tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68530706600515572042012-01-29T09:35:45.796-08:00365 DAYS 365 HIKES MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.comBlogger3991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-31486914575923669472012-01-29T09:34:00.001-08:002012-01-29T09:35:45.876-08:00

Hike to Sheep Mountain

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-51542361678930164062011-12-20T13:58:00.000-08:002011-12-20T14:04:57.220-08:00

I had my toe worked on last Friday and hopefully it'll clear up the ongoing problem I've had with ingrown toenails. If you've never had ingrown toenails it probably doesn't sound like that big a deal but it's very painful. It's like having a toothache in your toe. Two nights before I went in to get it fixed I was up at 2:30 in the morning because the pain wouldn't let me sleep. Here I am

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-63597438384036241262011-11-30T12:23:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:30:43.759-08:00

OK, so the hiking into shape thing didn't quite work out. I got a couple of injuries that really set back my progress and I'm finally going to get the fixed. I'm seeing a physical therapist today about my sciatica and I've got an appointment with a podiatrist about my ongoing problems with my toes. I hope to be good as new but the first of the year.I've got some great adventures planned for

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-40625490012602897572010-12-04T19:43:00.000-08:002011-01-14T23:07:28.636-08:00

My new blog, Hiking Into Shape, is now live.I haven't quite started the Into Shape part of the equation yet but I've done a few hikes that I thought were enjoyable enough to share.I'm waiting until after the first of the year to start the full fitness aspect of my endeavor because who wants to start a fitness regimen during the holidays?Once I get that started I'll give fitness assessment and

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-15600513953192826222010-11-17T09:35:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:38:54.167-08:00

I'd been hoping to finally get moving on my Palm Springs Hikes blog but during a 16 mile hike this past Saturday I came up with another idea.Last year I was able to accomplish my goal of hiking every day. This year I've been far less motivated and have paid the price, mainly in weight gain and a loss some of the fitness I attained by hiking every day.SO, next year I have set forth a new project

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-37687582537253505602010-05-03T16:32:00.001-07:002010-08-26T19:41:38.978-07:00

People have asked me what I'm doing next. I really haven't any idea but I am continuing to hike and enjoy the beauty of the desert near Palm Springs. In order to be able to share some of these adventure I have started a new blog, Palm Springs Hikes. The hikes won't just be in Palm Springs but in the area around the Coachella Valley.I'll be posting updates starting in the fall so bookmark the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-61006837071778424042010-01-30T11:20:00.000-08:002010-02-16T22:52:01.444-08:00

One amazing thing about the desert is the amount of wildlife. Most people think of the desert as a dry and lifeless, sandy and remote area of land but it is really an incredible wellspring of life. There were very few days that I did not encounter some type of animal and often the creatures I did come across were the highlight of my adventure. Here are a few of the birds and reptiles I saw on

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-75981264413336342752010-01-12T16:08:00.000-08:002010-01-12T21:45:23.385-08:00

BEYOND THE LAST DAYOn my last hike of the year I went to the Bullseye Rock area in the Indian Canyons. I wanted to go beyond there to Bullseye Flat and Mad Women Spring but the canyons closed early on December 31 and I really didn't feel comfortable going up into that rugged area alone. I'm old. Years of domestic bliss has not softened my adventurous spirit but my body is another story. Having

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-79002829403772612642010-01-10T19:57:00.000-08:002010-01-11T08:08:35.655-08:00

Having to work for a living often required that I hiked at the beginning of the day or the end. The advantage of this was that I saw more sunsets than at any other time in my life. I probably also saw more sunrises, too, but I don't consider this to be an advantage. I really would have rather been sleeping.CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO SEE FULL RESOLUTIONNikolas sitting on rocks above La QuintaClouds

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-61403330400644512762010-01-09T18:09:00.001-08:002010-01-09T18:09:40.826-08:00

Originally submitted at REIFor neutral runners wanting superb cushioning on their trail runs, look no further than the Wildcat from La Sportiva.La Sportiva Wildcat Trail-Running Shoes - Men'sGreat every day shoe 4 runners or hikersBy halhiker from La Quinta, CA (near Palm Springs) on 1/9/2010 4out of 5Gift: NoSizing: Feels true to sizeWidth: Feels true to widthPros: Comfortable, Good Arch Support

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-38802604464986979852010-01-07T19:19:00.000-08:002010-01-07T19:22:14.128-08:00

There was a newspaper article in the Desert Sun about me today.Just in case you missed it, here's the link:Desert Sun article.

