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.”
#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)
#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.
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
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 & Tips, #276, October 2022
“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” Miriam Beard. (Thank you Joyce Bender for sharing this.)
Ralph and I returned recently from three weeks in Ireland, of which two weeks were about hiking. We had signed up for a 9-day walk, using the services of Hillwalk Tours. This is the first time we have utilized the services to plan our specific route, provide maps and information about the trail, sites, and towns along the way, and to shuttle our excess luggage ahead to the accommodations they had arranged. They did an excellent job and we definitely would use them again.
Descending the pass
We hiked alone (vs. with a group) approximately 10 miles a day on moderate terrain for seven days. The Dingle Way, which is on the Dingle Peninsula in SW Ireland, is about 179km (112 miles) long, which means we completed about 63% of it—enough to learn that the hiking in Ireland can be incredibly wonderful. The accommodations arranged by Hilwalk were first rate as was the food provided at the hotels or B&Bs in the morning and at the local pubs in the evenings.
Some days we walked along the coast on magnificent beaches, other times alongside ancient stone huts and other ruins, and one day over a mountain pass. And, sometimes we were walking alongside secondary roads, but drivers were universally courteous and careful about moving over to give us wide berth and waving to us. We found the Irish to be extremely friendly and helpful.
After the planned hike, we took trains and busses to a couple of other areas where we could hike. We spent time in Killarney and the Killarney National Park on the Kerry Way, and in the village of Kenmare on bits of the Kerry Way and the Beara Trail. When we were in Dublin, we took an afternoon bus ride out to the Glendalough National Park in the Wicklow Mountains and did a short hike there. We were amazed to learn that there is such an abundance of trails and parks in Ireland—and we know that we hardly touched the possibilities.
#2. Billionaire No More: Patagonia Founder Gives Away the Company.
“A half century after founding the outdoor apparel maker Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, the eccentric rock climber who became a reluctant billionaire with his unconventional spin on capitalism, has given the company away.” Chouinard was a pioneering rock climber in California’s Yosemite Valley in the 1960s. He lived out of his car and ate damaged cans of cat food that he bought for five cents apiece.”
“Mr. Chouinard, 83, his wife and two adult children have transferred their ownership of Patagonia, valued at about $3 billion, to a specially designed trust and a nonprofit organization. They were created to preserve the company’s independence and ensure that all of its profits — some $100 million a year — are used to combat climate change and protect undeveloped land around the globe.”
“Patagonia will continue to operate as a private, for-profit corporation… but the Chouinards, who controlled Patagonia until last month, no longer own the company.”
In August, the family irrevocably transferred all the company’s voting stock, equivalent to 2 percent of the overall shares, into a newly established entity known as the Patagonia Purpose Trust. “Because the Chouinards donated their shares to a trust, the family will pay about $17.5 million in taxes on the gift. Then they donated the other 98 percent of Patagonia, its common shares, to a newly established nonprofit organization called the Holdfast Collective, which will now be the recipient of all the company’s profits and use the funds to combat climate change.” “Because the Holdfast Collective is a 501(c)(4), which allows it to make unlimited political contributions, the family received no tax benefit for its donation.”
“I didn’t know what to do with the company because I didn’t ever want a company,” he said from his home in Jackson, Wyo. “I didn’t want to be a businessman.” “I feel a big relief that I’ve put my life in order,” Mr. Chouinard said. “For us, this was the ideal solution.” nytimes.com/2022/09/14/climate/patagonia-climate-philanthropy-chouinard.html David Gelles. (Sept. 14, 2022, Updated Sept. 21, 2022).
#3. Flights for Camino-bound.
“Just Jack,” a contributor to the Camino Facebook page, wrote, “I’ve been … checking out flight options from Vancouver that will get me to/from the CF next spring. I’ve checked out cities all over Europe. Many people advised that the simplest and cheapest way to SJPDP (Saint Jean Pied de Port, FR) was Vancouver –> Paris –> SJPdP. And after checking many many different routes I fully agree.
“I assumed that flying home from Madrid would be the cheapest and simplest, and that’s what I was planning to do. However someone on this site suggested I check the flights from Porto to Vancouver, and that was a great tip. It’s closer to Santiago, and much cheaper to fly from than Madrid. That tip will save me several hundred dollars, not to mention allow me to see what looks to be an incredibly picturesque city, in a country I didn’t intend to visit, so a heartfelt thanks to that person!” caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/flying-from-western-north-america-flights-home-from-porto-are-cheapest.77128/.
