Review of Garmin 62s GPS

Jun. 01 Advice, Gear sites no comments
The Garmin 62s GPS does exactly what we bought it for. We were looking for a device that would last longer than our cell phones and would work in the many places we go that don’t have cell coverage. We wanted waterproof and rugged and were wiling to give up some features to have that.

Pros: Batteries last long time, cleans easily, dries easily, easy to use, good waterproofing, lightweight, rugged

Cons: No map of Asia or Hawaii

Best uses: Day trips, hiking, kayaking, camping, mountaineering, trekking

This GPS does exactly what we expect of it. We weren’t looking for a crazy combination device that would take pictures, navigate our car, call our mothers on holidays, etc. We wanted a rugged device that would survive the extremes of the Himalayas or the canyons near our house. This Garmin 62s does all of this.

We did a great deal of research before we finally decided to buy, and we’ve been very happy. We use the GPX files created by friends to navigate to trails they’ve done, but also post our own GPX files of our adventures.

Basecamp, the software used to manage and modify maps, is easy to use, especially with BirdsEye, the add-on that allows for map creation in places where there aren’t good topos (like Nepal).

Hiking the Cannell Trail near Kernville, CA for Christmas 2010

Jan. 14 Dog fun, Eastern Sierras, Hiking adventures, Sierra Nevadas no comments

We made a last minute decision to rent a cabin near Lake Isabella, CA for Christmas 2010. This area is very popular in the summer for whitewater rafting on the Kern River and for boating on Lake Isabella. The mountains aren’t quite as high as the Sierra Nevadas to the North but are close enough to Los Angeles that they make for a great weekend getaway. The benefits of going in winter are the very light traffic and number of people.

Burn area

We chose the Cannell Trail to have get some decent elevation in, as the trail climbs quickly from the trailhead just two miles north of Kernville on State Mountain 99. There are horse corrals just before the small parking area It begins in grassy meadows but after a mile enters an area that burned sometime in the recent past. This is not a shady trail for the first several miles and if you decide to go in summer, I would avoid the hot part of the day and bring plenty of water, as it looked as though the streams we saw were very seasonal.

Great views

While it is very popular with mountain bikers (taking it from north to south is known as the “Cannell Plunge”) we saw very few hikers on Christmas Day. This isn’t a particularly challenging climb, though the Park Service refers to it as strenuous. It is a very steady climb for the several miles that we followed. There are great view, however, of both the Kern River Valley and also of the areas to the east as you climb higher.

It was great to hike in snow as we reached the highest point of our hike near Cannell Meadows. The dogs haven’t spent a great deal of time on snow, so there were a few hours of sniffing and sliding around before the dogs calmed down. It was a gray day that took away some of the normal California style of the hike, but it was otherwise a great way to get exercise on another day that most people spend indoors.

The map

Maui Switchfoot concert in March 2012

Dec. 26 Concerts, Other adventures 1 comment

Switchfoot puts on an amazing show, and Maui was no different. Not only is the music excellent, but the crowd knows the words to nearly every song and stands for the entire show.

Not our first Switchfoot show, but it was the best venue and our seats (third row center) were fantastic. It was great to see a very mixed crowd of dark and white, old hippies and young college students, all with the same enthusiasm.

We particularly enjoyed this acoustic start to “Dare You To Move”.

One of Switchfoot’s greatest songs is “Only Hope” and here is another acoustic start to the song.

Jon Foreman loves moving through the crowd during the show, something the fans love just as much.

Another video of Jon Foreman moving through the crowd, this time singing “Where I Belong”.

Review of Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Dec. 25 Advice, Gear sites no comments

Originally submitted at REI

What do you get when you cross a lightweight titanium spoon with a lightweight titanium fork? The ultimate eating utensil!

Indispensable

By MaximumAdventure dot net from Pasadena, CA on 12/25/2011
5out of 5

Pros: Durable, Lightweight, Compact, Easy To Clean

Best Uses: Car Camping, High Altitude, Backpacking, Hiking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

Was this a gift?: No

Such a small item but so important to us. It is titanium so very light and very strong, and the combination of a fork and spoon means carrying just one item where you’d normally carry two.

We love our sporks an would gladly recommend them to anyone looking to backpack and stay light, but also to anyone who wants a great universal piece of silverware. We take our sporks car camping, too!