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-62252149847761597542010-01-05T12:03:00.000-08:002010-01-05T23:30:05.271-08:00

I took thousands of pictures while hiking this past year and some even turned out OK. Digital photography is a wonderful thing because it used to be that you'd have to develop your film to discover that only 2 of the 36 pictures you took were any good. Now, you can snap away freely and if you don't like the pictures, just hit DELETE and you're done.A professional photographer I am not. All of

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-43755162320141467052010-01-03T19:15:00.000-08:002010-01-03T20:18:56.819-08:00

Hiking every day this year I went through quite a few pairs of shoes. I finally found a pair that I love and they lasted the final four months of the year but I'll need a replacement soon. I hike in running or trail shoes with very few exceptions because I can cover more miles in less time without heavy boots weighing me down.I started the year with two pair of New Balance 992s and was happy

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-73273895418769290742010-01-02T20:39:00.000-08:002010-01-02T20:53:31.398-08:00

365 hikes are a lot to go through so it will take me a few days to get my lists up. Keep checking back and if you have a favorite trip that I did or a favorite post, leave me a comment or send an email. I plan on doing a favorite hike list and a not so favorite list. I will also do a favorite pictures post. Reading about the hikes that I did at the beginning of last year it is amazing that I

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-53597138722661350832010-01-01T18:48:00.000-08:002010-01-01T21:11:26.102-08:00

For the first day in a year I didn't go on a hike. I woke up, went to work and then came home.It feels weird.I feel like I have to go out and do something tonight before I go to bed. My evening seems empty, off balance, confusing.I think I'll be able to deal with it, though.This year I did not make a resolution. It's not that I didn't think about it. But what could be as cool as hiking every

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-79734597206185794022009-12-31T17:32:00.000-08:002010-01-01T00:26:02.338-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVEBullseye Rock is a place in the Indian Canyons that holds an interesting place in the history of the Cahuilla Indians. It was known as the You coo hal ya me?, The place of many brains. The story goes that the Indians of Palm Springs had a dispute with the Indians of Seven Palms and a raiding party was formed. The Palm Springs warriors slaughtered their foes and

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-67843781049179935822009-12-30T21:18:00.000-08:002009-12-31T08:04:34.008-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOURWay back in January when I started this endeavor I went and hiked up the hill behind Saint Francis of Assisi Church here in La Quinta. There's a cross at the top of the hill and I thought that would be fun to hike up to. I was wrong. The hillside was mostly loose rocks and not fun at all. The view was good but that was about all. On top of that, I lost my keys.

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-47606268109463771272009-12-29T22:09:00.000-08:002009-12-30T08:50:29.898-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREEWork and hiking sometimes do not mix. In fact, they seldom do. But today they were especially opposed to one another. I had two choices when it came to hiking today: wake up before the sun (again) and greet the day or wait until after work and wander around in the moonlight. After yesterday's debacle I figured the latter would be the best--no, the only--choice

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-75025786269134046632009-12-28T21:35:00.001-08:002009-12-28T23:59:11.175-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY TWOIt is a good thing that I am near the end of my yearlong adventure. If I'd had any day like today earlier in my endeavor I doubt very seriously that I'd have gotten this far.My hike started out well enough. I headed east of Interstate 10 and got off on the Red Cloud Mine exit. I went north and started exploring the mountains in the southeastern corner of Joshua

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-81381452694165668342009-12-27T20:03:00.000-08:002009-12-28T10:42:47.326-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONEMy work schedule required that I go out hiking before the sunrise. For some people this is the best part of the day. I, however, have retained my sanity and realize that God intended these hours for sleeping. Some days a little insanity is required and today was such a day. I set my alarm for 6 and rose while it was still dark. When the alarm went off I

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-61086625782090020802009-12-26T19:48:00.000-08:002009-12-27T19:12:55.991-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTYAfter yesterday's "take it easy" hike: I decided to do something a little more challenging today. As usual, I didn't have as much time as I would've liked and ended up hiking back in the dark but I'm used to it by now. The wife isn't, though, and she called me twice to make sure I was still alive. I don't think I have ever been more so.It seems that I'm not the only

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-35622934461413407162009-12-25T21:32:00.001-08:002009-12-26T23:43:37.850-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINEI understand the importance of Christmas in building family traditions so I decided to forgo a hike today and just hang out with the family.Just kidding.I didn't get this far to quit now even though it was tempting. My father in law came down from his home in Mountain Center to hang out and help my wife in the kitchen. He was a restaurant owner his whole life and

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-45699459469935523592009-12-24T21:31:00.000-08:002009-12-26T11:30:37.706-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY EIGHTA week ago I went out and hiked a new trail (for me) on the ridge east of Pushawalla Canyon. I forgot my camera and something went wrong with the pictures on my phone so I decided to come back and get some pictures. I really like this trail and think it would be a nice one for anyone to enjoy if you want to walk off some of your holiday weight gain.Since this is

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-31796490305722540272009-12-23T20:45:00.000-08:002009-12-25T08:31:56.772-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVENThere's an Indian Trail that heads from Devil Canyon in South La Quinta over toward the Martinez Landslide. I know it's there because I stumbled on it months ago while returning from another hike. I went out today to try and locate it.By the time I get to my starting point, the area where I plan on hiking is already well in the shade. In the summer, I would