#4. How to Forage For and Prepare Bay Nuts.
“The Bay laurel is one of our iconic trees, writer and herbalist The California native grows widely, and provides important benefits to wildlife. But humans love it too. Here are some tips for foraging for and preparing roasted bay nuts this fall or winter.
The article, baynature.org/article/how-to-forage-and-prepare-bay-nuts/, gives the details of how to gather; shuck, wash and dry; roast; shell and eat. (Important note: foraging isn’t legal everywhere. Please check before you gather!). Original article: Ali Budner, Bay Nature, October 12, 2016
#5. “Stringbean” Joe McConaughy Sets New John Muir Trail FKT.
“On Thursday, August 8, 2022, Joe ‘Stringbean’ McConaughy set a new north-to-south Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Nüümü Poyo, known to many as the John Muir Trail (JMT). The John Muir Trail is 223-miles from Yosemite National Park to Mt. Whitney. McConaughy lowered the FKT from three days, three hours and 55 min to three days, one hour and 34 seconds.
“Stringbean tackled the route from north to south, although FKTs have traditionally been done in the opposite direction to minimize elevation gain (north-to-south boasts 4,000 additional feet of climbing). McConaughy’s effort also bested the previous overall unsupported FKT, which was done south-to-north. The north-to-south route places Mt. Whitney, a 14,505-foot peak that’s the tallest in the lower 48 near the end of the route, a major challenge on an already tough route.” trailrunnermag.com/people/stringbean-joe-mcconaughy-sets-new-john-muir-trail-fkt/.
#6. Book Review from Sue Williams of fiftysense.com.
“If sometimes you get discouraged by getting older, this is definitely the book to read! Susan has compiled stories about 32 women over the age of 45 who are still out there exploring the great outdoors. At 74, I happen to be one of the women interviewed and cannot be more thrilled to be included with these amazing women. Although I have slowed down, choosing shorter, less challenging backpacking trips, I’m still having a great time!
Saturday, October 15, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. “Join the Ridge Trail and hike leader Heather Diaz for an East Bay group day hike in honor of Latine/Latinx Heritage Month! We can celebrate our heritage, learn about each other’s heritage and culture, and celebrate the independence days from Spain (September 1810), which includes The Act of Independence of Central America. Countries that celebrate their independence: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. There will be an optional, post-hike activity for folks who want to hang out a little longer and build community.
“We’ll meet close to the parking lot of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. Exact trailhead location sent in at registration. We’ll then start a loop hike through the beautiful redwoods. There will be an optional, post-hike activity for folks who want to hang out a little longer and build community. Distance: 3 – 4 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: 2 – 3 hours.
The leader, Heather Diaz, is a first-generation hiker from the suburbs of Houston who now lives in Morgan Hill. She has hiked over 2500 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, and is now hiking the Ridge Trail for the 2022 Ridge Trail Challenge. Her goal is to help women feel included, prepared, and empowered in the outdoors by hosting group hikes and camping trips. Learn more at LetsGoOutsideYall.com and also follow Heather on Instagram.” Email: Events@ridgetrail.org with any questions.
#9. “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation: Past, Present, Future.”
“On Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge will host a celebration to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of its authorization by Congress in 1972. The celebration will include a land acknowledgment from the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe, a variety of speakers and activities hosted by refuge staff and its partners, including guided and self-guided hikes, games, arts and crafts, and information booths.”
Program: 10 – 11:00 a.m.: Opening ceremony and remarks. 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Activities and booths (includes a family nature walk, puppet show, guided geology walk, Junior Ranger activities, face painting and more!). Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Marshlands Rd. Fremont, CA
“In the heart of California’s high-tech industry lies one of the nation’s first and largest urban national wildlife refuges. It is a wildlife oasis in an urban sea with 30,000 acres of habitat supporting millions of migratory birds and endangered species. For 50 years, the refuge has provided extremely important habitat for several threatened and endangered species, and many opportunities for people to learn about San Francisco Bay salt marshes and enjoy the benefits of nature.”
#11. Walking every street in Alameda, CA.
Ralph and I recently set a new challenge for ourselves and quickly were joined in the project by our hiking buddies, Patricia Schaffarczyk and Tom Coroneos, who earlier did the Nifty Ninety Peaks Challenge with us.
Ralph finds a swing in Alameda.
