Over the weekend, I was quoted as part of an L.A. Times story on cellphone reception in the wilderness areas around the Los Angeles Metro area.
Friend of the site and local hiker Alana Semuels lays out the differences between carriers in the area. Short story: T-Mobile? Sucks. AT&T? Not bad, in spots. Maybe that 3G GPS-enabled iPhone is worth it after all.
I tried to do my duty as a Responsible Hiker to offer some sound safety advice, as well as take digs at Runyon Canyon Blackberry Hikers. Guess which made it into the Pulitzer prize-winning paper’s story.
Anyone out there have some love ‘em or leave ‘em stories about cell phones in the wild? I used to keep mine on during a hike to use as a watch, even when I lost reception. But after getting a few “urgent” messages from friends and family without being able to call back for 5 or 6 hours, I started stowing it in the OFF position and have never turned back.
Image by Jasoneppink
When you’ve got to duct-tape your normally blissfully blister-free heels.
… maybe it’s time to pick up some new socks, too.
Published on June 26, 2008
in hiking.
On my Sycamore Canyon hike, I found some great whimsical trail graffiti on a dumpster lid:
Now, HikingLA’s webmistress has located what she describes as “the most good-natured trail graffiti (she’s) ever seen.”
Remember - graffiti is bad. Unless it comes off easily, and doesn’t cover up any important information on man-made signs.
And sometimes, if it makes you smile.
Over the sweltering weekend, I suited up, packed plenty of water, and drove out to the Devil’s Canyon Trailhead for some creekside hiking and cool-pool soaking.
Unfortunately, when I got to the trailhead, I noticed my camera felt a lot lighter than it usually does. The reason? I left the battery in the charger at home.
After yelling at myself and thinking about getting back in the car, I instead made the right decision and went ahead with the hike anyway, making it a “non-working hike.”
The good news? I had a wonderful, relaxing hike in a beautiful area I hadn’t seen yet. The bad? No write-up for the site. Oh well. There’s always next week.
Or, I could spend a few minutes later this week and make some Crow-style trail illustrations …
If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking about picking up one of those
SPOT Emergency Beacons. They’re more versatile, reusable, and way cheaper than other satellite beacons on the market, and have gotten rave reviews from everyone who’s tested one out.
But there’s one problem — no one’s ever had to use them in an actual emergency yet. Or at least, until now.
The fine folks at Backpacker.com have posted a very well-written, real-life account of an emergency distress call from the slopes of Mount McKinley. It’s a great read, and highlights some of the unit’s shortcomings when needed out on the trail.
I’m still planning on buying one this year — but maybe I’ll wait a bit to see if they’re planning on doing any sort of redesigns or updates. Anyone out there have ‘em? And what do you think?
via Two-Heel Drive.
A 6+ mile, moderate loop on and off-trail in the middle High San Gabriels. While low on sweeping vistas, this hike features large stands of incense cedar, boulder formations typical of the area, ski slopes, and a great sense of remoteness.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Waterman Mountain Loop’
A short but steep hike to a prominent ridge in the San Gabriel High Country. You’ll pass through a defunct picnic area, an abandoned ski resort, and top it off with outstanding views of the middle of the front range and San Gabriel Wilderness. While it might not be a Destination Hike, it’s well worth the detour if you’re in the area.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Kratka Ridge’
A very short, relatively unimpressive mountain deep in the central high San Gabriels. Best when hiked in combination with other peaks in the area.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Mount Akawie’
A short 4 mile loop through the San Gabriel High Country. This route turns a very easily-bagged single peak hike into a moderately strenuous two-peak journey, with expansive views of the interior San Gabriels and Antelope Valley.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Winston Ridge and Winston Peak’
Another New England transplant wrote me this morning (how many of us are there here? You guys all want to get together to try to find good apple cider?) because she wants to take advantage of the the big REI Anniversary Sale before it’s over. Her target: New boots. She writes:
Wanted to see if you have any advice on good brands. I used to have high-top ones for ankle support, but I rarely hike with a big pack anymore and mostly just do day hikes, so I figure I maybe don’t need to buy big ol’ heavy ones.
I’m partial to the high-top boots myself, and recommended the Vasque Breeze, a lightweight, superbreatheable high-top that’s done me very well for over two years on short day hikes and 3-day backpacking trips. As luck would have it, both the
women’s
and
men’s versions are on sale, too.
… but since I’ve already found my preferred boot, I’m not much help if she gets to the store and doesn’t dig the Vasques. So does anyone else have a favorite lightweight boot or low-top hiking shoe? Share! And hurry up, the sale’s almost over.
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