Yosemite Snowshoeing: Crane Flat Fire Lookout
Winter is almost over! Or, at least it seems that way since daylight saving time and 60 degree weather has started here in Groveland. But, since it did rain last week Curtis and I were able to Yosemite snowshoeing one more time this weekend. We ended up picking a classic, the Crane Flat Fire Lookout. We have cross country skied up to the lookout before, but I could return to again and…
Stanislaus National Forest Hiking: Groveland Dog Walking Along the Tuolumne
Note that areas located within the 2013 Rim fire, including this location, are not accessible for safety reasons until Forest Service employees note otherwise. There is obvious signage in this area to indicate closures. Please follow all rules and use your common sense as always when entering into public lands. Hiking in the Groveland Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest is not really a thing. Nobody around here does it that much when Yosemite is so close. Plus, those darn low elevation national forests are…
Starting the 30 Day Vegan Challenge & looking at Vegan Backpacking
So, February is over… and while I did get into my new well rounded fitness routine, I did not get around to exploring as many different sources of fitness knowledge. On the other hand, it seems like the best way to see results is not to graze on many different idea, but to pick one and stick to it! So with that said I am going to be sticking to…
Yosemite Firefall 2013 & How to enjoy the Yosemite Sunset
This weekend I got to check an item off of my Yosemite Bucket List: seeing the Yosemite firefall! Curtis and I spent two evenings (Saturday and Sunday, February 23rd and 24th) among a flock of fancy cameras & photographers waiting for the sun to set in just the perfect way on Horsetail Falls. Except calling it “Horsetail Falls” is a bit of a stretch – perhaps we should temporarily label…
Red Hills CA – Hiking the Overlook Loop Trail
I feel like hiking on BLM land is always this unique experiences, kind of like the wild west of trails – open to horses, mountain bikes, geocachers, and lots of beer & whiskey drinking (inferring from the litter). The skeptical look of the cowboys greeted us as we pulled into the Red Hills Area of Environmental Concern (Red Hills CA) this Presidents Day weekend, as if they could tell we…
Warming Up with Winter Fitness Tips for Hikers- Fitness February Week 3
The forecast says that Groveland is in a winter weather advisory today until 11pm, and I am getting a little excited for some precipitation in the area – meaning I am getting excited for skiing, snowshoeing & the firefall viewing (because we need water for horsetail falls to even be running) this weekend if it happens? But with all good winter weather comes the drag of being cold, which can really stall my own…
Hiking Wine Glasses for Valentines Day & Camping Dates!
With Valentines Day tomorrow romance is on the mind- & the stereotypical kind at that – like hearts, chocolate, flowers, & wine. All of these things are actually pretty prominent when hiking, which is probably why getting outdoors with you significant other is always such a great “Date”: The natural flora (flowers), Trail mix or a snickers bar if your lucky (chocolate), & Cardiovascular exercise (hearts)! But we all know what is missing from this list – The Wine!…
Backpacking Workouts – Fitness February Week 2
Last week I started creating a backpacking workout routine based on balancing endurance, strength, and flexibility training to start getting prepared to be in the best shape I can before backpacking season. I am continuing on the same schedule this week cycling through a couple different exercises as to not get bored and try and really make this “Routine” and routine. Why do Backpackers Need a Fitness Routine? I am a pretty active person: a regular runner, a weekly yogi & cycler, and…
Hiking Fitness Training February – Week 1 Workouts to Become a Healthy Hiker
Although it might be a month too late for New Years resolutions, I am still resolving to figure out how to get in shape for hiking season this month – & then to achieve awesome hiking fitness before the summer backpacking season begins! I am calling it Fitness February, and you can follow me in figuring out what will really physically prepare a hiker hitting the trail strengthened and pain free. What exercises should hikers do?…
Hello! I am a 30-something outdoors-lady, backpacker, and resident of Groveland, California - 
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