We plan to hike every street in Alameda, which is an island just across a short bridge from Oakland. (This endeavor is in addition to our renewed interest in circumnavigation the Bay Area Ridge Trail). Alameda offers easy walking—it’s totally flat and it’s residential. It does, however, mean that we are almost always walking on sidewalks, which is not easy on the feet. I contacted the city’s transportation planner, Chris G. Marks, and learned the City of Alameda has 276.5 miles of roads—so this project is going to take us a while.
All of us are familiar with Alameda to some degree, but there is a lot of new territory to explore because our earlier visits there have been to visit friends, or outdoor events, and so specific locations. Now we are discovering the personalities of various neighborhoods and we’re enjoying finding lots of yard art, stately Victorian houses, and talking with residents.
This is the second time that I have taken on walking on every street in a town—years ago, I walked every street in hilly Piedmont, California. It’s a great way to get to know the layout and personality of a place. So, something to consider if you are looking for a new challenge close to home! _________________
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
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, #269 December 2021
Hi everyone, Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Sorry if you’ve gotten any extra emails about our newsletters. It’s because of our change to wordpress for sending out the newsletter through my website www.susandalcorn.com We have a few more things to learn!
Contents: #1. Three Books I Highly Recommend: #2. “Footprints the People”— Barbara Anderson’s humorous podcast on hiking #3. At 83, ‘Nimblewill Nomad’ Sets Record on the Appalachian Trail #4. Camino: Train schedule (new service) Madrid to Galicia. #5. Andrew Skurka: Have fun while learning about backpacking from an expert #6. Camino news: Yikes! Part of the arch at San Anton fell on a school bus #7. The youngest calendar year triple crowners! Regional San Francisco Bay Area: #8.New Year’s Day Sonoma County Hike #9. Bay Area Ridge Trail: Peninsula. Skyline College to Mussel Beach. #10: Reminder: King Tides on coastal areas
Articles: #1. A. Three books I can recommend: First is my Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Hikers Share Tales and Trails, which would be perfect for anyone who enjoys an inspiring, interesting, and entertaining book full of stories of adventuresome women. All of the 32 women are 45 or older—some have been “firsts” in the hiking world, all are excellent role models that have much to offer newer hikers. Link here.
Heather Anderson’s latest newsletter announced that she has now received the 4th printing of her book, Thirst: 2600 miles to home. She also is offering a course in January called, “FKT 101: Basics for Planning and Completing your First Fastest Known Time Course.” Link here.
From her website, “National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather Anderson is the only woman who has completed the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails each three times. This includes her historic Calendar Year Triple Crown hike in 2018 when she hiked all three of those trails in one March-November season, making her the first female to do so.
“She also holds the overall self-supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail (2013)–hiking it in 60 days, 17 hours, 12 min, which broke the previous men’s record by four days….” “She also holds the female, self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail (2015) in a time of 54 days, 7 hours, 48 minutes, and the Arizona Trail (2016) which she completed in 19 days, 17 hours, 9 minutes.”
Yosemite Complete Hiking Guide by Elizabeth Wenk is out! This book includes every trail in the park and many in adjacent wilderness areas—more than 1,000 miles of trail. As with the previous edition, there is a detailed introduction to the park’s natural history, human history, and of course planning material, most of it entirely rewritten. In addition, there are new maps for every hike. There are lots of new geology and biology sidebars to enhance the trail descriptions. Link here. (Thank you, Jaunting Jan for the news!).
#2. “Footprints the People” is an entertaining podcast with Barbara Anderson (contributor to Walk, Hike, Saunter). She writes, “thought you might enjoy or possibly laugh at my interview for a British podcast on Long Distance walking….. “Footprints The People Podcast Barbara Anderson ” GOOGLE if you cannot reach Spotify. Link here.
#3. 83 year-old ‘Nimblewill Nomad’ Sets Record on the Appalachian Trail. M.J. Eberhart, better known to hikers as Nimblewill Nomad, hiked into Dalton, Mass., on Sunday, November 7 to become the oldest known person to hike the roughly 2,190-mile trail miles of trail from Georgia to Maine.
“Eighty percent of it is mental grit,” he said. “And that is why so many people fail.” He was celebrated by many at the finish line, including former record holder “Grey Beard,” (Dale Sanders, now 86) who had held the title since 2017. Grey Beard had driven up from his home in Tennessee to walk the final miles with Nimblewill Nomad.
