nature Archives - Susan D Alcorn, Writer

July 1, 2021July 3, 2021

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

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

#3. Amanda Schaffer, an incredibly creative artist, has developed a useful item called the Pilgrim Pouch for Camino-bound travelers. She also interviewed me last month and I am delighted to share her blogpost. https://pilgrimpouch.com/camino-de-santiago/journeys-writer-susan-alcorn/

#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.

Once you’ve registered, don’t forget to join to Celebration Facebook group.

http://events.saintmarys.edu/s/1611/index.aspx?sid=1611&pgid=2284&gid=6&cid=6535&ecid=6535&post_id=0

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.”

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FXIkkPsToaKGzcI5HJvQLRsffGA8Izdn?usp=sharing

#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 “

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

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

Continue reading “Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales and Tips, July 2021”

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

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 25, 2021June 13, 2021

Hmm, where is Vasquez Peak?

Where’s our peak?

Woo hoo! For us, Vasquez Peak in Henry Coe State Park was our 84th peak of the Nifty Ninety Peak Challenge.

It was supposed to be 10.2 miles rt., but my friend Patricia and I were ahead of the guys and we didn’t have any navigational devices. We thought Ralph was keeping track on the GPS. Every time I looked back to see if he was signaling me we were close, he was engrossed with walking and talking with our friend Tom.

It turned out Vasquez Peak was not marked — and there were several high points nearby so you wouldn’t just know by looking around. About a mile past Vasquez, we all stopped to assess exactly where we were. We had reached Rock Springs.

Our route out and back

We walked out on the Hunting Hollow (dirt) road from the parking area at the Hunting Hollow entrance (fee or State Park pass required). There were five creek crossings, but none even ankle deep and rocks had been placed that made it easy.

We turned left and up the hill on the Lyman Willson Ridge Trail. This was the steepest park of the hike, but we stopped tons of times to photograph wildflowers so we didn’t care. We turned right onto Bowl Trail, which took us past Willson Camp.

Willson Camp, as the name implies, allows camping, but there was no one there. The wooden buildings were in disrepair. The large shed was in the worst condition, but it provided some shelter from the strong wind as we ate our snacks. We appreciated the fact that there was a porta-potty available that was being maintained. The water faucet had been turned off. So this is a reminder to either carry all the water you need or be certain there is a source within the park when you hike or camp here!

Past the camp we made our way onto Vasquez Road, which took us past several high points — one, as I noted, was Vasquez itself and Rock Springs!

It was a great hike and I had the feeling that the display of wildflowers was just beginning. Among others, we saw California Poppies, Buttercups, Vetch, Lupine, Hounds Tongue, Baby Blue Eyes, and Fiddlenecks in profusion! Gorgeous!

Continue reading “Hmm, where is Vasquez Peak?”

January 6, 2021June 13, 2021

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

“Hope, sanity, compassion, thoughtfulness, health, recovery — it’s time to WELCOME 2021!” Couldn’t say it any better than how friend Katie Williams recently posted it on Facebook!

The trails await — though many are muddy!

Contents:

1. The “New” Cathedral in Santiago
2. Pacific Crest Trail — time to apply for permits coming up soon!
3. Bay Nature: “What’s it like inside a Woodrat Nest?
Regional, SF Bay Area:
4. Bay Trail extension coming to Richmond, CA
5. The Alcorns explore new and old local hiking trails
6. Two rewarding hiking challenges for you

Articles:
#1. The “New” Cathedral in Santiago: Big happenings in Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral is open to the public again. Ivar, who hosts a Camino forum and manages the Casa Ivar in Santiago, has also been doing a weekly podcast about what’s happening pilgrimage-wise in Santiago. He recently took a walk through the cathedral and gave us a look at the restoration of what he calls the “New” Cathedral. Have a look here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2sSUoL8tDk&feature=youtu.be

And in further good news, we learn that the Holy Door has been opened and the Holy Year has begun. 2021 is a Holy Year, but because of COVID-19, the pope has expanded the definition and the “year” now continues through 2022. Very good news for those who will not be able to walk the Camino, or otherwise visit the Cathedral this year, but might be able to next. Ivar wrote, “As you might have seen, we will also have a holy year in 2022, so no hurry. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/pope-agrees-2022-also-a-holy-year.69116/

Another resource for keeping up with what’s open and what the conditions are on the pilgrimage trails and in Santiago, go to American Pilgrims.org

#2. Pacific Crest Trail Permits: Very good news! It appears that the USDA Forest Service and Pacific Crest Trail are going to issue permits for PCT hikes of 500+ continuous miles of the trail this year. You’ll be able to apply online starting on Jan. 19, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

There is a great deal of other important information on the PCTA website. The site also asks hikers to consider whether it is wise to hike the trail during this period when COVID-19 is still very much with us. Link here.

Northbound permits for trips starting anywhere from the PCT Southern Terminus at the Mexican border to Sonora Pass will be issued at normal levels of 50 permits per day from March 1 through May 31. Southbound permits for trips starting from the Northern Terminus will be issued at normal levels of 15 per day June 15 — September 15.

