US Hikes and Meanders | FindPenguins

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Donner Falls: Braving a Teeny Path
February 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C
A beautiful spring hike with 6 miles and a 1,200-foot climb to see waterfalls at Mount Diablo. The trail to the falls was so skinny, I sang out loud to keep my courage up. Lots of trail damage from the rain, with water gurgling up in the middle of the path at one point. Where was that coming from?Read more
TravelerThank you for sharing!!!!
4/7/23Reply
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
Round Valley After the Big January Rains
January 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 4 °C
I’ve never seen this creek with more than a trickle of water. Recent rains were so heavy it washed out the back side of the (cordoned off) trail. The impact of running water was everywhere: downed trees, rivulets across the trail, even a foot-wide gully that widened into a downhill tributary to the creek.Read more
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
Little River Canyon National Preserve
October 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
I’m in love with national parks, and not just because I have the stamp book. This little preserve is the best of all worlds: great scenery, visitor programs, and an affiliation with a nearby university. The promise of an ‘easy’ half mile with a little climbing was a big fat lie, but the finale at the river’s edge was worth the steep climb down. Note to self: even when you don’t think you need water, bring water.

They marked the trail here by painting a red spot on the trees, which I tend to think of as a mark for thinning. Good reminder to check with the visitor’s center about navigation.Read more
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
Great Smokey Mountains
October 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Caught the fall colors on a trip to visit my bestie. Clingman’s Dome proved slow and steady makes anything possible. 300 feet elevation gain in a half mile at more than 6,000 feet. The payoff was a spectacular view that touched 5 different states. We also set foot on the Appalachian Trail, which was surprisingly moving. We started at the Visitor’s Center and the nature trail. It pays to ask questions. Never would have found this hike without the suggestion of a savvy volunteer.Read more
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
Briones with Elevation
August 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
3.5 miles with some good elevation. First time for a real hike since the piggy toe healed. Walking with friend Joyce and our dogs. She always gets me out on the hills, where I simultaneously curse and thank her for the challenge.Read more
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
First July 4-Miler
July 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
July means adding another mile in anticipation of Camino de Santiago next Spring. Found a sweet lil walk nearby along Marsh Creek. 2 out and back, flat, on asphalt. Still working on dialing in my backpack fit, and that extra mile had my “dogs barking” a bit. Nice to see a nearby wetlands restoration is going so well that the creek now meanders, and a new bridge was necessary. A wee heron thought I missed him. Haha little heron. I see you!Read more
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
Briones / Hills Me No Likey
June 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Nearly three miles, midday with bladder in my pack. The heat was radiating off the grassland. I found a side path with more shade and one spot with a bit of a scramble to get across a wash. That was fun. Less than 400’ and a slow climb, but…ugh.

I did come across a nifty labyrinth that was more complicated that it seemed at first glance. Just that little adventure perked me up for the return to my car.Read more
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US Hikes and Meanders Traveler
Backyard Backpack Throwdown
May 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Tested Deuter vs. Osprey fit with a short neighborhood walk carrying 10 pounds. . A lot to like about both, but Deuter wins hands down for my longish, 18-inch torso. I’d read a lot about how important torso length was, but nothing brings it home like a backpack that does a little cha-cha as you walk. Right hip up/backpack up. Left hip up/backpack up. Repeat x every step. The Osprey also rubbed against my shoulder blades and scapula (I had to look that up.) with each step. No bueno.

I tried both of these and four others in the store with weight. It wasn’t until I tried them at home on a 20-minute walk that I really figured out which I liked, and got a few other insights too. The biggest ah-ha was realizing that no side pocket water bottle is going to be convenient. I’m going with a bladder and a bottle so I always have water, and always have options.

Both have
- fairly easy access
- nice padded straps with wider pulls
- all the basic bells and whistles

Deuter wins with
- a snug, comfy fit on my taller frame
- better main compartment access
- internal water bladder storage
- thumb hooks on the shoulder straps (who woulda thought these would be so cool.?)

Osprey didn’t work for me, but wins with
- Two side water bottle pockets (left handed hikers rejoice)
- Easy to find, sturdy zipper pulls
- Super cool feel on the back, like there’s some magic substance in there.

To paraphrase BoPeep from Toy Story, ‘Look at it. It’s got mor gadgets on it than a Swiss Army knife.’ There are loops and pockets and bits and bobs on both these rigs that require further research.Read more
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Trip start
May 28, 2022