I had been to The Gunks as they are referred to before, and my last visit was in the late fall, during the off-season about 20 years ago. I had taken a short hike, checking out the rock climbing area along Undercliff trail, with another climbing enthusiast. Lacking gear and time I sadly did not partake in any of the climbs. I found myself in the Shawangunks area of New Paltz once again, on a summertime visit to upstate New York. It is August, so the weather is warm and sunny this time of year. I was excited to explore amongst the thousands of acres of woods and trails here. There are a series of famous crags, several mountain lakes, a mountain top tower and a beautiful old lakefront hotel, all within the 7,000 acre Mohonk Nature Preserve. One of the climbs, is through what is referred to as the Lemon Squeezer.
Tag: get outside
Fairview Park and the Santa Ana River Trail
The Talbert Nature Preserve has over 3 miles of trails, and sits on the outskirts of Costa Mesa, beginning in Fairview Park, and continuing alongside the Santa Ana River Trail. I love open space, and getting outside into nature to quiet places where the birds sing to hike a few miles every day. Sometimes I explore new trails I have never been, such as this one.
Old Town Sac
I had only been to the state capitol once. This is not something I was proud of. With all the important protests in recent years, I had been to not a single one. Well I was there in spirit at least.I had only been to a conference at a hotel here once, and it was not even downtown. Enough said, it was time to see old town Sacramento. I had been intrigued by this place for a long time, after learning about it in history books, and in documentaries on the old west. The Transcontinental Railway begins there, and there are so many things that have happened here over the years.
Cattle Crest and Rabbit Run from Quail Hill
From the Quail Hill parking area in Irvine I set out to enjoy the Bommer Canyon Open Access Day. Registration was not required, and it was free to park at the trailhead here, unlike some of the other nearby trailheads. Hope this guide is helpful for planning your hikes on Bommer Canyon Open Access Day.




