REI Let’s Camp, glamping, & other campaigns are increasing the popularity of camping & backpacking. With more parks using quotas, the campaigns are also increasing the popularity of backcountry reservations. Obtaining a coveted site can take planning and a little luck,…
A world class wildlife spectacle is taking place near Half Moon Bay (only 15 miles south of San Francisco). Anchovies are schooling immediately south of Pillar Point Harbor. Humpback whales, pelicans, & other birds are feasting on the schools…
For Earth Day 2016, WoolX, the softest Merino Wool, invited me to write a blog post about the best ways to volunteer in the outdoors. In the spirit of thinking globally, acting locally, five ways to give back to the outdoors…
Volunteering for the parks can take many forms. With more real life responsibilities (kids, family, job), my volunteering has evolved. The Trail Center is an all volunteer group that helps builds and maintains trails in the Bay Area. I continue to support…
Here’s my favorite hiking partner sharing his thoughts on the San Mateo County Parks. This Coyote Point Recreation Area video will be part of an upcoming campaign for the SMCP and the SMCP Foundation. In the meantime, enjoy the video…
While “you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows,” an accurate forecast helps planning for outdoor adventures. Everest & 8000m peak expeditions have documented how forecasts help improve summit attempts. These forecasts help more modest trips…
End of year retrospectives are popular this time of year. This blog is no different. 2015 was an outstanding year for exploring the outdoors. Family Adventures: I camped and backpacked five times with my oldest and camped twice with my…
The Bay Area boasts the largest and most varied open space network in the United States. The network did not happen by accident. Conservation leaders like Julia Bott helped protect the Bay Area’s open spaces. Julia Bott is the retiring…
The Pacific Crest Trail’s 2650 miles has segments for all levels of hikers. One of the most visited spots on the PCT is the Desolation Wilderness – for good reason. It features granite peaks, alpine lakes, and multiple trails including…
REI has been an outdoor fixture in my life since I moved to Colorado in the 1990s. On Saturday I attended REI’s Berkeley Store 40th anniversary celebration. It was an excellent event that included REI demonstrations and give-aways, presentations from outdoor…