Pt. Reyes was calling our names! The Wife & I that is. Tomales Pt. was our destination. It was a glorious day. No clouds, fog or even rain for that matter. The drive out there is somewhat lengthy, but very beautiful. We started at the end of Pierce Point road where the trail head had about a dozen cars sitting in the dirt lot. We chose this spot for the views and to check out the Tule Elk reserve. Both did not disappoint. The trail is easy & flat at first w/ great views of the coastline looking south towards the lighthouse. The wind was blowing quite aggressively as we started to head uphill w/ waves crashing on the beach below us. The first part of the trail was thick w/ wildflowers almost chest high. The rain this year has done the wildlife some good. After a mile we see some Tule Elk. They migrate on a hillside about 300 meters away. We gaze at them for a few moments and press on uphill. We get up the ridge line and the view is something to see for yourself. On the right(east) is Tomales Bay and the left(west) is the Pacific Ocean. Really cool. After another mile the trail starts down into a valley where we get a closer view of the Elk. This time they migrating near a pond(see pic). We continue on for another mile to the end we decide to have lunch. We were lucky to find a spot low enough where the wind was not blowing us over. It was a steady 15 - 20 mph all day. After our snack we head back climbing out of the valley watching the Elk as they watch us. Funny thing they are only 150 meters away from us and just go about the day as hikers come and go. Its great to see wildlife and it's not in the zoo. On the way back more and more people are starting their hike. On the way back my Wife was surprising me. She was setting a fast pace, that got us back to car ahead of schedule. After some needed stretching we drove away very fulfilled w/ this new hike. Most of the time we have left from park headquarters. Therefore, this was a nice change w/ great views and cool wildlife to check out. I highly recommend this hike. Its realtivily easy(hills and terrain). Worth the drive. To top off the day we stopped in Inverness for an early dinner. Yum!! Well worth it.

Ohlone Wilderness Backpacking Trip

It was time for the Ohlone Wilderness trip. We started w/ a car drop off at Sunol Regional and then hopped in my buddy's car(Ted) and drove over to Del Valle. It was my daughter Gabrielle and me taking off for the hike. We do the final check on the gear, load up and start our hike from the Del Valle parking lot. Once on the trail it starts to go straight up. For the next 2.5 miles we climb 1700'. The weather today is nice(low 60's), therefore the hike is tolerable.

We take a break at the top of Rocky Ridge(2480'). The views are stunning, since its a super clear day. Mt. Diablo to the North with the tri-valley below it. Lake Del Valle looks so far away, though we were there less than 2 hours ago. We continue on knowing that the most challenging climb is just ahead of us. We descend down to Williams Gulch and along the way down this very steep trail we run into a bunch of boy scouts out for a 5 day trip. One of them explain they are getting ready for a trip to New Mexico in May.

Then it starts - the 'Big Burn'(as it states on the map). Yeap no joke 2400' of climbing in just over 2 miles. It starts off mellow thru tall grass, oak trees and lots of wild flowers(CA Poppys, Mariposa Lilys & Shooting Stars). The climb is steady, never really that steep. After what seems like hours we reach Schlieper Rock @3080'. We decide this is great spot for an extended break(5 miles in and 4100' of climbing - OUCH). We spend about 15 minutes sitting and looking around at the incredible vistas. It seems as if the majority of the climbing is now over. When we get to this point its like a giant plateau. Some Oak trees, but mostly Blue Pines abound at this elevation. We press on up again as usual and come to a familiar sight know as 'Johnny's Pond'. We take a few pictures and press on, but notice a creek flowing downward and start to hear water flowing. After about a half mile we come upon a canyon with three small creeks flowing. We hike for another few minutes and notice a small trail leading up to a huge formation of rocks. Once we walk over the top and look down we see the infamous Murietta Falls. We decide to explore, take our backpacks off and walk down to the falls. With cameras in hand Gabrielle and I climb along the edge of the falls(at the top) & take pictures. Its very calm at the top with all three of these previous creeks we saw flowing together to form the falls. The falls itself is flowing pretty well, dropping I'd say about 100' or so. Its a very beautiful area, worth a day hike or overnight trip. At this point I tell Gabrielle, we only have 4 miles to go. She about comes unglued and Daddy tells her "gotcha" its only a half mile away. Half mile yes on the map, but it felt like mile and a half do to our exhaustion and hunger. Finally we make it to Stewart's Camp - Yeah!

