Mountain Peaks Archives - Susan D Alcorn, Writer

February 8, 2023

Links for Bay Area Nifty Ninety and Ridge Trail

Sierra Club Nifty Ninety Peaks
and Bay Area Ridge Trail Links

1. susandalcorn.com/nifty-ninety-peaks-challenge . Read

2. sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce-authors/u1054/Nifty%2090.pdf – Print.

3. Peakbagger.com – free – essential. Get id, logon, navigate to Peak Lists, then to Club Lists, then scroll down to Sierra Club, and from there scroll to San Francisco Bay Area Nifty Ninety and click to list peaks in elevation order. The peak names are all clickable. Clicking one gives details about the peak, where it is, ascent reports, sometimes with gps tracks, etc. It is important to look at the ascent reports, and also the full screen version of the peak map on that page. The full screen version has many more map types you can use. I suggest Open Topo Map (it is very slow to come up). As you do the peaks, frequently you will see Bay Area Ridge Trail signs. Our recommendation is do a peak as part of a Ridge Trail segment when possible. There is a peakbagger app. Get it.

4. The Bay Area Ridge Trail is fairly well documented. Start with ridgetrail.org/trip-planning-tools/ and download their planning navigator. Mandatory.

5. Guidebook locally, REI, or online amazon.com/Bay-Area-Ridge-Trail-Equestrians/dp/089997905X/ Get it.

6. The guide is as of 2019, so some sections aren’t in it and can only be found on the ridgetrail.org/trip-planning-tools/ navigator or Alltrails app or Outerspatial or maps.me . For alltrails the name must be exactly right to find a segment – i.e. Bay Area Ridge Trail: Sanborn County Park John Nicolas Trail. Pay for alltrails.

7. Like the PCT and JMT, quite often you will lack cell service, so you will need apps that work in airplane mode with preloaded maps such as Alltrails, Organic Maps, Gaia GPS. Sometimes we use mapometer.com to draw our routes.

8. If you want a Nifty Ninety peak list as a spreadsheet, this Google Drive folder has a couple of variations, including one with UTM numbers: tinyurl.com/NiftyNinetyUTMQuads

9. You can print this handout from Susan’s susandalcorn.com website blog post

June 3, 2021June 13, 2021

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, June 2021

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, #264. June 2021

View from Berryessa Peak Trail, CA #NiftyNinety (Ralph Alcorn)

For all its material advantage, the sedentary life has left us edgy, unfulfilled. Even after 400 generations in villages and cities, we haven’t forgotten. The open road still softly calls. Carl Sagan

(Thanks, Marcia Powers, for reminding us of this great quotation.)

Articles:

#1. “See the Forest from the Trees. Opening planned for June 4, 2021. The Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo is a self-guided interpretive experience designed to educate, inspire, and delight. Visitors to the Sequoia Park Zoo can visit the Redwood Sky Walk to learn about the rich hidden ecology of California Coastal Redwoods (the world’s tallest trees) from an entirely new perspective. As the longest sky walk in the western United States, the Redwood Sky Walk is just under 1/4 of a mile to the end and back and reaches heights as much as 100ft above the forest floor.

The Redwood Sky Walk is ADA accessible and rises approximately 1/3 of the way up the old and second growth trees in the City of Eureka’s historic Sequoia Park. Admission to the Redwood Sky Walk is included in the price of admission to the Sequoia Park Zoo and no special reservations are required. redwoodskywalk.com.

The Sequoia Park Zoo is a 5-acre facility in Northern California’s Coastal Redwood region and has over 50 species of animals. The Redwood SkyWalk takes guests across a series of suspended bridges and platforms and offers a unique perspective on an old and second growth Coastal Redwood grove. The Sequoia Park Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Eureka, California. Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland and is “famous for its unique Victorian architecture, one-of-a-kind shops and artisanal businesses, and its rich, authentic history.” woodskywalk.com/grandopening. (Thanks, Amy Racina, for the info.)

#2. Jenner Headlands Preserve. “This preserve offering coastal grasslands and redwood forest, has 14 miles of trails to explore near the Northern California coast, 1.5 miles north of the town of Jenner.

” Hikes range in length from the easy .10 miles roundtrip on Hawk Hill to the strenuous 15-mile “Sea to Sky” loop. Dogs allowed on leash; no mountain bikes or horses on trails. No drinking water. No fees charged. The preserve is managed by The Wildlands Conservancy and Sonoma Land Trust. The 5,630-acre holding is home to “Many rare and endangered species including the Northern Spotted owl, Peregrine Falcon, and Red Tree Vole. It’s more likely you will see deer, bobcat, coyote, but you might even see a mountain lion, black bear, or steelhead trout.” (Amy, thanks again for contributing!)

