Review: Hikes and Books

Yosemite June 2020

2020-07-03T11:49:00.002-07:00

Hike Review: McKinley Peak

2014-03-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Location: north of Highland, CA
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: strenous
Elevation Change: 1,700 feet
Time of Year Best: late fall, winter, spring, no shade

Fun hike. No shade. No crowds. Easy to lose the trail. Register/log at the top. There were only a dozen or so entries from all of 2013. There was an entry in the log from Iron Hiker who had climbed McKinley the day before.
Saw some mule deer. It's nice knowing you aren't the only option for lion food.

Book Review: Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke

2013-12-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

Front Cover - Lit

Title: Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books
Author: Tony Reinke
Publisher: Crossway Books
Genre: Christian non-Fiction

Why read?

"Employ your time in improving yourself by other mens writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for." -Socrates

The written word should be used to improve our instruction, understanding, and knowledge (Romans 5:4). Of course these writings must be placed under the microscope of truth provided to us by the Bible (Psalm 119:105) which helps us discern the infallible from the falsehoods (I John 4:1). Reading is one of our callings as Christians.

A book that is about reading. Lit explores reasons for reading in detail. It raises questions to help understand reading habits and to refine these habits; to analyze what is important and what is a waste of time. Reading is an example to our children.

Lit caused me to take a step back and examine how and what I read. It reads well and the ideas are inspiring and clear. This is an encouraging book that I do recommend. Everyone should read more.

Book Review: The Chase by Clive Cussler

2013-11-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

Title: The Chase
Author: Clive Cussler
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Fiction, Action and Adventure

Unfortunately this book is a disaster. There are a few good points: the intro is gripping and the storyline is ok and…that is it. The dialogue is weak and ridiculous and the characters are cardboard. The editing is horrendous (like this blog) and the timeline doesn't flow. At one point a minor character has a different name then he did several pages before. Coincidentally one of the characters, moments before an historical event, declares the time, place, and date. The good guy says things like, ‘I will catch him if it’s the last thing I do.’ And the bad guy says things like, ‘They will never catch me, I am too smart and sly for the law’ and 'say goodbye' just before shooting people. It is corny and cheap. The characters remind me of Ayn Rand characters in their lack of depth. All the girls immediately fall madly in love with the 6 foot something blonde hair, blue eyed, dreamy good guy. And the bad guy is heartless with cold eyes and a greedy soul. Save yourself some time, get another book.

The Chase (An Isaac Bell Adventure)

Hike Review: Mission Bay Park

2013-08-16T08:27:00.002-07:00

Mission Bay Park

Location: north of San Diego near SeaWorld
Distance: optional
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Change: zero (you're walking on the beach)
Time of Year Best: any

Mission Bay is shielded from the Pacific Ocean by Mission Beach. There are a lot of sidewalks, parking, grass, bathrooms, and people. If you go early in the morning, you will have the place to yourself, but the grass fills up quick with people to picnic, bbq, and enjoy the sun. If you want to go for a swim, don't go to Mission Bay. Although some people swim here, the water if largely stagnant. It is better to go to Mission Beach and swim in the surf. At Mission Bay, the atmosphere is much more relaxed and much more accessible then the beach. You can park at one of the many large parking areas, carry your picnic gear to the nearest grassy patch and you are ready to bbq. I saw a lot of these while I was there: Char-Broil Smoker Grill. Mission Bay is a very cool place to come hike/walk and relax with the family or friends. There is a lot of room to run and play.

Click Here for More Pics

Box Springs Mountain Park Hiking Trails in Riverside, CA

2013-07-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Box Springs Mountain Park

Box Springs Mountain Park offer some excellent hiking and biking trails suprisingly close to Riverside, CA. Box Springs is an island of wilderness. From the top of the parks high point you can look down on Riverside and Moreno Valley and the tangled freeways. I have been several times and each time the park has been empty. There are fifteen miles of trails. It can get very hot. Due to proximity to the city and the types that the city produces, there is some graffiti on some of the rocks and trash strewn about. However, the hiking, the ease of travel, and the amazing views make this an excellent half day destination.

