On a clear Sunday autumn morning, I ran along Lands End on the Northwest corner of SF – west of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lands End is a series of cliffs that overlook overlook Marin and the entrance to the Bay. …
Thru-hiking Then (2002) & Now (2020)
In July 2020 I am hiking the 170 mile Tahoe Rim Trail. In 2002 I hiked the Southern half of the Appalachian Trail (1000 miles) before business school. While the long distance hiking pattern of sleep, walk, and eat remains…
Fog Bow – My Favorite Bay Area Phenomenon
During a recent morning trailrun in Pacifica, I saw a fog bow (fogbow). The fog bow is my favorite outdoor weather feature. It appears in fog banks opposite of the sun. It is similar to a rainbow but its color…
Looking Backwards: 2018 Technology Hiker Year in Review
2018 was another outstanding year for exploring the outdoors. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported me. Highlights include: Family Adventures Most of my 2018 adventures involved family. I went kayak camping in Lake Tahoe for the…
Best Bay Area Climbs, Hikes & Summits
The best Bay Area climbs offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean, or both. The elevation gains of the following trails are more than Everest Camp 1 to the Mount Everest summit. Several summits also cross the Bay…
Six Best Bay Area Migration Wildlife Hikes
The Bay Area in winter is a magnet for migrating birds, whales, seals, and ladybugs. Winter foliage & colder temperatures make it easier to spot year round residents. CA State Parks, East Bay Regional Parks, City of Palo Alto Parks, POST,…
Memorial Park Family Camping in the Redwoods
Memorial Park near Pescadero, CA offers some of the best family camping in the Bay Area. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains along Pescadero Creek, visitors can camp next first growth redwoods. Memorial Park is also the oldest San Mateo…
Ladybugs & Redwoods in Redwood Regional Park – World Class Family Hike
Thousands of ladybugs descend upon Redwood Regional Park in the Oakland Hills in winter. The ladybugs spend their November to February in the warmest, moistest areas. In late December along with a few other families, we hiked ~3 miles roundtrip…
Cub Scout Car Camping – Logistics & Gear List
My outdoor adventure planning has evolved from solo backpacking, thru-hiking, mountaineering, family camping & backpacking, and now to Cub Scout Pack planning. I am Cubmaster and Den Leader for our local Cub Scout Pack 58 in Hillsborough, CA. Here’s a…
My Exceptional Arc’teryx Customer Service Experience
Arc’teryx jackets are known for their exceptional quality. In 2006 I purchased a black Arc’teryx Theta Hardshell. This jacket lasted longer than any other shell I’ve had. The jacket protected me from rain on the Milford Track, hail the Inca…