Today we're celebrating 150 issues of Sherpa! We thought we'd share some memorable research experiences from the last few years. And we're just getting warmed up!
Today we're celebrating 150 issues of Sherpa! We thought we'd share some memorable research experiences from the last few years. And we're just getting warmed up!
Sand-skiing down the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes under a full moon in Death Valley.
Turning on our headlamps and watching the sun set from atop the Horizon Ridge backcountry ski trail in Yosemite—not knowing that a recent snowstorm meant six more hours of "breaking trail" before reaching Ostrander Hut.
Waking up to a mountain lion wandering into our camp at 3:00 a.m.—and staying for four hours—at Pomo Canyon on the Sonoma Coast (don't worry, it's a very rare occurrence!).
Having a morning coffee at secluded Santa Maria Beach, adjacent to Point Reyes' Coast Camp, and seeing a mother grey whale and calf surface, making their way to Alaska.
Stumbling upon backcountry luxury: the Sierra Club's Hiker's Hut, accessed by a 1.5-mile hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains' Sam McDonald Park.
Sipping wine by lanterns and moonlight on Mt. Tam during the Marin Moonshiners' full moon hike. Wondering if the headcount would be the same at the end of the trip as it was at the beginning….
Being surprised by a black bear darting across the trail 50 feet ahead of us in hot pursuit of a deer, while backpacking at tree line in Mineral King (and hoping bears can't smell fear!).
Watching Mrs. Doubtfire in Washington Square Park and yelling "Whoaaa!" with the crowd as the San Francisco winds threatened to knock down Film Night in the Park's giant air-filled screen.
Getting Weekend Sherpa readers fired up to save California's State Parks in 2008. In 2009, your support is needed again as 80% of California's State Parks are slated to be closed. Click here to sign a petition or make a donation to save the parks.
Kicking off the start of summer by mountain biking through snowflakes and snow-patches on Mammoth Mountain's beginner-friendly singletrack, Uptown-Downtown.
…and many more! Here's to creating your own memories.
Want to hike Yosemite's iconic Half Dome, surf or rock climb in Santa Cruz, or go backpacking in the High Sierras this summer?
Not sure you have the right skills for these outdoor adventures? Adventure Out, California's premiere outdoor-recreation company, can teach you everything you need to know about surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, and wilderness survival. Cliff Hodges and his expert team of experienced guides keep their classes small, so you get quality learning time and a chance to bond with other adventurers. Their Learn to Surf Class (only 10 minutes from San Francisco) is limited to just three to four people per instructor—practically a private lesson! If you're more into fat tire fun, try a Mountain Biking Clinic in the Marin Headlands or Santa Cruz Mountains. And if you prefer rocking out, the Outdoor Rock Climbing Clinic will teach you top roping techniques. Whatever your preference or skill level, Adventure Out has a program tailored for you. See their calendar of upcoming classes and small group outings—summer school is in session!
TIP: Join Adventure Out for a three-day, two-night all-inclusive trek through the beautiful Ansel Adams Wilderness. Or conquer one of the world's most famous icons on a two-day backpacking adventure to the top of Half Dome. Bring a friend, bring the family, or go solo and meet fellow adventurers. Both trips are coming up soon!
Adventure Out also organizes private programs and corporate retreats.