California, Hiking, Outdoors, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Potato Mountain

We headed up to explore another section of Claremont Hills Wilderness Park: Potato Mountain. Situated at the front of the San Gabriel Mountains, Potato Mountain offers nice views of the Pomona Valley below. Why it's called Potato Mountain is a mystery, but this hike offers up a good workout and a low-key adventure.

American West, California, Hiking, Historic Sites, History, Opinion, Outdoors, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Shoemaker Canyon: Tunnels to Nowhere

We return to Shoemaker Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains to explore the spooky Cold War-era escape tunnels. The project was abandoned, but the tunnels remain a testament to a time gone by marked by fear and hysteria. In this post are trail conditions at time of writing and safety considerations.

American West, California, Camping, Hiking, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Pacific Crest Trails: Cooper Canyon Falls

Cooper Canyon Falls, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is a 25-foot waterfall formed from the perennially flowing stream within Cooper Canyon. On a sunny Saturday in late March, we trekked along the Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls.

American West, California, Emergency Preparedness, Opinion, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

The Eaton Fire

Los Angeles County is in a state of emergency as fires devastate the region. This post focuses on the Eaton Fire, which is affecting Altadena and Pasadena, as well as the foothill cities. There are considerations listed here, along with ways we can help relief efforts.

American West, California, Camping, Dogs, Hiking, Opinion, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

The Reopening of Chantry Flat

After a four-year closure, we headed back to Chantry Flat Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest. While life- and the trail- has changed some, there is still much adventure to be shared in Big Santa Anita Canyon.