Click here: for a map and directions.

The Price of Politics by Bob Woodward

2013-07-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Book Review: The Price of Politics

Author: Bob Woodward

At the end of July 2011, days before the United States defaulted on its debt limit, negotiations to pass the annual budget were at a stalemate. "We can't yield," exclaimed Biden. "This is bullsh*t! We're not bending," cried Obama appointee Jack Lew. Reflecting, Obama said, "It was as intense a period as I've had." "Trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together again would be almost impossible," Boehner (pronounced Bay-ner) warned.

The Price of Politics timelines the steps that the government took to fix the down economy during Obama's first term. A large portion of the book covers the intense budget compromising and negotiating that took place in the summer of 2011. Obama and Boehner were the prolific figures in these negotiations. During the tense budget talks, members of the Republican Congress fought for spending cuts while the Democratic Senate fought for tax increase.

The book gives great insight into the internal workings of the United States Federal Government. And, without stating it outright, it brings to light problems that arise when a third party is thrown into a system that was designed to work as a two party system. The book reads fast and flows well. Woodward has a lot of experience with the politicians and seems to be able to get interesting and raw information from them. I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in US politics.

Chris Dorner's Last Stand

2013-06-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

Chris Dorner burned here

Recently, I found myself on Glass Road, crisscrossing the Santa Ana River. This wasn't a planned stop, but there it was. The burnt down cabin was fenced off. The remaining smell of embers was dull, but present. The wind faintly rustled the trees and birds sang soft. The river whispered gently making gunfire and death difficult to imagine.

On February 12, 2013, Chris Dorner was burned and died in this used to be cabin. On this day, Jeremiah MacKay was shot and killed here. The killings followed a week long man hunt for Dorner who engaged authorities in multiple running gun fights. From Irvine to San Diego to Riverside to Big Bear to here, lonely and quiet Glass Road along the Santa Ana River, Dorner led a terrific siege of cop killings on southern California. This is where it ended.

Dorner Cabin before

Dorner Cabin during

Onyx Peak near Big Bear Lake

2013-06-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

On the road to Big Bear from Redlands on highway 38, you must pass through Onyx Summit, at 8,443, this road is the highest paved through road in all of southern California. At Onyx Summit, there is a turn off to the east of the highway for a dirt road 1N01 that leads to Onyx Peak (9,113). However, the road is usually gated about 1 mile from the peak. Park here and walk the 2 miles round trip for an easy hike. There is about 300 feet of elevation gain.

Location: eastern part of the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: moderate to easy
Elevation Change: 300 feet
Time of Year Best: any
Recommended Map: National Geographic TOPO! Weekend Explorer 3D (Los Angeles, Los Padres, San Bernardino National Forest)

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

2013-05-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

Vernal Falls Mist

Vernal Falls from Mist Trail

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park reigns majestic as a mighty awe of God's handiwork. Approaching the falls via the Mist Trail the sound booms deafening. Approaching the falls the mist rains steady and the sight demands pause. Prepare to get wet and walk steady as the trail travails into the mist.

Location: eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park
Distance: 3 miles round-trip
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Elevation Change: 1,000 feet
Time of Year Best: May
Recommended Map: Yosemite SW - Yosemite Valley & Wawona - Trails Illustrated Map # 306

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park

2013-05-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

Hiking to Mirror Lake was mostly easy. Round trip it was a flat 2.5 miles from the bus stop. We walked the paved road to a bridge that crossed the Tenaya Creek. Instead of crossing the bridge and following the road like we were supposed to, we followed a well worn dirt trail that skirted along the creek opposite side of the paved road until Mirror Lake. This trail ran between the creek on one side and the cliffs of Half Dome on the other. The scenery and the broken rocks through here were surreal. Once we arrived at a meadow we realized we had reached Mirror Lake, but we failed to find a way across Tenaya Creek and were content to walk back the way we came. The weather was overcast, but Mirror Lake lived up to its name. Thunder and rain accompanied our hike.

Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley

2013-05-13T19:54:00.003-07:00

Lower Yosemite Falls

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite

Half Dome from near the Yosemite Falls

Base of Lower Yosemite Falls

Base of Lower Yosemite Falls 2

Yosemite Falls Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls from meadow

Yosemite National Park: Mariposa Grove

2013-05-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Grizzly Giant

Mariposa Grove is just inside the Yosemite National Park South Gate entrance. In Mariposa Grove there are several different hikes to enjoy. See hiking map here. We hiked 1.6 miles round trip to the Grizzly Giant. The walk was easy, paved, and had several small climbs on a rolling footpath. There were a lot of other people. The crowds begin swelling in late April and continue to grow larger into July and August. In June thru August you may have problems parking and encounter long waits to get into the park.

This is a very relaxing and enjoyable hike. It is also a very good hike for kids as there is no waterfall or cliffs for them to fall off. If you are visiting Yosemite from the south, Mariposa Grove is a nice introductory leg stretcher. Enjoy the pictures. Linked here is a nice Redwoods educational book: Redwoods: The World's Largest Trees .

Yosemite National Park - Current Conditions

2013-05-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Current Conditions in Yosemite National Park

Radar

Current Weather

Weather Forecast

Yosemite Webcam

Yosemite Falls Webcam

Half Dome Webcam

Merced River Webcam

Above Yosemite Valley

Activities for Kids in Yosemite

2013-05-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Bear Watching in Yosemite

Camping as a child, I remember a lot of our fun came from activities that were unplanned and made up as we went. The wide open unbridled spaces seem to invite a sense of intrigue and imagination among the children. For the most part, if safe and supervised, let them play. They will create their own fun. But to create a setting for this fun or to add to their experience, here are some excellent activities for kids to enjoy while visiting Yosemite.

Hiking - There are a lot of short hiking trails, especially in the valley that kids will love, many of these trails are stroller friendly. There is also a lot of good material out there to help plan for some excellent hikes: Best Easy Day Hikes Yosemite National Park
Fishing - Kids love to fish. Make sure that when fishing you are following all the necessary guidelines. Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide (In Full Color)
Yosemite Museum - There are several museums in the Yosemite area. The more kid friendly ones are the family oriented Nature Center at Happy Isles and the LeConte Memorial Lodge which features a kids corner.
Picnic - Food is good. Outside is good. Kids are usually good while eating.
Bear Watching - Make sure you follow the rules and be prepared, but looking for and finding a bear can be very exciting for the kids in Yosemite. You might feel a bit more comfortable if you do it from your car.
Swim - There are some really cool swimming holes in Yosemite. Swimming is permitted in all bodies of water other than Hetch Hetchy and above waterfalls.

Yosemite Swimming Hole

Cook camp fire food - Food is good. Fire is good. Kids love both. Square Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles are very useful and easy to use.

Hike Review: East Fork Canyon of Mountain Home Creek

2013-04-28T13:46:00.003-07:00

There is not much of a trail here. We followed what appeared to be a trail that would disappeared and then quickly reappear. The going was slow. The canyon walls are steep. In April the water runs strong and surprisingly we encountered the darting glitter of fish dashing beneath rock shelters. The poison ivy is not that abundant, but there are variety of different types of trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground cover along this trail. Also, much rock scrambling and unfortunately no snakes. But we were greeted with the flutter and song of a few quail. Prepare for a lot of rock scrambling and creek jumping. All this with my boy T to the E.

Yosemite Death Averted at Vernal Falls

2013-04-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Deadly Vernal Falls in Yosemite Valley

In 2012, three people died when carried over and down the 300 foot Vernal Falls in Yosemite Valley. In 2013, with the Yosemite camping and hiking season just beginning, this number is zero as of the date of this writing thanks to action taken on April 14 by Alec Smith, a 16 year old San Jose high school student.

