Susan Alcorn’s Hiking & Backpacking Newsletter, June 2025

Susan Alcorn’s Hiking & Backpacking Newsletter, June 2025
CONTENTS:
#1. Who Knew? Western Gulls
#2. Bear canister requirements and protecting your food (PCTA)
#3. Camino interest: Victoria’s spreadsheets on Camino routes
#4. ALDHA-West Gathering Sept. 26-28. Tickets now available
#5. Good Reading at the Campsite. Timothy Rice’s, The Good Rain: Across Time & Terrain in the Pacific Northwest—and Philip Werner’s, “Hiking over 60: A Modern Guide to Hiking Gear and techniques for Active Adults.”
#6, Regional Bay Area: Crab Cove Sand Sculpture Day
#7. Regional Bay Area: El Cerrito Trail Trekkers: Kensington Path Hike

ARTICLES:
#1. Who Knew? If you’ve ever seen a Western Gull on one of your coastal hikes, you may have noticed that the adults have a red splotch on the underside of their yellow bill. It’s definitely not blood—but what is it? Turns out, according to Bay Nature’s Almanac (2025 Spring issue), the red spot is of great use to the young gulls. The chicks are attracted to red–and peck at it the adults’ red spot. That in turn, makes the adult gull, involuntarily, regurgitate, and the chicks eat regurgitated food.

#2. Bear canister requirements and protecting your food – PCTA. “The number of black bears has increased steadily in recent decades. In California, the bear population has grown from about 10,000 in the 1980s to around 60,000 now. Their range has also expanded. In places where you didn’t use to worry about bears getting your food, there are now bears. Bears are at home in the mountains of the PCT from the southern deserts to the northern border.”
Read more here.
Also, be sure to read the following article by PCT Staff. Bear-hiker conflicts increasing south of High Sierra on the PCT May 24, 2025

Here are a few tips to remember this hiking season to keep yourself and your friendly neighborhood black bear safe–Excerpt from Inyo National Forest website. How to setup your camp in a bear-safe way.

“Always keep your pack and smelly items within reach. Fetching water or taking a bathroom break? If you have a bear canister, set it outside of your backpack. If you do not, keep your pack with you.

The team at BearVault recommends hikers dial in a packing plan before hitting the trail. “Food is one of the heaviest items in your pack, so rather than packing the canister as an afterthought, give it a priority spot close to your back for better balance. In ultralight packs, canisters can even help add some structure. Once at camp, they double as a stool or even a “foam” roller for sore muscles! Many thru-hikers come to love their canisters, and it becomes an essential piece of kit for every backpacking trip.”

For all wildlife, from rodents to ravens to bears, we recommend using a bear canister for your entire journey on the PCT. We strongly recommend carrying one north from Tehachapi to Truckee, CA, in Lassen NP, and in northern Washington.

In a few regions of the Sierra, a “bear hang”, or counterbalance, if done perfectly, is still permitted food storage. This method is extremely difficult to execute effectively and has high failure rates, often due to a lack of appropriately sized trees, insufficient rope, or user error. Ultimately, a bear hang is a delaying tactic- be prepared to defend your food.

Animal-resistant bags may be used to your advantage in Southern California, but note, this is not a permitted food storage method in all areas along the PCT.”

For more comprehensive information on food storage along the PCT, please visit Bear canister requirements and protecting your food – Pacific Crest Trail Association” Author: PCTA Staff

#3. Camino interest: This post was originally made on May 2022 on Ivar’s FB group, but info has been added. “Hi everyone! My name is Victoria – some of you may know me from the Camino Portugues Facebook group, where I went viral a few years ago for making an unhinged spreadsheet to map out my Camino… (

“Earlier… I shared in that group that I had built a tool to let pilgrims tinker around with daily distances on the Camino Portugues, and I was overwhelmed by the response. In the course of a few days, I had hundreds of requests to make a similar tool for other popular routes, and I spent all of easter weekend glued to my computer, building exactly that! You can find the tool at: caminoplanner.org

“It’s totally free, ad-free, and always will be (@ivar I promise this is not a commercial endeavour!! I actually am just this big of a nerd.) This started as a silly little passion project because I’m honestly kind of crazy and love playing around with data.

“As of now, the tool can help you plan the Primitivo, Frances, Norte, and Portugues (central + coastal) Caminos. If people want a version for the Camino de la Plata, I’d also be open to building this (but honestly I haven’t had many requests.)

