A writer to climber/daredevil Steph Davis’s site wonders: how did Steph attend to bodily hygiene while she was living in her car between adventures on assorted crags? A few of Steph’s techniques: Gallon of water and a washcloth (even works…
Travel
Best day hikes in Monterey County
by tom • July 3, 2009 • 2 Comments
Point Lobos State Preserve Seemonterery.com suggests nine worth tramping. Frankly you cannot go wrong on any of the hikes along the Pacific Coast from Monterey down deep into Big Sur. I’ve done Point Lobos a few times, and camped out…
Calling all romantics
by tom • June 9, 2009 • 3 Comments
Two-Heel Drive reader Brian needs your advice, according to this comment he left on my post about great trails near Lake Tahoe: I’m looking for the perfect scenic spot to propose in july. Heavenly gondola? Is there a place more…
Working on a guide to redwoods in the Bay Area
by tom • May 28, 2009 • 6 Comments
Update: It’s started here. I’m putting together a page of links and facts for folks who might be visiting the area and want to a) see some excellent ancient redwoods; and b) avoid the throngs at Muir Woods. Of course…
REI free paddling demo days
by tom • April 2, 2009 • 0 Comments
REI is offering free paddling demos at bodies of water near stores in Alaska, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas and Washington State. In the Bay Area: Berkeley Location: San Pablo Reservoir/Recreation Area (510) 527-4140 Date: 4/19/09 Time: 10 am…
Hiking and travel: putting a plan together
by tom • March 25, 2009 • 1 Comment
If your idea of a hiking vacation is pitching a tent and bedding down in the dirt for a few weeks, more power to you. It’s a cheap holiday if you’re unemployed and own all your own gear. But just…
Trinity Alps profiled in the New York Times
by tom • October 17, 2008 • 3 Comments
John Markoff, the Times’ legendary tech writer, appears to be a hiker at heart. He pens a travel piece on the Trinity Alps, which are northwest of Redding on the way up to Mount Shasta. For most Californians, the notion…
Climbing Mount Whitney on Labor Day weekend?
by tom • August 4, 2008 • 5 Comments
Got this missive from a San Jose reader hoping to summit Mount Whitney on Labor Day weekend: I am hoping to hike Mt. Whitney on Sun, Aug 31, 2008 but do not have a permit. Given that is the Labor…
See it here first: five summer hikes for California travelers
by tom • August 1, 2008 • 4 Comments
Turns out the Mercury News wants at least one more hiking related item: a Sunday travel cover feature recommending five great late-summer hikes within a day’s drive of San Jose. The hikes are Panorama Trail at Yosemite, Lassen Peak summit,…