First Backpacking of the Season...don't forget your raingear!

Back from our adventure in sunny Southern California and as you can see by the video we did not get in as many days of hiking as we had planned. The terrain in that part of the of the high desert is simply amazing and even more amazing to see a Yucca completely covered in ice. It was as if all of the flora had been dipped in water and stuck in a giant freezer. Our first day in was a short and sweet 4.5 miles to this amazing cedar grove with a nice little spring. But that night someone turned on the shower (a cold one) and the hail started at about midnight. My new tent was a real work horse and we stayed dry and warm all night, even considered waiting out the storm but I began to envision a warm breakfast and a hot cup of coffee... The pix is our trudge out of the mt. that morning. Despite the brutal winds and ice the scenery was amazing and I can't wait to get out for a few more days on the next trip in a couple of weeks.

Speaking of hiking... we are getting closer to the Sonoma hike on the 24th and 25th of this month. I will get a topo to send out to folks in the next week and we can talk about the route on the morning of the hike. We may have up to 12 or so people for this adventure. If we have not confirmed your desire to go on the hike, just drop me a note or comment and I will include you on the list of backpackers! There is some extra gear (ie.g., tents, stoves, backpacks and bags) around, so if you do not have all of the equipment that you need- not to worry, just let me know what you are in need of and we can try to fill it.

I will have the details of the hike soon but just think of an earlyish Sat. start ( I know that some folks are going to be driving a ways to get to Napa {Mary's house} so I will take that into account :))

Keep it Green and Muddy!