First post! I’m trying to figure out the best way to share my outdoor adventures. I plan on hiking the PCT this 2016! I have sooo much I need to do to get ready. Like test out my new gear, pick out food, organize drop boxes and finalize my painting kit!
So here it goes!

Training hike! I have all my gear! let’s do this!

I park my car at Chantry Flat. Permit on the rear view mirror, check. Good Bye car! (I always feel nervous leaving my car on some weird back country road for a night). But this is a well maintained parking lot, and I called the ranger, it should be fiiiine.
The day is perfect. It’s 2pm and I only have 2 miles to get to my planned camping spot for the night. I head down the short road walk to the trail. Santa Anita Canyon is a real gem in SoCal. Water! Shade! and long trails.

I get to Hoegees Camp in under an hour. I have the entire place to myself.

Birds flutter after each other from tree to tree. The creek babbles sweetly. The rocks are old, grey and silent. Big silver squirrels take note of my backpack. I didn’t bring rope to hang my food. Hopefully they don’t get too brave.

Now to pick a spot. (I am very picky about where I sleep ((I’m super shy and don’t want people to see where I set up my tent)).)

Unfortunately the Hoegees camp is in a tight canyon and the trail isn’t marked well so people walk right through the tent spots. I find a good space next to a huge log. Hopefully no one will walk there.

“TONY!!!” echoes from above the camp.
hmmm people. I sit at a pic-nick table and wait. I can hear them yelling at each other up the trail. Guh they’re slow

(crash!) (crash!) Here they come! Turns out they’re mountain bikers. It looks really fun!

The fist guy approaches the stream and disappears in the rocks; “Ah! damnit!!!” Echoes through the camp. Then from up the hill in the trees, “Duuude you okay?” echoes back.

He’s okay.

The group rides through the camp, making a general consensus to return for a future overnight.

I guess I picked my tent spot well! they didn’t notice me behind the log.

Stealth achieved.

I set up my tent, then re-set it up a few more times. (I need a lot more practice setting this thing up! I love it but it needs a real dialed-in touch) I vow to be a tent whispering Pro! some day… some day…

I wander over to some old cabin foundations and make a cup of noodles. I paint while I wait for them to re-hydrate. The silver squirrels try to invite themselves over for dinner. Silly squirrels, mountain house noodles are for kids! (Food always tastes better when camping!)

I finish painting and realize, hey I’m really really cold. I jump into my tent and wiggle into my down bag.

I forget how early it gets dark! 5:30pm and I’m way not tired. Good thing I brought my watercolor kit! I still need to stream line it, but so far so good! I draw some more in my tent with my red headlamp turned on. I can hear people arriving late in the dark. The place is really filling up!
It’s great to test out my gear! I need more practice pitching my tent. And I’m worried my sleeping bag isn’t warm enough… or long enough… and my warm hat keeps sliding off my head… and my sleeping pad doesn’t protect my hip bones . . . .

Oops maybe because I keep sliding off my sleeping pad. . .

I’m cocooned in the soft down as I review tomorrow’s trek up Mount Wilson. Touch sensitive gloves for the win! So far I’m really happy with all my gear decisions.

Feeling good. Goodnight Santa Anita Canyon.