#4, ALDHA-West Gathering Sept. 26-28. Tickets now available. A new location: “he Cal-Wood Education Center is a remote and beautiful mountain site located on 1,200 secluded acres in the Roosevelt National Forest, at 7,700′ elevation. It’s approximately 90 minutes driving from Denver, and approx. 60 minutes from Boulder. Lodging and meals included.

“⭐ Our 2025 Gathering will feature: Inspiring Keynote Speakers:
Martin D. Papendick Award for Trail Angel of the Year
Triple Crown Award Ceremony
Legendary Gear Raffle from our generous sponsors
ALDHA-West General Membership Meeting
Plenty of social time with our community

*We have a few remaining presentation slots for the gathering. We’re looking for dynamic storytellers that can inspire and educate our community. Topics can include (but are not limited to) thru-hiking a new long route, trail conservation and advocacy, and new faces and diverse voices that haven’t been previously showcased in our community. Nominate Speakers (click here). . . . and yes, you can nominate yourself 😎

“Our events are powered by awesome people like you. It takes a village to make this magic happen. We’ll share more volunteer opportunities in upcoming emails, but right now we’ve got two roles that need help..

*Cal-Wood Service Project: We are organizing a short and satisfying service project to help conserve the Cal-Wood acreage. We are looking for 35 volunteers to roll up their sleeves and make an impact, in exchange for a reduced-price ticket.

- Time commitment: Friday September 26th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
- How to Join: If you can fully commit to this project, we invite you to purchase a reduced-price ticket on the gathering ticket page (more information here). Plan to arrive before 2pm on Sept 26th. We’ll outreach to confirm plans with you.

“Photographer: Help us photograph the Triple Crown Award Ceremony. We need someone to snap photos of each recipient and their award. Plus, you’ll have the best seat in the house. We are looking for a volunteer photographer who can bring their own equipment. “Time commitment: approx. 2 hours on Saturday evening Sep 27th.

“How to Join: If you can help with this job, please email secretary@aldhawest.org and put “gathering volunteer” in the title. We’ll reply and discuss details.

#5. Good reading at the camp site: The Good Rain: Across Time & Terrain in the Pacific Northwest (Vintage Departures) by Timothy Egan (Author). Thank you to FLAKE (trail name) for this recommendation.

Philip Werner’s, “Hiking over 60: A Modern Guide to Hiking Gear and techniques for Active Adults.” Part of my review: Philips’s Hiking over 60 checks all the boxes. It’s full of helpful advice for those who want to start hiking as well as those that want to resume hiking after a long hiatus. Werner’s website SectionHiker.com has provided hikers with tips and gear reviews for decades.

#6. SF BAY AREA REGIONAL: Annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest, Jun 21, 2025. All ages. Drop-In Program. Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda): Otis Drive Park Entrance. “Description: Enjoy a day at the beach with friends and family, either building a unique work of art or strolling to admire others’ creation.
SCHEDULE: Event: Sat 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
9am Registration begins (closes at 11am)
12pm Judging begins
1pm Awards ceremony
Categories include castles and sculptures by youth, families, and adults. The event is cosponsored by the Alameda Recreation & Parks Dept., East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda Youth Committee, and the Bay View Women’s Club. Stop by our information table! For more information, click HERE. MAP: Crown Memorial State Beach (Otis Drive Parking Lot)

#7. El Cerrito Trail Trekkers announces Kensington (a small community in the hills) between Berkeley and El Cerrito) Paths Tour, Saturday, July 26, 2025. 10 a.m. to roughly noon. “Visit a set of paths in Kensington that go between streets and were originally created to facilitate access to streetcars and later buses. Guide Rodney Paul will discuss the history of the paths and efforts to secure public ownership by the Kensington Pathkeepers group he’s involved in. We will see two paths that are blocked and hear about efforts to improve the others. Susan adds: some of these paths down to the buses can also still be found in Berkeley and Oakland hills.)

“The roughly 1.5-mile tour will go at a moderate pace, but much of the route is quite steep, so participants should have a level of fitness to ascend stairs and streets such as Coventry Avenue. Walking sticks may be useful. “Meet by Raxacoul Coffee and Tea, 299 Arlington Ave. The walk ends at Colusa Circle, where we could lunch at several locales.”

Susan wearing “All Day Carry” backpack by Six Moon Designs

Happy Trails
Susan Alcorn

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
https://www.susandalcorn.com
https://www.backpack45.com

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

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

Hiking and backpacking can be risky endeavors. Surely over the last couple of months you have heard, or read about some wilderness rescues. Dayhikes can go bad – people get lost and have to spend the night (nights) outdoors. 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.

