Share/Bookmark As the summer moves forward, the San Jacinto mountains are inundated with birds of every size, shape and color. Orange breasted robins search the ground for insects and worms. Adult California quail act as crossing guards while their young scurry across the street. Stellar’s jays are everywhere, wearing their snappy uniforms of royal blue [...]
Share/BookmarkWinter seems to be a time for reflecting on seasons past, present and future. April will see the end of a year-long photo safari, which started with the goldfields in Garner Valley and continues with snowy peaks crowned with ever-changing clouds and cobalt blue skies. There really is not a bad time of year to [...]
Share/BookmarkThey say that March can be the cruelest month, but in Idyllwild the same could be said about January, February and sometimes April. Our recent pattern of spring-like weather followed by a deep freeze and snow makes for a bit of confusion when it comes to wardrobe and outdoor activity choices. One day I’m at [...]
Share/BookmarkMost of the baby boomer generation was in high school or college in the the mid- to late 1960s. This was a time of great social upheaval and also the time when the young people of America tried to “get back to the land.” Everything from the past was suspect and catch phrases such as [...]
Share/BookmarkAfter three days of rain in Idyllwild, I was ready for something different. The beauty of Southern California is that you can almost always find something to do on a rainy day by driving to the desert. In this case, Les Walker and I drove to Joshua Tree to meet up with longtime Idyllwild resident [...]
Share/BookmarkOn Saturday, Jan. 19, I got a text messsage from Les and Cheri Walker asking if I wanted to ride out to Lake Hemet with them and Boulder, the newest member of the Walker clan. Boulder is a mixed-breed puppy that is as cute as a pup could be. This would be his first time [...]
For anyone who has been wishing for those cold crisp days of winter, your wish came true.
Share/BookmarkOne of the most important parts of your hiking system is navigation. Staying found is very high on the list of priorities when you are out backpacking. Finding lost hikers is the main reason that the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit stays so busy. Of course a lot of RMRU callouts could be avoided if people [...]
Share/BookmarkYour packing system is another important component of your hiking gear. It is obvious that if your pack breaks down you will be in very bad shape. Also, if your pack leaks and your gear gets wet, it will be a big problem. Packs come with suspension systems that are rated by the weight they [...]
Share/BookmarkLast week, we talked about assuring that your sleeping system is up to snuff. This week, I will focus on rain gear. It may come as a surprise that not all “rain” gear is actually waterproof. This column will help you find your way through the maze of terms and purchase the right gear for [...]