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-43345830928020502252009-12-22T19:58:00.000-08:002009-12-23T22:03:51.226-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIXYesterday when I hiked up the Boo Hoff Trail I looked and saw what seemed to be a trail on another ridge. The location would be a good place for a trail, above the Bear Creek drainage. It would be a good spot for a trail because there is a palm oasis in Bear Creek but accessing it requires a difficult climb up the creek bed. Going up a ridge would much

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-51147934284756218622009-12-21T19:41:00.001-08:002009-12-23T15:06:21.535-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVEThe Boo Hoff Trail in La Quinta is the closest major trail to my house. I have actually walked to the trailhead from home but my time is limited these days so driving there gives me more time to enjoy it.Starting at the trailhead, you follow the main rock lined road until you get to a split.Instead of going to the right or the left continue straight toward the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-21896784279253769232009-12-20T19:40:00.000-08:002009-12-22T09:18:49.481-08:00

THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOURMagnesia Falls Canyon in Rancho Mirage is only open three months of the year, from October through December. It is really a shame because the canyon is a special place and spring is the best time to visit it. Lots of people hike the canyon but I'm sure very few of them know there's a trail that leaves the canyon and heads up to a mining site. It's not a large mine,

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-26863385701419001212009-12-19T21:50:00.000-08:002009-12-20T23:11:11.726-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREEAfter two days of new hikes I was back to the familiar terrain of La Quinta today. But to make it seem new again I took my son, Nikolas, and some boys from the neighborhood.We start at the La Quinta flood control basin. It's like a gateway to another world for these kids. We'll soon leave the concrete completely behind.We make our way up a little draw and

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-5552537318345589882009-12-18T21:49:00.000-08:002009-12-20T11:50:08.747-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWOThe Whitewater Preserve is part of the Wildlands Conservancy Sand to Snow Project, a 33,000 acre plus preserve abutting the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It used to be the home of the Whitewater Trout Farm but now is a wonderful place to hike, picnic or enjoy one of the many programs sponsored by the Preserve. There are numerous hikes available here and today I took

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-20865990220007932032009-12-17T22:05:00.001-08:002009-12-19T21:01:37.794-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONEToday I am both thrilled and frustrated. I am thrilled because I went back to Pushawalla Palms--where I was just two days ago--and hiked on a trail that I never knew existed. It's a nice loop that heads up to the plateau to the east of Pushawalla Canyon and offers tremendous views of the canyon and the Coachella Valley and its surrounding mountains.My frustration

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-49761072639999639832009-12-16T21:13:00.000-08:002009-12-18T17:16:31.815-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTYDillon Percy was my son, Harrison's, oldest friend. It could be said that he met Dillon before he was born because my wife and I met his parents at child birthing classes at Desert Hospital. Sadly, Dillon's life was cut short when he passed away on November 11th of last year. This week, when his mother sent us an email telling us that the Christian School of the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-1091040949007366832009-12-15T22:48:00.000-08:002009-12-17T18:21:55.821-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINEPushawalla Palms is one of the many oases along the Indio Hills, on the San Andreas Fault. It can be reached by a trail from the 1000 Palms Visitors Center, a trail along a ridge that comes by Horseshoe Palms that I discovered about a month ago, or from the Pushawalla Canyon Wash. The latter is how I came today.The land here is part of the State Park System and is

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-90245011920463289962009-12-14T18:57:00.000-08:002009-12-17T07:32:54.140-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHTI went today to a place in the Santa Rosa Mountains south of Martinez Canyon that I'd never been to. I figured with a name like Sheep Canyon there was a good chance there might be Bighorn there or something else interesting.To get to where I'd start hiking I'd have to drive through some orchards and a bit of a garbage dump. It's obvious that someone's been here

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-5995474552367102882009-12-13T20:30:00.000-08:002009-12-16T08:06:31.853-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY SEVENToday I went back to Carrizo Canyon in South Palm Desert. I went here a couple of months ago and went up one fork of the canyon but today I wanted to do the other. I got a text message from a guy I know (Steve, although some know him as Bluerail) and he came along. It's always nice to have company so if you ever want to come along, just send me an email.The

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-21309267111432006652009-12-12T23:37:00.000-08:002009-12-14T18:56:35.001-08:00

THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY SIXMy kids are like any Southern California kids; they love to go to the snow. Since I went on Monday I figured it would be fun to take the boys and some friends up to Idyllwild for a little snow play. There was only one problem. While there was plenty of snow on the ground, it was raining all the way up to Humber Park.The temperature at Humber Park was 36º, just above

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-35548313621976856982009-12-11T21:12:00.000-08:002009-12-13T08:06:00.960-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY FIVEToday I wanted to go and hike an Indian Trail that I discovered this summer that goes from the southern section of the Boo Hoff Trail down toward the Martinez Landslide. I got out there and an equestrian was out exploring the area exactly where I wanted to go and, not wanting to walk through horse manure, I decided to go elsewhere.Instead of hiking the Indian

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-63226705436561217822009-12-10T19:54:00.000-08:002009-12-11T21:11:27.050-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOURThis morning my schedule forced me to get up early and do my hike before taking Nikolas to school. I don't like it this early but you do what you gotta do.I don't often enjoy it but the sunrise sure is purdy.I hiked up to some water tanks yesterday so today I headed over to another spot where water collects to see how it looks. Over twenty years ago when I hiked

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-18620822726105831832009-12-09T21:31:00.000-08:002009-12-10T19:54:22.543-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY THREERain is rare in the desert and water sources were important to the Cahuilla Indians. Trails criss cross the desert between springs and other various watering holes. If there's a spot where water is available you can bet the Indians knew about it. Not only would it be used for water but they could stake out an area in order to hunt animals coming for water.

