Big Sur
The last time I drove this section of Hwy 1, I was 17 and on my way to UC Santa Cruz for a summer of unsupervised antics education. That’s where I met Tom, who would …
San Jacinto Wilderness
My very first backpacking trip was to the San Jacinto Wilderness in the late 80’s. My uncle took me up the Devil’s Slide and we camped near Skunk Cabbage Meadow, if I recall. Larry and …
Poipu, Kauai
As crazy as it sounds, this would be our third trip to Poipu in a span of 24 months. Ever since I received my kama’aina discount at Brenneck’s, I’ve been in love with the town. …
Miramar Lake
A few pictures from Miramar Lake the other day. We took Zane out on our ocean kayak to practice for our upcoming trip to Kauai, where we plan to paddle the Wailua River. He did …
Suicide Rock
After climbing The Trough on Tahquitz, a local recommended White Maiden’s Walkaway as a good follow-up. Greater exposure, slightly more difficult climbing, and more complex route-finding, I was told. WMW is an 800 foot route …
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Just a short day hike with the kids. We started at the top of the bluffs and hiked down to the beach, where there’s a neat little path through the sandstone that opens access to …
Valley of the Moon
Joey suggested we climb at Valley of the Moon – he managed to make it out there a week earlier in a 2WD truck. How, I have no idea. That is one hell of a …
Bear Creek Spire
Bear Creek Spire (13,713 feet) is one of the classic climbs in the High Sierra, and it recently occurred to Ryan and I that we might be able to climb the mountain without a guide. This …
PCT: Mt. Laguna to Lake Morena
The Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles) extends from Mexico to Canada. Having already completed the John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail, the Wilderness Innovations Crew decided, on a whim, to attempt the entire length of …