Bay Area outdoors is outstanding, but few places provide a sense of wilderness. The Heritage Grove in Sam McDonald County Park is an exception. Visiting this first growth redwood tract feels remote despite being next to an accessible…
Angel Island Backpacking with Kids
San Francisco Bay’s Angel Island served as a Native American hunting area, an Army Base, the West Coast Ellis Island, and a Nike Missile Base. Today, Angel Island is a California State Park. I recently backpacked ~2 miles with four…
Visiting Teotihuacan, the Mexican Pyramids
Inflammatory headlines about Mexico dominate the headlines. Those headlines obscure the fact that Mexico is an extraordinary place to visit. Mexico City offers the best high altitude mountaineering in North America and many historic sites. I visited Teotihuacan, the Mexican…
Ano Nuevo Elephant Seal Tour: Hiking with Kids
Few things compare to watching ~1000 elephant seals cavort on a beach. Ano Nuevo State Preserves protects a large elephant seal rookery on the San Mateo County Coast. Docents host elephant seal walks from Dec 15 until March that can…
Technology Hiker Gear of the Year: Google Calendar
The Winter Outdoor Retailer Show showcases the latest in Gore-Tex jackets, bomber tents, and convertible boots. While most gear improves comfort and safety in the outdoors, the gear does not perform unless used outside. The Technology Hiker Gear of the…
Looking Backwards 2016: Technology Hiker Outdoor Adventures
2016 was another outstanding year for exploring the outdoors. Thank you to everyone that I’ve shared my love of the outdoors – through trips, posts, or conversations. Here’s a catalog of my 2016 trips. Family Adventures Most of my 2016…
“The Parks are in Good Hands” – Interview with Marlene Finley, San Mateo County Parks Director
Marlene Finley led the San Mateo County Parks Department for the past three years after a long career with the US Forest Service. The parks flourished during her tenure with park expansion (Devil’s Slide Trail, Memorial Park, Pillar Point), record…
Best Big Sur Hiking After the Soberanes Fire
Spending time outdoors reminds me that I am usually not in control. The conditions dictate what is possible. I’m looking forward to hiking in the Big Sur over the holidays, but the Soberanes Fire burned over 132,127 acres this summer. …
My Mexico Ixta Climb Featured on Woolx
Enjoy this photo essay of my Mexico climb on the Woolx website – link is below. If you’d like to read more about my Woolx experience, please read my recent review. #woolxinaction Photo Essay – Climbing Iztaccihuatl
Gear Review: My Woolx Merino Wool Baselayer System
What keeps me warm, dry, and comfortable on my outdoor adventures? My merino wool baselayer system does the trick. I prefer wool’s ability to stay warm when wet, its odor fighting ability, and its natural vs petroleum based origin. …