#3. REI is opening up more classes. Some are outdoors (like kayaking, bicycling), some are still on-line. At last some semblance of normalcy returns! https://www.rei.com/events

#4. Strength training and avoiding injury. Isn’t this what we all want— to get stronger or in better condition for not only a particular hike, but for a fitter and healthier body? The trick is how to achieve this without the depressing setbacks that overuse injuries can cause. Outside Magazine (9/1/2020) Link here. “research suggests that the best way to build muscle is an approach called progressive overload—stress a muscle, let it recover, and then stress it more, gradually building up the stress level over time.” Too much stress/not enough rest = pain, injury, burnout. Too much rest/not enough stress = no gain in strength.

*Berryessa Peak Trail #NiftyNinety (Ralph Alcorn)*

#5. Food for thought: Clay Bonnyman Evans in Junk Food and Big Miles may not add up how thru hikers hope. Evans, journalist and thru-hiker, reports, “CU Boulder researchers’ study suggests that thru-hiking, as on the Pacific Crest Trail, might decrease vascular health.”

Thru-hikers [ed: or any long-distance hikers for that matter] do not always exercise the best health habits and often exist on a “high-calorie, low-quality diet—Snickers bars, ramen noodles, Pop-Tarts, that sort of thing” to reduce the weight of food in their pack and to save preparation time when they reach camp. When they come into town, they may be craving fruit and vegetables, but they often favor restaurants with all-you-can –eat food bars they can go back for more servings, ice cream shops, and breweries. There are, of course, books giving recipes for healthier hiking, but not everyone will take the time to prepare food ahead of time.

“Thomas C. Heinbockel, a professional research assistant and Assistant Research Professor Daniel H. Craighead at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology have published a study suggesting that a thru-hiking lifestyle may lead to troubling changes in vascular health.”

Susan notes: It’s based on one case study. “The study was based on Heinbockel’s 2019 thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. After finishing his hike, he went back to the lab and his colleague took vascular measures and compared them to tests taken before the hike. They found the changes ‘troubling’.

“Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, a measure of vascular endothelial function, decreased by more than 25%, they found, and aortic stiffness increased by about 5%.” The researchers did not take additional measurements later, so they admit they don’t know how long the changes lasted. What they do want other hikers to consider is that there may be negative consequences to spending months doing strenuous exercise with eating of high-calorie, low-quality diet.”

“They would like to see further studies, but admit that finding funds for such a study would be difficult. Meanwhile Craighead suggests that hikers focus more on healthier foods and get back to a healthier diet of “fiber, fruits, and vegetables” when they leave the trail. Link here.

While we ponder whether this case study is indicative of a problem, we all should look for ways to improve diet while on the trail. One way to do this is to look at some cookbooks for backpacking food. One very good one is Inga Aksamit’s The Hungry Spork Trail Recipes: Quick Gourmet Meals for the Backcountry.

Speaking of healthy eating while hiking: Just saw that Inga Aksamit, one of the stars of Walk, Hike, Saunter, is administrator of the Facebook group, Healthy Gourmet Backpacking Food. Link here.

#6. Vermilion Valley Resort on the PCT and JMT. “There were mixed signals about this before. Now it is official. Edison ferry won’t run.” Vermilion Valley Resort is a very popular place for people hiking the John Muir or Pacific Crest Trails. It has a campground, cabins, little store and restaurant, and holds packages for resupplying. The resort itself will be open this year, but the ferry that saves a few miles around Lake Edison, will not be running.

“Alrighty – here’s the official word on the ferry / water taxi for the 2021 season…. it will NOT be running. We just went through the 2nd driest winter in the Central Sierra since 1977 and our lake is 100% dependent on snowmelt for replenishment. There is still quite a bit of water in the lake, but being very shallow on both the Mono Creek side and the VVR end, there are too many hazards showing already to safely run the boats.

“We will be operating like we have in past drought years; encouraging hikers coming from the north to drop in over Goodale Pass or (if you don’t want to miss a step of the JMT) hike in along the Mono Creek trail along the lake. We will be offering shuttle service to trailheads to the south (Bear Creek cut-off).

“We know it is a bummer for hikers, but it is also a bummer for water use and hydroelectric for Central California. If we have learned anything over the last 20 years of owning the VVR it is that you roll with the hand you’ve been dealt, and this year we’ve been dealt a low snowpack. We’ll make the best of it, and we’ll still have a great summer in the Sierra. We hope you will too!”

