Episode 71 Mt. Palomar and the Observatory Trail
December 3, 2010
Hale Telescope on top Mt. Palomar
Palomar Observatory is located in San Diego County, California, in the Palomar Mountain Range. At approximately 5,570 feet elevation, it is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology. . The telescopes of the Palomar Observatory are involved in a wide variety of astronomical research programs. The studies conducted here range from the hunt for near-Earth asteroids, to probing distant galaxies and quasars at the farthest reaches of the universe.
The Observatory Trail is a 5 mile round trip hike from the Observatory Campground up to the Hale Telescope and back that takes you through a canopy of oaks and shady pines. This podcast is about my solo adventure up the Observatory Trail to visit the telescope.
In this episode I share a little bit of history about the construction and operation of the magnificent 200 inch Hale Telescope and throw in some music from the era to give it a vintage feel.
Links:
Trail Video on Youtube (Watch in HD)
Take a ride on South Grade Road via Youtube
South Grade Road High Speed Motorcycle Cam Video
Episode 70 Mt. San Jacinto with the O.C. Communications Crew
November 19, 2010
In this episode John, Gerry and I tag along with the Orange County Communications crew as they attempt their annual hike from the Palm Springs Tram up to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto.
Mt San Jacinto is located just outside of Palm Springs California. At an elevation of 10, 804 feet, Mt. San Jacinto is the crown jewel of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains division of the San Bernardino National Forest. It features a steep north face that drops over 8,000 vertical feet in just over three linear miles, making it one of the most dramatic views in the west. The trail from the lower parking area to the summit climbs over eight thousand feet and according to Backpacker Magazine, is one of the toughest day hikes in the United States. Our adventure today is a little tamer but challenging just the same.
LINKS:
Episode 69 Dinkey Lakes Trip Part Three
October 23, 2010
The Llama Lady Mary Biskup
In this final episode about our Dinkey Lakes adventure we continue our day hike down Dinkey Creek and visit scenic Mystery Lake, Swede Lake and South lake as the threatening clouds thicken and swirl around the basin. We also find ourselves off trail and meet up with some interesting fisherman and have a wildlife encounter. Toward the end of the episode we pack up our camp and head out. Along the way we finally meet the llamas and have an interesting conversation with the Llama Lady.
LINKS:
Episode 68 Dinkey Lakes Trip Part Two
October 23, 2010
In this episode, Dave, Gerry, Mike and I hike up from Cliff Lake to spectacular views along a ridge then drop into the Dinkey Lakes Basin. We hike past Rock Lake, Dinkey Lake #2 and eventually up to Island Lake. Here we are treated to a scenic lake and chilly winds. We make a group decision on which lake to set up our base camp and enjoy the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness.
LINKS:
- Foster’s Beer Can Pot – Youtube Video
- DIY Wood Gas Burning Stove – Youtube Video
- Ultralight Cookset using Heineken Can – Youtube Video
Episode 67 Dinkey Lakes Backpack Trip Part One
October 21, 2010
Hammock Setup at Cliff Lake
In this podcast Dave, Gerry, Mike and I embark on a 5 day adventure into the Dinkey Lakes basin on a four day backpack trip. We meet up at the High Sierra Ranger Station before spending the first night out at Trapper Springs Campground to acclimate near Courtright Reservoir. The next morning we head up into the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness along the Cliff Lake Trail to our camp at a fabulous campsite at Cliff Lake.
In this episode I give an overview of the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, talk about our gear and our first experiences along the Cliff Lake Trail.
LINKS:
- Dinkey Lakes PDF
- Packing with Llamas
- Hennessy Hammocks
- Hammock Gear – Crowsnest Underquilts
- Clyde Pack Outfitters
Episode 66 Haunted Hikes and Tales
October 1, 2010
In this episode I talk about haunted hikes, some unique places where you’ll most likely encounter a ghost and I tell a true story of my unique encounter with the paranormal and a possible homicidal maniac.
Villisca is a small town in Iowa and the scene of one of America’s most grizzly murders. I relay facts about the case and feature some audio clips about the murder weapon.
Also featured is a story about an insane asyllum in Upstate New York where over 400 abandoned suitcases were found, belonging to former patients that were kept at the institution before it closed in 1995.
LINKS:
Villisca Axe Murder – Official site
Willard - From PRX.Org. Fascinating story – must sign up for free account to hear entire story.
Willard article about the suitcases
Photos – Photographs from Willard – eerie shots of empty buildings, creepy rooms.
Iron Goat Trail - Photos, trail info, history of the disaster.
Rolling Mill Mine Disaster Article
James Wolfe Sculpture Trail – Ghosts at the Incline ?
Episode 65 Lost & Found & Frozen
September 15, 2010
Have you ever lost something on the trail before, later to find it? How about things you’ve lost never to get back, or things you might not know you’ve lost yet. This podcast is about all things lost and found and frozen. In this episode I relate some stories about things I’ve lost and found over the years. I also talk about hikers that have become lost, and then found. Some of them by accident when they thawed out.
I tell the tales of famous folk found frozen the likes of Steve Fossett, John Donovan, a WWII airman, a guy trapped inside a waterfall and many more. I’ll also talk about a zany account of six people all getting lost and found on the same trail on the same day.
Some Interesting Links:
Episode 64 When Lightning Strikes
September 2, 2010
Lightning Reminder
In this episode I’ll talk about when, where and how lightning strikes and give you some facts about lightning that you just might not know. I’ll also talk about some real life encounters with natures fury and shed some details on what to do if you’re caught in the outdoors with a storm approaching, what to do and what not to do and maybe even take a lighting quiz to test your knowledge. I’ll also discuss briefly what to do in the unfortunate occurrence that someone in you hiking party is the victim of a lightning strike.
Here are some interesting links to check out
- Lightning Strikes Airliner (MUST SEE VIDEO)
- National Weather Service – What You Need To Know PDF
- NOAA Lightning Strike Survivor PSA
- Lightning Stike Photos
- Lightning kills man in tent details (With Photos)
- Lightning Safety Handbook PDF
- Discovery Channel Wonders of Weather – Lightning Phenomena
- Backpacker Magazine – 16 Climbers rescues due to lightning
Episode 63 Mt. Whitney Revisited
August 20, 2010
Mt. Whitney
In this episode I take a look back at my trip to Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states. This podcast was lost when my podcast host server crashed and took all my earlier episodes with it. Alas, I saved this one and thought I’d share it with my new listeners.
Also, I mention some interesting things in the news today and talk a bit about another past episode 53 Trouble at the Trailhead.
LINKS:
Episode 62 The Mt. Baldy Ski Hut Trail
August 11, 2010
Eric's Five Finger Shoes at the summit of Mt. Baldy
This episode is about a day hike up to the summit of Mt. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County California. We hike up the Sierra Club Ski Hut Trail, an intense 4,000 foot gain over four miles. Along the way we pass the beautiful San Antonio Falls and work our way up to the Ski Hut built in the 1930′s by early ski mountaineers and maintained by volunteers today.
We also pass the crash site of two World War II fighter planes and a spiritual location on the way to the narrow section of trail know as the Devil’s Backbone.
Come along with Katie, Eric, John, Gerry and I as we experience, The Sierra Club Ski Hut Trail to the top of Mt. Baldy
LINKS:
