Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park and climbing the peak in summer represents a very achievable adventure for families with kids. Here’s a family adventure we took in August 2020 with our then 6 and 9 year olds and several other…
Yosemite Crocker Point & Dewey Point Snowcamping
Yosemite Snowshoeing to Dewey Point from Badger Pass is a classic California winter trek. In March two friends and I enjoyed a bluebird weekend enjoying the views above Yosemite Valley. Enjoying Yosemite backcounty in winter without many crowds is a…
Family Snow Camping at Luther Pass near South Lake Tahoe
Snow camping in California is easiest in April, and perfect for our first family & Cub Scout snow camping trip. California April days are longer & warmer while snow still covers the high country. Our destination is Grass Lake near…
Backpacking Self-Care & Tahoe Rim Trail
Before hiking the Appalachian Trail, I thought that long distance hikers would stop feeling aches & pains. They would evolve into super hikers after hiking 200+ miles. I was mistaken. I still had the same aches and pains. However, I…
Thru-hiking Then (2002) & Now (2020)
In July 2020 I am hiking the 170 mile Tahoe Rim Trail. In 2002 I hiked the Southern half of the Appalachian Trail (1000 miles) before business school. While the long distance hiking pattern of sleep, walk, and eat remains…
Comfort in Uncomfortable Places: Arc’teryx Stanford Center Presentation
On February 27, 2020, I participated in an Arc’teryx Stanford Center store event focused on how individuals find comfort in uncomfortable places in the outdoors, at work, or at home. The store invited Daphne de Jong (climbed Everest 2019, to…
Stupid vs. Wild (My Outdoor Fails): Dropping iPhone in Lake Tahoe
Man vs. Wild & Running Wild are two favorite family shows. Usually Bear Grylls successfully solves outdoor challenges. Bear Grylls episodes & most outdoor content do not highlight outdoor fails. I’m starting this new series called Stupid vs. Wild that…
Looking Backwards: 2018 Technology Hiker Year in Review
2018 was another outstanding year for exploring the outdoors. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported me. Highlights include: Family Adventures Most of my 2018 adventures involved family. I went kayak camping in Lake Tahoe for the…
Elk, Coyotes, & Owls at Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore
Tomales Point Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is the best place to watch land based wildlife in the Bay Area. The Tule Elk Preserve protects 300+ elk. Bring your telephoto lense and binoculars as the grasslands make it easier…
Best Planning Sites for California Alpine & Mountaineering Climbs
California offers many of the best American alpine & mountaineering objectives. One of the biggest challenges is where and when to climb. Fortunately, California (CA) has many resources to help mountaineers find the next climb. Here are a few of…