Oh my goodness, time flies faster than I can say “trail mix”! Can you believe it? In just three short weeks I'll be hitting the trail again – cue the repeated panic attacks. It's a mixture of excitement and pure terror when I realize I haven't even been on a real test backpacking trip yet. Sure, I hike daily lugging around equivalent to my base weight of 16.5 pounds, but will that be enough to keep me from turning into a limping mess on the Appalachian Trail? In my panic, I fear trying to hold on to my old life by adding a few last minute, but completely unnecessary, items to my bag, you know, like an emotional support computer – don't judge, I have a separation anxiety from my gadgets.
But hey, let's not dwell on my impending breakdown just yet. Today I have a few stories to tell about my latest escapades: Pinnacles National Park and the Channel Islands (specifically Scorpion Canyon in Santa Cruz). And since I clearly have a knack for indulging in all kinds of adventures, I also managed to organize a whale watching trip. Yes, as part of my new “platinum moments directive,” which conveniently justifies my insatiable thirst for thrill-seeking and excess. (Like this A5 Wagyu ramen I loved last week!)
So buckle up, folks, it’s going to get crazy!
A step forward: Pinnacles NP
Oh my goodness, let me tell you the stories of my epic adventure at Pinnacles National Park. So, as my busy week came to an end, guess where I ended up? Yes, facing the imposing peaks of Pinnacles. I strutted down the High Peaks Trail, swerving across those rocky fins and climbing ladders carved out of stone — basically, feeling like a mountain goat in the making. And oh, in the middle of it all, I even stopped to take a photo of a Condor. No big deal, just a normal day.
Let’s talk about this epic hike of over 6.5 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Sounds intense, right? Well, I finished it in about 3.5 hours. Well, after all that, I still had enough spring in my step to challenge a few quails to a race. (Spoiler alert: They ran towards the woods while I ran towards my camera) (Obligatory postscript so as not to get yelled at – no quail were harmed, harassed or chased).
Ah, the memories…
Now, let's take a little trip down memory lane to a time when I was at the top of my hiking game. A few years ago I hiked the same High Peaks trail (right before my epic adventure to Angel's Landing, mind you). And let me tell you, this time it was a breeze. I was faster, stronger and took even fewer breaks. All those months spent sweating it out in the wild are finally paying off – who knew, right?
I wasn't wearing my hiking backpack so I know I'll be slower when I'm on the AT, but I think (*hope*) it's a good sign, showing me what I can accomplished in a relatively short time. . Yes, a lot of people walk faster, I'll get there. But I'm super happy with my progress. I'm also very happy that I faced the ghost of my former self and won with ease. Because ultimately we all have to go on our own journey, but it's really nice to see my progress towards what I thought was a much fitter version of myself.
Channel Islands: Mother Nature’s prank
Now let's talk about my big plan to conquer the Channel Islands on a 3 night backpacking trip. This was going to be epic, folks. I had all my gear packed, my trail mix ready, and my spirit of adventure in full swing. But alas, Mother Nature had other plans.
We have been struck not once, but twice, by storms that would make even Thor himself tremble in fear. It was like the universe was playing a cruel joke on me by saying “not today, adventurer, not today.” But hey, I'm not the type to back down from a challenge. Instead of sulking in my tent, I decided to make the most of the situation.
Who needs a three-night backpacking trip when you can do a day hike instead? (AKA – Making Lemonade with Lemons)
So, with my backpacking dreams temporarily on hold, I settled for a day trip to Santa Cruz Island before the latest round of storms and added some exciting whale watching. It wasn't the great hiking adventure I had imagined, but hey, life is about rolling with the punches, right?
Santa Cruz Island turned out to be an absolute gem, a playground for my inner child and a sanctuary for my melancholy soul. I hopped around like a caffeinated rabbit, exploring the cliffs and marveling at the natural beauty of the island.
During my epic adventure, I came across the island fox, a creature found exclusively on the Channel Islands. And let me tell you, resisting the urge to smuggle one of these cuties into my backpack was a true test of my self-control. I mean, who wouldn't want a little fox as a hiking companion, right? But fear not, dear readers, I promise I left the wildlife where I found it. Not to mention I'm pretty sure the removal of endangered species is frowned upon. So, sorry friends, no island fox sidekick for me on this trek!
And let's not forget whale watching. Who knew there were so many giant creatures swimming gracefully off the coast? It was like a real National Geographic expedition, without David Attenborough's voiceover.
Channel Islands, in figures –
Let’s talk about my Channel Islands hiking numbers. I set out on a solid 7 mile hike with a respectable 750 feet of elevation gain. And let's not forget to mention the 25-pound backpack I lugged around like a champ – stocked with all the essentials (and non-essentials) a hiker could want. Because who doesn't need a 600mm camera and a plethora of extra lenses for a casual walk in nature, right?
But this is where things took a hilariously chaotic turn. I made a valiant effort to downsize my supplies, going from a quirky 3-night camping getaway to a quick 8-hour day trip. But with my belongings scattered at one too many hotels the week before, organizing my gear was like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded. The result? Total chaos.
And just when I thought I had things under control, karma decided to play its part. In a classic comedy of errors, I managed to leave my phone's charging cord in the car while instead lugging around the much heavier, now useless 10,000 mAh battery. Oh the irony! It's all part of the hilarious and unpredictable adventure, right?
One last treat:
Alright, let's call it what it is: I spent my day in an intense battle on a rickety boat. And holding a 6.5-pound camera firmly at head level and trying not to fall overboard in rough seas isn't exactly the kind of hiking my muscles are used to. So, in the spirit of treating myself (because I clearly deserve it after this struggle), I honored the sacred platinum rule of indulgence and stopped at Din Tai Fung for some dumplings that warm the stomach. It's practically a ritual for me every time I pass through the West Coast. Because let's face it, no adventure is complete without a good dose of kindness. And dessert? Oh, you bet. I ate more of those delicious soup balls, this time brimming with the most decadent chocolate ganache known to mankind.
Final Thoughts and Reflections:
In conclusion, my recent adventures in Pinnacles National Park and the Channel Islands have tested my physical endurance and my ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. Although I may have encountered setbacks and unpredictable circumstances, each experience has added a layer of growth and resilience to my journey. From conquering rugged trails to navigating stormy weather, I've embraced the unpredictability of outdoor exploration with a sense of humor and determination.
As I prepare for my next expedition on the Appalachian Trail, I carry with me the lessons learned from these escapades – the importance of flexibility, self-discovery, and the joy of embracing the unknown. So, as I continue to chase crazy adventures and create new memories, I remember that the true essence of hiking lies not just in conquering the peaks, but in exploring the depths of one's own abilities . There are other paths, more challenges and more triumphs on the horizon. Happy hiking, fellow adventurers!