From a story posted at Fox 26 kmph-kfre:

Smith said he and his family saw the boy being dragged along the fast-moving Merced River. That's when Smith said he made a split-second decision.

"When I reached him, he reached me he looked up at me with like the craziest look in his eye like just please help me,"recalled Smith who jumped over a fence to rescue the boy. "I held out my hand at the same time he grabbed my hand and . . . he didn't really say anything. I just grabbed his hand and pulled him out."

Smith said the boy began to shake after he pulled him to safety. Smith says his uncle gave the boy a poncho and other dry clothes to wear. "He came up to me with his head held down he was just like thank you for saving my life you know," Smith said. "That hit me when he said that." It was a close call for the 9-year-old boy. Last year, three people died after being swept away by the river's rapids. Smith says that he was happy he was in the right place at the right time.

About Black Bears and Black Bear Encounters

2013-04-14T17:22:00.003-07:00

Black Bear Facts

Black Bear in Campsite

Black bears are the most populous bear in North America. These bears have lived almost everywhere in North America where there is some sort of large area of wilderness that is other than desert. However, beginning in the early 1900's, the distribution of the bear began to wither. In the past 25 years, bear populations have again been growing. It is difficult to say how many bears there are at any one given time, but according to a study by Wildlife Conservation Society and the Nevada Department of Wildlife, in 1931, black bears were extinct in Nevada and today there are almost 300 bears living in the state.

Black bears eat almost anything. Usually, less than 10% of a bears diet is "meat", and usually this meat is bugs or larvae. The other 90% of the bears diet is vegetation or fruits that the bear can find in its habitat. Like humans, bears love to eat, and like humans, bears like convenience. Bears are lazy, but very smart. Bears are usually shy. Bears learn and will grow to not fear humans if they associate humans with food. When bears learn to no longer fear humans, many times, the bear will have to be put down or removed to a more desolate area in order to prevent potential problems in the future.

Black Bear Encounters

Bear encounters, for the most part are best to be avoided. If there are bears in the area, the best way to avoid a dangerous encounter is to plan accordingly. First and foremost, properly store food. Ensure that all food is stored in a bear canister or bear locker. Do not leave food in your car. A locked door will not stop a bear. Do not eat where you sleep. If hiking make noise so as not to surprise a bear.

If a bear does wander into your campsite or onto your trail, scan the area for cubs and observe the temperament of the bear. In most instances the black bear will run as soon as it has seen or heard you, but if it does not back away slowly. Do not get between the mother and her cubs. Talk calmly and firmly. If the bear looks or steps in your direction continue to back away and wave your hands speaking firmly. Do not run. Bears will outrun you and running may trigger predatory instincts. Give the bear space and continue to live your happy life. If the black bear does attack fight back. To be safe, it can't hurt to have FRONTIERSMAN Bear Attack Deterrent with Hip Holster - Maximum Strength & 30 Foot Range .

Hikers Lost in the Cleveland National Forest

2013-04-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

Holy Jim Falls

Proper planning prevents piss poor performance...and getting lost in the woods and almost dying. That being said, if you are going to hike Holy Jim Trail in Trabuco Canyon and you are an 18 and 19 year old athlete and your name is Kyndall Jack and Nicholas Cendoya, is planning even necessary? Does one have to plan properly for a walk in the park?

Holy Jim Trail is a 2.8 mile round trip hike with a 650 foot elevation gain. For those of you who do not know, this is a very easy venture. As the cliche goes, it is a walk in the park. At AllTrails.com, in the member provided description, Jennifer Johnson writes, "this is a fun trail and easy for kids." And Steven Davies wrote, "trails are clearyly marked...I had a group of kids ages 5-10. None of them had a hard time." Personally, I have not completed this hike, but if I were hiking this trail I see no potential danger of getting lost or dying.

