Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, January 2024

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, January 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Henry Miller. 

Contents:
1. The 2024 Ruck Schedule is out
2. Yosemite 2024 Entry Requirement
3. Treeline Review includes Best Plus Size winter outdoor clothing.
4. Susan’s hiking books – read free for 90 days on Kindle Unlimited
5. Halfway Anywhere
6. Rain gear no longer keeping you dry?
7. And your tent?
8. 12 Bucket List Hikes in Northern California, One for Every Month of 2024
9.Regional: S.F. Bay Area (East Bay) Trail Challenge.
10.Regional: S.F. Bay Area Ridge Trail

 
View from hike on Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Articles:
#1. The 2024 Ruck Schedule is out. NorCal Ruck: Saturday January 20, 2024–Camp Herms, Berkeley, CA
Cascade Ruck: Saturday February 24, 2024 Skamania County Fairgrounds, Stevenson, WA
Rockies Ruck, Saturday March 23, 2024 Active Adult Center, Wheat Ridge, CO

From the organizers, “This day-long event is designed for all backpackers (from novice to expert) to come together to meet other hikers, get educated and get inspired for the upcoming hiking season.

“Highlights Include:
Invited Speakers on wilderness safety, resupply, gear, and more.
Trail-Specific Breakout Sessions — PCT, CDT, JMT, Tahoe Rim Trail, Camino de Santiago, and more. Talk to an expert, in-person.
Personalized Pack Shakedowns — Bring your kit and get expert advice to swap gear and carry less.
Breakfast & Lunch provided, including vegan options
Local Vendors with amazing gear and more
Our legendary GEAR RAFFLE with ultralight backpacks, shelters, sleeping systems, and more. We think the raffle alone is worth the attendance, really!
…and of course, plenty of time to socialize with your local trail community 🙂

Susan adds—we will be there. This is always “a day full of important info and discussions for hikers. This is an excellent chance to talk to the experts, to meet up with trail buddies, and to enjoy both breakfast and lunch!!! Space is limited. Register early to guarantee your spot. Questions or Concerns?” Email secretary@aldhawest.org

“REGISTER NOW. $35 (15% off if you join!) Much more info here: https://www.aldhawest.org/event

#2. 2024 Yosemite Ntl. Park Reservation Requirements for Horsetail Fall and Park entry.
Horsetail Fall: 
February 2024 “Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it’s backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing and when the sun is at the right angle in mid– to late February. This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources.

In order to manage this event, reservations will be required for entry to Yosemite on: February 10–11, 2024; February 17–19, 2024; February 24–25, 2024.”
Park Entry: “Mid-April through October 2024 Reservation Requirement. A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days from April 13 through October 27, 2024, for those driving into the park between 5 am and 4 pm as follows:
“April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (May 27 and June 19).
July 1 through August 16: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day.
August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14).
“Driving through the park will also require a reservation if entering between 5 am and 4 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.”
“New reservation system for next summer. Heads up if you’re coming to Yosemite!” https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

FEES: Info on Yosemite park’s fees here: Fees & Passes – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

#3. Treeline Review: You’ll find recommendations for baselayers, mid-layers, and outerwear here

#4 Reminder: Susan’s hiking books – read free for 90 days on Kindle Unlimited. If you have Kindle Unlimited, you will have free access to five hiking books until Feb. 24, 2024. That includes:
Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails
Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo
Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine
We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers
Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago
.

If you do use this offer, we would greatly appreciate your great reviews! 

#5. Halfway Anywhere (Mac) does an annual year-end survey of PCT and JMT hiker survey – their experiences, what worked, what didn’t etc. as a resource for future “PCT and/or JMT hikers and recreators. Look here.  

#6. Rain gear no longer keeping you dry? Backpacker.com explains how it all works (or doesn’t). “Rain shells are composed of three layers: an outer layer, and DWR (durable water repellent), and a waterproof inner layer. This inner layer has pores that water vapor can pass through but not water. Over time, the pores of the DWR layer become clogged with sweat and the vapor can no longer escape—which keeps the moisture inside. The answer—wash your jacket with a technical wash detergent such as Nikwax Tech Wash. If the garment has lost water repellency, follow the wash Nikwax TX.Direct after cleaning. Follow the rest of the manufacturer’s directions—including using a front-loading washer or washing by hand and then drying at low heat.” Do not dry-clean.

