-
Mount Baldy’s Bear Canyon Made Me Emotional
Because I nearly broke my foot in May, I lost a fight with a 30lb dumbbell, and then spent the entire month of June trying to process the loss of my Tickle, when I set out to do the Bear Canyon Trail in Mount Baldy last month, I was breaking a two and a half month long no hiking streak.
-
Murphy Ranch – Old Nazi Compound in the Santa Monica Mountains
Did you know there is an old Nazi sympathizer compound hidden away in the Santa Monica Mountains? (Or at least the start of what was to be a Nazi sympathizer compound.) Accessible via a moderately rated 3.4-mile hike in Rustic Canyon, Murphy's Ranch is a peek into some of the bizarre histories of LA.
-
I Finally Went Camping at Joshua Tree
It finally happened! While it took me nearly thirty years to make it out to Joshua Tree for the first time, two years after my initial visit I fulfilled my dream of camping under those big goofy whimsical trees. And it was as magical as I had imagined.
-
Do You Like Pie? Satisfy Your Cravings At I Like Pie Bake Shop
Even if you don't think you are a pie person, I Like Pie in Claremont, California is here to satisfy all your mini pie desires you never knew you had. Yes, you read that right, I said mini pies. Cupcake size pies to be more exact.
-
Get in the Spooky Mood with Norco’s Pumpkin Rock Hike
Halloween may be less than a week away, but if you live in Southern California and are looking for a unique way to celebrate this spooky season, the Pumpkin Rock Hike in Norco may be perfect for you! I’ve done this hike twice now since moving back to California, right around my first Halloween back, and once this past weekend. The hike is short, just around a mile round trip, and despite the incline (depending on the route you chose) and some lose rock/gravel, the hike is pretty doable by most people in relative shape. And this hike is for the most part family-friendly, as long as no one has…
-
I Went Back In The Ocean For The First Time Since Leaving Hawaii
Yes, known for surfing there are beaches that have some pretty big waves, but it varies throughout the year and there are certain beaches that are almost always relatively calm or at least don't have the kind of waves that will knock you over. On top of that the water is clear and the sand is soft. Most the beaches in Hawaii have crystal clear waters and I could see down to the floor even once I swam out far enough I could no longer reach the sea floor. And, best of all, the water in Hawaii is so warm, all year round in comparison to Southern California. Living in…
-
Hot Chickz – L.A. Hot Chicken, Hidden Gem in La Puente
As I write this I have eaten at Hot Chickz, three times, twice in one weekend. I have tried both versions of their sandwiches, their chicken sandwich (served on a bun) and their Hot Chick Sandwich (served on a roll). I have tried two different spice levels "Just a Kick" (mild) and "Feelin' It" (medium). Although I was able to eat the medium it was painful and I've decided to stick with their mild. I have also tried their Hot Chick Fries (everything you get on a Hot Chick Sandwich, chicken, coleslaw, pickles, and sauce, on top of fries), their mac and cheese, and a pepperoni pizza.
-
Gould Mesa Road: Angeles Crest Hwy to Paul Little Picnic Site
According to my AllTrails recording this hike was 6 miles round trip and took us a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including our short break at the end waterfall. It was a weekday morning that we went and we did encounter a few hikers throughout the trail, but I wouldn't call it busy and for the most part people were polite and did have their masks on them.
-
I Finally Made it to Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree was one of my dad's favorite places, right along with the High Sierra and the Grand Teton. I grew up hearing him talk about this strange land in the desert, but despite it being only about two hours away from where I grew up I never had the pleasure of experiencing it with him.
-
Quarantine Day 60 – 67: I’m still Happy and I went Hiking
If you read last week's Corona Journal entry, I am happy to report that things are still going good. After admitting to the world that I was happy and everything seemed to be going good, my life did not fall apart. I still feel really good, I even caught myself smiling last night for no reason. I'm still maintaining and/or working on all of my new good habits - working out, walking, meditation, gardening. For the most part the last week has been pretty much the same old same old, in the best way possible. Only new thing to report, I did finally go hiking!
