed it, looks like an Indian head. Check back for planning strategies and maps for this upcoming trip.

See you on the trail, Peter

I have read many articles and emails about trekking poles or hiking poles. This is not going to be a pro/con article on why or why not you should use them. There are many articles related to the benefit of poles from a physical aspect. There are just as many articles about the types of poles to use and how to use them. This is just going to be my narrative on moving from no poles to poles.

I have been hiking, backpacking and trekking some 35+ years without trekking poles. I am a downhill and nordic skier for that same amount of time and have used poles. It was not until last year did I resort to using poles while out on a 4 day backpacking trip. By the third day my knees were starting to get stiff and give me a little bit of pain. Debbie my partner has been using poles for some time now, she said I should give her poles a try, I declined.

When I am backpacking, I always consider every item that I wear or carry for functionality and weight. My biggest protest against the use of poles was the weight. Even the lightest pole out there are around one pound, and this to me, was excessive.

Anyway, back to my story. By the third day we had a long downhill that was to last almost the entire day. By mid-morning my knees were screaming. I even was having thoughts that I may not be able to continue. Out came the ibuprofen and I was able to continue but was starting to lag behind the group. I was at a point where I had to try something.

I broke down and asked Debbie if I could use her poles. This was a changing moment. I will have to say that it did not take all the pain away, but I was able to continue and keep up with the group, in fact, I led the last section as we headed to the trail head.

Since that time, I bought some poles and I use them. It has change the way I hike. I especially love the assistance they give me on the downhills, but have found they give me a rhythm on the flats kind of like nordic skiing and I really fell in tune. On the uphills, I shorten them up a bit and get my arms involved in the climb. I feel they really get my whole body into the act.

I could go on about the benefits for me, but this is something that every individual will have to try out for themselves. My suggestion is to give them a try on your next multiday trek to really give them a full testing. Remember you do not have to use them every step of the way. There are situations when I collapse them and strap them to the back of the pack. But for the most part, I have them out and they are part of me…

See you on the trail, Peter

Today I received a card in the mail explaining the changes in the backcountry permitting at the Grand Canyon. Effective February 1, 2010, backcountry requests made in person during the fourth month prior to the requested trip start date will no longer receive immediate, priority consideration. Instead, all of these permit requests will be placed together with the requests received by fax and mail and considered based on the date received…

Great, I wish I would have know about this in the past, now it doesn’t even matter. I was always standing at the fax machine, checking the fax machine, kicking the fax machine, etc. trying to get my permit request to go through. All this time I just could have driving there and got my request submitted and added to the top of the pile!

Well now we are all in the same boat, you too can get your second or third choice of campsite/trip itinerary just like me! But it is well worth it, you can not just drive up to the edge of this big hole and not experience it on a multiday trip. I, like many others, have done single day trips down into the canyon, doing a rim-2-rim, or a rim-2-rim-2-rim day, not much time to enjoy the canyon to the fullest.

So if you want all the details go to the NPS Grand Canyon Website at: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/permit_change.htm .

I thought this was a good question and an informative answer, OC.

Here is a question that was posed on the PCT-L: “What would you tell me are the 10 most important things to do in the months ahead to ensure a successful hike?” by Elderly Ellen. Here is the response from Wandering Bob:

1. Decide on what you expect to get from your trail experience, then plan accordingly.

2. Develop a budget and stick to it. Only you know how much you can afford to spend. Allow a reserve for the unexpected, as you WILL encounter it.

3. Research the trail for yourself. Don’t expect others on the forums and Yahoo Groups to just pony up the answers to all your questions. You are responsible for your own success or failure; make this YOUR hike.

4. Make a written route plan and calendar. Keep modifying it right up until the time you leave. Leave a copy of your plan and calendar with at least two different folks at home.

5. BE FLEXIBLE. No battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy. The Trail Gods will screw with your plan; you can bet on it.

6. Be realistic regarding daily mileages when planning. Start low and work up. Just because you can pound out 20+ mile days on the flat parts does not mean you can do that in the mountains or on a continuous day-in, day-out basis. Fifteen mpd is a fast pace in the Sierra; 10 to 12 mpd is more reasonable as there is a huge amount of elevation gain and loss each day.

7. Avoid excess food weight. You won’t eat much anyway for the first couple of weeks until your body gets used to the routine and the physical stress. Have a plan for rehydrating and electrolyte replacement and stick to it. Dehydration and/or altitude sickness (brought on in great part by dehydration) can ruin your hike fast.

8. You will not use the same gear set continuously from end to end. Factor this into your re-supply strategy. Things will wear out, get lost, or just plain won’t work for you.

9. Plan for lay-over days. You will need them. How often and where is your choice. Rule of thumb: hike 6-7 days, rest 1. Lay-overs do not necessarily have to be town stops. We took one at Evolution Creek and another at the Ida Bell Hot Springs this summer.

10. Don’t be reluctant to get off the trail – for just a few days or for the rest of the season -if things turn to absolute crap. The trail is not going anywhere; it will still be there next year, and you can return refreshed, re-equipped, and more knowledgeable.

Here is an email that was posted on the PCT-L by Mtnned, very good info!

The question has come up regarding how to cross creeks safely and, in this case, minimize the “wet feet” time afterward.

Creek Crossing Principles:

1. You do not have to cross the creek where the trail does.

2. Look for dry, above water crossings first (naturally!).

3. Select a wet crossing route that is calm, shallow, has a good footing, and no bad run-out (rapids, rocks, etc..) 4. The creek will be lower in the mornings where fed by snow melt above.

5. The creek may be narrower and easier to cross uphill of you, so go check it out.

6. Always probe ahead when crossing on snow bridges.

7. Keep as much of your clothes dry as possible; strip to shorts if needed. Float your pack in a bag if necessary.

8. Do not hurry. It will be cold, even freezing, but don’t be hasty as you cross, especially with unsure footing.

9. Prepare for a quick re-warming on the other side and a change of clothes as needed.

10. Multi-person crossings can be safer.

Safety is your primary concern.

Route & Technique:

Above Water:

-Choose a route where you can walk or crawl across a log.

-Select a path where you can rock-hop from one to another to get across. Beware of potentially slippery surfaces (snow, ice, moss, little rocks on big ones, glacial polish, and wet rock in general. Grab bushes and branches as you go for balance.

In The Water:

-Protect your Balance before you start across:

-Choose a path that offers the best visible underwater footing, say on sand or gravel instead of rocks. If you can’t see the footing because of rapids, search the creek uphill for calmer waters.

-Use a long, strong pole, walking sticks, or branch as a “third leg” downstream. Learn how to use it to keep you from falling. If you use your walking sticks, make sure the extension locks are tight; a sudden collapse may mean you’ll be swimming. It is advisable to use both together for their combined strength.

-Cross in groups, arm-in-arm, perpendicular to the current, each person helping each other’s balance.

-Assure that you have optimal traction and predictable stability while crossing:

-Whenever possible, wear some form of footwear that will protect your feet from sharp submerged objects while able to maximize traction and adherence to the slippery rocks that live there. Often you will not be able to see where you are hoping to place your next step, so you will “feel” ahead for a good place to set your foot. Sometimes that place will be in a wedge or crevice between two rocks. In this case you may wish you were wearing a shoe with a hard, stiff rubber sole so you can straddle the wedge without twisting the ankle and losing your balance or experiencing the pain of your foot being squished between the two rocks and needing to make a fast next step to get out of it, sometimes to a place that was no better or even worse.

-Loosen pack belt and shoulder straps. Should you loose your balance and fall, you don’t want your pack’s weight to drag you under.

Snow Bridges:

-Never assume they can hold your weight. Always visualize both sides of the bridge for thickness and ice.

-Always probe ahead for strength and thickness. You will need greater and thicker if you are “posting” in boots versus walking on snowshoes or skis.

-Before crossing be aware of what it will take to get out of the water should you fall through.

-Always be ready to make camp and dry out if you survive even partial immersion in winter conditions.

After Crossing:

-On Snow, immediately put on warm, dry socks and your dry hiking boots. If you had to strip to shorts to make the crossing, get out of any and all wet clothing and replace with warm and dry. Your legs will probably be numb and you freezing. It is not advisable to try to dry out your clothes on your body while hiking thereafter. Do not take a chance on hypothermia. Keep your boots dry. Should you suffer full or partial immersion in snow-fed waters surrounded by more snow, but with sunny, dry ground or rocks nearby, and you still have your pack, quickly scramble to them and change clothes. If the weather is cold and cloudy, make camp and warm up until dry.