Nimblewill Nomad did the entire hike, in sections, in one year. He actually began hiking from his home in Alabama, which is further back—doing day hikes—until he reached Georgia to jump on the AT on March 1, 2021. He averaged about 10 miles a day. He had previously completed the AT twice—1998 and 2001-2. There’s more in an article by Christine Hauser in the New York Times. Link here.
Earl Shaffer is the first known person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one, continuous journey, which he did in 1948.
#4. Camino interest: Train schedule (new service) Madrid to Galicia. Follow the link to the schedule. The labels at the top of each train schedule can be confusing, so here are their meanings: LMXJ — means Monday through Friday LMXJS — Monday through Saturday LMXJD – Monday through Friday and Sunday diario — daily Link to credit
#5. Andrew Skurka Adventures: “Our 2022 trip schedule is now available. April/May: Grand Staircase-Escalante in southern Utah; May: Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado; June/July: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Brooks Range, Alaska; July: High Sierra, California; September: Olympic National Park, Washington (new for 2022); October: West Virginia during peak fall colors.”
If you aren’t acquainted with Andrew Skurka, here’s info about him: “I’m an outdoor athlete, writer, and guide. In my twenties I hiked 30,000+ miles from sea to sea, around the West, and in Alaska. Since then I started a guide …” from his website at https://andrewskurka.com
Apply for a 2022 trip starting Monday, December 13, 2021 [places will fill fast]. Benefit from: “Next-level instruction. We will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the group and to undertake similar trips of your own in the future. The learning starts months before with our Plan Like A Pro course, and continues with an extensive field curriculum. “Expert guides. We combine extensive first-hand backpacking experience with excellent people skills, relate-able family and work lives, and a passion for teaching and for our trip locations. It’s truly an all-star team. “World-class locations. Our venues are among my all-time favorite spots, and we know where to find spectacular scenery, refreshing swimming holes, fascinating archeological sites, blissful off-trail travel, and secluded campsites. “Cohesive groups. We painstakingly match applicants who have similar physical abilities and outdoor experience, and we try to give each group a balance of genders, ages, and other biographical details. Our groups frequently feel like “tramilies” and plan trips together afterwards.”
#6. Camino news: Yikes! Part of the arch at San Anton (on the Francés route) fell and landed on a school bus. Luckily no one was injured. Article here.
#7. 21-Year-Olds, Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell, Just Became the Youngest Calendar-Year Triple Crowners. To make their way through the challenges of weather, they bounced around on the three trails — over 7,000 miles of hiking that covers the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
They started on January 1, 2021 on the Appalachian Trail’s southern end at Springer Mountain. In February the moved over to the Continental Divide in New Mexico; they moved over to do a section of the Pacific Crest Trail headed south from Kennedy Meadows. They finished their record-setting hike on October 22, 2021. There is more to the story, which you can read at link here.
Flyin’ Brian Robinson was the first person to complete a Calendar-Year Triple Crown in 2001. And, as mentioned earlier, Heather “Anish” Anderson, was the first woman to do so.
Regional Bay Area: #8. Jack London State Historic Park First Day Hike. The park, in California’s Sonoma Valley, kicks off the new year with Ninth Annual First Day Hike – January 1, 2022. The trek can be either a personal challenge to make it to the park summit or the first step in a commitment to a healthier new year. Either way, it is designed for all fitness levels with guides to help hikers return to the parking lot at any time. First Day Hikes are held throughout the country, supported by America’s State Parks, and at parks statewide with California State Parks.
The hike begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude at around 2:30 p.m. The roundtrip route is eight miles long and moderately strenuous. Participants will meet in the Ranch parking lot, to the right of the park’s entrance kiosk. The hike will be cancelled in the event of rain.
Reservations are required https://jacklondonpark.com/events/ and can be made at First Day Hike 2022 | Jack London State Historic Park (jacklondonpark.com). Tickets are $10 per person, in addition to $10 per car entry fee (up to nine passengers). (Thank you Laurie Armstrong Gossy for the news.) Photo: Jack London’s Wolf House.