#7. Supporting Access and Diversity: Colour the Trails. Judith Kasiama, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo loved exploring the beauty of her homeland as a child, but when violence began to spill over from Rwanda, her family came to British Columbia. She found when hiking in Vancouver that most of the hiking group were white, just as they are in the U.S. so she founded Colour the Trails. This is a group for BIPOC & allies interested in outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing/snowboarding, kayaking, biking, etc. link here.

Susan Alcorn nears Sizer Peak, Henry Coe SP, CA

#8. Update on the Nifty Ninety Peaks’ challenge. It’s very likely that before the next newsletter come out, Ralph and I and our hiking friends Patricia and Tom will have completed the #NiftyNinetyPeaks’ challenge, which was created by the SF Bay Chapter of the #Sierra Club. #Mount Sizer in Henry Coe State Park, CA, was one of the toughest. It was number 88 for us. My blog about it. Link here.

#9. Dirty Girl Gaiters: I hadn’t thought about Dirty Girl Gaiters for a while, but when recently hiking where there were tons of dry weeds getting caught in my shoes and socks, which means in no time working their way down into my shoes, I remember why I used to wear them on the PCT and other remote places. Dirty Girl Gaiters are designed to be used with trail runners. They have a metal hook on the front of them that fits over the front of your shoelaces and Velcro at the back that attaches to the back of your runners. They weigh only 1.5-2 oz., so worth their minimal weight because your feet will stay cleaner, dirt and weeds will be less likely to work their way into your shoes—and you can make a fashion statement on the trail! https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/

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Thank you everyone. Enjoy the wildflowers while you can. Stay well, keep hiking when prudent. I encourage you to send in items of interest to the hiking community. backpack45@yahoo.com

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn

Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA

https://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.

To subscribe, unsubscribe, or send a message to this (almost) monthly newsletter, please email Susan at backpack45 “at sign” yahoo.com

May 3, 2021July 1, 2021

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, May 2021

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, #263 May 2021

Contents:
1.Going greener
2. Space Dust
3. COVID-19 on Everest!
4. SMG guides
5. JMT hikers: Map of the Eastern Sierra transportation connections
6. Valuable transit info for John Muir Trail hikers
7. How accurate are manufacturers’ specs for backpack capacity?
8. Regional: SF Bay Area Ridge Trail: Ridge to Bridges
9. Regional: Berkeley Path Wanderers and its public service

Articles:
#1. Going greener: As I was looking at a review of a new book, Imagine It!: A Handbook for a Happier Planet (Laurie David), I read a hint — to replace paper towel usage by buying a product called Skoy Cloth. Machine washable, etc. “One machine-washable Skoy Cloth can absorb 16 times its own weight and is equivalent to 15 rolls of paper towels. $9 for four, at containerstore.com.” The Skoy cloth is described as a Swedish, eco-friendly alternative to a kitchen sponge or paper towels.

We started our own campaign last Christmas. We purchased a bag of terry cloth pieces, washcloth sized, at our local Ace Hardware. We put a clean one out on the counter daily, replacing it in between if necessary, and it goes in the laundry with all the other wash. So easy to do and we have significantly reduced paper towel use!

However, I am wondering if the Skoy Cloth would be a good item to have on a backpacking trip — any comments?

#2. Space Dust: The Earth gains weight every year according to researchers from France’s National Center for Scientific Research. They calculated that Earth receives about 14 tons of micrometeorites each DAY. 80% they say probably comes from comets, the remaining from asteroids. Information based on the 20-year study of the debris neat the Franco-Italian Concordia research station in Antarctica. www.earthweek.com

#3. The First Case of COVID-19 at Everest Base Camp. Yikes! The pandemic continues to complicate hopes for a normal season on the world’s highest mountain (article Apr 20, 2021). Read here.

“Hopes for an Everest season unaffected by the pandemic dimmed last week when the first member of an expedition at Base Camp tested positive for COVID-19, according to a source at camp who asked to remain anonymous.”

The story adds that the patient had been thought to have acquired high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). He was taken by helicopter to Kathmandu and tested for COVID-19. His team began to quarantine at Base Camp.

“Most foreigners have to present a negative COVID test result upon arrival in Nepal. The government also requires a quarantine period and a second negative test after arrival, but these rules appear to be largely self-enforced.” But compliance with quarantine periods and retesting depends on the individuals and companies. The incidence of COVID-19 in Nepal has been low, but with their neighbor India’s current crisis, it becomes more concerning that most Sherpas have not received the vaccine.