There was something else going on other than two innocent kids trying to enjoy a hike. Only if you leave the trail into the thick impassable vegetation is the terrain steep and rough. Two teenage athletes almost dying in this particular area can only raise questions. Why leave the trail? Were they doing something illegal? At best, this ordeal is due to complete negligence and at worst, there was some illegal activity. I do believe that there is something more to this story as it does not all add up. That being said, it is good news that both kids were found alive.

Karin Klein rightly asks the question in her LA Times Opinion piece, who should pay for this massive search and rescue effort? Much of the search was conducted by volunteers, but there is no such thing as a free lunch .

Yosemite Valley: Hikes for Kids

2013-03-31T08:44:00.004-07:00

Yosemite Valley and Yosemite National Park are wonderful places to visit with children. There is a lot for them to learn and to do. High on the list of things to do with kids is hiking. There are several trails in Yosemite Valley that are easy and short enough for most kids or parents carrying kids. Here is the official Yosemite Valley hiking brochure. Here are some of the Best Easy Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park,

Kid Friendly Trails in Yosemite Valley

Lower Yosemite Falls

Trailhead: near the Yosemite Lodge. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus stops here (#6).

Distance: easy half mile from the trailhead or a bit longer 1.5 miles if hiked from the lodge parking lot

Description: The main attraction is the cascading waterfall. However, in late summer and winter there may not be a waterfall. The best time of year to visit is spring and early summer when the water is roaring. The entire trail is paved and stroller friendly although there is a slight incline. This trail is one of the more busier in the valley. Go early.

Bridalveil Fall

Trailhead: southwest of the valley on Wawona Road.

Distance: easy paved one mile from the trailhead

Description: The main attraction is of course the cascading waterfall. This waterfall runs year round. But, to see it at its mightiest it is best visit in spring or early summer. The entire trail is paved and stroller friendly although there is a slight incline. The spray produced by the waterfall can create slippery conditions. Again, this trail is pretty busy. It would be best to go early to avoid the crowds.

Cooks Meadow Loop

Trailhead: near the crossroads of Sentinel Drive and Southside Drive. Shuttle Bus stop #5.

Distance: an easy 2.25 miles

Description: The main attraction are the views. Cooks Meadow Loop is best hiked in late spring or early summer when flowers are blooming and water is running at its strongest. From this hike there are some amazing views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. This trail has little elevation gain to it. Most of the trail is paved or boardwalk and is kid friendly. This trail is very busy especially at Sentinel Bridge where Half Dome and the Merced River can be lined up for a beautiful picture. Parking can be difficult to find. Be prepared to deal with crowds. There are many bathrooms scattered along this trail.

Mirror Lake/Meadow

Trailhead: on Happy Isle Loop east of North Pines Camp. Shuttle Bus stop #17.

Distance: easy 2 miles

Description: The main attraction are the views and the lake which, spoiler alert, mirrors the surrounding cliffs and Half Dome. For much of the year the lake will not have enough water to mirror anything. However, this trail still offers great views year round and can be an excellent opportunity to view some of the wild life in the valley. The best time of year to visit is spring and early summer when the water levels are surging. The entire trail is paved and stroller friendly although there is a slight incline. Do not expect solitude by the lakeside. Mirror Lake is a popular Yosemite Valley swim hole. Bring a bathing suit.

Vernal Falls

Trailhead: on Happy Isle Loop Drive. Shuttle Bus stop #16.

Distance: moderate 3 miles and 1,000 foot climb to the falls; or 1.5 miles and 400 foot climb to falls overlook

Description: The main attraction is the cascading waterfall. The best time of year to visit is spring and early summer when the water is roaring. This trail is not stroller friendly and there are over 600 stone steps that may be slippery with spray from the waterfall. Due to the difficulty and potential danger of slippery rocks, this trail is not super busy. I would not recommend this with very young kids. Here are some excellent photos from this hike.