#9. Bay Area Ridge Trail. While waiting for longer days to complete the Nifty Ninety Peak Challenge, we are enjoying doing sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Our most recent hike was on the S.F. Peninsula in Pacifica. What a delightful segment—from Skyline College to Mussel Beach. Short as most of the sections are, but from our start at the southern end of the walk, we went through the GGNRA Milagra Park, with displays with information about the former Nike Launch site that was there during the Cold War era of the 40s and 50s, and then onward along wonderfully well-groomed trails that took us to a spiral (related to a labyrinth) with outstanding views all along. Then down the hillside to walk along the cliffs above the ocean north to the end at the picturesque Mussel Rock. It’s about 4.5 miles, but we did a bit more to see the off-trail views. Easy, going north is downhill.
#10. REMINDER: King Tides near you? “A King Tide is a non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides. Tides are long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is “pulled” back and forth by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun as these bodies interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits. Higher than normal tides typically occur during a new or full moon and when the Moon is at its perigee, or during specific seasons around the country.” National Ocean Service info.
Here’s a Bay Area walk you can take with Berkeley Path Wanderers: “King Tides Walk: History and Rising Seas.” When: Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. Leader: Susan Schwartz. Sea Breeze Market, 598 University Ave., Berkeley.
“During one of winter’s highest tides, enjoy a relaxed loop around Berkeley’s restored “meadow,” with short spurs. We will walk rain or shine. Dress in layers for quick-changing weather, and expect puddles, muddy or even flooded paths, and crossing a construction site. Sorry, no dogs allowed in part of the area we will cross. +++ Thank you everyone; enjoy your holidays. 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
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
Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers 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, #266 August 2021
Hope you are enjoying your summer!
Contents: #1. Hikers’ Rash/Golfers’ vasculitis #2. American Pilgrims on the Camino gathering 2022. #3. Plans for a new long distance trail in France 2500 km, 6 stages https://en.hexatrek.com/ #4. PCT Summer Festival #5. ALDHA-WEST info #6. New FKT (Fastest Known Time) on the Pacific Crest Trail #7. Marcyn Clements, author of Shinrin-Yoku #8. Bears — Fears and Facts #9. Hipcamp and REI #10.S.F. Bay Regional: Berkeley Path Wanderers’ many hikes
Articles: #1. Hikers’ Rash/Golfers’ vasculitis. After recently having a new episode of hikers’ rash, I was very interested to read Diane Spicer’s extensive information of what is it, what causes it, what to do about it, and how to avoid it in her Hiking for Her article. This will be a brief summary, with my comments interspersed, but the link here will give much more detail. https://www.hiking-for-her.com/hikers-rash.html
“Hikers rash (also spelled as hiker’s rash) pops up mysteriously on one or both legs, and makes you wonder what’s going on with your skin.” “The rash occurs on ankles and calves, sometimes even up to the thighs.” “It’s usually on areas NOT covered by socks or clothing. Above the sock line, in other words.”
It is “exercise induced vasculitis (EIV). Any ” -itis” means inflammation, and “vasc” tells you what’s inflamed: blood vessels.”
Susan: This describes what happens to me to a T. It’s only above my socks. Mine does not hurt of itch, and goes away on its own in a few days.
I definitely agree with Diane’s note: “This article is not medical advice. Always consult a medical care professional with your health concerns.”
I learned a few things I hadn’t known previously—that it is sometimes called the “Disney rash.” Which when you stop scratching your head will make sense—hikers/backpackers, golfers, and visitors to Disneyland have SOME things in common—they walk a lot, often for hours at a time, in the summer—these things put pressure on their lower legs, which can cause the blood vessels to expand.
Prevention could include keeping your legs covered with lightweight UPF fabric or wearing compression socks; staying hydrated, applying a wet compress (bandana, etc.), elevating your feet during breaks, and conditioning ahead of time. I guess I would say yikes at this point because Diane reports that “Dr. [Oliver] Espitia estimates about 77% of those who have already experienced hiker’s rash, have an elevated risk of a repeat occurrence.” For further information: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-disney-rash and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27591889/.
#2. American Pilgrims on the Camino gathering 2022. “Announced in La Concha, the pilgrim magazine. “…know that we’re already working on our return to the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC (near Asheville) for our 25th Annual Gathering of Pilgrims, March 31-April 3, 2022. Our theme will be “Rekindling the Camino Spirit”, and the program is already shaping up to include many of the speakers and events that have inspired us through the years, while incorporating new elements that promise to build enthusiasm and excitement as we dream about future adventures. Registration for the 2022 Annual Gathering will open in January 2022 … so save the dates!”