November 10, 2024November 10, 2024

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, Nov. 2024

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, #297. Nov. 2024

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Contents:
1. Basic information on Camino Spanish Culture
2. Camino interest: Somewhere Along the Way
3. Looks like three PCT miles to gain greater protection?
4. Opinion on the boot vs trail runners question
5. Tara Dower sets a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail
6.Wild turkeys
7. Regional: East Bay Regional Parks
8. Ferry Rides to S.F. – including some free ones.
9. Our latest Ridge Trail hikes: Doris Klein, Sugarloaf Ridge, Bothe-Napa Valley

Articles:
#1.“Spanish Culture for Pilgrims: What to Know Before You Go”. Iowa Chapter Coordinator, Dr. Dawn Bratsch-Prince’s presentation on Spanish culture. From the American Pilgrims on the Camino (American Pilgrims). Bratsch-Prince shared her popular talk from this year’s Annual Gathering, Spanish Culture for Pilgrims: Everyday Cultural Norms. “In this video, Dawn highlights 10 basic cultural concepts every pilgrim should know before starting a Camino journey in Spain.” Camino Spanish Culture for Pilgrims.

My rating: I think this video is a good one for new pilgrims (and some who are more experienced ones) because it covers some basics. And, although most of us who have already walked the Camino learned quickly that restaurants in Spain operate on a different time schedule than here in the U.S. However, those who have walked only in Galicia (which includes Sarria, a popular starting point), may not have learned about the culture and customs of the other 16 autonomies regions of Spain.

I like that Dawn covers the basics well, but it also reminds me of what is missed when travelers do not go beyond social media to gather information. Most questions on the Camino forums are about what to pack, what shoes to wear, where to start a Camino trek, where to stay/where to eat, etc. All of which can be useful information, but I think that something is lost when travelers don’t read books or articles (or watch documentaries) that go deeper into the history, culture, of where they are walking.

#2. Somewhere Along The Way – TRAILER. Jane Tishkoff, member of the Northern California Pilgrim Group, recently posted on FB. “I had the privilege of walking with Dan Mullins, his wife, sister and 35 other Pilgrims as we walked from León to Santiago Spain in May”–(a 300+km walk). “After losing his voice and being told he would probably never sing again, he not only sang, but he wrote new songs and gave concerts nearly every night after we walked, and recorded an album which debuts on October 6th. Simon Burn is making a documentary about the walk which will hopefully be out by year end, or early next year. It’s going to be a joyous Camino movie, and we are all anxious to see it when it’s finished. Enjoy the trailer!” Documentary – Somewhere Along The Way – TRAILER

#3. The Pacific Crest Trail news. A deal to conserve three miles of the trail looks like it may be wrapped up soon. “Deal Conserves 3 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail” Gregory Thomas, Sf Chronicle. By Gregory Thomas, Travel & Outdoors Editor, Oct 17, 2024.

Though the PCT passes through the area in question, it (and the rest of the 7,000 acres in the deal), it doesn’t belong to the PCTA (association). This new deal will conserve a parcel between Castle Crags State Park and Trinity Alps of Northern California. $5.3 million has already been brokered by the Trust for Public land, and the remaining amount to be paid, expected to be about $6 million, “is expected to come from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund).”

This particular property has been owned, and logged, by the Sierra Pacific Industries. A very good sign that the entire conservation project will be achieved is that about half of the acreage is already being “ecologically restored,”— tearing out much of the paved roads, improving drainage to favor wildlife (including fish), and more.

More info: Unprotected gaps in the trail: As of 2024, hundreds of thousands of corridor acres and over 150 miles of the trail are still in private ownership and are susceptible to development, creating fragments in the corridor, and blocking the ability for plants and animals—and people—to navigate through. To create a connected corridor, the PCT must be fully conserved.”

#4. Boots/Footwear: When Ralph and I did our first Camino hike, from Roncesvalles, in 2001, I wore boots. We had literally just completed another section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail/JMT and so I had no reason to think I would have foot problems elsewhere. But I soon developed blisters. Luckily, we were helped by a French woman, also on the trail, who told us about cloth tapes we could use.

