Hello Hikers!
Yet another Monday is upon us. I’m very appreciative of the rain we’ve been getting, but it would be slightly more convenient if we could arrange to have it rain during the week when I’m stuck at work, and the weekends could be nice and clear. Someone want to take care of that for me? Thanks!
I hope that in spite of the drizzly weather on Sunday everyone had a chance to get out and hike. So far, the forecast for the next week looks perfect. If you’re trying to decide what to do next weekend, consider heading out on Saturday with the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers to explore Indian Hill in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is an intermediate 6 mile hike (plus extra challenges) with elevation change of up to 1000 feet. Hike through hillsides of teddy bear cholla and barrel cactus to the remains of a primitive 1912 railroad camp. Directions: (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park) From I-8, exit on S2 (Imperial Hwy.) at Ocotillo. Go northwest (left) on S2 for 8.7 miles, turning left onto Mortero Wash. Meet the Canyoneer host there. They will consolidate into 4WD or high-clearance vehicles to reach the trailhead. No facilities. Check out the Canyoneer’s web page for more information, or visit our Events Page to see all the other activities that are going on.
Other awesome things going on next weekend include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday the 19th. Hopefully you’ve got the day off, because this is the first FREE National Park Entrance Day for 2015. This is some great desert weather right now, so you might want to consider a day trip to our nearest National Park Joshua Tree. If that’s too long of a drive for you, you could go to Cabrillo National Monument to look for whales (we’re in the middle of peak migration season) or hike the Bayside Trail. It’s also a free day for National Forest entry, which means no Adventure Passes are required.
Hopefully you’ve got some Christmas money or gift cards leftover, because Amazon has some great deals on hiking gear this week:
- Up to 50% select backpacks and bags (Includes some High Sierra, Gregory, and Osprey packs, among others.)
- Up to 30% Off Select Water Bottles & Hydration Gear
- Get Outside: Up to 20% Off Select Outdoor Gear
- Up to 40% Off Women’s Hiking and Trail Shoes (Merrell, Vasque, Keen, and more!)
- Up to 40% Off Men’s Hiking and Trail Shoes (Salomon, Vasque, Lowa, and more!)
Looking for even more deals on gear? Save up to 40% on past seasons Columbia Gear only at Altrec.com!
And if you’re looking for some healthy snacks to take along on your hikes, check out Vitacost.com. If you sign up through this link, new customers can get a coupon for $10 off their first order of $30 or more, plus free shipping on all orders over $49. My favorite are Luna bars, (Chocolate Peppermint Stick? Yes please!) but they’ve got tons of other good trail snacks too.
Have a good week!
