Kauai: October 6

I thought I was well prepared for our big day. My boots were broken in over many miles, I remembered to pack my CamelBak for water, and I even managed to exceed my fundraising goal with $5,054. But the serenity of the island and the inspiring stories of my fellow hikers filled me with awe.

The 10-mile hike began a few miles north of Waimea Canyon. From there the Nualolo Trail extends west through rainforest filled with ginger, passion fruit and guava, and then beyond the tree canopy to more arid land with low brush. After about four miles you reach the breathtaking pali, or cliffs, of the Na Pali Coast. It was here, looking down on the birds and the occasional helicopter flying in and out of the ravines and inlets that we paused to share why each of us had come this far. For one couple it was a sick young daughter, while another woman needed something to cling to following the recent loss of her husband to cancer. If the view wasn’t amazing enough, the stories of strength and compassion certainly were.

Continuing northeast along the coast, the trail becomes a bit more exciting. As you can see from the photo of us crossing a steep hillside, we stayed single file and trusted our guide, a fireman knowledgeable about native plant species, to keep us on the trail, or at least forge a new one. The warm breeze, views of the ocean and floral scent are indescribable.

We completed the horseshoe-like route by turning inland on the Awaawapuhi Trail and beginning our 1,000’ ascent. Rain showers accompanied us off and on as we stepped over roots and rocks, and ducked low branches until we reached the end. Like they say, it was just another day in paradise. Aloha and mahalo to all my friends and supporters.

Montara Mountain: September 15

We returned to Montara Mountain this weekend for a 14 mile hike through San Pedro Valley County Park and McNee Ranch State Park. It was our last aggressive hike before we begin to taper in advance of our big day on October 6. As usual, Pacifica and the rest of this part of the coast was socked in with fog early in the day. This keeps the air warm and slightly muggy until you get above the clouds and the sun slowly burns off the fog. By the afternoon it was quite warm and I have a sunburn to prove it. In all, we covered parts of five different trails, and reached a maximum elevation of 1,898', before arriving at this spot above Highway 1 for a group photo.

Backpacking in Stanislaus

In August, I made my first backpacking trip into the Sierra Mountains with three friends from Santa Clara University. Starting at Kennedy Meadow, a popular camp ground with a small cafe and horseback tours, we hiked eight miles into the backcountry with 2,000 ft. of elevation gain to a favorite spot of TB's. This perfect base camp sits on a granite ledge overlooking a small waterfall and pool where we filtered water, cooled off, and chilled the eight cans of Guinness we packed with us. (On a side note, freeze dried meals have come a long way.) Although tired from the first day, we were up early on Saturday to blaze our own trial up through the chain of three Lewis Lakes. Trekking over granite, sometimes using our hands to climb nearly straight up, we reached Upper Lewis at 10'000 feet. As you can see, the view is spectacular. We spent our second night again around the camp fire watching meteors, drinking whiskey and laughing. Back at Kennedy Meadow the next afternoon, with 25 miles under our boots, we devoured hot meals, sat back and smiled at the memories.

Bay Area Ridge Trail: August 18

We hiked a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail today that lies east of Berkeley. I'm not sure of the mileage walked during our 4.5 hours in the sun, but it was certainly less than the 300 miles now available of what will eventually be a 500 mile loop around the Bay. Because it was so clear we could see all of San Francisco, both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate, and the Marin headlands. You can see most of that behind me in the distance (above), and here's the view looking east (below).

Pleasanton Ridge: August 4

I haven't mentioned this before, but our hikes start at 8 am every Saturday morning. It's been a tough adjustment for someone who's used to staying out late on Friday nights, and complicated by the fact that it takes a long time to reach some of our destinations. I underestimated travel time this morning and ended up arriving a little late. So late I had to run about a mile to catch up to the pack. This was also the warmest day I've been on the trail, which was unfortunate since I forgot a hat and sunglasses. But despite the setbacks, Chuck, my mentor captain, and I set a good pace and finished the hike ahead of schedule.

China Camp, Marin: July 28

Today's three hour hike took place in beautiful Marin. There wasn't much elevation gain, but the loop trail had many small ups and downs through grasses and oaks. Best of all, there were lots of points to stop and admire the view of the Bay. By the way, the name of this state park comes from the 1860s to early 1900s when the area included a fishing village populated by Chinese fisherman and their families.

A change in weather: July 21

I learned two things today during our hike on Montara Mountain at San Pedro Valley County Park in Pacifica. First, you don't have to go far outside the city to go hiking, and second, the weather can change dramatically in a couple of hours. It was overcast when we started, and as we moved up into the hills from the trailhead, the fog became so thick we lost sight of the coast and even the neighboring hilltops. By the time we descended, the temperature had warmed 10 degrees.

The first hike: July 14

Did you know they had Redwood trees in Oakland? I didn't, but sure enough, our my first hike took place in Redwood Regional Park on July 14. The 2.5 hour trip was pretty easy for me, but for one woman, it was the first time she had ever hiked. Prior to this, I think I may have taken my hiking and backpacking experience for granted. But everyone worked hard and I learned what one is capable of when you believe in what you're doing. And the Redwoods? Well, they weren't as big as in other parts of the Bay, but check back in 50 years.