Mt. Wilson Trail

Mt. Wilson (above)

Pale swallowtail (above)

I took a hike up the Mt. Wilson trail today since I had the day off from work. I only went about halfway up this time. I didn't want to turn it into an all day affair since there is still a lot to do to get ready for the PCT. Besides, there will plenty of time for all day hikes in a few weeks. It looks like a lot of the early spring wildflowers have reached their peaks, flowers being replaced by pods, seeds, and whatever else replaces the blossoms. I'd be lying if I didn't say I felt a little sad about it. On a brighter note, taxes are done and a rebate is in the mail. Yea baby!!

New specimens: Mt. Wilson trail

Pitch trefoil (above)

Stickleaf? (above)

Pipestems (above)

Showy penstemon?

Mt. Wilson Wildflowers

A collage of wildflowers from today's hike on the Mt. Wilson trail. (Click to enlarge.)

Butterflys

Strange clouds behind Strawberry Peak look like another mountain range.

Butterfly and beetle.

Lots of butterflys in the Verdugos today. I think they are called Mormon metalmarks?

Easter Earthquake

A 7.2 Earthquake hit Baja California around 4:40 this afternoon. I felt it up here in LA. As I heard the apartment beginning to rumble I sat and watched the blinds on my living room window rock back and forth. This quake lasted a bit longer than others I have felt before, and I felt dizzy for about a minute afterward. Looks like there's been a lot of seismic activity along the border this afternoon. Just an FYI, this website updates regularly.

Hikestrong 2010

My hiking partner Dan, inspired me to join Hikestrong 2010. Dan joined Hike for Haiti (see post below). At the moment, 15 hikers and I are collectively using our thru-hikes to raise funds to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its fight against cancer of all types. If you feel inspired to donate, follow this link. For me, I'm just grateful for the chance to attempt this hike. If I can raise a few bucks for a great charity, all the better.


1 cent per mile will be a donation of $26.50 as long as Dan and I finish this epic trip! Can't wait to get out there!

Hike for Haiti

My hiking partner Dan has joined the cause Hike For Haiti a couple of months ago. Several thru-hikers are raising funds for natural building and permaculture projects in Haiti. If you feel moved to donate to this worthy cause, just follow the link above. You can also view Dan's profile there.