2011

The Very Cool Mount Baldy Notch Moonlight Hike and BBQ

May 4, 2012
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This dog-friendly moonlit mountain hike and bbq is great as a romantic dinner or a fun evening with a group of friends. Beautiful sunset views, full moon, and good food!

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Hiking Santiago Oaks Regional Park to Irvine Regional Park — The Short Loop

February 14, 2012
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A relatively easy 5 mile hike between Santiago Oaks and Irvine Regional Parks, two of our favorites. Hot in the summer, but great wildflowers in spring.

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A Long Walk on the Beach — El Capitan to Refugio in Santa Barbara

January 13, 2012
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A great walk or hike along the beach and bluffs between El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches in Santa Barbara. 6 miles round-trip with stunning views.

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Our favorite hikes of 2011

January 4, 2012
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On December 30th, Jeff and I met (slightly surpassing) our goal to hike 200 miles in 2011. We have trekked through some pretty spectacular scenery this past year, all of varying difficulty, topography, climates and ecosystems. These stand out as our absolute favorites of 2011.

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Hiking the Seven Falls Trail in Santa Barbara

December 20, 2011
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Seven Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Santa Barbara, and for good reason–the series of falls and pools make it a scenic place to swim or relax on a sunny rock.

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Powder Canyon in Rowland Heights: A short, scenic hike in the middle of everywhere!

December 2, 2011
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Powder Canyon in the hills between Whittier, Puente, and Brea, is a short and scenic hike in an urban setting with a wilderness feel that is great on a cool, crisp day.

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Stoddard Peak — Beautiful Fall foliage hiking in Southern California

November 27, 2011
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Stoddard Peak below Mount Baldy is a nice hike on any cool, clear day, but it is especially nice during the fall, when the colors are great!

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Celebrating 5 years of the Irvine Ranch as a National Natural Landmark with a private tour to Limestone Canyon and the Sinks

October 10, 2011
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The 9.9 mile loop we took on this bloggers’ tour would make an excellent trail to hike or bike to see the key highlights of Limestone Canyon Wilderness Area.

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Kayaking on Big Bear Lake

October 5, 2011
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Big Bear Lake is a beautiful spot, within close proximity to most Southern California metro areas, to escape for a weekend a do a little kayaking.

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Exploring Mammoth: A trip back to the lawless wild west at Bodie State Historic Park

September 19, 2011
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Pictorial highlights from Bodie State Historic Park, a fascinating day trip back in time located off Highway 395.

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Wild West Day Trip: Alabama Hills and Movie Flats Road on Highway 395

September 7, 2011
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A short driving tour off Hwy 395 in Lone Pine will take you into a geological wonderland that has been used as the backdrop for hundreds of movies.

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Exploring Mammoth: Visiting the Yellowstone-like Hot Creek Geologic Site

September 2, 2011
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A fascinating short little side-trip off historic Highway 395, just outside of Mammoth, to a beautiful geothermal hot spring and bubbling pools.

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Exploring Mammoth: Hiking to Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls

August 28, 2011
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Devil’s Postpile to Rainbow Falls is the classic Mammoth area hike, featuring waterfalls, wildflowers and cool volcanic geological features. If you only have time for one hike, this is the one to do.

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Exploring Mammoth: Hiking to the Consolidated Gold Mine and Heart Lake

August 25, 2011
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A super short, scenic, kid and dog-friendly hike near Mammoth to an abandoned gold mine and a spectacular mountain lake.

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Exploring Mammoth: Convict Lake Overlook — some dirt road fun!

August 17, 2011
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If you have a high clearance vehicle with good tires, you’ll want to spend a couple hours on your next visit to Mammoth off-roading to a scenic overlook above Convict Lake.

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Exploring Mammoth: Boating on Convict Lake

August 16, 2011
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No trip to the Mammoth area is complete without taking in one of the many breathtaking crystal blue lakes in the area. Our family — including the dog — loved spending an afternoon boating on gorgeous Convict Lake.

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