True Story: Deer Love Pine Mountain Lake
I just got off the phone with my Mom, who told me that my Dad is off at deer camp. Which means a daily routine of being cold for a few hours followed by hanging out with the guys. My dad is not upset if he doesn’t get a deer at deer camp because I am pretty sure relaxing is a higher priority during his vacation than dragging a carcass through…
Foraging like Gold Miners: Miner’s Lettuce
There is a really cool community of hikers and hiking bloggers on Twitter. On Fridays at 9am PST they do this awesome little session called #hikerchat. Since I have started at my new job I have been unable to tweet in for #hikerchat, but since I wasn’t feeling very ambitious today I decided to take this week’s conversation topic and run with it – Foraging. I don’t do much foraging,…
Take a Groveland Hike! – Smith Peak, Stanislaus
Did you know today is “Take a Hike Day”? Neither did I until Trails’ Guide informed me! To celebrate I am posting about my favorite “local” Groveland hike – Smith Peak! Smith Peak Fire Lookout, Stanislaus National Forest/Groveland, CA Trailhead: I park at the Pines Campground then hike up to the peak along the dirt road. I think at certain times of year this road open to vehicles, but doesn’t that…
Brews & Hiking Boots: Western States Trail & Auburn Ale House
This weekend Curtis and I helped a friend transport his car up to Foresthill – both out of the kindness of our hearts and out of the hope that we would be able to make a return visit to the Auburn Ale House. Not only did we manage to hit up the ale house, but hike a small spur of the Western States trail near his house. And yes, I…
Foresthill Park: Best Use of Chainsaw Art in a Public Park
Last weekend I visited Foresthill, CA – a small little town near the American River. It is a small little remnant of a Gold Rush town with a hidden treasure: The Foresthill Memorial Park. Or more specifically, the chainsaw bear art located within the Foresthill Memorial Park. It appears that instead of cutting down trees the park instead has someone carve the trunks into whimsical bears (and one eagle). Have…
Jordan Oak, Stanislaus National Forest: A Quick Trip for Tree Huggers
There are many different types of oak tree: Valley Oak, Poison Oak, and the Canyon Live Oak are all pretty common in the Groveland area. The Jordan Oak tree is one of the biggest Live Oak trees you have probably seen. I don’t claim to be very knowledgeable in trees/forests/silviculture/botany/soils. I mean, I try to remember how to identify some important ones – but I’m happy to learn (or relearn)…
Talking about the Localizing California Waters Conference and Water Reuse
Tomorrow is the start of the Localizing California Waters, a four day conference bringing together people who care about water reuse, water policy, and water management in California. I am a part of the group putting on the conference, the Telele Foundation, and I will be milling about doing registration and various other tasks. Hopefully I will be able to pop in and see at least one talk & maybe learn…
Brews & Hiking Boots: Gem Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness & the (NEW!) Mammoth Brewery Tasting Room
Here is the thing about Mammoth Brewery – it is right next to SO MUCH GOOD HIKING. In years past I have hit up the old mammoth tasting room after hiking up towards Duck Pass and after backpacking to Lake Ediza. Even on this trip, where the Gem Lake trailhead is 25 miles from the brewery, it that isn’t that far (especially since we were headed that direction to camp). What I am trying to say…
Hello! I am a 30-something outdoors-lady, backpacker, and resident of Groveland, California - 
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