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-68839627904484308002009-12-08T21:13:00.001-08:002009-12-09T21:29:31.811-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY TWOAfter the snow yesterday, the mountains were spectacular, majestic, awe-inspiring. I had to get to a spot today to where I could possibly get some pictures of them. There was only one problem: I didn't have much time. 1000 Palms area was out, too far away; likewise, Palm Springs. South Palm Desert wouldn't give me any views of the mountains nor would La Quinta.

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-32344520089421243872009-12-07T21:23:00.000-08:002009-12-08T19:17:51.816-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONEI work with a bunch of guys from Minnesota and they don't get the excitement Californians feel about going to the snow. They never want to see snow again. I, though, grew up less than five miles from the beach so snow is still holds a certain novelty to me. Whenever snow falls in the local mountains, I'm there.The Tram really needs to get some ice scrapers for

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-10334227385455750442009-12-06T19:30:00.000-08:002009-12-07T18:35:42.047-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTYThe calendar still says Autumn but the weather outside says Winter. It's cold here in the desert; the high temperature here today was 67º. As I started up the trail to the Palm Desert Cross a hiker coming down asked me if I liked wind. It was really blowing up top.A storm is starting to blow in and we've got with some big puffy clouds.There's a shrine builder on the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-9821363560242055292009-12-05T23:07:00.000-08:002009-12-06T19:30:10.574-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINEI had to drive down to Ontario to pick up my mother at the airport so I figured I'd find some place to hike along the way. I don't really know any place to hike in the Ontario area but I when I was at the Mission Creek Preserve I read that they have a preserve in Oak Glen so this would give me an opportunity to check it out.This preserve is like no other that

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-82154565580201252812009-12-04T21:16:00.000-08:002009-12-06T19:33:42.206-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY EIGHTAfter a few days on the road, it was time to do something close to home. I've been very vocal about the dearth of dog friendly hiking trails and the need for new ones, so I decided to head over to the area I think should become the Kahlua Trail. The area at the top of the La Quinta Cove is incredibly popular with hikers so there is an increasing need for more

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-6381355542819805382009-12-03T19:55:00.000-08:002009-12-04T10:31:06.334-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVENSome days I have no idea where I'll end up when I set out to hike and today was one of those. I had several ideas about place and I ended going to none of them. For some reason I was drawn to head down Interstate 10 heading toward Arizona. There were options on a number of outings that I've done but just not this year. The Lost Palms Oasis, Victory Palms or

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-46462447263376925902009-12-02T21:35:00.000-08:002009-12-04T07:02:47.110-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIXThere are some places that you visit which surprise you. You aren't really sure what to expect and they are better than you imagine. The Fortynine Palms Oasis is one of those places.I'd never been to the oasis so it took a few wrong turns before I got to the trailhead but I got there. And I also know how NOT to get there.It's nice to see some government

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-41818506039569487242009-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:002009-12-02T08:00:29.258-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVEI have just finished my eleventh month of hiking every day and I have to say it has been an incredible experience and one that has been a pleasure to participate in. Also, I'm tired and my feet hurt. I have one month to go and I think I'll be able to tough it out until the end but if you have any suggestions on places I can hike within an hour of the Coachella

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-83881174210563452112009-11-30T17:52:00.001-08:002009-12-01T20:47:06.820-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOURThe Grottos are a special area in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area where the erosion of steep mud and rock canyons have created cave-like formations. They are a fun area to explore due to the nature of the grottos themselves and the beauty of the surrounding canyons. They are reached from Box Canyon Road leaving the town of Mecca, near the Salton Sea.There is a

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-18645080255956973682009-11-29T21:05:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:04:20.094-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREEThe McManus Trail is a trail with no defined trailhead; it starts in a dirt lot off of Highway 111. Once on it, it leads you to Eagle Canyon, which I found out today has no defined exit. So I guess you could say I took a hike from nowhere to nowhere.The trail starts in a dirt lot a few hundred yards west of the building that was once Pompeii Nightclub and is now

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-73929689751963735982009-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:002009-11-28T21:37:15.091-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY TWOA few weeks ago I went south of Devil Canyon in La Quinta and discovered a new--to me--Indian Trail. I saw two Bighorn on that hike but didn't have my camera so had to take pictures with my iPhone which didn't turn out that great. Today I went back over there hoping to see those sheep again and this time I not only had my camera but I also brought a camcorder.

