Pre Hike Prep

This weekend I did a little pre hike prep. Mostly I'm overwhelmed with the feeling that there is all of this prep I need to do, when in reality there is not. During my free time, I keep thinking I should be doing something to get ready. Yesterday I ripped up my guidebook, organized it into sections and put the pages and maps into ziplocs. I pulled out the camping gear I needed and put it into a neat pile in my room. Today I seam sealed my tarp, something I didn't do on the PCT, but survived OK during rain anyhow. Not much else to do other than buy food for the first section, (about 2 and half days worth) and then drive to the trail head and start walking.

One Week to go Before Tahoe

So I've been doing some research here and there and have been trying to hike at least an hour a day after or before work. I really wish I was in thru-hiking shape because it would make planning that much easier. Unfortunately, I am not, far from it, so I have to make the best guess as to how far I will be able to walk on a given day. That being said, the Tahoe Rim Trail seems fairly simple logistically. The main decision seems to be the best place to start, as there are several options, and the trail is a giant loop. As of now, I am choosing to start in Tahoe Meadows, and will hike counter clockwise. The guidebook is written for those hiking clockwise, but I want to hike southbound on the PCT to see it from a different point of view.

Most likely, I will resupply in Tahoe City (on trail), and will probably hitch into South Lake Tahoe for the second resupply. Water will probably be an issue, so I will have to be careful when and where to fill up. There is a rhythm to hiking longer distances and I'm not sure I will be able to establish a good one in the time this trail takes, so hopefully I can limit the mistakes I will surely make.

Anyhow, I will probably post a couple more times before leaving for the Sierra next Wednesday, and will show some of the gear I will bring.

Tahoe Rim Trail Update

My supervisors at work OK'd my vacation request today so the Tahoe Rim Trail looks like a go! Finally, I feel like I can start getting excited about it. I have a couple of weeks to solidify plans, secure maps, organize resupply, buy a new camera, and get in shape. Sweet! Sierra, here I come!

Little River

I received a tip of a nice hiking trail near the small coastal town of Little River. Last week, I found it and was not disappointed.

There has been interesting weather on the coast lately. A thick marine layer has been covering most of it throughout the day, creating weather that appears just as cold, gloomy, and stormy as anything I've seen in the winter.

The fog completely disappears a mile or less inland, where blue skies and warm temperatures prevail. The trail was located in Van Damme State Park and was a peaceful three and a half mile loop through Redwood forest.

There is a slight elevation gain and loss, but nothing too strenuous. It's a really nice place to just walk and become lost in thought.

After finishing my hike, I drove back a mile or so to the coast where I was greeted with lingering fog.

In some places, the fog cleared just enough to see the ocean. In other places, it was so thick, there was nothing to see.

Summer is quickly passing by...