bpl bay area any plans before Point Reyes?

Been thinking that myself. The weather has been beautiful.

> The weather has been beautiful.

No kidding. This weekend I did a loop north of hetch hetchy. Days in the 60Fs. Nightime low of 32F (dewpoint 28.5), bright moon, with the leaves beautiful yellows and reds. I saw no one until I was on my way out (a couple near beehive). The ranger told me that there were only three parties counting me with wilderness permits.

–Mark

Anyone wanting to chase the last fall color?

I might be up for something if it is an overnighter, depending on what the "Boss" has to say.

Where did you have in mind?

-Tony

I maybe could go for an overnighter….

I am not sure where but I am open for suggestions. One area I would like to explore that is not too far would be in the Stanislaus National Forest. Any thoughts?

I might be up too. depends on the date and where

This is an easy option, not too far and apropiate for any younger backpackers that might come along ( I might have a couple of teenagers). It's just an idea and I am interested in other people's thoughts. As long as there is a lake, I'm all for it.

Where are these lakes? Trailhead?

They are in the Carson Iceberg Wilderness area, off of Hwy 4, a straight line south of South Lake Tahoe. Trailhead is " Mosquito Lake". Sorry the directions are half a..
Another idea, closer by, is Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur. A 10 mile hike with beautiful hot springs. I actually haven't been there but Josh has. Less time in the car, more on the trail.

How many miles are we talking about hiking in one way?

I am interested in going, but I have a 6.5 yr old daughter and I would like her to come along.

-Tony

Well, it's a go to Sykes on Saturday. Josh with 2 kids, myself with 2. It is 10 miles each way, but I hear the soak and the trail is well worth the effort.

You might want to call ahead to the rangers re: trail conditions, the Pine Ridge trail was closed for a long while due to impassible deadfall.

Sykes is nice but a few things to keep in mind:

1) The trail just recently reopened after being closed for more than a year due to fire damage. The trail may have some difficult section after a good rain. Pine Ridge Trail Report sounding more promising that the earlier reports. If you go, please remember to post an update to the trail reports page.

2) While Ventana doesn’t have the elevation of the sierras, do does have a moderate amount of elevation changes. On the way in you gain 3000ft and drop 2000ft. The elevation gain is largely in the first 2 miles. If the kids aren’t serious hikers, be prepared to coax them through the first 3 miles. The next 4 are much easier. I wrote up a description of the trail to sykes for some trips I lead.

3) Be aware that some people treat the hot springs as clothing optional.

–Mark

thanks for the info and the advice. We have been waiting for this trail to re open for a long time. Kids are used to hiking and, living in Santa Cruz, clothing is optional quite often….
We will let you know what the trail is like.

We're in Soquel for soccer on Saturday morning, so I might be able to get my son to come along after the game—-Josh, is Ocean going? They're about the same age.

Josh and Ocean (15, almost), Katharina, Libby ( 14) and Kylie (16).

I have been there once before and have been waiting for a year to go. Should be nice and hopefully not too many people know its open yet.Last time I went it wasn't too crowded but I have heard of horror stories of disneyland lines to get into the tubs.

I was at Vicente Flats on Friday, and the trail was fine. We even hiked half in the dark. Some area's had damage: fallen trees, loose earth, narrowing trail, but all passable. Of note: the poison oak was getting out of control.

Shoot, I'd go with you guys if I didn't have a guest in town.

have fun!

How bad was the poison oak, I just got rid of an annoying patch of it that I picked up mountain biking…

It's the California coast – the poison oak is ALWAYS bad. More than 75% of the Ventana Wilderness burnt up, and the poison oak was probably the first thing to come back up.

Gaiters, Tecnu, long pants, and avoidance are your only hope. Sometimes you can't even avoid.

Follow Lori's advice: be certain to bring long pants, probably long sleeves, Tecnu, keep your wits about you to practice plenty of avoidance. There won't be a shrub blocking the trail, but it will hang some branches in your path.

I made sure to wash my hands and face with Tecnu at camp and at the car. It'll do the job within 8-12hrs of exposure. So use it often. You can also, at least, wash in cold water. That helps a lot. Avoid scratching your ass mid-trail ::grin:: yeah, I've had it everywhere.

Um, don't wear your day pants into your bag at night.

-Michael