Views, Views, and more Views at Windy Gap Trail

Ahhh...the Windy Gap Trail. When I discovered that Crystal Lake was actually closer to me as opposed to Islip Saddle Parking Lot, I jumped at the chance to hike to Little Jimmy from Crystal Lake (Windy Gap Trail).  As usual, I am joined by a couple of friends on this hike.

Windy Gap Trail to Little Jimmy is actually a longer hike with more of an elevation gain compared to the approach from Islip Saddle.  I was open to the challenge and to be honest, I was quite excited.  I haven't hiked from this side before and I was looking forward to seeing this trail.

We had perfect weather for this hike and it was needed since this trail does not have much shade and if hiked during a warm day, this could prove to be more difficult that it is.

We had a late start for this hike and we didn't mind since the weather was nice and cool...the sun wouldn't have an affect on us for this hike.  The first section of the trail was nice and shaded until you get passed the first road crossing...from this point, the ascent starts.

It's amazing when you look ahead towards your destination from the valley below.  From my point of view, I didn't believe that the saddle was only 3 miles from where we started.  This will, however, soon pass...the views from this side of the mountain is nothing short of beautiful.

The hike to the saddle was picturesque and the views appeared endless.  The panorama we were granted helped keep our minds off the difficulty of the elevation gain.  It's also nice to have people around you that you naturally have great conversations with...time seems to pass rather quickly.

One more switch back to go and the saddle was within reach.  From this point, we cross the PCT...a quick map check and we saw that we were close to Little Jimmy.

We push the last half mile (or less) to camp.  I was actually quite surprised to see how much snow was left on the ground considering how warm it has been.  This is also gave me chilling flashbacks of when I had to run for rescue to get assistance for someone who couldn't hike out - this will be for another story.

Our other friends who came from Islip Saddle were at camp at this point.  We decided to pitch above camp overlooking Antelope Valley.  Views were amazing facing north as well.

Seeing how beautiful the views are, my friend Pete talked us into walking to Islip so we can enjoy a 360 degree view of where we are.  It was absolutely beautiful...

That evening, the real social networking begins...gathered around a fire, we enjoy a few drinks, good food, great conversation...and a movie.  Yes, you read that right...we watched a projected movie.  I wonder if we can even consider this a backpacking trip.

11:00PM, the few left retire to our individual tents.  With temperatures down to 36 degrees, we looked forward to the warmth of our bags and a good nights sleep.

Slow to rise the following morning and after having our fill of coffee and oatmeal, we say our "goodbyes" and "see you later" to everyone and we head back down Windy Gap Trail...looking forward to a real breakfast at Crystal Lake Cafe.

Breakfast at the Cafe was quite tasty and I would recommend it to anyone in the area.  On a sad note, seeing as this was my first time at Crystal Lake, I was really looking forward to meeting Bubba the Cat...so sad I didn't.

Anyway, if the weather is cool and the skies are clear...you're guaranteed an awesome hike via Windy Gap...I would definitely recommend it.

Till next time...see you on the trails.

Read More...

What to bring on an overnight adventure

In the coming weeks, I will be participating on a "Mentor Hike" where we, experienced backpackers are paired with a beginner backpacker. I wouldn't say I'm "experienced" but I can say that I have had my own share of scares on the trail and I was once responsible for searching for a SAR team to get someone off a mountain - this post, however, will not be about that.

I can still remember my first backpacking and how miserable I was carrying so much unnecessary weight to a point that I did not enjoy my first backpacking experience. Unhealthy, overweight, and burdened by a heavy pack was not my idea of a good time.  I always wished that I was first shown the ropes and covered the basics of what to bring.  I believe that if given that opportunity, my first trip experience would have been entirely different. 

My evolution from 2011 to 2013

NOTE: The photo above (L) carrying a 55 pound pack for an overnight trip and (R) 2 years later, an 18 pound pack for a 3-Day trip in the Sierra Nevada.

I don't plan on discussing "Ultralight" backpacking and I don't plan on covering costs but my hope is that this article will still help you determine what to pack for your first backpacking trip.  

Please note that the gear I am covering below is rated 3-season for temps that range in the 30's and up.  This gear mentioned will not cover snow and off-trail travel - this is meant for on-trail travel on established trails.  

Let begin!  