Altra Lone Peak

Tape one was Medipore (brand name in U.S.), a soft, 1” surgical tape, that was/is great for wrapping sensitive toes individually. Tape two was Omnifix (elastic), which is a 2” medical tape that I wrapped all the way around the ball of my foot because I could cover my sensitive bunions. Both (or similar tapes) are available on Amazon and elsewhere and probably in most Farmacias in Spain.

As Ralph and I continued going back to Europe to walk other Camino routes, we noticed that most Europeans (most of whom had walked from home), continued to favor boots. But in the U.S., long-distance hikers increasingly were switching to trail runners. We soon joined them and have never looked back! I still wrap sensitive parts of my feet on some long-distance walk, but in general, I don’t need to). I’m not aware of anyone gathering statistics on footwear on the Camino–if so they would need to add sandals, but by observation, I have seen increasing number of people going for the lighter shoes.

My socks have changed too. What I now enjoy wearing is ONE pair of socks–the lightweight ones made by Tilley (Ankle Travel Sock). Because it’s only one layer, made of a mystery fiber (from Italy), and lightweight, I know this is not the usual advice—but they work for me.

For hikes in the snow, I still go with a double-layer sock—Wrightsock. And recently, I have been trying a new sock, Farm to Feet, which was recommended, and gifted to me, by Jennifer Pharr Davis. They are “US Materials [wool], US Manufacturing, and US Workers.”

#5. Tara Dower: Read on Title Sports’s news that “Records were broken on the trails! Tara Dower (ultrarunner, Tara Dower, now has the fastest known time for completing the Appalachian trail. The Appalachian trail spans along 14 states, 2189 miles long and comes with 465,000 feet of total vertical gain/loss. It took Dower 40 days, 18 hours and 5 minutes. She beat the previous record by 13 hours. Dower averaged 54 miles a day! With her goal to set the fastest known time, she also wanted to use the opportunity to fundraise for Girls on the Run (a nonprofit organization that hosts running programs for girls across the country). Dower had a goal of $20,000 and so far, she’s raised over $46,000.” titlenine@mail.titlenine.com

#6. Wild turkeys! According to Wildlife: Wild Turkey Take Off, turkeys can run up to 25 mph for short spurts. (National Geographic. Nov. 23, 2023.). Though this is not so funny if they are running at people, we do have occasional interesting visits from them. When they first visited us, we didn’t realize they were on the premises. We thought the loud crash on our roof was from a tree branch that had landed. It turned out to be a couple of local turkeys that had flown from a rooftop further up our hill.

San Francisco Bay Regional:

Sunol Regional Park

#7. As the East Bay Regional Park District this year celebrates its 90 anniversary, we also can celebrate by visiting some of its 127,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa County. EBParks is composed of 72 different parks and is the nation’s largest regional park system.

#8. Richmond Ferry Rides to S.F. – including some free ones. It is a real pleasure, and luxury, to take the ferry from the East Bay to San Francisco. Some people don’t realize what a great city San Francisco is for walking, but there are many fascinating possibilities.

From November 1 to the end of 2024, there’s an additional bonus for you—the Richmond-to San Francisco ferry rides will be free on Fridays. Normally a roundtrip ride is $9.40 (some free or reduced fees for children and seniors). Catch the ferry at 1453 Harbour Way S., in Richmond.

Once you arrive in San Francisco, you can easily pick up the newly designated “Double-Cross San Francisco” trail at the Ferry Buildings and do at least some of its 14.5-miles.

#9. Latest Ridge Trail hikes. Susan: I’m going to wrap this issue up for this month, but wanted to mention that this is a great time of year to do many of the Bay Area Ridge Trail hikes. Indeed the days are shorter, so plan accordingly, but because some of the sections in the wine country (Napa, Sonoma, Solano) get too hot for comfort in the summer and are now beautiful with fall color, it can be a real treat. We’ve just enjoyed the Doris Klein (trail in the new Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park; Sugarloaf Ridge in Sugarloaf State Park and the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (including a short section of the Vine Trail of the Napa Valley Trail).
++++++++++++
Thanks for following me and hope you enjoy the news and suggestions.

Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
https://www.susandalcorn.com
https://www.backpack45.com

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

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

May 29, 2023May 29, 2023

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, June 2023

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, #283, June 2023

American Discovery Trail (ADT) — East Bay by Ralph Alcorn

Contents:
1.John Muir Trail campfire permits
2.Camino de Santiago—to book or not to book accommodations and much more
3. Hiker Mary Davison (81) back on the American Discovery Trail
4. Camino—Suitcases not allowed in eleven albergues
5. At least three bridges out along the John Muir Trail and/or Pacific Crest Trail
6. Camino—Training for Hospitaleros
7. “Night Lights” from Bay Nature
8. Regional: Sonoma County on ‘Bill and Dave Hikes’
9. Regional: Bay Area. Wildcat Canyon Regional Park with the El Cerrito Trail
10.Regional: Lake Merritt, Oakland. Northern California Pilgrim group’s next monthly walk—open to all, free.