-On Dry Trail and with summer temperatures, it is advisable to keep your hiking footwear on while crossing the creek (as it is relatively easy to cut or injure your feet when you do a bare-foot crossing), then walk the boots dry the rest of the afternoon.. The next option is to change to dry socks after crossing and walk the boots dry. The last option is to carry some form of additional footwear just for creek crossings.

Those we have seen along the trail have been very lightweight, flexible foam versions that may or may not give you the foot protection and stability required to make safe and predictable crossings on all expected underwater surfaces. Whatever you use, make sure they stay on; loosing a shoe while crossing can be dangerous, too, besides embarrassing and trip-ending (although humorous)!

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This 10 Essentials List was found on the PCT-L. I like the way it is formatted. I have slightly modified it…

NAVIGATION – map, compass, (know how to use them), the route description, GPS

NUTRITION – Food for each day plus one – (be able to return with some food)

ILLUMINATION – Headlamp with fresh batteries

HYDRATION – Water bottles (full) plus extra, or water treatment system, or a purifying filter

IGNITION – Matches, lighter, fire starter, or stove w/full fuel bottle/canister

RADIATION – Sun protection hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

INSULATION – Base layer (wicking), insulation layer, rain gear or soft-shell outerwear

MEDICATION – First aid kit w/ fresh supplies, instructions, and the knowledge to use them; your own daily medication

PROTECTION – Shelter, space blanket, or sil-tarp can provide immediate sun or rain protection for yourself or accident victims

STABILIZATION – Trekking poles to use for third leg, mono-pod, shelter pole, cougar and bear defense, poison oak deflector, general poking and irritating of small creatures

RECREATION – Mobile phone device, Emergency booklets, signal whistle, signal mirror, knife, multi-tool, cord

This is a trip that I have done a few times and really enjoy it as an annual spring trip. I posted this trip on the outdoorclub.org site and 5 people joined Deb and I for this camp out. Deb and I went to Ridgecrest on Friday April 11th and poked around different museums and went site seeing. The high light had to be the venture to the ghost town of Randsburg, where we meet Cowboy Bob, more to come on that! Anyway, we stayed at the Marriott SpringHill Suites and is brand new and very nice. We enjoyed and hour in the late afternoon by the pool, so nice! That evening we meet up with Victoria, Maria, and David for dinner, drink, and a game or two of pool. Just a warning to any, Victoria is a pool shark!
Next morning we all meet in the parking lot of the Marriott, Paige, Nancy and her dog Bogart also joined for the caravan out to the Pinacles. The drive from Ridgecrest is maybe 20 minutes to the turn off to go out onto the desert lake bed and the pinnacles area. This took maybe another 20 minutes due to dirt/gravel road conditions. The day was a beautiful day, blue skies and a little hazy. With the lack of any shade, it was warm and going to get to the mid 80’s by mid-day. We found the perfect campsite in a ring of pinnacles with view to the desert floor. After camp and tents were set up, we took it easy and sat around an chatted. Later in the day we went hiking and scrambling on pinnacles of all sorts up and down the chain of pinnacles. A little information on the formation of the pinnacles can be found on the BLM website. In the afternoon we found some nice shade under one of the Pinnacles above our campsite and had some good camaraderie, food, and drink. Later in the day, Deb and I went out mountain biking. Deb had not been on a bike in a while and had a great time, I on the other hand wiped out twice and skinned up my arms pretty good! That evening we had a great pot luck dinner with everyone sharing there good food.
Next day I set up a top rope on a Pinnacle above the campsite and all enjoyed climbing on a 60+ ft wall. The Pinnacles have some very sharp edges, all got a few climbing scraps, but were very proud of them! We broke camp and said our good byes and started the trip back to SoCal. In typical fashion, Deb and I took the round about way to get home driving through the Sequoia National Park, by Lake Isabella Lake. We also stopped at the PCT crossing over Walker Pass and then continued down through Red Rock Canyon State Park. Finally we headed for Murrieta for another fine trip completion.