(legalese)

California Brittany Club Field Trails in Santa Ynez, CA in October 2010

Oct. 19 Dog fun no comments

We’ve adopted two brittanys that for different reasons, haven’t become gun dogs. We were delighted, though, when we were invited to the American Brittany Club’s Fall Field Trials held in early October 2010 at the ”El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama”, AKA Spanish Ranch in gorgeous Santa Ynez, California. We were eager to go partly because Mitch’s mother, Emme, was a dual champion (meaning both field and show) and because we wanted to know more about how and why the breed was developed.

This 150-year-old ranch has to be one of the best places for a field trail event (not that we’re any kind of experts) in the United States. The endless rolling hills are separated by a network of small tree-filled valleys that provide great cover for game birds. It was rarely more than ten or fifteen minutes before one of the Brittanys tracked a bird to a clump of vegetation before standing still and patiently ‘pointing’ for their owner. The owner, once on the scene, would flush the bird and prove that the dog had performed their task and could be awarded points.

The trials

Because of the large expanses for hunting in North America, the American Brittany has evolved to be a larger and stronger dog than its French cousins. We can see this in the differences between our own two dogs as Mitch is around 18.6 kg (41 lbs) as an American Brittany, and Gwenn is a smaller 15.5 kg (34 lbs) as a French Brittany. The need for the larger dog was evident at the Field Trial, as the owners used horses to keep up with their dogs as they raced to cover the most ground in order to be the first to pick up a scent. The dogs were outfitted with GPS units on their collars, in fact, just to be sure that in their excitement, they don’t run so far that they can’t be found.

One of the more curious things we saw was an owner dunking his dog in a watering trough before the start of an event. It seemed a little cruel on a not-too-warm day, until we saw the ground covered by the dogs during the heat. Our concerns were alleviated when an event ended and we watched a brittany take a time out to dunk himself in a watering trough, proving that it wasn’t all that uncomfortable and was instead an important part of staying cool despite all the exercise.

Doggie reunion

One of the best things we were able to see was how Mitch reacted to seeing his mother, Emme. She is owned by Margaret Horstmayer and Tom White, and we’ve kept up with them since we adopted him through American Brittany Rescue as an ‘owner-assisted adoption’. Mitch recognized Margaret immediately and was obviously very happy to see her. Unfortunately, he didn’t recognize his own mother with quite the same speed or interest an the two dogs checked each other out in the normal dog way like any others.

End of the day

The day ended with a fantastic cookout (thank you, Mark Nunez) at the ranch house and the award ceremonies. Since Halloween was soon on us, there was a doggie costume content, which surprised us since these dogs and their owners are so serious by day. There were dogs as pumpkins, devils, princesses and even a owner/dog Cat in the Hat combination that should have won the award just for effort. It was great to see people not take themselves too seriously in the midst of all that competition. It was the perfect, light-hearted way to end yet another great adventure. If invited back, we’ll certainly try to attend another one of these great events and see this amazing breed do what it does best.

For more excellent photos, see Deborah Frane’s gallery.

For more information, see the California Brittany Club’s monthly magazine “On Point” from January 2010, covering previous field trials.

Mt San Antonio (Mt Baldy) with the Brittanys in October 2010

Oct. 09 Dog fun, Mt Baldy, San Gabriels, Southern California 2 comments

It was odd that we hadn’t hiked up Mt Baldy in all our years in Pasadena.  “Baldy” is the highest peak surrounding the Los Angeles Basin at 3069m. (10,068 ft.).  Officially Mt San Antonio, it is a pyramid-shaped mountain that has no trees and few features near the top, thus the name. Baldy has a snowy cap first every year and has the last visible snow in the Spring. There are several ways to reach the summit, including from its base, from the backside where it nears the Los Angeles Crest Highway, and the way we chose, from the Mt Baldy Ski Lift, which tops out at 2377 m. (7800 ft.).  Jeanne and I each took a dog in our lift chair, and held them tight by their collars and chests just in case they were spooked and decided to leap.  To our surprise, they were perfectly calm on the ride up. They looked around and seemed genuinely comfortable having this rare dog adventure.