The Minarets, Sierra 2007

Articles:
#1. John Muir Trail info: Inga Aksamit, Admin of the John Muir Facebook Group wrote: “If you’ll be camping on Inyo National Forest land (or other NF or BLM lands in CA), don’t forget to get your free, downloadable campfire permit if you plan to use a camp stove. You’ll watch a brief, sometimes humorous video that sadly, pertains more to campgrounds, and then you can download your permit. Link is on the Inyo page here.

#2. Camino interest—Several important topics covered by Ivar.
a. Ivar on “To book or not on the Camino Francés,
some thoughts.. and more podcast and more. Click Here
b. The Way 2, a movie in progress, will feature the Camino del Norte. The info here.
c. Luggage Storage in Santiago.
d. Finally, if you want to get 30% off on the Bronze Camino markers than Ivar shows in the podcast, order at this link:

#3. Hiker Mary Davison, 81, on the American Discovery Trail. Mary, like us, is a section hiker. This year, she picked up the trail in California, near Auburn, to continue west. She stayed with several of our friends, family members, and us while she made her way to Marin County. Then she headed back to pick up some miles in Nevada and Utah that she couldn’t do last year because of fires and flooding. After she had filled in most of the gaps east of here, she left the trail, but she hopes to return in the fall and do the few miles missed including from where she left off in Marin this month to the end point of the ADT at Pt. Reyes.

Mary was one of the 32 women whose stories I collected for Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails.
Mary has written a couple of books, including Old Lady on the Trail: Triple Crown at 76.

#4. Camino and suitcases. Several news sites have reported on a meeting of the Camino Francés Federación in Saint Jean Pied de Port. Amongst other business the member Amigos associations have decided to ban suitcases in the 11 albergues under their direct control. Info here.

#5. Bridges out along the JMT and/or PCT. I was going to post in great detail about the third bridge that has been damaged or destroyed by heavy snows this year, but I decided to only do a brief mention here. It is far wiser to check out, and find timely reports, by responsible parties online. Highly recommended are the John Muir Trail Facebook group (administered by Inga Aksamit) and the PCTA.org website.

The most recent bridge problem in the Sierra is of the 130-foot cable suspension bridge that spans a stream between Black Mountain and Mount Pinchot; this area is remote, currently covered with snow, and difficult to reach. The other two bridges that are out are spans over the south and middle forks of the San Joaquin River. It is not known when any of them will be repaired or replaced. The National Park Service has stated it expects that more damage to structures will be discovered when they are able to get into more areas.

As more PCT thru-hikers reach the Sierra, most are going to have to make crucial decisions—whether to backtrack, to find an alternate route through affected areas, or to leave the trail. Hikers that continue hiking on the trails should be aware that stream or river crossing under current conditions, and future conditions as water flows increase, will be extremely hazardous and there have already been fatalities.

#6. Camino Hospitalero Training. September 8-10, 2023, in Howell, Michigan. The American Pilgrims group has announced its final hospitalero training session of 2023. “Hospitaleros are the guardian angels of the Camino, caring for pilgrims along the Way, without them, the pilgrimage to Santiago wouldn’t be the same.
The training will be held at the Howell Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843, September 8-10, 2023. The training costs $295 and is open only to members of American Pilgrims on the Camino. Participation is limited to 20; a minimum of 15 attendees is required to hold the training session. Check-in: 4:00 PM on Friday, September 8. End 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 10
To attend you must: Have walked at least 100 km or biked at least 200 km of the Camino; Have stayed in at least 1 non-private albergue (i.e. donativo, municipal, association-run or parochial); be a current member of American Pilgrims on the Camino; and be at least 21 years old by September 1, 2023.
You must attend the entire training session to be certified! Make your travel plans accordingly! Note: attendees may be required to wear masks during the training if there is a surge in infections.
Not sure if you’ve stayed in a qualifying albergue? Follow this link to the list of Spanish Federation Albergues; follow this link to verify your stay on this Eroski.com list of hostels on Camino routes.
Register for the Sept. 8-10, 2023 Hospitalero Training. $295. Registration closes midnight of Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Click for more information and registration details.
Fee Waiver: American Pilgrims strives to make our hospitalero training financially accessible. One registration fee waiver per session is available to a member who may not otherwise afford the training. Preference is given to students and those willing to serve in one of the Spanish Federation albergues. Transportation to the training location is the responsibility of the attendee. email questions to hospitalerotraining@americanpilgrims.org