#7. And your tent? Perhaps you put your tent away after your last summer or fall backpack trip and forget to store it properly. It’s, hopefully, not too late to care for it and have it in good condition for your next trip. 

“Never machine-wash or machine-dry a tent. A washer, especially a top-loader with an agitator, can stretch or tear fabric, mesh and seams. Dryers can do the same, and can generate enough heat to do damage as well.” Link here

#8. Subject: 12 Bucket List Hikes in Northern California, One for Every Month of 2024. S.F. Chronicle has a great plan for you. We have done about 3/4 of these hikes and can vouch for what terrific hiking adventures are given in the link here. Thanks, John Alcorn, for forwarding this info. 

#9. Regional: S.F. Bay Area – East Bay Regional Park District’s 2024 Trail Challenge is here! 10 suggested hikes, of varied levels of difficulty and length are featured (you can substitute any of the district’s trails if you prefer as long as you complete 26.2 miles or at least five of their trails.). There are a limited number of free guidebooks and t-shirts available. Complete info is at  ebparks.org/TC

#10. Regional: S.F. Bay Area Ridge Trail. Slowly but surely, Ralph and I are continuing on the Bay Area Ridge Trail circumnavigation of the trail with our hiking partners Tom Coroneos and Patricia Schaffarczyk. The trail is a work-in-progress with approximately 400 miles currently open (free) to hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists. The plan is for a 500+-mile contiguous trail to encircle the Bay Area along the ridges. More info here

The rewards are many! Here are a couple of photos of our most recent hike (Jan 4) from Pantoll in Mt. Tamalpais State Park to Tennessee Valley in the GGNRA. Rated moderate. Officially given as 8.5 miles. As with many of the trails, we did a shuttle so that we don’t need to do an out and back. Not a perfect system, but makes it doable for us. 

 
Signage at Pantoll

Thank you everyone. Stay well, keep hiking when prudent. I encourage you to send in items of interest to the hiking community to me at backpack45 “at sign” yahoo.com

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA

https://www.susandalcorn.com
https://www.backpack45.com

Author of Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails; Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo; Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine; We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers; and Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago.

Please note: Hiking and backpacking can be risky endeavors. Always be prepared for emergencies and carry food, water, shelter (warm clothing, etc.), flashlight/headlamp, matches, first aid supplies, and maps. Cell phones don’t always work. Leave word where you are traveling and when you are due back.

 

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, February 2024

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, February 2024

Contents:
1. Susan presents: Things Learned on the Trail and my life on the trail. Talk in San Ramon
2. Bay Area Ridge Trail San Francisco gathering/hikes
3. 
Exercise and the Little Blue Pill
4. California names its state mushroom: the Golden Chanterelle
5. Susan, Ralph, and others to be announced, lead hike in San Francisco soon.
6. The RUCK rocks!
7. Odds and Ends

Articles:

#1. Susan’s next public event will be hosted by the San Ramon Open Space Advisory Committee. It’s billed as “Things Learned on the Trail,” and it’s going to feature my life on the trail and readings from Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tails and Trails. Date: February 10, 2024. Time: 9:00am-10:00am. Meeting at the: San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA., (925) 973-3200.

“Come enjoy special guest speaker Susan Alcorn. Susan is an experienced hiker and author who encourages people from all walks of life to enjoy hiking. In particular, she shares the importance of hiking in her life and the lives of women.”