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-4684549950536975512009-11-27T20:44:00.000-08:002009-11-28T10:27:47.393-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONEThere are days when I don't need to try some place new, do something challenging or travel very far. Today was one of those days. The day after Thanksgiving should be one of those lazy days with nothing planned but sitting around and watching sports on TV (or getting up at 2 a.m. to get a deal on that TV to watch sports on). Unfortunately, some of us have to

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-31895044772016866972009-11-26T18:35:00.000-08:002009-11-27T20:42:51.956-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTYThe Indio Hills are an area in the Northeast section of the Coachella Valley and while they don't offer a lot to the hiker there are opportunities for discovery and adventure. Anyone who's ever been to the Indio Hills will tell you they are mainly a wasteland, used for illegal dumping, target shooting and partying. However, the Hills have a very interesting geology

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-63633672279171739442009-11-25T22:34:00.002-08:002009-11-26T10:40:09.323-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINEDead Indian Canyon, in South Palm Desert, is a great place to take the kids. It's pretty, it's short, it's interesting, there's lots of rock scrambling and there's a good chance you may see a Bighorn, especially if you go late in the afternoon.One of the great features of this canyon is the rock scrambling involved. The boys don't waste any time when it comes to

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-71369252625353883852009-11-24T20:20:00.000-08:002009-11-24T21:13:09.003-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHTI am starting to get sick. The wife has been a seething pustule of infection for the past few days and she's been kind enough to share with me. Right now it's just the start of a head cold, sore throat, tired eyes, minor congestion but I'm sure it'll intensify. It's that time of year.When determining where to hike this afternoon I could either go with a tried

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-51200658054330468192009-11-23T21:00:00.000-08:002009-11-23T22:16:13.827-08:00

THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SEVENLadder Canyon in the Mecca Hills is a classic desert hike and a great place to take kids. That's one reason I've taken them there. There are about a million other hikes in the Mecca Hills and there's one hike that I think is perfect for kids. It's interesting, beautiful and not too long.Although the Ultimate Canyon hike starts at the Ladder Canyon parking area it

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-38337764106820521202009-11-22T19:24:00.000-08:002009-11-22T20:07:00.729-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIXThanksgiving is coming up so I thought that a lot of families might be wondering what to do with the kids. Take 'em hiking! I'll give you a few suggestions of places that are good for kids. They're not too challenging and they've got something interesting for the kiddies to see and do.My first suggestion is The Fish Traps out in Thermal. They're easy to get to,

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-77372418219885198482009-11-21T18:34:00.000-08:002009-11-22T08:13:25.246-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVELast Tuesday I did my longest hike of the year from Snow Creek to the summit of Mount San Jacinto and then on to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Today a group of about fifteen hikers did the same hike and I went to lend my support. No, I didn't do the hike again--my feet would never forgive me--but I went to bring drinks to a spot 17 miles in and bring a few

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-72539043943947698202009-11-20T18:40:00.002-08:002009-11-22T08:13:51.764-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOURThere are days when my hiking choices are limited; today was one of those days. I had to take the kids to school and then only had a short bit of time before I had to head to work. On days like this, when I have to hike a trail I've already done before, I try to mix it up a bit but doing a different combination of trails or canyons. It's boring but even a

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-67735043378929454012009-11-19T22:01:00.000-08:002009-11-20T07:37:57.257-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREEPain usually gets worse on the second day after a big physical push for me but I actually feel OK today. OK except when I move. Then, my calves hurt, my knees are a bit wobbly and my kidneys feel like they've been punched. I haven't figured out if sitting or lying down is preferable because they but have their own problems. When I sit down my glutes hurt and

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-15759153637660612022009-11-18T19:35:00.000-08:002009-11-19T13:06:08.058-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWOAfter yesterday's thirty mile jaunt I decided something easy was in order for today, real easy. Since I had to go to work this morning I needed to go and stretch my legs out before going in. They didn't want to cooperate but I went anyway.I figured the Living Desert Nature Trail would be a good bet because it's mostly flat, it's well maintained and it's close.Where

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-7808869453521056212009-11-17T20:50:00.000-08:002009-11-19T07:37:40.638-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONEMount San Jacinto is my favorite mountain. It rises above the desert in a massive 10,000 foot escarpment. In the winter months it is covered with snow and in summer it offers a welcome escape from the summer inferno of the desert below. I've climbed it numerous times from all directions including the mountaineering route up the Snow Creek couloir. There's only

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-71677591604575903122009-11-16T19:18:00.000-08:002009-11-17T20:47:56.461-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTYWhen I watched Ken Burn's special about the National Parks I was quite impressed by how people used to dress while hiking, exploring and camping. Men wore coats and ties and the ladies wore long flowing dresses. Going to the parks was not a time to get grubby but a time to celebrate the wilderness and to dress in finery befitting the occasion. By comparison, today's