I set up camp w/ the help of Gab, putting up the tent, stove, cookware and within about 10 minutes were cooking w/ gas - White Gas that is. After about 15 minutes its lemon flavored chicken and brown rice - Yum. Not to mention we destroy a whole loaf of french bread w/ butter. Yes we were hungry. Darkness is soon upon us. Gabrielle finds her second wind and walks down to the pond close to our campsite. She tells me theres lots of frogs! Frogs, uh oh! Sure enough as we climb into our sleeping bags, it starts - Rrriibit! Nothing like getting serenaded thru the middle of the night. The evening seems to fly by and next thing I know its around 6 am. Wow we have been a sleep for almost 10 hours. I guess we were tired. We start to roll out of the tent about 730 and I notice; 1. its cold(36 - 40degrees), 2. its cloudy, 3. very windy. I decide no heating up the stove for oatmeal. We need to get moving w/ almost 10 miles ahead of us. Gab has some Trader Joe's pop tarts & I throw down a few clif bars. We pack it up and start right at 930.

Go figure as soon as trail starts we climbing uphill again. Almost seems like torture considering how much we climbed the day before(but it was worth it - this place is very beautiful). After only a half mile the trail is rolling, when all of a sudden this horse comes out of nowhere. Its running at almost full speed and looks really pissed. I steep off the trail and watch kinda off helpless as it goes by. Gabrielle is about 50' behind me and the horse stops to look at her. She says"hi horsey" Luckily the horse continues on. Wow what could of happen. A few hundred yards up the trail there are fresh marks in the ground - like scuff marks, probably from the horse. After .6 of mile we get back on the Ohlone Wilderness Trail(Stewarts camp is a side trail) and reach our highest point at 3490'. From here its about 3 miles to the top of Mt. Rose. The wind is really blowing like mad above us. We are in between ridges, so the wind is not that bad, but it feels cold enough to snow. The Sky's have looked threatening since we left camp. Up at this elevation(3400') the hills take on a different character. Many of the trees(Oak) have been blown over from past storms/wind. Blue Pines seem to thrive in this climate. After 1 1/2 miles we come to Box Canyon. Very picturesque area with high canyon walls and three different creeks running downward. We hike by a pond w/ fish in it - Wow. Very surprised to see fish. Then we hear the wind as we go uphill - again. As we approach the crest of the trail it opens up to the west and the wind is blowing so powerful, we can hardly stand up w/ our packs on. This is nuts! The wind is blowing close to 40 -50 mph. We are leaning to our left w/ force to walk along this ridge line - this is nuts! Its like this for about 500', where we turn down a switchback and begin to have some relief from the wind. At the time we were screaming and laughing at the same time. The power of the wind is very amazing. Its about this time we are caught by a day hiker on his way to Rose Peak. His name is Pete and he started this morning at Del Valle. We share conversation for a few minutes and we continue on. We descend down to North Fork Indian Creek 3200'. This means only one thing - we have to climb out. By now we are used to this, besides its such a great area. Soon back on the ridge we see glimpses of Rose Peak. Just before the trail junction we run into a couple w/ their golden retriever. They tell us they started in Fremont at 5am and are doing the entire 28 mile trail to Del Valle - Wow thats some miles in one day. Its about 1230 pm w/ most of there walking done. They are making good time. Soon we come to the base of Rose Peak and the wind is blowing like its the thing to do!(top picture on the left is us at the base of the Mt.) We leave our packs and venture up the last 300' to the summit. Again the wind is just nuts! Its very difficult to stand up. We go back down to the main trail and start hiking towards Sunol. We start to see more people along the way. Most are out for a day hike to Rose Peak & back(about 20 miles round trip). Our plan when we left camp(about 4 hours ago) was to stay at the Sunol Backpack camp 1180'. As more and more people go by, it starts to seem that rain is going to hit early tomorrow(Sunday). Gabrielle & I start to rethink our plan for the day. We have reservations for the backpack camp, but we may hike the remainder 4 miles to the car. We'll see when we get there. We continue on for another 2 hours and the body and feet are starting to feel the effects of 7 hours of hiking w/50 lbs on the back. Finally after some serious downhills we arrive at the camp. We dump the packs and use the facilities. We see lots of other hikers camping and some resting. We talked to a few who are near the finish of their 15 mile day. They state the weather report is saying rain in the morning. Gab and I look at each other and I tell her we have rain gear, so if we have to, it can be done. But the look on her face says it all. I explain we just did almost 10 miles and still have 4 to go. We grab some energy bars and turkey jerky, munch it down and start our last part of the hike. Down we go, go and go. Within almost 2 hours we start to close in on the park entrance and the car. By this time we are starting to kinda of lose it. Gabrielle is giggling uncontrollably and I'm start to sing really silly songs "the bird the bird the bird is the word"(way to much Family Guy). Ah yes we see the car! We sit in the car w/ gab still giggling and me staring off into space. We are tired - about 14 miles in one day or 20 miles in two days. A bit much for most backpackers, especially Gabrielle on her first trip. I must say, I'm very proud of her on completing this trip. It was definitely a tough one w/ over 5000' of climbing in two days & 20 miles to boot. Another note, this is one of the most beautiful trips I have hiked. The green hills, the vistas, and wild flowers ( not to mention my hiking partner ) made this trip one to remember. I highly recommend everyone to do this hike one day, especially during the spring. Its awesome!

