Death Valley – The Panamints – Pt.1
It's that time of the year again and at this point Death Valley in February has become tradition. For those of us in usual sunny So-Cal, we've had an anomaly this winter when it comes to weather. From drought to nearly full reservoirs in a single season and reported record breaking snow levels in the Sierra's. To top it all off, we had t [...]
Into the Mojave
This report may take a little longer to load then usual due to including more images and combining into one page rather then split it up. Please be patient while images load. I've always had a deep fascination for the Mojave desert. I suppose it'd be hard not to after spending countless car rides along the 15 and 40 freeways as a kid, [...]
New Years in Sedona
Originally, this New Years was going to be a similar repeat of last - going up to the Eastern Sierra's to camp in the frigid snow and enjoy the natural hot springs that sprinkle the area in an attempt to keep warm. But, as what happens so often with life - work and family situations change nearly daily making it hard to keep plans in chec [...]
Eastern Sierra’s – Part 4
Continued from Part 3 It was now becoming later in the day and we needed to get into the general area in which we wanted to camp. The original plan was to camp at Funnel Lake but that went out the window when we saw vehicles parked within the trees while up on the narrow switchback road by Coyote Lake. A few other spots would make for gr [...]
Eastern Sierra’s – Part 3
Continued From Part 2 Saturday morning was a early start since we'd be making the haul back to Bishop for supplies in preparation for Coyote Flats. We made quick work of packing up camp and hitting the 395 south. Couldn't pass up Mahogany Meats along the way, although collectively we spend well over a couple hundred dollars on beef jerky [...]
Eastern Sierra’s – Part 2
Continued from Part 1 As it turns out, the Sierra's are riddled with flying insects. Even more so when around a body of water. That morning it was very apparent that the bug spray went on way too late and we were eaten for dinner by the lake locals. Red bumps and itching isn't the best way to start a fresh day - but we survived. Regardle [...]
Eastern Sierra’s – Part 1
This trip to the Eastern Sierras was originally planned to take place last summer as a way for us desert dwellers to escape the heat. But as our departure time grew closer, personal plans began to change and ended up not working out. In a way, it was better that way - giving me time to refine the trip to best utilize our time. And now, l [...]
Keeping it local – Back to Old Dale
Sometimes it's not about the big trips. Time off work, mileage, cost and complexity limits the amount you can get out there and enjoy the outdoors. While it's fun to chase the over-landing dream and cover as much distance as possible, it's also a great time and a bit more relaxing to keep it local. Living in Southern California may be exp [...]
Boron to the Trona Pinnacles
Three weekends in a row? Why not? Death Valley, Tierra Del Sol and now a trip to the Trona Pinnacles. With only a week to plan this one out, it felt a bit thrown together. Usually our trips are pieced together over the course of a few weeks or sometimes months depending on where we're going. Nonetheless, we made something work and gave ou [...]
Death Valley – Saratoga Springs to Eureka Dunes – Part 3
Continued from Part 2 Donkeys, Saline Valley's equivalent of the Yosemite bear. Patient and sneaky, quietly waiting for the opportune moment to mosey into camp and help themselves to whatever food isn't locked away. That moment was about 2 a.m. Out of all the things we planned and prepared for, having our breakfast stolen wasn't o [...]