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-59130311085693183972009-11-15T20:16:00.000-08:002009-11-16T07:33:18.336-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND NINETEENPart of being a good navigator is not only knowing which way to go but knowing which way not to go. Today I become a much better navigator.I set out to see if I could find an easy way to access the Gordon Trail, which goes from Palm Springs to Caramba Camp in upper Tahquitz Canyon and then on to Idyllwild. This trail was used in the 30s but access has been cut off

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-85784700313179771092009-11-14T18:26:00.000-08:002009-11-14T19:56:34.470-08:00

THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENI have so many plans I could fill ten lifetimes but since I only have one I have to prioritize. Since my kids are not yet of an age where they can be left alone for any length of time I have to either wait until the wife gets home or take them along with me on my hikes. Since I like to enjoy my hikes I usually wait until the wife gets home from work. That's what I did

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-22438104001646732652009-11-13T21:06:00.000-08:002009-11-14T10:45:53.739-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENToday was another of my easier hikes because I'm resting up for some harder adventures next week. Just because it's easy, though, doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. This morning I went to a ceremony at my son's school because he made honor roll (way to go, Harrison!) and after that I headed over to the Coachella Valley Preserve. I want to do a loop trip there of

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-71148118137067323322009-11-12T22:21:00.000-08:002009-11-13T07:39:28.315-08:00

THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENI have a big hike planned for next week so my hikes until then will tend to be short and easy so I can rest up . I went out north of the Indio Hills to go and explore a bit and see if I could find anything interesting. Unfortunately, you don't always find something interesting when you go out exploring. That's part of the challenge. I drove up some canyon until I

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-74976729363184137472009-11-11T20:52:00.000-08:002009-11-11T21:11:36.376-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENOf the trails in Palm Desert, the Art Smith Trail is my personal favorite. It starts near Highway 74 near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument Visitors Center and heads into the heart of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The trail originally headed up Dead Indian Canyon before steering north and into the hills. Now, the trail goes up the hill nearer the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-8186141549995429182009-11-10T19:57:00.000-08:002009-11-10T21:23:13.782-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENI get bored doing the same hike over and over again. If I had my way I would do 365 different hikes this year but unfortunately time and money do not allow it so I've had to repeat some hikes. When I have to do this I try to make it a little different by taking someone else along or adding a new section to one I've done before. Today I did both of these, sort of.I

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-79403606078502860682009-11-09T18:04:00.000-08:002009-11-09T19:31:55.231-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENCactus Spring is an important source of water in the Santa Rosa Mountains. It was used by the Cahuilla Indians as an essential watering hole and is today used by hikers traveling in the Santa Rosa Mountains. It is such a major source that the only maintained trail in the Santa Rosa Wilderness is known as the Cactus Spring Trail.Given how important of a water

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-86776685979061339742009-11-08T21:02:00.000-08:002009-11-09T08:08:22.545-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWELVEAfter two days out on new trails it was time to get back to the familiar. I asked the kids and the wife if they wanted to go but they declined. Kahlua had no such choice; she's on a leash. I wish I had one for the other family members but they probably wish the same thing for me.I headed out on this familiar trail and am happy that as I'm heading out six people are

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-73256547622674456142009-11-07T20:48:00.000-08:002009-11-07T23:32:14.783-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND ELEVENI like to go really light on my hikes often taking little more than a water bottle and my camera. It allows me to travel fast over rugged terrain covering a lot of area in a short time. Sometimes, though, it backfires on me. It did today. When I got out of my Jeep ready to hike, I hit the button on my camera and the screen flashed "Check Your Batteries" and then died

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-16218486577766955702009-11-06T20:43:00.000-08:002009-11-07T21:29:11.151-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TENIt is hard to fathom that over three hundred days into hiking this year I could discover a new trail that I hadn't done or known of but I did. It is over to the east of Washington Street near the Coachella Valley Preserve. On the past couple of times I've driven out that way I noticed what looked like a road or trail going up a ridge west of Pushawalla Canyon. Since

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-87752945922003920472009-11-05T20:18:00.000-08:002009-11-07T09:18:32.778-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND NINEPeople often say that communication is the key to a successful marriage. If that's the case I have no idea how I've been able to stay married to the wife for over 21 years. Even after all these years she's still unable to read my mind and divine what I have planned. It gets very frustrating.Today my son, Nikolas, was still sick and needed to be cared for. On

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-29064237773493333762009-11-04T21:58:00.000-08:002009-11-06T08:05:40.787-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTI had big plans this morning. OK, maybe not big plans but a medium plan; alright, a plan. I'd hoped to take a drive up Highway 74 and hike cross country over toward Deep Canyon. This canyon is largely inaccessible but I wanted to see if I could follow a hunch and get down to it but life got in the way. That tends to happen when I try to make plans.My son, Nikolas,

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-21035672385321587682009-11-03T19:02:00.000-08:002009-11-03T20:09:44.177-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENIt has often been said that when you want something done, you have to do it yourself. That point was driven (or hiked) home today. I went out toward the top of the La Quinta cove trails for a short hike because I had to work this morning and saw a few things that did not make me happy.The parking lot is much busier now than at any time in the past six months.After my