Its almost time for the Ohlone trip. Did a little hike the other day @ Redwood Park(Oakland) after an amazing hail storm at home(Castro Valley). My two fellow hikers were my Daughter Gabrielle & her friend Tyler. We started down the East ridge trail w/ threatening skys & drizzle coming down. Lucky for us the skys opened up to the sun W/ some awesome looking clouds. We ventured down Prince trail towards the valley. The main stream was following at max potential w/ smaller side creeks feeding it. It was quite a sight to see. We start to climb out of Redwood tree filled valley up the French trail. Once to the top of French, we take West ridge back to Skyline gate. A short 4 mile hike w/ really cool trees, ferns, creeks and plants that would make a Botanist go insane. This park is true treasure.

Good news - JB Backpacking is approved by Yosemite Nat'l Park for trips this summer - Yeah! So, if you are reading this, check the website for updated trip info. Should be at least 5 trips. Mostly 5day/4night trips; with yours truly guiding.

Wish I had some hikes to write about, but been under the weather(sick). More to come soon. The Ohlone Wilderness trip is approaching soon(April 9 - 11).

Rain & Mudd

Today was one of those days that determination was the only thing going to get me out for a hike. I started at about 1130 w/ a steady shower coming down. Lake Chabot was the place(close to home). Threw the pack on at the Proctor trailhead started up Proctor. The trail is a steady climb gaining about 200' in a 1/2 mile w/ views of Willow Park Golf Course and the surrounding hills. I pop out of cover of the trees on Proctor and ponder my next move(continue on or back to the car?). We press on down Ten hills, Cameron & across the Wooden Bridge. The creek is very full & I think Willow P ark GC is on its way to being flooded if the rain continues for a few more weeks like this. I actually see another person on the trail hiking. I kinda overjoyed in a way, because who else would be nuts enough to be out here. He's wearing a poncho and I have an umbrella, which he asks about. I him told its not the best for hiking but I want to keep the pack dry.