Whathier Landing to Whitewater Preserve

2013-03-30T17:33:00.003-07:00

Whitewater River with San Jacinto

Hike: Stills Landing to Whathier Landing to Whitewater Preserve

Location: Whitewater, CA
Distance: 9.3 miles
Difficulty: moderate with 2 miles off trail rock scrambling and river crossings
Elevation Change: 500 foot gain offset by a 1500 foot descent to the Preserve
Best Time of Year: Late fall to mid spring
Recommened Map: Here

Whitewater Preserve to Stills Landing

2013-03-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

Hike: Whitewater Preserve to Stills Landing

Location: Whitewater, CA
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: moderate with 3 miles off trail rock scrambling and river crossings
Elevation Change: 1100 foot gain
Best Time of Year: Late fall to mid spring
Recommened Map: Here

Camping: Sleep Preperation

2013-03-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

Whether you are overnight backpacking or parking at a camp site in Yosemite, many of us dread that transition from our bed to the ground. With some effort and proper planning, there are some steps you can take to ensure your sleep in the wild will actually be sleep and not lying awake counting the long, slow minutes until sunrise and coffee. Sleep is necessary and how good or bad it is can greatly affect our experience.

Begin preparing four days before you are ready to embark on an overnight adventure.

Four days before: take your sleeping bag to bed with you and use it as a body pillow.
Three days before: sleep in your sleeping bag in your bed.
Two days before: sleep in your sleeping bag next to your bed on blankets and pillows.
The day before: sleep in your sleeping bag next to your bed with your camp pillow.

Although this may add some inconvenience leading up to your trip, it will reap rewards. There is almost nothing out there that I would rather have then a good nights sleep. Think refreshed. Not drained. A good sleep sets the tone for our entire day.

Including the steps noted above, when camping, ear plugs may be useful. I have been kept awake by the slightest of sounds wondering if I was living in the minutes leading up to a bear mauling. Usually it is the wind or a mouse. As long as you properly store your food, there should be no worries from bears. Ear plugs will greatly reduce this restless worry.

Sleep well my friends.

Hearst Castle: Trip Report

2013-03-02T07:38:00.001-08:00

Location: near San Simeon, CA (on the coast halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles)
Time of Year Best to Visit: November thru May, summers can get very hot

Hearst Castle sits among and atop the dramatic Santa Lucia Range looking 1,600 feet down to the Pacific Ocean. The castle has been donated by the Hearst family to the state of California. Different tours are now conducted of the estate. The tours explain the history. The tours explain the buildings, rooms, statues, surrounding hills, pools and what it all is. The tours are not for everybody.

Due to the sensitive nature of the furniture and decor inside the buildings, and most tours run through the buildings, little kids, especially toddlers, do not do well. While in a building with a crazed and restless two year old, I was escorted outside. They were so nice about it, I was actually smiling and agreeable, not realizing what was happening until I found myself on the porch, alone with my kid, door slamming behind me. Also, being on these grounds is what I would imagine a Scientology compound to be like. There was a gang of guards (employees) walking around smiling and joking, but quick to correct a wayward tourist, which I was on three or four occasions.

Overall, the tour is good, but expensive. Summary: a really rich guy spent a lot of money to build a really nice castle and now people pay money to the government to go look at it.

Big Sur Pfeiffer Burns State Park Overlook Trail

2013-02-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

Location: 37 miles south of Carmel, CA
Distance: very easy 1 mile
Time of Year Best: year round

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home of the beautiful 80 foot McWay Waterfall that can be viewed from the Overlook Trail. There is camping above the cove. While driving, it is easy to drive past this cove and never knowing it was there. For more accurate trip planning, the address of the parking area is: 65100 Cabrillo Highway (Highway One); Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park; Big Sur, CA 93920. You can either park in the official parking area and pay a day fee or park along Highway One for free. The trail heads north of the cove offering expanding views of the coast and ocean. The Overlook Trail to McWay Waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is awesome.