Hiking, backpacking, and camping throughout Southern California and beyond
For those interested, here is a list of my gear that I have found works well for me. This is, of course, an affiliate link and your enjoyment of these may vary:
I am a happy father and husband. I am a typical guy, not an athlete or someone with an extensive amount of time off. I work my outdoor adventures into an otherwise busy life with family and work obligations. I just put hiking and the outdoors high on my priority list of things to do when I have a chance.
I was born and raised in Southern California. During my youth, I was lucky enough to have had many family trips to Sequoia and I also had an organized and motivated scoutmaster. We went on many camping trips throughout the years, including what we called “Sierra Trips,” which were strenuous multi-day trips in the Sierra Nevada. Because of my father and my scoutmaster, I have developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
By age 15, I had: • Camped in the desert, beach, and on Catalina Island • Canoed 50 miles along the Colorado River • Climbed Mount Whitney at the end of a 9-day hike from Cedar Grove (age 12) - I returned to Mount Whitney in 2010 • Hiked for 7 days cross-country through the Sierras • Snow-camped on San Jacinto
The 9-day backpacking trip to Mount Whitney completely redefined what I was capable of and caused me to fall in love with the Sierra Nevada. I visit there several times a year to backpack and otherwise enjoy the high peaks and lakes.
I moved to San Diego in 2000 and have loved it. I moved to the Santa Barbara area in 2011. I moved back to San Diego in 2014 and am still determined to hike all over this place.
I was on a quest to summit 100 peaks in San Diego and publish a guide book. After hiking 66 peaks in San Diego, in 2011 I received a job offer in Santa Barbara and I took it. I was then hiking in Los Padres National Forest, including Ventura and started a new list.
I then got laid off, moved back to San Diego, and am running a restaurant in Escondido called Burger Bench. I am getting onto the trails as much as I can.
In 2016, I was asked to create a San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge, so that was launched in 2017.
In 2019 I hiked the Wonderland Trail with a couple of good friends.
In 2020, with more friends, we hiked the Ruby Crest Trail.
In 2021, my daughter and I finally made it to the top of Mount Whitney, a wonderful trip.
Also in 2021, my friends and I hiked the Teton Crest Trail.
In 2022, my daughter and I hiked the Arctic Circle Trail, which was a life-changing experience.
In 2023, my daughter and I hiked up to Yatsugatake Ridge in Japan and got stuck in a hut for three nights as a heavy storm blew in.
Feel free to Contact Me if you have any questions, have input on the site, or would just like to reach out.
I hope to see you on the trail.