HIKING CLOTHES

Before we talk about gear, let's discuss first what to wear.  Ideally, you want to avoid wearing cotton. When cotton gets wet, it ceases to insulate you because the fabric fills up with water. When you hike, you perspire,  and any cotton clothing touching your skin will absorb your sweat like a sponge.  It is best to avoid any garments that contain cotton or a blend of cotton.  Instead, wear clothing made from synthetic materials or merino wool. These materials basically allow for moisture wicking and some like wool, can be virtually stink-proof.  

For more information: http://bit.ly/1d09DIv

Items I personally wear on hikes consists of:

• A short-sleeved synthetic hiking shirt
• (Or) A long-sleeved synthetic light polo
• Hat
• A pair of pants or shorts
• A pair of synthetic/wool hiking socks
• Shoes w/ good traction (some opt for boots for ankle support)
• Trekking poles (not pictured)
• Sunglasses (not pictured)

Other items you may want to have on-hand while hiking may be some electronic device for taking photos, GPS tracking (as seen on the photo above).  These days, most smartphones have the ability to do multiple tasks like track your route and take photos - I included these devices next to the clothing photo above because I have these devices accessible at all time.

BIG 3 ITEMS

Now, on to the meat and potatoes...let's talk about the "Big 3" items.  The big 3 items basically are your:

• Pack
• Tent/Shelter
• Sleeping Bag + Sleeping Pad

These main 3 items will allow you to (1) carry your gear (2) have a place to sleep and (3) have something to keep you warm and comfortable when you sleep.

Big 3 Items

ESSENTIALS & FIRST AID

Next on the list, essentials. These items consists of:

• Map and Compass
• A knife
• Headlamp/Flashlight
• Lighter - or other firestarter
• Mylar Blanket (not pictured)
• Whistle (not pictured)
• First Aid Kit - this can be either purchased as a whole or can me custom made per preference
• Toiletries (wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.)

More info on First Aid Kits can be found here: http://bit.ly/1j3Sgt4

The first aid kit I personally have (pictured left) is something I customized myself. I just have your simple burn cream, antibiotic cream, a variety of bandages is different sizes, advil plus other prescription meds I may have, and some fabric tape or duct tape.  Pictured on right, is my headlamp, knife, map and compass - very important items.  I never venture to the wild without at least my map and compass.  I always like to know where I am going and how I am going to exit.  Prior to any trip I take, I always plan my route before-hand. Trail research is neither difficult or cumbersome...it is necessary! 

NOTE: It is important to notify people you know prior to an outdoor adventure. Always let them know when they can expect a call upon your return and provide them with information on where you are going.  As Louis Pasteur once said "Chance favors the prepared mind"...

RAIN WEAR, INSULATION, SLEEPWEAR

Moving on, it is important to also bring clothing that you will need to keep you warm and protect you from possible rain and wind.

For most overnight trips, I like to bring:

• A wind shirt - also waterproof for rain protection
• A down jacket - to wear around camp when it gets cold and also to sleep in
• A rain poncho (not pictured) - additional rain protection

If you do not own a down jacket, you can also bring a fleece sweater/jacket as an alternative.  Fleece as a fabric has very good thermal properties that continue to keep you warm even when slightly damp.  

Next, sleepwear. I like to bring a change of clothes to use when I sleep.  I happen to like keeping my sleeping bag as clean as possible and this can be achieved by having a change of clothes.

Typically sleep clothing I bring:

• A pair of long-johns - to keep my legs warm
• An extra pair of wool socks
• A capilene long-sleeve shirt (not pictured)
• Beanie - to keep my head warm
• A bandana - multi-use item
• A big headnet - in case it's buggy.
• A pair of gloves to keep my hands warm

NOTE: Depending on weather conditions, there are a few items listed above that I do not bring.  Again, prior trail research will aid in my decision on what I should and shouldn't bring.  This is easy to determine especially on an overnight trip.

FOOD & WATER TREATMENT

On to my favorite part of backpacking...FOOD! When you're out in the woods away from the nearest store, it is important to plan your menu carefully.  You have to determine how much calories you will burn during the hike and figure out how much food you will need to replenish your body with the lost calories.  

On a simple overnight, you will need to plan for:

• Snacks - to be eaten during and after the hike
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast - what you want to eat when you wake up

Keep in mind, the weight of the food you're carrying.  It is a good idea to bring caloric-dense food, food that packs a punch and will provide you with the lost calories as well as fill your stomach.  

Here's a good comprehensive list of food along with calorie information (not my list, found on Backpackinglight.com): http://bit.ly/1lPi7lP

Aside from the food you bring, you may also want the ability to cook and/or heat something up for a warm drink. Most backpackers will bring a cook pot and stove system for their cooking needs. Pictured above on the right is a Jetboil system - this is an all-in-one system that provides you will a stove, pot, and a cup to fill most of your cooking needs (spoon and fuel separate).  

Another consideration is also where to store your food plus other smelly items.  Having a bag or container to store your food is also a good idea. If using a bag/stuff sack for food storage, it is important to bring at least 50 feet of cord to hang your food.  One can also opt to bring a bear canister to store food overnight.

NOTE: When storing food either via hanging or use of a canister, it is a good idea to keep the food at least 200 feet away from where you are sleeping.  This is also the case for cooking and food prep...be away as possible from your shelter.   

Now that we have talked about food in general, let's discuss water treatment.  On most wilderness destinations, clean water is not as readily available.  One has to be prepared to treat the water.  Below is a list of water treatment options:

• UV (Steripen) - pictured above
• Bleach - purifies water
• Filter - depending on the filter, this can purify and/or treat water
• Boil - when none of the above are available, boiling works best

For more information on water treatment options: http://bit.ly/1dqlU3O

NOTE: You will need the ability to store water either by bringing a water bottle or soft water bottle (pictured above).

I hope that you find this short and simple guide helpful.  I am always open to suggestions and if you feel I am missing important key items, please feel free to comment.

Till next time, see you on the trails!

Read More...

A Celebration at West Fork Trail Camp

A bit late posting this report but it's better late than never...

Who needs a bar when you can just head to the woods to party? Well that's what we all did to celebrate a good friend's birthday...we headed to West Fork Trail Camp.

10 AM, we arrived at the trailhead and meet the usual suspects for some fun in the woods.  A bit warm but we were all excited for the hike.  For this hike, I actually went a little heavy than normal...bringing a slice of cake, cookies, plus other things.  I was at a whopping 17 lbs. with all the food and half a liter of water - normally this is how much my pack would weigh on a 3 day trip.

The hike to West Fork Trail Camp is an upside down hike where you lose a little over 1500 feet in elevation on the 3 mile hike in. Since this was the case, I thought it fine to carry extra weight...not to mention the extra weight was all consumable - and boy did we consume it all!

The hike to West Fork was beautiful, we had clear skies and the trail before hitting the canyon was amazing.  We could clearly the see the towers over at Mt. Wilson on the trail.  

There were a few downed trees on the hike in and not to mention some of the tallest Poodle Dog Bush I've ever seen.  Luckily, these plants didn't cover the trail as much as we've expected and there was more than enough room for us to avoid the plants.

An hour or so, we arrive at camp.  A few of our friends who hiked earlier were already at camp. We arrive at camp with water flowing from the stream and nice shaded spots.  A ton of flat spots to choose from and aside from the bathroom, the place looked very clean.

This trip was so much fun.  The moment the packs dropped from our backs, the party was in full steam.  Great conversation, great food, and a few adult beverages...the party went on till 11 PM.  I took quite a few discriminating photos of everyone that I plan to keep to myself...in case I need them for leverage .  So much fun!

The following morning, everyone was slow to rise.  Who could blame us? We were partying like we all just turned 21!  Despite all the previous evenings activities, we all pretty much left around the same time.  We broke camp, gathered trash, and made sure our campfire was completely drowned.  

A few of us decided to get an early start and left a quarter before 9 AM.  I wanted to start a little early so I can take advantage of the cool morning - seeing as we needed to gain back the elevation we've lost, cooler temps would help with my energy.  As much of a good plan that was, it was futile though...I had the brightest idea to follow a 6'4 hiker out where a single step of his was two and half steps for me! It was a good challenge though and we both made quick work of the trail back to the cars.

It was nice to get to the cars and it felt even better to able to take off the trail runners and put on some flip flops.  Not too long after we arrived to our cars, the rest of our group slowly appear from the trailhead entrance.  All happy to see their own cars.

This trip was another one to remember.  Happy Birthday to my good friend Nick!

Till the next trip, thanks for reading and see you on the trails...

Read More...