Heading up

From the top of main lift, the trail follows a ski run that is steeper than most hiking trails and takes your breath away quickly. Once above the run, however, the path becomes a single track trail that climbs a thin ridge known as the Devil’s Backbone. To the right is a spectacular view down to the High Desert east of Los Angeles, and to the west is a clear view to the Pacific Ocean. Once past the ski runs, the trail seems relatively tame, and we were surprised that it was easier as we walked higher on the mountain. With a name like Devil’s Backbone, we also expected it to be difficult and maybe a bit unsettling for those with height fears, but it was neither and provided an easy approach to the final part of the hike.

Approaching the summit

Beyond the Backbone, the trail became less distinct as the approach was well above the treeline and the mountain’s top was classically conical and several approaches were possible.  We had never had the dogs at that altitude and were concerned that they would become out of breath or overly tired. Neither of these were evident, as the dogs enthusiastically covered the ground right to the summit. Once on the top, we cooked up a hot lunch of hotdogs and ramen soup and endured the envious stares of the other groups munching trail mix and Cliff bars. We took in the great 360 degree view for a while before heading back down the trail. The total time was around three hours and the total distance was only 10.3 km (6.4 miles).

For more information about Mt Baldy, see Dan’s Hiking Pages description.  To read our other dog adventures, click here.

For another variation, starting at Manker Flats and ending at the ski lift, see Pasadena Hiker.

Haleakala Crater, Maui and the Sliding Sands Trail in March 2010

Mar. 19 Hawaii, Hiking adventures, Maui 1 comment

Neil Armstrong had one of the most unique experiences anyone could hope to have. Everyone knows he walked on the moon, but few people realize they can do something similar much closer to home, albeit with the normal expectations for gravity and oxygen. The Hawaiian island of Maui is home to one of the most interesting landscapes found anywhere. The Sliding Sands Trail starts at 3225 m (10,000 ft) and immediately descends into the enormous Haleakala Crater with its layers of lava rock, each with its own particular color and native Hawaiian plant species that are unique on our planet. We were able to hike this trail in March 0f 2010 and it was remarkable.

Getting rehitched

Every great trip should start with an opportunity to renew marriage vows, even if it had only been one (wonderful, fantastic) year since we took the plunge. We were married at ‘Secret Cove’ near Makena, Maui in May 2009 and didn’t have the time on that trip to have one of our famous hiking adventures. Soon after exchanging vows once again, we were dressed and ready to have another new experience.

Getting there

The drive up to Haleakala Crater National Park is an interesting adventure in itself. The road winds up the flank of the enormous, extinct volcano that defines Maui and is big business for mountain bike outfitters who take people up in large vans and then pick them up at the bottom of the 36.8 km (23 miles) ride. The switchbacking highway defines the ride and there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck behind a bus or big, white van. Take your time and enjoy the views and you’ll enjoy it more and everyone can arrive at the top safely.

Trailhead


Unlike most trails, the Sliding Sands trail starts with a significant downhill section that drops into the dormant crater. Going downhill is usually the challenge of finishing a hike and it is an unusual pleasure to get that out of the way early, even knowing the hike out will be harder. Soon after completing the down climb, there is a fork in the main trail that allows for exploration of two cinder cones just to the left of the main trail. Take the time, as the colors and the very idea that these were once active lava vents makes them very interesting to see up close.

Flora and fauna

Once back on the main trail, the hike becomes a steady walk through the silversword (āhinahina)  plants that line both sides of the trail. This plant is unique in the world and only adds to the rare quality of this location. There are also several species of birds that are unafraid of humans, like the nene (a hawaiian cousin of the goose). Check here for great photos of the Hana end of Maui and the Crater.

Mist rolls in

Once we reached the point where we decided to turn back, we stopped and sat on a large rock to rest and eat our packed lunch. No longer moving, it was much easier to notice the clouds coming into the crater. There is almost no sound once you’re away from the crowds near the start of the trail other than the wind and the birds. It is very easy to lose track of time as you watch wispy clouds drift in and break up in unending cycles.

Whale watching

With one more day to enjoy, we decided to take one of the many offered whale watching boats that leave from Lahaina, on the west side of Maui. We didn’t really expect to see much and were attracted as much by the price and ability to get out on the water as anything else, but had an amazing time as we came very close to several enormous humpback whales that were swimming lazily offshore. If the season is right and you have a chance to do this, find a reputable boat and take the few hours to see these amazing creatures.