I continue along the Honker Bay trail and each step I take in the mud is like ice skating. My feet just slip from side to side. While doing this I have to pay close attention to where I'm stepping. The California Newts are out in force. I turned the umbrella upside down and had one start to climb up, but stop the mischief. I'm not 10 anymore and have to let the little guy mosey along. Starting up the climb of Honker the mud is super slippery. I have hike up in the tall grass, which isn't much better. I reach almost the top, the rain has subsided, but the wind is wiping the Eucalyptus trees just furiously. Its a very powerful feeling nature doing its thing, but in the same sense as I look around at all the huge downed limbs, its telling me to get my ass moving!

I make my way thru the campground start down Huck's trail(this is fun on a bike). I get the umbrella out again - the rain is back and w/ force. Back Honker w/ ice skating style mud & continue on to the bridge up Cameron & back down Proctor to the car. 61/4miles in the rain & mud. Feeling good, kinda a sense of accomplishment. You know we don't melt in the rain, maybe a little cold, but its fun.

Del Valle day hike

Started the day off a little late, but made my way out to Livermore & stopped by Sunrise Mountaineering - great looking shop. The owner Rob, was very friendly and shared a lot of great information. I'll be back for sure. After about an hour of conversation I was off driving to Del Valle Regional. As I payed to get in the park I told the Ranger I 'm Backpacking in a month from here to Sunol. He kind of looked at me crazy and said its easier to go the other way. I said nah, I'd rather have a hard day to start & roll along the ridge & slowly roll down to Sunol I told him.

Off I went to start the trail. Its starts for a moment flat & thats it! Up, Up & did I say UP! The first mile climbs 450' in elevation. No joke. There are a few spots where it levels for maybe 60 80 yards, but heads right up again. The vistas are really amazing. Looking back down at Lake Del Valle only a mile into it seems so far away. Golden Eagles(I think) are flying above. The wildflowers are starting to sprout up. Its quit a beautiful time of year to be out here.

Guess what? The trail continues up & up. I reach Rocky Ridge @ 2426'. Its been less than 2.5 miles & my elevation gain has been just shy of 1700' - WOW! Thats definitely Up! Take a few pics & yell/whistle to get the cows out of the way & start back down the trail. After about 1/2 mile of down, I realize that going up is way easier on the legs.

Heading down I run into a hiker named Doug from Castro Valley as well. He's wearing a pack and mountaineer boots. We talk for a moment and tells me he is training for Nepal - Wow. I tell him he is in right place to train. Hand him a card and ask to contact me when he gets back to maybe head up to the Sierras. After some more downhill pounding the car is in sight. Looks like the trip in April will be very rewarding. :-)

Redwood Park Hike

The rain was coming. I could sense it. I could hear the wind. The clouds in the sky, but I wasn't feeling it. It was time for a hike/photo opp. Started out from one of my favorite trailheads - Skyline gate in the Oakland Hills. The lot was half full w/ people coming & going. I threw on the backpack(peanut butter & jelly on board) & set off out West ridge. After a half mile I was about to head down French Trail when I saw this older couple I had ran into a few weeks back. Some people are curious as to where I'm going, wearing a backpack. I answer by telling them I'm a backpacking guide and just out getting some exercise. Back to the couple - we say Hi! & the lady asks if I have those business cards yet. Like an excited school kid I answer; Yes! & reach into my pocket & produce one. She said they were hoping they would see me to get more information. I thought great. Hopefully some future customers.

So down the French I went. This is one of the coolest trails in the East Bay. Monterey Pines to start, then Manzanita further down and finally my favorites; Redwood trees. Something about these amazing trees - I just can't explain - their awesome! Further down the trail there are Live Oak & Bay Laurel covered in moss(super green). Then I start to hear a familiar sound, which occurs in winter. The creek is really flowing from the recent rains. Such a beautiful sight. There are numerous small creeks from all the rain we have been receiving. After taking a few random shots of the trees and creeks, I start the climb up French out of the valley. Its a challenging steep climb to the junction of Redwood Peak trail. I take that trail up even further to West ridge. Up here the wind is really blowing and the Eucalytus trees are swaying and making lots of creaking noises. I decide to walk really fast to get away from these weeds & head down West ridge. I head down Fern enroute to Stream. This trail drops about 600' in 3/4 of a mile. Yeap it goes down quick. I hit Stream & start heading back up to the trialhead. Along the way the stream is flowing rapidly as I walk up the trail. Its really cool sound as one is hiking. With maybe a mile or so to go the first drops start to fall. Funny its just not a few drops. It just starts to pour literally within about 30 seconds. WTF - I jump under my favorite tree & pull out my Gore-tex jacket & start marching up the final hill in the pouring rain( w/ a smile on my face).