#7. “Night Lights.” From “Naturalist’s Notebook” by John Muir Laws. Laws reminds us that when light enters our eyes, it activates cells on the back of our eyes—allowing us to see even when dark. “Many nocturnal animals have an additional reflective layer in the back of the eye.” The reflective layer makes everything brighter. That is also we, as we have probably noticed, have found that shining a light at some animals’ eyes makes them reflect back to us. (Bay Nature, Spring 2023). Bay Nature is a terrific magazine for those who want to understand nature, especially in the bay area, even better. Baynature.com

#8. Regional: ‘Bill and Dave Hikes’ in Sonoma County. Join a group: June 3, 2023, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. to hike Crane Creek. Meet in the parking lot. Info, register here.

July 8, 2023. 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. to hike through Ragle Ranch’s valleys, redwood trees, oaks, and grasslands on this hike of the entire park. Meet at the gazebo. “Join us to hike just about every trail to check out Ragle Ranch Regional Park! This 157-acre park is a gem with valleys, grasslands, redwood trees, oaks, acorn woodpeckers, and more. Explore them all on this 5-mile hike! Registration required. Info and register here.

Both hikes are in the Sonoma County Regional Parks. Here’s what the Bill and Dave hikes are all about. “Since their retirement, parks staff and volunteers are following in Bill and Dave’s footsteps by continuing to offer the style of adventurous hikes the duo made famous. Join us to check out favorite trails and parks, preview new parklands, learn about the local ecosystem and enjoy a day out in nature. These are moderate to strenuous hikes with longer mileage.
“Please bring your own water and snacks. We recommend participants dress in layers and bring a hat and sunscreen. Most programs will happen rain or shine, but may be canceled during heavy rains, heavy smoke, or extreme temperatures. Accommodations will be made for visitors with disabilities upon advance request. Parking is $7 or free with a Regional Parks membership.”

Info and registration for these hikes and others here. https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/registration

#9. Regional: Bay Area. Wildcat Canyon Regional Park: Attend the El Cerrito Trail Trekkers on our Wildcat Workout Hike. Join Trekkers for a strenuous and often steep hike through Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Dave Weinstein will discuss a bit of the canyon’s history – explaining why a highway runs through it – but mostly we will walk and talk. Bring snacks and water, dress in layers and wear serious shoes. Saturday, June 3, 2023 noon to roughly 4:30 p.m. for a roughly 8-mile trek. Meet at the Rifle Range Road entrance to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Questions to: Dave Weinstein, president, davidsweinstein@yahoo.com

Wildcat Canyon

#10. The Northern California Pilgrim group’s next monthly walk around Lake Merritt in Oakland is open to all. The group meets at the pergola of the lake. Co-coordinator, Guy Joaquin posted the following info on the next walk on FB—Northern California Camino Pilgrims.
“Lake Merritt Walk: Saturday, June 3, 10:30 AM – Noon-ish. Join us on this walk that takes place on the first Saturday of the month, rain or shine! We meet at the “The Columns” (aka Pergola) on the northeast corner of Oakland’s Lake Merritt at 10:30 AM and start walking by 10:45 AM. It’s a flat, paved 3.5-mile walk around the lake that takes a little over an hour. After the walk, many of us typically go to lunch at a nearby restaurant. Lake Merritt Columns: 577 Grand Avenue, https://goo.gl/maps/fPiAKQRw2y5nDJ916 “

“And that’s all folks!”
Cheers, Susan Alcorn
Note: There won’t be a newsletter in July due to our travels. In the meantime, you can pick up one of my books to learn more about women’s hiking and backpacking adventures in Walk, Hike, Saunter or in We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill; the popular Camino Frances; the Caminos Norte and Primitivo; or Patagonia.

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
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
https://www.susandalcorn.com
https://www.backpack45.com

November 2, 2022November 5, 2022

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, November 2022 – blister prevention, john brierley event, Backpacker Mag last words

Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking & Hiking Tales & Tips, #277, November 2022.

Happy Thanksgiving!