#2. Bay Area Ridge Trail San Francisco gathering and hikes. Just in case you are skipping the Super Bowl, or can record it for later in the day, “You’re invited to the 9th annual Super Stroll and Roll!  Have a ball with our community and hike or ride the Ridge Trail in the heart of San Francisco.
Four distances offered:
The Double Reserve: 15.3-mile bike ride

The Hail Mary: 12-mile hike
The End-Around: 6.5-mile hike
The Quarterback Sneak: 1.2 mile-walk that highlights the future site of the BAYS (Bay Area Young Survivors) Memorial Garden. This walk is intended to welcome all levels of ability. Please refer to the route information given on the registration page to determine if this route is right for you.” https://ridgetrail.org/super-stroll-and-roll-2024/

#3. Is Exercise the New Viagra? “Men with erectile dysfunction may get nearly as much help from a regular walk as from a little blue pill, according to new research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in October.” From Wellness News (January 26, 2024.). The research, which you can read in detail  https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/12/1369/7301709?  here concluded, “Regular aerobic exercise can improve the erectile function of men, particularly those with lower baseline IIEF-EF scores.”

“In an analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials, researchers found that aerobic exercise—such as brisk walking or pedaling a stationary bike—helped men with erectile dysfunction (ED) boost their sexual performance over the following months to years.” 

golden chanterelle from capitolmuseum.ca.gov#4.  Cantharellus californicus. “The California golden chanterelle is a popular edible mushroom native to the state. They are named for their distinctive deep yellow color. California golden chanterelles have a symbiotic relationship with California trees, especially oaks, and help to nourish underground root systems.

Mushrooms like the chanterelle keep soil healthy by breaking down dead wood and storing carbon in the ground. They can even help to filter our water.” (Assembly Bill 261, Chapter 644, 2023)

Here is a video showing the Golden Chanterelle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDzJGMl_rc4

If you want to learn more about California’s abundant mushrooms and the fungiphiles who study them, here’s one site: CA State Mushroom

#5. Susan, Ralph, and others to be announced, lead a San Francisco hike soon. Stay tuned at:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/northerncaliforniacaminopilgrims

#6. The RUCK Rocks. Ralph and I went recently to the Nor Cal RUCK at Camp Herms in El Cerrito. So much to learn — trail info, how to pack, how to stay safe on the trail, and much more. The food – bagels and more for breakfast; BBQ and all the fixings by Shroomer (Scott Williams) and crew–was nutritious and delicious as always.

A few big takeaways:
ALDHA-WEST has launched a Diversity Scholarship. “We officially launched our new diversity scholarship program. Visit our website to learn more and apply. Link here. https://www.aldhawest.org/scholarship?utm_campaign=fded678b-217a-4e51-8507-971e8f895836&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=99a1e861-2c46-4aaa-92fd-cc713363952b

Treeline Giveaway: Treeline Review (founder Liz “Snorkel” Thomas was on our gear panel) is running a “I’m Ready to Thru-Hike” giveaway packed with ultralight gear from 21 companies.

Backcountry Safety Skills: To receive the Backcountry Safety Skills Checklist from presenter Giggles’ talk, follow the link above to signup for that info.

It’s not too late: Those who missed this first of the RUCK gatherings for 2024, can still take part in other regions: the Cascade Ruck on Sat. Feb. 24 and/or the Colorado Ruck on Sat. Mar 23.  https://www.aldhawest.org/event

#7. Odds and Ends:
A. Poop takes “one to three years (longer in cold or dry environments),” to dissolve in a cathole according to Backpacker.com Summer 2022. Be prepared–you can bring a wag bag kit (Waste Alleviating Gel) with you or bring a backpacker trowel and bury feces deeper. (One reviewer of TheTentLab(R) Deuce(R) Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel suggested wrapping a bit of duct tape around the handle because of trowel’s stiff edges.

B. Dial 112 anywhere in Europe for emergencies: medical, fire, and police. This works with cell phones, landline, and pay phones.

++++++++++++++++
Thank you everyone. Stay well, keep hiking when prudent. I encourage you to send in items of interest to the hiking community to me at backpack45 “at sign” yahoo.com

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn

Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA

https://www.susandalcorn.com
https://www.backpack45.com

Author of Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails; Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo; Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine; We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers; and Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago.

Please note: Hiking and backpacking can be risky endeavors. Always be prepared for emergencies and carry food, water, shelter (warm clothing, etc.), flashlight/headlamp, matches, first aid supplies, and maps. Cell phones don’t always work. Leave word where you are traveling and when you are due back.