Contents:
Bonus—the All Day Carry Travel Pack (ADC+)
1. Jack London SHP to launch WILD Trail Challenge
2. 800 miles, 80^th birthday, 80 trails
3. Fall travel in Humboldt County
4. Camino interest: American Pilgrims’ Gathering for 2025. May 15-18, 2025
5. ALDHA-West Gathering and Triple Crown Awards.

Articles:
BONUS: Why the BONUS issue? Because I wanted to let you hear about Six Moon Designs’ release today of their All Day Carry Travel (ADC+)—an Adventure Travel Pack. SixMoonsADC pack link. They are a first-rate company that has previously brought such products as lightweight shelters/tents to campers and backpackers AND lightweight hiking umbrellas to all of us who want greater protection from the elements when hiking and traveling. We get a small commission if you buy through the above link, but wouldn’t promote it if we didn’t believe in it.

“It was designed for such adventures as the Camino de Santiago (Spain, Portugal, France); Alta Vua 8 (Italy); West Highland Way (Scotland), Langtang Valley Trek ((Nepal); Sunshine Coast Trail (British Columbia, Canada). The pack is designed to “meet globe-trotting savvy, culminating in our lightest fully-featured pack ever at just 2.5 pounds. Roam ancient paths one day and connect seamlessly the next, enjoying personalized fit for all-day carry.”

“The ADC Travel Pack handles loads up to 35 pounds while its clamshell access keeps gear neatly at hand. For modern wanderers wanting one bag to rule airport and trails alike without forgoing simple pleasures, our new ADC Travel Pack is your ticket.”

Susan adds: Ralph and I recently received the All Day Carry packs and this weekend was our first hike wearing them. This was a relatively easy hike in Sonoma—6-miles, 550’ elevation—and did not require a backpack, but it was my first opportunity to carry it on a hike, so I wore it. It was so comfortable, that I can honestly say that most of the time I was not even aware I was carrying it.

I normally carry a “regular” backpack on the Camino or other major hikes, but our upcoming travel will take us to two different countries with two different kinds of travel. In Norway, we will be traveling by boat, bus, train, car, and plane to both tourist centers and to off the-beaten-paths. In Spain, we will be traveling on foot to complete the Camino Ingles. For a very detailed post on what and how to pack for a Camino hike, check out my blog post on the subject susandalcorn.com/camino-de-santiago/packing-for-camino-walks/

Packing the ADC will require a different approach than conventional packs. It has multiple compartments, which allow one to keep items much more organized than a traditional backpack. While traditional backpacks can be loosely organized—sleeping bags and other bulky items in the bottom, heavier cooking gear and food next up, lighter bulky gear nearer the top—clothing, warm jackets, raingear, etc. according to the anticipated weather).

The compartments of the ADC will help keep things sorted out. It won’t be required to dig through the entire pack to find your clean underwear or sock, or your medication, sunscreen, comb, etc., your lunch bars. If you are working, or otherwise corresponding with others from the Camino, for example, you will find a separate compartment for holding a laptop. Art supplies, such as paper and brushes, could be packed neatly instead of becoming crumbled in a traditional pack. In other words, you can organize your pack so you can find and retrieve items easily once you decide what your needs are in luggage. You can check out the All Day Carry Travel Backpack here. 

#1. Press Release: “Jack London State Historic Park [Glen Ellen, Sonoma County] introduces WILD Trail Challenge. This will be five Saturday hikes – Each with increasing duration and/or difficulty Sept. 7-Oct. 5, 2024. Avid hikers and weekend warriors can answer the call of the wild at Jack London State Historic Park’s new WILD Trail Challenge, a series of five hikes on five consecutive Saturdays, covering every trail in the park for a total of 31.2 miles. Each week the hikes increase in duration and/or difficulty. 

“Participants can sign up for individual hikes or do them all and become a true “WILD One.”.The price for each hike is $25 (including the $10 park entry fee).  Those who sign up for all five hikes before Sept. 7 save 20 percent and pay only $100.  Details and reservations are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/hiking-series/.  

“All hikes except Hike #3 begin at Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA.  Meet in the Ranch parking lot (turn right after the entrance kiosk). Hike #3 begins at Sonoma Developmental Center, 15000 Arnold Dr, Eldridge, CA. Main campus parking loop at Arnold Dr. and Harney St.
“Hike #1 – Historic Trails. Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This hike explores the historic sites and trails of the park. Navigate both sides of the park to discover Jack London’s Beauty Ranch, London Lake, and the Wolf House ruins. Easy – moderate hike (approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip).
“Hike #2 – Ancient Redwood. Sept. 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meander through the redwoods and sunny oak woodlands of the park’s three Bridge Trails (Upper, Lower, and Fallen). The journey travels to the majestic ancient redwood, fondly known as the Grandmother Tree.  Moderate hike (approximately 5.7 miles roundtrip).
“Hike #3 – Historic Orchard, September 21, 9 am – 12:30 pm. Start Location: Sonoma Developmental Center, 15000 Arnold Dr, Eldridge, CA 95431. Main campus parking loop at Arnold Dr. and Harney St.
Stroll along the blue shores of Fern Lake before reaching the Historic Orchard. Learn about the history of the land and the fruit-bearing trees that bear produce donated to Farm to Pantry. Moderate – Difficult hike (approximately 5.5 miles roundtrip).
“Hike #4 – The Ridge Sept. 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Gain elevation and an appreciation for the diverse habitats found within the park. Hikers will also traverse part of the ever-growing Bay Area Ridge Trail. Moderate – Difficult hike (approximately 8.5 miles roundtrip).
“Hike # 5 – The Summit. Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Complete the hiking series with a trek to the park summit. Climb Sonoma Mountain to enjoy stunning views, celebrate with fellow hikers, and become a WILD One. Difficult hike (approximately 8 miles roundtrip).

