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. :-)