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-44301729171500895792009-11-02T18:39:00.000-08:002009-11-03T07:51:19.243-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXThe Mission Creek Preserve is part of the 33,000 acre Sand to Snow Preserve System. This includes the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve and is adjacent to the Whitewater Preserve. The Preserve gives access to the Pacific Crest Trail and the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. To reach the Preserve, take Highway 62 North from I-10 and turn left on Mission Creek Road. Follow the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-23385290645195516512009-11-01T19:23:00.000-08:002009-11-02T08:16:14.742-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIVENovember 1 is All Saints Day. The only reason I know this is because it is the birthday of one of my boyhood friends. Every year he made sure we knew it. I don't know why a young kid thought he was a saint of some kind but such is the mindset of children. I suppose he was Saint Bruce of Westminster, the patron saint of boyhood pals. In honor of the day I thought

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-831135412371710832009-10-31T17:58:00.000-07:002009-11-01T19:25:24.572-08:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FOURPalm Canyon is the jewel of Palm Springs hiking. It is an eighteen mile canyon with unlimited options for adventure. There are numerous palm oases, including the main Palm Canyon oasis with over 3000 palms, streams, year-round springs, Indian trails and ancient village sites. It is an area worthy of a lifetime of exploration. Too bad I only had a couple of hours.I

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-79595458169200974662009-10-30T22:21:00.000-07:002009-10-31T10:27:10.204-07:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THREEToday I did the hike I should have done yesterday. After doing a long, challenging uphill hike with a sour stomach and irritable intestine I needed a break. The Coachella Valley Preserve in 1000 Palms offers several easier hikes and I took one of them today, the hike to Indian Palms.From the parking lot, it is easy to find the oasis. Just follow the signs.Indian

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-53661239550110955312009-10-29T20:36:00.000-07:002009-10-31T01:38:46.149-07:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND TWOI did NOT want to go hiking today. This morning I woke up with morning sickness, or what I'd imagine morning sickness to feel like. My head felt like a cactus had taken up residence within my skull and it seemed like two porcupines were doing battle in my gut. My son brought home some 24 hour flu bug home from school and shared it with the family. At least it's not

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-9365448927562978502009-10-28T21:49:00.000-07:002009-10-28T22:37:21.246-07:00

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND ONEI want to be a morning person, I really do but it's more difficult than anything I've ever done. My body just doesn't want to cooperate. I wanted to get up and hike up to the Bear Creek Palm Oasis but I couldn't drag myself out of bed early enough to be able to make it there and back. So I did something else. It happens a lot.I headed up the Bear Creek Wash and got to

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-71594532626361032122009-10-27T10:44:00.000-07:002009-10-27T20:47:02.202-07:00

The wife asked me last night if I had something big planned for day 300. You bet I do and I won't let the fact that I have to work at noon, that I have a sick kid at home and a migraine deter me from doing something spectacular, stupendous and superlatively stimulating.All year I've wanted to hike the Grand Canyon, explore the Narrows in Zion, enjoy the Indian rock art of the Four Corners, do

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-86864457921130048052009-10-26T19:37:00.000-07:002009-10-27T09:29:18.118-07:00

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY NINEAnyone who has been to Palm Springs knows Palm Canyon Drive. It is the main drag in downtown and attracts more tourist traffic than any other street in the desert. Far fewer people are familiar with the canyon that gave that street its name and even fewer know the upper reaches of the canyon.Visitors to the Indian Canyons, south of Palm Springs, can visit the

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-54414492583537495062009-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:002009-10-26T01:59:34.678-07:00

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHTGraffiti is an annoying form of vandalism that costs hundreds of millions of dollars each year in the US to irradiate. It is annoying enough to see it on walls and buildings when one drives around town but it is doubly irritating to see it when out hiking. Why someone would pack a couple of cans or aerosol paint in lieu of water bottles in their backpack is

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-6969044363189195322009-10-24T20:05:00.000-07:002009-10-24T21:03:56.758-07:00

DAY TWO HUNDRED NINETY SEVENPeople ask me about hiking all the time and sometimes they even ask if they can come along. They don't often go beyond asking but on occasion we even make plans. Today I was expecting to get a call from a guy at work to go hiking with me down in the Mecca Hills. I'm still waiting for that call.I waited as long as I possibly could and then headed out near home instead

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-52790588406608796862009-10-23T20:09:00.000-07:002009-10-24T09:49:30.058-07:00

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY SIXThe days are getting shorter, the sun is going down earlier and soon after the time change I will have start either hiking in the morning or in the dark. The dark is tempting because I don't like waking up early but I think the pictures might be somewhat lacking if I only go at night. I fear these next two months are going to kill me. Sleep deprivation will do

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-29620530129687053482009-10-22T19:57:00.000-07:002009-10-23T20:17:42.141-07:00

