North Lake

Justin and I are on a marathon of weekend-camping. It just so happens that Justin has had Friday-Sunday off for the last three weeks, which is pretty rare, so we've been taking full advantage. ... and it has become an addiction.

This last weekend we went to North Lake in Bishop. It's a little campground about 9,600 feet up in the Eastern Sierra; just far enough away so we could get some fresh air amidst all these fires. It's bad here.

Justin went to this same campground with some guys for our friend Matt's bachelor party back in June. When I heard they were going up there I got so jealous I immediately booked a ticket with Jen up to Berkeley to visit Cait. Take that!

But now I get the best of both because I got my girl trip AND I got to go to this great campground!

our campsite:

I found out on this trip that I'm severely allergic to mosquito bites. I didn't even know that was possible? It seems like every time I get bit a lot, the reactions get worse and worse. When we hiked the Baldy Ski Hut I got bit on the forehead and it swelled up pretty nice. This last weekend it happened again, but the swelling spread through out my face. I looked horrible. I can't even post the photo here. Too embarrassing, but too funny not to share. We jokingly called me the "Hunch Forehead of North Lake."

More photos from our trip here.

Eaton Canyon

Last year we were in Eaton Canyon at least once a week. Now that we moved two miles south we've been there less frequently. TWO MILES really makes a difference!? Even still, it's nice to have a place to get out, to hike that is close. It's dry right now, but the waterfall still has a trickle. I can't wait till the creek is flowing again. I've heard rumors of a moderate "el nino" in the works, anyone else hear this rumor?

I still have memories of being in Junior High during an "el nino." It rained for weeks straight and I remember being in 7th grade science class during a thunder storm. We opened up the door and watched in awe. After school things got really interesting (for Southern California weather, that is), it snowed! It snowed in San-freakin-Dimas. Well, I guess it was a large amount of hail that stuck for a while, but it looked like snow. We ran outside had snow ball fights. It is a good memory. The San Dimas post office used to have posted photos from that day, "the day it snowed in San Dimas."






Ok, while reminiscing I realized I probably had a photo of that snow day somewhere. And sure enough:


Yes, that's me in the old bomber jacket, and tight black jeans that are tucked into my construction boots. 1993.

Onion Valley

This last weekend Justin and I went camping in the Onion Valley near Independence, CA. Onion Valley is a funny name. The whole time we were trying to figure it out. Does it smell like onions? It is shaped like an onion? I did a little research, I hear it might be because it used to be covered in wild onion plants?

We love the Eastern Sierra. Its desert like, rocky, hot, dry, but amazing. If you go into the mountains high enough it starts to lighten up, trees, green, wild flowers, crystal blue lakes.

We feel like we've been able to see a lot of California, but we realize we've only seen the tip of the iceberg. The more I go to areas like the Eastern Sierra, or even out in other desert areas like the Salton Sea, I really start to appreciate California. Sometimes being stuck in the city can make you jaded, but California is still wild. Lots of it. There are beautiful redwoods, and dry, hot, eccentric deserts. I love it! Have I already said that? I love it!

the view from our campsite. We got lucky, it was the only spot left when we pulled in at sunset.


The Onion Valley


Hike to Gilbert Lake - 10,500ft




Justin was so excited about camping, so excited. Really.



I love that smiling photo of Justin - he was totally posing.
There are more photos from our trip here.

Mt. Baldy Ski Hut

Justin and I like to set little goals for the year, like "Hike to the summit of Baldy" or "Hike to the Henniger Flats." For the most part we complete our goals, just not in a timely manner. We've had this goal for a while. Last time we attempted this hike was about FIVE years ago! We started the hike but had to turn around because Justin had to work in the afternoon. This time, we camped out the night before and hiked to the ski hut in the morning.

It was perfect. And it was HARD, for me at least. It was steep, hot, tiring. But so, so worth it. We just took it slow.... SLOW, one foot in front of the other, breathe, water, next foot.

The few people we saw on the trail were hiking all the way to the summit, which was about another 1.25 hours on the rugged trail past the ski hut - they weren't messing around. They were geared out and tough lookin'. They made us look like amateur kids up there with our tie dyed shirt, cut off shorts, and wimpy backpacks. It's our poor folk get-away.



camp, our favorite spot up at Manker

on the trail

Ski Hut, in view! thank God!

Summit of Baldy and the ski hut on the right

Victory is sweet. It's amazing up there. We have a special place in our hearts for Baldy.