Author: Late Bloom Page 13 of 15

Sixty Something Hiker Bags Her First Peak

Sitton Peak – 3272′ Elevation  –  10 miles out and back

Worried all week about this first Peak. I’ve been training shorter day hikes for months, but never 2100’ elevation climb! Some days 3 miles and 300’ elevation seemed like 3000’!

Hiking with friends was a moral booster, while it kept me challenged and motivated. (Not to mention distracted.)

We were feeling pretty good. Nothing we haven’t handled on other trails. Even felt a bit sassy because some of our training hikes had been more difficult….until that last stretch! It isn’t that we weren’t warned, but really? It was tough, but we were determined. Trekking poles are a Must! These shaky knees of mine appreciate the additional support and stability.

Weather was perfect 60’s and slight breeze until you get to the peak. Be sure you have a good jacket and cap. It will blow right through you! Travel time was 7 hours. (Yeah, I’m slooow)

Summiting was sweet. A welcome rest with amazing views. What is that on the horizon? A 180 degree view of the ocean! Recent rains have colored the hills a palette of velvety greens.

It’s the next morning and I’m enjoying a slow start, thinking about going out again today to stretch the sore muscles and let them know I mean business.

#sixpackofpeaks #6packofpeaks

Some Days It Isn’t Worth It

Some Days….

Some days it’s just not worth it. Like today: January 1 of a brand new year, I’m up and ready for a nice long hike; one that would challenge me; taking on more elevation than normal while carrying extra weight in the pack.

A cold crisp Southern California Day, with Santa Ana winds, I felt I could brave these conditions. Unfortunately my choice of trail was a solitary one. Usually there are plenty of people on our local trails and I feel comfortable to hike alone. But this trailhead…there was NO ONE in sight. The parking lot was empty and very lonely feeling. Now this might not have deterred me had it not been for the Devil-Santa-Ana-Winds! Did I know when I left home it was windy? Yes. Did I think (delude myself) that it would be better at the trailhead? Foolishly yes.

To have proceeded may not have been bad. But the potential for bad tipped the scale. And so, not even getting out of the car, I turned for home and opted for comfort:  my favorite Peppermint Mocha, a cozy blanket and the Rose Parade on TV!

The trail will still be there tomorrow.

21 Ways to Use a Bandana

By Carol Chirpich and Debbie Shiffer-Mauss

Awhile back, my sister asked me why I always wear a bandana while hiking. I got to thinking about it and had quite a few reasons. So here’s the short list of 21 Ways to use a Bandana. I’m sure you can come up with quite a few more. 

What are your suggestions?

  1. Keep neck cool when wet
  2. Keep neck warm when dry
  3. Blow your nose
  4. Wipe sweat
  5. Hair tie
  6. Tie a splint
  7. Bandage/Stop bleeding
  8. Wash cloth
  9. Dry dishes
  10. Scrub dishes
  11. Dust mask
  12. Pee rag – reserve a yellow bandana for this!
  13. Head band
  14. Swat bugs
  15. Flag down rescue
  16. Pick up/hold a hot pan
  17. Wipe condensation off tent
  18. Tie things to pack
  19. Placemat for meal prep
  20. Sun Shade
  21. Mini-knapsack

Page 13 of 15

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