#4. “Experience a Story 30 Years in the Making,” from Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides (SYMG). I have yet to go on one of their trips (can’t seem to do it all!), but I like their continuing passion for the trail, they trips they lead, and that they are highly experienced.

Here’s more of their story. “In 1991 three lifelong friends combined their passions for the outdoors (and aversions to getting “real” office jobs) and began offering hiking trips to their closest friends and family. They quickly realized the experiences were too incredible not to share with more people. These early expeditions evolved into Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, a world-renowned guide service focusing on the best hiking and climbing destinations the High Sierra has to offer.

“2021 marks our 30th year in business.” “SYMG is leading these trips in 2021 or 2022: Rae Lakes Loop Backpack (JMT); John Muir Trail Backpack (the whole trail and Mt. Whitney); Yosemite Grand Traverse (part of the JMT and peaks in Yosemite.); Yosemite’s famous and challenging Half Dome; Alpine Lakes Backpack (Ansel Adams Wilderness); Ansel Adams High Sierra Camp. Here for more info.

#5. John Muir Trail Transportation: Sometimes backpackers find one of the most difficult things about hiking the JMT is getting to and from the trail. To get oriented to transportation hubs, check out this map.

#6. Transportation changes for the 2021 Sierra Hiking Season. Steve Herr, in the JMT newsletter (4/26/21) provided a very thorough list of COVID service reductions. If you will be depending on public transportation, or a private transportation service to get you to a trailhead, you might need to double check to see what will be available. Herr has obviously devoted an incredible amount of time to compiling these resources! Alan Ladd, who administers the forum, writes, “Steve is in the process of updating his files, but both the current files and any updates will be in this folder.” link here.

Sample here: “There will not be any Yosemite Free Valley shuttle, Glacier Point Tour Bus (concessionaire), Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus (concessionaire), Tuolumne Meadows shuttle (NPS) in Yosemite.”

More JMT Planning Links: See bit.ly/keyJMTdocs for critical JMT planning information
To subscribe to the invaluable John Muir Trail J…@groups.io , go here

#7. Treeline Review tested to find out, “How Accurate are Stated Volumes of Backpacking Backpacks?” [ed: It varies] Read here.

#8. Regional: SF Bay Area Regional: Registration for the “Ridge to Bridge” fund-raising event and challenge for the Bay Area Ridge Trail is continuing. The self-guided events will take place for another month —until June 5, 2021.

“Ridge to Bridges 2021 is a self-guided trail event for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Choose your own DIY adventure! Register here.

If you are trying to stay trail ready for a long walk, consider the Ridge trails. There are 390 miles of ridge walking available. The level of difficultly varies, but as “ridge” suggests, there is generally a lot of up and down, and not infrequently, the routes are more difficult than the Camino Frances. That makes it perfect for those who want to start out in shape for the Camino routes.

#9. Berkeley Path Wanderers:
“Many folks are walking closer to home these days, and our self-guided walks page is getting lots of traffic. We are happy to provide these resources, and hope you are enjoying your solo and/or socially distanced explorations.” Google Berkeley Path Wanderers

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

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

https://susandalcorn.com

https://www.backpack45.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.

To subscribe, unsubscribe, or send a message to this (almost) monthly newsletter, please email Susan at backpack45 “at sign” yahoo.com

March 7, 2020June 15, 2021

We land in Antarctica!!!

January 1, 2020. After the days of exploring the Falklands and South Georgia and the few intervening days totally at sea, I could hardly wait to touch down in Antarctica. This was the day!

November 1, 2019June 17, 2022

Consider the ‘Nifty Ninety”

Consider the Nifty Ninety

If, like me, you don’t like to always do the same trails, check out the Nifty Ninety Peak challenge. Link here! You will also find a great deal of information about the peaks on peakbagger.com and you can also record your achievements at this easy to use website.
We have now completed more than 75 of the #Nifty Ninety peaks. I know that there are some summits ahead that are even more difficult than those we have encountered so far, but we have gradually become more confident and strong as we have met the hikes’ challenges. We continue to consider the terrain, the mileage, the time required, and the weather conditions when selecting our next hike—and are growing more and more captivated by the parks, trails, and high points we are discovering.

As a long-distance hiker, I’ve spent a lot of time at high elevation (John Muir Trail being a prime example) so it is exciting to have some of the same joy exploring the peaks of the Bay Area—the far-reaching views and the sense of accomplishment that getting to high points in this area brings.

Happy trails and travels!
Susan “backpack45” Alcorn