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVEThis week I have gone to Dead Indian Canyon and Magnesia Spring Canyon, both of which are only open for three months of the year, from October-December. Today I went to another canyon with limited access, Carrizo Canyon.You pick up the canyon by heading south from the Art Smith Trailhead. Nine months out of the year this gate is locked but it's unlocked for now.If

Hal Summershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765890253249984310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853070660051557204.post-15077368549831383542009-10-21T20:54:00.000-07:002009-10-22T01:27:21.784-07:00

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY FOURAfter a number of hikes to new places, I did a little hike close to home this afternoon. I needed a rest. Also, Kahlua has been mad at me because I hadn't taken her in about a week so I had to go somewhere that I could take her along.We went out to the top of the cove here in La Quinta. It's nice to be back home sometimes.This is Kahlua's favorite part of the

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY THREEWith Dead Indian Canyon open until the end of December I figured I'd go and try Magnesia Spring Canyon and hike up to Magnesia Falls if it, too, was open. It is.This hike starts near the intersection of Mirage Road and Mirage Road in Rancho Mirage. Seriously.The hike used to be nicer years ago when you could hike up from the top of Magnesia Falls Drive. Of

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY TWOThe Hidden Palms Oasis is one of many oases along the San Andreas Fault on the northern end of the Coachella Valley. It can be reached via a well marked trail from 1000 Palm Canyon Road. That's not the way I chose to get there, however. I went on an old Indian Trail that I discovered earlier this year. I then came back the main trail making for a nice little loop

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY ONEA couple of days ago I went out intending to hike the Art Smith Trail but upon finding Dead Indian Canyon open decided to go there instead. Today I made good on my intent to hike the Art Smith and rather than just hike it as an out and back I hiked up the new Art Smith and then came down the original Art Smith. I'd never done this before so the novelty and the

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETYThe heat was on in the desert again today with the temperature topping 100º so I headed up toward Idyllwild to do my hike today. Our neighbors were up camping at the Hurkey Creek County Park Campground so Nikolas and I went to pay them a visit. Sometimes people knowing that I enjoy hiking ask me if I like to camp. I don't. The only time I enjoy camping is when I've

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINEDead Indian Canyon is a wonderful little paradise in South Palm Desert. The hike is not hard but it's fun due to some rock hopping involved and the potential of finding running water in the canyon. The palm oasis in the canyon is a terrific destination for a family hike or just a morning or afternoon jaunt. When I first moved to the desert, way back in the mid

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY EIGHTAbout ten days ago I went on a hike up what I thought was Cathedral Canyon in Cathedral City and did what I called the Cathedral Canyon Trail up to Dunn Road. There was only one problem with my assessment of that hike: I was not in Cathedral Canyon. I went home and looked at where I'd gone on a topographical map and discovered that Cathedral Canyon is on the east

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SEVENThe knee feels better today; there's no pain at all. I have no idea what went wrong with it and I'm sure as I get older I'll encounter more unexplainable aches and pains. Of course, the knee is of utmost importance for a hiker. If it were my hand or shoulder or neck it wouldn't have mattered as much. I don't mess around when it comes to my knees.Still keeping

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIXToday the knee is much better but psychologically it's still tender. In other words, it feels good but I'm still thinking about it. I have no idea why it tweaked out on me but I have some big hikes planned for later this month so I'll be babying it until I know for sure that it's 100%.Looking for an easy trail that's not covered with rocks brought me to the Araby

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVEI'm a big Bob Dylan fan, the wife is not. There is one song, however, that she just loves: Everything Is Broken. Some days it seems like it's our theme song. We'll get something new and it gets scratched the first day. Everything Is BrokenAn appliance we've had for years suddenly goes on the fritz without warning. Everything Is BrokenWhile getting ready for a

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOURToday was the toughest hike I've done all year. It wasn't long nor was the terrain particularly difficult but for some reason my knee was killing me and as I walked I was filled with trepidation and dread.I have no idea what's wrong or how it happened. I did a fairly easy hike yesterday in Joshua Tree and then drove home. When I got out of the van my knee

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THREEAbout a week ago I got an email from a guy who'd read my blog and wanted to go hiking. He would be in town for a conference and would have some free time. He assured me he wasn't a serial killer--I'm sure serial killers do this, too-- and sent me a bio to reassure me. He is the part owner of a vitamin company, Celebrate Vitamins, and had never been to Palm

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY TWOThere is no shortage of places to hike in the desert; there's a shortage of time. I've wanted to hike up to the Bear Creek Palms in La Quinta but just haven't been able to put together enough time when I don't have other plans. I'd hoped that today would be the day but it won't work, either. Maybe next week but I wont' count on it.I returned to the trail that I

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DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY ONEToday is my son Nikolas' birthday. He is eleven years old. What an exciting time in life. At eleven years old you can still be anything in life, a movie star, a doctor, an astronaut, the President. You may even grow up to be a bellman. If you're lucky, that is. None of those other jobs allow you to hike every day. OK, maybe a movie star could but only some old

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