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.