Back at the trailhead there are very few cars. The rain is pounding the ground like in the movies(its so loud - almost exaggerated like a movie). The crazy thing is this young lady gets out of her car w/ her dog & starts out east ridge. But shes wearing cotton sweats - WTF? I guess she has a limited time to walk the dog?

This park is so nice, I sometimes don't even want to tell anyone, but its not in my nature(no pone intended).

Sunol day hike

Had the opportunity to hike Sunol Regional Wilderness a few days ago. The weather was questionable, but the rain held out for the hike. The hike was designed to be a recon. trip for the upcoming Ohlone Wilderness 3 day Backpacking trip(April 9 - 11). I started up the McCorkle trail. The trail takes off right after the suspension bridge. About .60 of a mile the trail curves left w/ a huge old Oak tree to the right, when all of a sudden a Coyote appears about 100 yards away. We stare at each other for a moment. I move up the trail and he moves. We do this for about 5 minutes keeping the same distance the whole time. Then cuts back towards the Oak when another Coyote comes from behind the tree. This one is smaller, so it must be the female & maybe they have a den near the tree. They disappeared over a hill & I continued on.

After about 3.5 miles of up & down I reached Backpack camp & decide on a future campsite for the trip. After that its an easy mostly downhill hike back to the car.

The hills are very green. In a few months, the trip will be very special w/ all the wildflowers in full bloom. I"m looking forward to a great trip.

Snowcamping trip #2

Trip #2 to the snow was this last weekend. Went up to Round Valley near Boreal Ski Resort(hwy 80) The snowshoeing hike was fairly mellow(3.5 miles) w/a small climb over Castle Pass(8000'). We made camp in the valley looking up at Basin Peak & Castle Peak. Wow what a view. This was quit a place to be.

The second day after Breakfast half of us ventured up Basin Peak. After making our way to the summit, we traversed the ridge line enroute to Castle Peak. The view from both these Peaks was breathtaking. When climbing to the summit of Basin, I looked across the horizon west and could see Mt. Diablo in the Bay Area.

The third day morning came w/a night of restless sleep. At least I learned on this trip how to stay warm at night. We all had breakfast, packed & were ready to head home. Both trips were very fortunate considering both trips had amazingly good weather.

Snowcamping 101(Sierra Club)

Snowcamping 101. Left for the town of Arnold on Friday Jan. 29th. This was going to be a great experience w/ the Sierra Club. We started Saturday morning on Hwy 4 near Bear Valley Ski Resort. All 27 of us hiked(snowshoe) & skied for 2.5 miles past Lake Alpine up over a ridge to our final destination, just above Duck Lake. What a view. The frozen lake below and incredible Mountain ranges in the distance, made for a great campsite. We all got busy digging our snow shelters(trenches).

The next task was to dig out a snow kitchen. What a cool thing it was to have almost 30 people enjoying a meal watching the sunset. Everyone worked in unison either cooking the meals or boiling snow for drinking water.

As evening became later most went off to our trenches for a nights cozy sleep. Believe or not, inside a trench the temperature stays around 30 degrees(if built properly). Climbed in the bag w/ my two warm Nalgene bottles and instantly was warm. It got a little cold around 4 in the morning, but ate some brownies & drank some water, which was still warm.

Morning came and it was clear as can be. We all sat around & had breakfast. Bacon is quite popular with campers. I choose oatmeal. Pack loaded, snowshoes strapped on and off we went back up the ridge. A few hours later taking our time we arrived back at the cars. It was an amazing experience in the snow.