Tahquitz Peak in Snow

It was early December of 2023, and I decided to hike to Tahquitz Peak, within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Wilderness.  My plan was to hike there before winter set in, but plans got delayed. In my search for backpacking partners to hike the PCT with, I met a woman in a hiking group… Continue reading Tahquitz Peak in Snow

Feeling Craggy: The Lemon Squeezer

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.

Backpacking PCT Section A – Day 3

My goal in 2023 is to complete Section A of the PCT, with is 107.1 miles long. Hope you will follow along on my backpacking journey.

The Boo Hoff Trail

I decided to hike the Boo Hoff Trail in La Quinta, CA in late February. The trail begins at The Cove trailhead, which is the jumping off point for a network of several other trails, such as the Cove to Lake Trail, and the Bear Creek Oasis, along with some unmarked ones. There is a free parking lot, restrooms, and a shade structure there. 

The San Clemente Ridgeline

There is a four mile long paved trail along the ridge in San Clemente. There are several other unpaved, un-named trails that branch off from the main paved one. It is possible to hike up to 7 miles, all the way to "The Nob." I went on a 6 mile trail run at sunset, and… Continue reading The San Clemente Ridgeline