#3. Plans for a new long distance trail in France 2500 km, 6 stages. Check it out here: https://en.hexatrek.com/
#4. PCT Days/Summer Festival: PCT Days is AUGUST 20-22, 2021. “Pacific Crest Trail Days is an annual summer festival that celebrates and promotes hiking, camping, backpacking & outdoor stewardship. Attendees can participate in activities, games, & presentations, win awesome gear at the raffle, and get great deals on the latest outdoor products from sponsors at the Gear Expo. If you’re into car camping, day hiking, long distance hiking, or just curious, a wide-range of gear and info will be here! Don’t miss out on a great time at the 14th annual PCT DAYS, located in the Marine Park of Cascade Locks, Oregon…the heart of the Columbia River Gorge!
“PCT DAYS is free to attend, with a suggested donation of non-perishable food, personal care products, or a monetary contribution to the FISH food bank, which serves the local community. All raffle proceeds support the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West and the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Overnight camping is available for a fee and the event is family-friendly. Vendors will be offering great food, coffee, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. No dogs, glass or alcohol may be brought to PCT DAYS and parking is free.”
“Volunteers will receive free camping on Thunder Island and an ALDHA-West hat as a thank you. Help is needed with: Selling Raffle Tickets on Saturday 8/21; 9:00am-11:00am (2 volunteers needed); 11:00am-1:00pm (2 volunteers needed); 1:00pm-3:00pm (2 volunteers needed); 3:00pm-5:00pm (2 volunteers needed); Hiker Breakfast food setup and cleanup Sunday 8/22; 6:30am-9:30am (2 volunteers needed). Please email us at secretary@aldhawest.org if you’re interested in volunteering. Check out www.pctdays.com for more details.
#5. ALDHA-West Board Nominations are OPEN and Triple Crown info: “Open Positions: President, Secretary, Board Member at Large, and Board Member at Large. We need YOU! Join our team and help us create community in the world of hiker trash. Nominate yourself or others here! Triple Crown Award Applications close at the end of August! If you are looking to apply for your Triple Crown this year, get yourself in gear and apply; don’t delay – apply today!
PLUS: “Hiker Olympics: As part of our 2021 virtual Gathering, we’re kicking off an independent, virtual Hiker Olympics! Complete at least 5 of the items on our list, submit the form on our website, and be entered to win one of a bunch of prizes (TBD, but think classic AW raffle items!) at the Gathering on October 7. While you’re checking items off your list, snap some photos and share them with us! Tag us on social #AWHikerOlympics and/or submit them with your entry. Join the Hiker Olympics. www.aldhawest.org
#6. Timothy Olson has set a new record for completing the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). He started at the southern border on June 1, 2021and reached the US/Canada Northern Terminus at 10:48pm PST on July 22, 2021 (51d 16h 55m 0s). His was a supported hike meaning that he had help along the way—supplies brought to him, or carried along by others. www.fastestknowntime.com/tracking
#7. Marcy publishes Shinrin-Yoku: Poems and Prose.I really have enjoyed reading through Marcy’s new book, Shinrin-Yoku. (Shinrin-Yoku is a Japanese term for “forest bathing.”) Marcy was one of the amazing women that I interviewed about 20 years ago for my We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill). In particular I like the combination of poetry and prose. I have enjoyed being able to skip around and read the various pieces slowly so I can savor each one. At the moment, I am quite taken with her “Ice House Cabin.” Not only do I get to travel somewhere I haven’t been, but I get to traipse along with her, her daughters, and their black labs. “Molly is standing in the middle of the stream, biting the water plume that roostertails off the rocks. Ely is lying belly down in the pool, drinking.” The book is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Shinrin-Yoku-Poems-Marcyn-Del-Clements/dp/1777089565/
#8. Bears — Fears and Facts. In the article “Bear Attack Fatalities Are Up This Year. Is it a Trend, or Just a Coincidence?” from Outside online/first published by Backpacker.com there’s much of interest about recent bear attacks, how to keep the numbers in perspective, and how to be safe out there.
Some facts: “Grizzly and black bears have killed five people in North America over the last five months.” Since these fatalities are relatively recent, you may have read about them, but in short: two were in Calgary (Canada) and three were in the U.S. (one outside Yellowstone, two in Montana, one in Colorado (black bear). In 2020, there were four fatalities in Canada/U.S. from bear attacks, in 2019 only two.
