Photo: Black Mountain Ramona
Hello Hikers!
I hope everyone is safe from the recent fires. It looks like the winds will hopefully start dying down today, but we’re still in store for low humidity and warm temperatures.
On Tuesday, a man who had been lost for 3 days in the Cleveland National Forest near Horsethief Canyon after running out of gas set a signal fire to get the attention of a passing helicopter. Unsurprisingly, the intense Santa Ana winds quickly spread the fire through the dry brush in the area. Some nearby hikers saw the fire and reported it, and fire crews were miraculously able to contain the fire before it grew beyond an acre. If this scenario sounds familiar, it is similar to how the 2003 Cedar Creek fire started, when a lost hunter set a signal fire during Red Flag conditions. The moral of the story is don’t set signal files during Santa Ana or Red Flag conditions, and to make sure you’re prepared for an emergency if you travel to the backcountry. Have a full tank of gas, abundant water, a map of the area, and make sure to let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return. Don’t ever rely exclusively on your cell phone since you might not have a signal when you need it, and batteries die. Be prepared and be safe!
The San Diego Audubon Society will be conducting a series of Christmas Bird Counts in various locations throughout the month of December. Volunteers of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome to participate in this community science project which helps provide important information about bird population numbers, avian movements and associated trends. If you’re interested in participating, you must register in advance by contacting one of the coordinators. More information is available on the San Diego Audubon website.
If you’re looking for a great stocking stuffer for the hiker in your family, check out the newly published Laguna Mountain Recreation Area Map, by Calico Maps. This is a shaded relief topo map, printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper showing the greater Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Even better, Calico Maps is a local San Diego company, so hopefully we’ll have even more new maps of the county to look forward to in the future!
Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:
- Save up to $50 on Select Fitbit Trackers
- Save on Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad and more
- Intova Duo Waterproof HD POV Sports Video Camera $28.76
- BUFF Original Multifunctional Headwear: Save on select styles
- Save on Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent and more
- Save up to 40% on baselayers for the entire family
- Save up to 40% on outerwear for the entire family
- Save on Merrell Womens Cushioned Hiker Socks
- Save on Merrell Mens Cushion Hiker Socks
- Save on Select Cycling Apparel from Top Brands
- Save 20% on Swiss Army Knives from Victorinox
Have a good week!
Photo: Love Valley Meadow