“Hikers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water for every hike. Participants will also receive an event reminder email 48 hours before the hike with updates about current trail conditions and hiking gear recommendations.
Susan: Also, don’t forget snacks (or lunch depending), sunscreen, and a sunhat.

“Dogs will not be permitted on any of the five hikes, which travel through the park’s backcountry trails and protected wildlife habitats.  For more information about dogs at the park, visit https://jacklondonpark.com/policies/.

“The hikes will highlight the history and natural beauty of the park while offering participants a meaningful fitness challenge.  Hikes will be guided by the knowledgeable staff and volunteers of Jack London Park Partners, the non-profit organization that operates and funds the park.

“For more information about the WILD Trail Challenge, contact Ciara Pegg at cpegg@jacklondonpark.com or 707-938-5216 Ext 5. Jack London State Historic Park, in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, is operated and funded by Jack London Park Partners, one of the first non-profit organizations to be entrusted with management of a state park on behalf of the people of California. Funding to keep the park going strong is generated from visitors, annual passholders and generous donors. Learn more about the park at https://jacklondonpark.com/ and on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. [Thank you, Laurie Armstrong Gossy, for this info]

#2. Celebrating her 80^th birthday and completing 800 miles. When Diana Coogle, who has lived off of the grid for almost 50 years in Applegate Valley near Ashland, Oregon, turned 79, she made a vow—she would hike 800 miles on 80 different trails by her 80th birthday. This year, on July 20, 2024, she celebrated her achievement and her birthday with friends—and a rare treat for her—a cake with sugar.

She had seen many advantages to the hiking goal (which sometimes involved backpacking as well) that she had set–doing something she loved, which would keep her healthy, and with family and friends. Indeed she achieved her goals, and then some, hiking not only in the Siskiyou Mountains, and the Rogue River of Oregon, but in the Alps in Switzerland.
Enjoy author and adventurer, Coogle’s blog here. “From the Mountains above the Applegate River” https://dianacoogle.blogspot.com/2024/07/

#3. Fall travel in Humboldt County. Many who travel to this Northern California region in the fall find it to be a quiet, beautiful, less crowded, and exciting time to visit the redwoods. It’s a fantastic area for hiking and it’s a fine  time to try some of the Great Redwood Trail, the planned 307-mile trail from San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay.  “The legacy trail will travel through some of the wildest and most scenic landscapes in the United States, traversing old growth redwood forests, running alongside oak woodlands and vineyards, and winding through the magnificent Eel River Canyon.

There are already five segments open: Ukiah Rail Trail; Eureka Waterfront Trail; Humboldt Bay Trail; Arcata Rail-with-Trail; Annie & Mary Trail.”

I have found it challenging to find specific information on the segments, but you can start with the Great Redwood Trail Map here. You can also find some helpful info from the City of Arcata’s website here: Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

#4. Camino interest: American Pilgrims’ Gathering for 2025. “American Pilgrims on the Camino hosts its Annual Gathering of Pilgrims in a different location each year. “The 2025 Gathering will be hosted by both the Canadian Company of Pilgrims and American Pilgrims on the Camino.  It will take place May 15-18, 2025 at the UBC-Point Grey Campus in Vancouver, British Columbia. More details regarding the 2025 Gathering will be announced soon. Members will be notified by email when registration opens. Not a member? Join today!

(The 2024 Gathering was held in Hunt TX, near San Antonio). The Gathering is an opportunity to share experiences, to support one another and learn more about the Camino and the pilgrimage experience.  Camino authors, educators, artists, and more inform and inspire on a wide variety of Camino topics.

“Current members receive a special, timely notice to register for the Gathering which allows for discounted registration.  For over a quarter of a century the Gathering has sold out each year.  By continuing your membership in American Pilgrims, you will receive an exclusive registration invitation and a discount.  The special bonus is spending quality time with hundreds of fellow Camino pilgrims. Additionally, if you renew your membership, we’ll send you a pdf ebook written by Camino luminary Johnnie Walker, called Room for Everyone: Pilgrim Guide to Santiago.”

Gathering Details: “Full registration at the Gathering always includes all plenary and breakout sessions, entertainment, receptions, three nights’ lodging, and eight meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast). Commuter registration includes everything but lodging and breakfast. There’s a wonderful program planned with something for everyone. More information available from the American Pilgrims. 

#5. ALDHA-West Gathering and Triple Crown Awards. The Gathering 2024: Sept 27-29, will be at Camp Augusta in Nevada City, CA. The Gathering is a place for ALDHA-West members to come together to celebrate and share their thru-hiking adventures. It also includes a talent show, talent show, a gear panel, and the Martin D. Pappendick Award for Trail Angel of the Year, and more.

There are two types of tickets available depending on which days and events you are interested in attending. More information here/the link to register/and to log in for the 10% discount to ALDHA members. 
The gathering includes the Triple Crown Award Ceremony, which honors those who have completed the Pacific Crest, Continental, and Appalachian trails. Triple Crown applications are open through August 31. Those applying for the 2024 Triple Crown Applications APPLY HERE. 
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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.

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

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.