According to supervisor research biologist Frank van Manen of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, “the explosion in outdoor recreation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic may play a role in increased human-bear interactions. More humans visiting trails and wilderness areas naturally leads to bear encounters, which sometimes result in human injury or even death. But this year’s numbers are still too small to consider this anything other than speculation.”
“Human-bear conflicts, which include anything from property damage, human food raids, livestock depredation, and, yes, attacks, increase in areas where bears are expanding their range, says van Manen. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where his studies are focused, grizzlies have tripled their range over the past 40 years, and the overlap between human use areas and grizzly territory has grown wider. This has led to increased interactions between humans and bears, and in some cases, these interactions lead to violence. But, van Manen says, this year’s attacks needn’t set off alarm bells.”
“It is important to recognize that in the vast majority of bear encounters, bears avoid any form of confrontation and leave without incident, which of course does not make the news,” he says. “Physical attacks are extremely rare events that tend to be unpredictable and vary widely over time and geography.”
Keep it in perspective: driving to the trailhead is more risky than hiking in bear country.
#9. REI and Hipcamp. A new partnership between the sporting goods store and a company that offers places to stay, camp, explore. “Picture it. You, your dog and your favorite people in a cabin by the lake…or a tent on a blueberry farm…or a fancy yurt by the ocean. Meet Hipcamp—unique outdoor stays for anyone open to adventure.” (My space is limited here, check it out at https://www.rei.com/h/hipcamp
#10. S.F. Bay Regional: Berkeley Path Wanderers is great at have hikes for people of all ages, fitness, and hiking interests. Here’s one of many that I think would be fun: “Berkeley Hills sunset hike. Friday, August 20, 6 to 9 p.m. Led by: Leader: Alina Constantinescu. It’s free, no registration needed—just be at the Tamalpais Path on the East side of Euclid Ave, across from end of Eunice Street at Codornices Park in Berkeley, CA. “Grab a flashlight and let’s kick-off the weekend with a nice evening hike! The route is 4 miles, with hills and staircases. Estimated duration is 3 hours.” More info here: https://www.berkeleypaths.org/upcoming-events/2021/8/20/berkeley-hills-sunset-hike
++++ 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
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
Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, #265 July 2021
Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!!!
Contents:
#1. Yosemite’s new climbing exhibits — read more #2. “Hiking the Appalachian Trail: A Beginner’s Guide” by Karen Berger #3. Amanda Schaffer, the Pilgrim Pouch, and Susan Alcorn’s interview #4. Six Moon’s description of trail on Mt. St. Helens #5. We are changing newsletter hosts #6. Lightning risk ratings #7. Pilgrim Gathering — reminder #8. John Ladd presents #9. The ALDHA-West Gathering to be Virtual in 2021
Articles: #1. Yosemite’s new climbing exhibits and Telling Yosemite’s Story: Climbing in Yosemite. “Yosemite’s granite walls have carved their place in the history of climbing. Decades ago, Half Dome and El Capitan became the birthplace of big-wall climbing. Since then, climbers have come from all over the world to make history on the park’s iconic walls. Over the years, those climbs have spurred innovations in climbing gear, technique and stewardship.
And today, climbing Yosemite is more popular than ever. Now, the park has new exhibit reflecting this significant history; “the climbing-curious will be able to explore all those aspects of Yosemite’s rich climbing story through new educational exhibits in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.”
#2. Excellent article, “Hiking the Appalachian Trail: A Beginner’s Guide” by Karen Berger in Outside Magazine online. I learned two new terms, “’Lashes’—long-ass section hikers—take on several hundred miles at a time,” while “’Sashes’—short-ass section hikers” and much new info. https://www.outsideonline.com/2424964/beginners-guide-to-the-appalachian-trail
#4. Six Moon’s description of trail on Mt. St. Helens. The Loowit looks like a fascinating and challenging hike into an amazing (and active) volcanic area. https://tinyurl.com/mvev3hm
#5. Notice of newsletter host change from Google Groups to my website: This newsletter has been coming to you through the Google Groups system. We are planning to produce this newsletter on my susandalcorn.com website soon. Once that happens, you will be getting the newsletter from su…@susandalcorn.com . Hopefully this will be a seamless transition, but let me know if anything thing seems strange. I will move my subscriber list to susandalcorn.com. You all have opted in, but possibly you will get a one-time opt in request from this new system.
#6. Lightning risk ratings: Lightning can be, understandably, a concern to hikers and backpackers. Here is a graph that shows relative risk of being in various locations. Click here.