John Brierley coming on zoom near thanksgiving

#1. World’s Oldest Restaurant: Madrid
#2. Not good! Burning Clothes and Shoes after the Camino – Fisterra
#3. American Pilgrims: John Brierley Zoom coming up
#4. 2023 Annual Gathering of Pilgrims in Lake Tahoe, NV, April 13-16, 2023
#5. Foot care/avoiding blisters
#6. Free delivery for donations of slightly used, outdoor gear
#7. Good advice from Backpacker Magazine’s final issue
#8. Regional (California and Baja): The Blainville’s horned lizard
#9. Regional: Bay Area Ridge Trail Hike
#10. Regional: Jack London State Historic Park’s Ninth Annual After-Thanksgiving “Turkey Waddle,” Nov. 25, 2022

Articles:
#1. World’s Oldest Restaurant: Madrid.

Camino-bound and stopping in Madrid? Check out Restaurante Botín in Madrid, Spain. It’s recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. “At the World’s Oldest Restaurant, the Fire Has Been Burning. Since 1725. They’ve never turned the oven off.” (Mike Pomranz, Travel and Leisure; posted by Michael Noël of the Nor Cal Pilgrim group.)

#2. Not good! Burning Clothes and Shoes after the Camino! “

A number of local websites are reporting another campaign against the practice of burning boots and clothing at Fisterra. Something which locals say has given an area of natural beauty the appearance of a landfill site. Previous poster campaigns have had limited success.

Ask yourself–would like this practice carried out on a beach near you, or in your backyard? If you want to get rid of your used hiking clothes, see item #6 below and see how you can send items to an organization that will pass them on to someone else. LNT!

#3. APOC (American Pilgrims on the Camino) Zoom session.

APOC will be holding its 2nd Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 10th at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. “There will be an hour with John Brierley, author of Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino. In this live virtual event, John will share his inspiration and insight, from how the Camino is emerging from the COVID-19 years to his powerful personal reflections on the healing power of the Camino.

“A significant portion of this live Zoom session will be dedicated to answering your questions. Look for more information on how to register for the event through the American Pilgrims Facebook Group, on their website, and in your email if you are an #APOC member. Zoom: Registration link will be sent in an upcoming member email and event will be streamed live on the American Pilgrims Facebook Group (available to all).”

#4. American Pilgrims on the Camino — 2023 gathering.

This summer the APOC’s “planning teams provided updates regarding the 2023 Annual Gathering of Pilgrims in Lake Tahoe, NV, to be held April 13-16, 2023. Making it an international gathering is being discussed with the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. There was also consideration of proposed joint efforts with Spanish associations …”

#5. Avoiding blisters.

We all know that everyone’s feet are unique and what works for one may not work for all, but I was recently asked for my advice, and I answered as follows. Keep in mind that I had a terrible time with blisters on my first Camino hike (2001), but got the following advice from a (French) pilgrim, which has helped tremendously— as did changing from boots to trail runners (Altra Lone Peak).

I do two kinds of preventative taping. First I wrap a wide, breathable tape (Omnifix) around the ball of my foot (I have bunions). The tape is backed by paper that you easily pull off after you cut a length of it to fit. Then I wrap each toe that is prone to blisters with a one-inch tape called Medipore. The Medipore is breathable, stretchy, and soft-cloth-like. It tears off in about 1&1/2” segments; I tear off about 2-3 sections per toe. It stays on for a couple of days if needed. These products can be obtained through Amazon and many pharmacies.

In the past I have used double-layer socks such as Wrightsocks, and toe socks such as Injinji, but now I wear a single lightweight sock by Tilley, called “Unholey”, Tilley women’s ankle socks. Unfortunately, they are increasingly difficult to find (none have worn out, but just in case…) Darn Tough are tough, but also heavier than I prefer.

Other things to consider—it you are expecting to encounter a lot of loose dirt, or sand, you should consider a lightweight gaiter like the fun ones Dirty Girl Gaiters dirtygirlgaiters.com offers. Blisters are generally caused by friction (abrasion or rubbing) and heat — and/or by ill-fitting shoes or socks.

When hiking, always take care of hot spots right away; take off shoes and socks to let things cool. Popping a blister is usually not a good idea because it can introduce bacteria and cause an infection. But if the #blister is large and painful, it might be necessary. If you choose to do so, be certain the needle, your hands, and any other material are sterile. Do not pop a blister than has blood in it or any other sign of infection. If you develop a blister, it usually will take a week to go away. You can cover it with a special bandage for blisters if necessary.