If you are on Facebook, you’ll find a lot of information on the PCT Section Hikers group moderated by Jaunting Jan. If you are eager to have good information on the John Muir Trail, look at Inga Aksamit’s Facebook group. She administers the group and the site does a great job of explaining the often confusing rules and regulations of the JMT permitting process, etc.

#3. Bay Nature: “What’s it like inside a Woodrat Nest? When recently walking around our nearby Lafayette Reservoir, a friend and I were talking about wood rat nests, which can be seen from the popular walking trail. So, when I saw this recent article in Bay Nature, I was pleased to learn something new about these cute critters.

Pack rats are also known as wood rats, and even trade rats. I knew that the nests were commonly used for generations (some have been documented at being used for 60 years or more.). And this time of year, when most nearby lower-growing vegetation is bare, it is pretty easy to spot their homes —3-6 feet high, up to eight feet wide, and made of branches, bark, and grasses—but also sometimes wires, glass, and author Michael Ellis adds, old shoes.

Compartments and trading:

I was also intrigued to learn that rats’ homes have compartments—separate chambers for giving birth, sleeping, and pooping. I was also intrigued to learn that the things that they swipe from humans—as disparate items as shoes, jewelry, and gum wrappers—may end up being woven into their homes’ walls. The “trader rat” moniker is appropriate because sometimes they may be carrying home one shiny object, encounter one it finds more appealing, and trade.

Rats are one of the few mammals that can eat the leaves of toyon. The toyon leaves are highly toxic to humans and most other animals because they contain cyanide compounds. But the packrats store the leaves in one of their many pantries until the leeching process breaks down the toxic ingredients, which makes the leaves safe for them to consume! (From Bay Nature, Winter 2021. Michael Ellis.)

#4. Regional, SF Bay Area:
Friends of the Bay Trail in Richmond shares great news. The City of Richmond and East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) have been awarded $2.2 million for building 2.5 miles of Bay Trail along the shoreline from the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail to the northern border of the City’s Point Molate property at Stenmark Drive. For details, see the CA Natural Resources Agency press release below about award of these Prop. 68 Recreational Trails & Greenways program grants.

These grants complete funding for construction of this $6.5 million project when combined with Plan Bay Area Priority Conservation Area grants of $2.2 million, EBRPD funds from Measures CC, FF & WW, and funds provided to the City by Chevron in 2009 as settlement of litigation over underpayment of utility user taxes. EBRPD has funded design plans now at the 65% preliminary stage, approved a Mitigated Negative Declaration under CEQA and applied for the major permits required. Construction should be completed by the end of 2021.

This will be more than a multi-use trail. It will provide the first public access to this shoreline, other than Point Molate Beach Park, since the Huichin tribe of Ohlone dwelled on this stretch of San Francisco Bay shoreline. The first mile of trail from the RSR Bridge will follow a shoreline easement granted by Chevron to EBRPD, while the remaining 1.5 miles will be on the City’s Point Molate property. Click here for more news.

#5. The Alcorns explore new and old local hiking trails: Like I’m sure many or most of you, we have not been traveling afar recently. However, we are blessed with a good range of hiking trails throughout the region. The EBRegional Parks District (across the bay from San Francisco) is the largest urban regional park district in the US.

Whenever I consider the options we have, due to the individuals, informal groups, environmental organizations, and governmental agencies that have fought to safeguard our open spaces, I marvel at the vision and tenacity displayed. Beyond that, it has been the public as well as private donors who have funded our wealth of recreational sites.

In December, we hiked primarily in wetland areas — Coyote Hills Regional and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Fremont), Arrowhead Marsh/Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional (Oakland); Corte Madera Marsh; Alviso Flood Plain (near San Jose) — because this is bird migration time. We also watched, a couple of times, a murmuration, an incredible display by tens of thousands of starlings swooping and weaving incredible patterns in the sky before they landed in nearby eucalyptus trees at dusk.

Murmuration (starlings) in San Rafael, CA

#6. Two of the 2021 hiking challenges in the Bay Area
#PixInParks Challenge. Santa Clara County Park System. Complete all seven featured hikes and get a tee shirt of bandana. Parkhere.org

#Trail Challenge 2021. East Bay Regional Parks. There are twenty featured trails, you choose whichever ones you want to compete and “to complete the challenge, hike five of the 20 trails – or 26.2 miles of trails within East Bay Regional Park District.”

The “twenty featured trails are now available on the AllTrails app. First download the free app, sign-up and log in, then go to https://www.alltrails.com/lists/ebrpd-trails-challenge-2021 and click on “Copy to my lists”, followed by “Continue in App”. The featured trails will show under ‘Lists’ in ‘Plan’. The app indicates where you are on the trail, enabling easy return to the trail if you stray from it. You can also record your hikes, and share your photos, comments etc. with others.” More info here.

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Thank you everyone. Stay well, keep hiking when prudent—and I encourage you to send in items of interest to the hiking community.

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn

Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA

https://susandalcorn.com

https://www.backpack45.com

Author: Walk, Hike, Saunter, which is now available in both print and Kindle versions!

Also: 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. All are available in both paperback and Kindle versions.

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