#7. Pilgrim gathering: Reminder: “Pilgrimage: A Circular Journey, St. James’ Day Celebration at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, July 23-26, 2021. A dedicated team of volunteers from the local Midwest chapters of American Pilgrims on the Camino has been hard at work on a St. James’ Day celebration and registration is now open! Registration is filling up and is limited to 150 attendees. Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on July 6th. Registration, click here.
“Full registration ($369 with member discount) includes: eight meals (Friday dinner through Monday breakfast); all beverages (including receptions); three nights’ lodging in Le Mans Hall in a dormitory room (shared bathrooms); participation in all activities.
“Couples will be in double-occupancy accommodations; all other attendees will be single-occupancy (with no single supplement required). Bathrooms are shared and linens will be provided, but bring your own toiletries, hairdryer, and other personal items. Commuter registration ($239 with member discount) does not include lodging or breakfast.
“Check-in opens at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 23 and the program begins Friday evening and continues until noon on Monday.
“Planned program activities include informative presentations, morning walks (bring your walking shoes, hat and sunscreen), and service and social activities, all while building community with other pilgrims. There will be several musical performances, a wine appreciation class, and presentations by George Greenia, Stacey Wittig and Annie O’Neil. We’ll be joined virtually by several other presenters including Dave Whitson, Dan Mullins, Alexander John Shaia and Victor Prince. On Sunday there will be an optional Catholic Mass to celebrate the Feast of St. James, a shell ceremony for pilgrims planning to walk their first Camino within the next year and evening fireworks courtesy of Visit South Bend.
Want more program information? Follow this link to view the draft program. Attendees must provide proof of receiving the Covid-19 vaccination upon check-in and comply with all recommended Covid-19 protocols established by the University and local health department. We will be wearing masks and social distancing.
Follow this link to learn more, join or renew your American Pilgrims membership. The promo code is posted on the member welcome page.
Outing with our local chapter: Nor Cal. pilgrim group walk at Pt. Reyes 2014
#8. John Ladd’s (JMT forum administrator) presentation, “Trailcraft ideas for JMT hikers…” The original was a ZOOM presentation, but if you missed it you can listen [perhaps see the slides by now]. The audio (somewhat edited by Carol Coyne) is available at click here.
“There were a lot of visual materials that I used with the presentation, and they are available in this Google Drive folder. You download these materials as a PowerPoint file (the best way to view the materials, if you can play PowerPoint presentations), of view it within Drive as a Google slides document of download it as a PDF file. These visual materials also include additional links and other information that I added post-presentation.”
#9. The ALDHA-West Gathering to be virtual in 2021: American Long Distance Hiking Association-West writes, “We’ve decided to go virtual this year for the Gathering. It was an extremely difficult decision given that we miss smelling your hiker stench and being able to fist-bump in person. However, we were in a position to make a commitment to a venue that was a significant financial risk, coupled with extremely reduced capacity that would make such an event untenable for us. For that reason, we’re partying Zoom-style again this year!
“Mark your calendars for: Triple Crown Award Ceremony; Tuesday October 5th @ 5pm Pacific. The Gathering: Thursday October 7th @ 5pm Pacific.
“Stay tuned for Triple Crown applications. As well as new board member nominations. In the meantime: do you or a hiker you know have skillz with video slideshow creation? We are looking for help putting together the Triple Crown video this year and would love a volunteer to help lead the charge. Also, start ponderin’ the possibility of joining the board. ALDHA-West needs YOU to keep on hummin’.
“Til next time, DNR, Zuul, Peaches, Blis, The Prodigy, Fireweed, Giggles, Hummingbird and Kimchi. Email us to volunteer! secr…@aldhawest.org Info: www.aldhawest.org “
++
Susan and Ralph Alcorn
Thank you everyone. Stay well, keep hiking when prudent. I encourage you to send in items of interest to the hiking community. backp…@yahoo.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
#8. Jack London State Historic Park First Day Hike. The park, in California’s Sonoma Valley, kicks off the new year with Ninth Annual First Day Hike – January 1, 2022. The trek can be either a personal challenge to make it to the park summit or the first step in a commitment to a healthier new year. Either way, it is designed for all fitness levels with guides to help hikers return to the parking lot at any time. First Day Hikes are held throughout the country, supported by America’s State Parks, and at parks statewide with California State Parks.
Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!!!