Hike details

This is a lunar landscape hike in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on Earth, which makes this something you can’t miss if you are on Maui. Not only is the landscape so different from sea level, but the temperatures are also significantly cooler and dryer, making the conditions for exercise even better than at lower levels. Plan ahead for ways to carry water, as the trailhead has restrooms but your best bet would be to bring water from below along with a convenient way to transport it (like a backpack). Good shoes will matter as well, as the ground is mostly level but rocky in places.

Yosemite Point on Christmas Day 2009

Dec. 25 Hiking adventures, National Parks, Sierra Nevadas, Yosemite, Yosemite 1 comment

Following a tradition of doing non-traditional things during holidays, we decided to hike Yosemite Point for Christmas 2009. Our decision was influenced by the storm that swept through just before Christmas, and a forecast that called for sunny weather on Christmas Day. The conditions sounded perfect.

Note: the trail we chose after pondering was the one in the background

We reserved the well-recommended Yosemite View Lodge  just outside the park entrance and made it to our accommodations by the early afternoon of Christmas Eve. We were able to reconnoiter the park before sunset and made the decision after talking with rangers and locals that Yosemite Point would be a great hike for Christmas Day. We returned to our hotel and were eating the buffet by late evening.

Yosemite Point

After getting trail conditions the next morning we decided to buy Yak Trax, a product that straps to shoes and provides great traction on snow and ice. We were very glad we did. The trail was clear for the first couple of kilometers, but by the time we reached the higher set of switchbacks near Yosemite Falls, the trail had become iced over and treacherous without the extra equipment. We started with cold weather clothing in the early part of the morning, but were taking off layers as soon as the sun struck the south-facing wall where the trail lies. Switchbacks are best done in the morning, before the mind is completely alert, and this was no exception.

Reaching the Falls

Once up the innumerable switchbacks, the trail leveled out and crossed the stream that makes the 206 m. (675 ft.) drop over the Yosemite Falls. As we passed closer to the Falls, we could hear slabs of ice breaking off and crashing to the valley below. By this point, we were in a Winter wonderland of snow and pine tress that make all of the effort worthwhile. The sky was clear blue and the temperature was around 10 degrees (52 degrees F).

To the Point

The day was so wonderful that we decided to push on to Yosemite Point. We’d reached our objective but we felt energetic and our legs were strong, so continuing upward to the rock that overhangs Yosemite Valley seemed a like a great idea. The snow was fairly deep at that point and we were beyond the point where we could follow the footsteps of others. With the trail obscured by snow, we looked at our map and made our best guess for where to go. Even though we weren’t increasing in altitude very quickly, the snow was getting noticeably deeper to the point that we were post-holing repeatedly as our feet found the air pockets around rocks and bushes. It was slow going, but the payoff was amazing.

Lost Arrow

We broke free of the trees as the ground sloped downward toward the cliff overlooking the valley. The view was unbelievable as we enjoyed the combination of perfect weather, surviving the deep snow, and being the only ones that high on Yosemite Point that day. We were alone in a perfect world of sun, snow, rock and trees. Hawks were our only company as we sat at the edge of a 916 m. (2390 ft.) sheer drop.

Heading down

Leaving was hard, but the day was getting on and we needed to make the bottom before the temperatures dropped significantly or we lost the light. Yosemite Valley, between high mountains on the north and south sides, gets dark very quickly, especially so close to the shortest day of the year. We were careful about our steps in the descent as our momentum and the icy conditions were a bad combination.

Fog in the valley

Once at the valley floor, a ground fog had settled in, giving the rocks, snow and vegetation a dream-like quality. There were deer grazing in the meadows, a noticeable lack of tourists and vehicles, and Yosemite has never been a more interesting place than that moment. We spent time enjoying the scenery before heading back to our lodging and Christmas dinner (the buffet once again…). There’s no better way to spend a holiday than having such a singular experience. If you have the opportunity to see Yosemite in Winter, go. If you have the chance to hike a trail like Yosemite Falls as well, all the better.

Snowshoes and Sequoias

How do you beat our adventure of Christmas Day? You really can’t, but our best attempt was to rent snowshoes at Badger Pass (a ski area within the park) and to snowshoe into the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove. It wasn’t quite as amazing, but it was well worth the time. The snow was perfect for the shoes and we were able to master the movements to cover ground quickly and were at the giant trees in a short time. It was a perfect combination… learning something new and seeing such majestic trees at the same time. On the return, we saw wolves crossing the road and stopped at the famous Wawona Hotel for a great meal. A perfect three days in Yosemite National Park.