News from San Jose

My First Backpacking Trip

This year, I decided if nobody was willing to go backpacking with me, I'd find some that were. So I took the Sierra Club's beginning backpacking class starting in April.

At first, I was concerned about what we'd be talking about for 10 weeks of 2-hour classes plus three trips, but now that I've been in the class for a month, it makes perfect sense. There's so much equipment to cover, and we're putting it all under the microscope--not to mention wilderness emergencies and animal encounters.

I've been on two trips now (May 26, 2005). The first one at Castle Rock was great! Just 3 miles in, and cushy campgrounds with picnic tables and potable water. I had a great time!

The second was a more difficult trip in Henry Coe park (near Morgan Hill), where I was eaten by mosquitos, sunburnt, and blistered. That one took a week to recover! I blame the side-trip I took to the top of the hill that night for the blisters and tick bite. Next time, I'll keep the steep hikes to a minimum!

The "next time" for me is in just two weeks when we have the final trip for our class. Cross your fingers that I'll get to the Sierras! The snow has been pretty nasty this year.

last updated May 26, 2005
© May 2005