**#6. Wanted!! All that gear you never use: Outside’s Gear program, Give Back.**

Three simple steps: pack up your gently used items, print a shipping label, and send them off (free in the U.S) to the Gear Fix. Their repair partner prepares items to be resold and to benefit the Outdoorist Oath (advocates for environmental justice and an inclusive outdoors.” oursideoline.com/give-back

#7. Sound advice from Backpacker Magazine.

The last issue, as I understand it, of the print edition of Backpacker Magazine, is the Fall 2022. It’s an interesting comparison of the advice and practices in the early days of the magazine (which goes back 50 years), and of that given and favored now.
Hiking poles: Adjustable poles came about in the 1960s. German Karl Lendhart, a skier, came up with a locking system. The system, “patented for the first adjustable pole—the Leki Makalu—is still in use today.”

Trail running shoes: When I first started backpacking in 1989, I wore the kind of footwear that most other hikers were wearing — boots. However, choices have widened! “Last year, a thru-hiker survey found that 77% of Appalachian Trail Thru-hikers wore trail running shoes. “ The 2011 release of Altra’s Lone Peak model, changed things dramatically, and they have become the overwhelming favorite. Credit the “breathable mesh upper, chunky lugs, cushy midsole, zero drop heel, and a wide, foot-shaped toe box.” (Backpacker.com Fall 2022)

#8. Regional (California and Baja): The Blainville’s horned lizard.

Have you ever seen one? Looking at an earlier (Spring 2022), copy of Bay Nature Magazine, I stumbled again on an article about this amazing reptile. It “is endemic to California and Baja, eats native harvester ants, and as a defense of last resort, squirts blood from its eyes.” The article continues, “the blood can reportedly reach six feet forward or backwards”— chiefly to startle coyotes, foxes, and dogs (it would startle me too!). Put this on your calendar to do a search next spring in our South and East Bay Counties.

#9. Regional: Bay Area Ridge Trail.

After a delightful time at a recent event—where I was invited to give a talk on Walk, Hike, Saunter: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Hikers—I found a renewed interest in circumnavigating our amazing trail.
For those who aren’t familiar with the #Ridge Trail, it’s a planned 550-mile (890 km) multi-use trail along the hills and mountain ridgelines circling San Francisco Bay and more. Currently, four hundred miles are currently open. Link to Ridge Trail

With my hiking partners, Patricia Schaffarczyk, Tom Coroneos, and Ralph, we recently did another section-hike on the San Francisco peninsula. We started at the North Parking lot of Purisima Creek Redwoods (off Skyline/hwy 35) and ended at the South End Parking lot of Purisima Creek Redwoods. It was 5.8 miles of gentle descent (1000 ft.) and ascent through wonderful redwoods with occasional sightings of the ocean.

One of the things that struck me was that (except for an occasional airplane) it was absolutely quiet once we were away from the highway. On the weekends, it would be busier, but on this weekday, we saw only three other people.

#10. Regional: Jack London State Historic Park’s Ninth Annual After-Thanksgiving Turkey Waddle.

“The Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Waddle Hike at Jack London State Historic Park sets the pace for a healthy holiday season. That’s Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. “…The annual Turkey Waddle Hike lets everyone get out and ‘shake their tail feathers’ after a day of feasting and football.

This moderate 3.5-mile hike leads through mixed evergreens on the way to the majestic Ancient Redwood (also affectionately known as the Grandmother Tree).
“Waddlers, will gather at 10 a.m. in the Ranch parking lot to the right of the entrance kiosk. The hike will end at noon. The event will be cancelled in the event of rain. Great for all ages, participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The trail includes uneven and rocky surfaces and involves some elevation gain and loss.
“Reservations are required and can be made at jacklondonpark.com/events/turkey-waddle-2022/. Tickets are $10, plus the $10 per car entry fee (up to nine passengers).” More info at: jacklondonpark.com/events/.

+++++
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
susandalcorn.com
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.

February 10, 2020June 15, 2021

Awestruck in South Georgia

We were soon to land on South Georgia Island…
I hoped it would be something like the photos we had seen in travel brochures—it surpassed my expectations!

But back to where we left off in the previous post—at sea. After spending Christmas Day at sea, everyone was happy to see any land again. Shag Rocks, out in the middle of seemingly nowhere, had to do. Birders were happy, the rest of us could hardly wait to get to our first two stops in South Georgia—which we reached on December 27, 2020.Read More