Two weekends ago we set out on a road trip to track down some Super Bloom wild flowers. We ended up at Amboy Crater off Route 66 in the Mojave National Preserve. Lots of yellow and purple wildflowers growing amidst the black volcanic rock in this normally barren part of the desert.
Amboy Crater Super Bloom
Posted: 03/27/2017 by goodie in hikes, The Sand BoxTags: #2017 Super Bloom
El Chorro Campground
Posted: 10/22/2013 by goodie in hikes, VacationTags: Cayucos Antique Street Faire, Eagle Rock Hike, El Chorro Campground
We spent two nights at El Chorro Campground located between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. We also hiked to Eagle Rock and went to an antique street fair in Cayucos.
I went hiking in the El Moro Canyon area this weekend. It was a super nice, chilly clear day and San Clemente Island was in full view. I took in the sights and also picked up a gnarly tick that embedded under my armpit. I didn’t find it til last night and after a failed attempt at tick extraction, I headed to Hoag Hospital. All is fine now but the experience was stomach churning.
Over the New Year break, I took up the challenge of hiking to the Black Star Canyon Water Fall. This hike is a tuffy but worth it if the falls are flowing. Unfortunately for us, the falls were dry, even after recent rain. The hike begins with a 3 mile hike up a fire road and from there you drop down into the river bed itself. The boulders are huge and tough to climb….I can only imagine how slippery they would be if they were wet. Proceed about a mile up the river bed and the canyon walls slowly become steeper and more ominous, while the bouldering becomes more difficult and strenuous. The 90 foot falls itself are unique because there is a mine shaft that sits about 15 feet off the ground next to the falls. Strange indeed…..like the Black Star area in general. (Warning: don’t venture here at night or solo)
My sister Aimee is currently on a 200 mile WALKING pilgrimage in Spain called the Camino de Santiago. The intense hike is testing her mentally and physically but she is staying strong and it sounds like she is really enjoying herself. Aimee is keeping us updated via her blog which can be seen here! If you have her contact information, please send her some positive words of encouragement. Good luck little sis!
Eclipse This Sunday & stuff
Posted: 05/17/2012 by goodie in hikes, HQ, Music, news, pics, UncategorizedAnother busy weekend is shaping up. On Sunday there will be a solar eclipse and hopefully you will see it. This rare event will be cool to watch from the beach. 5 to 8 PM best viewing time, hope for a clear sunset.
I will also be watching some of the live stream of The HangOut Music Fest as well as participating in a friends Baby Shower and planning for our upcoming Memorial Day get together!
Sorry that the beach cam has been out of order for awhile…..it will be back soon.
On Sunday I went for an early morning hike in the hills above El Moro Canyon. I stumbled upon a downhill BMX track…..anyone know anybody who does BMX?…I would love to see this in action. It is about a mile long with several natural and man made terrain features.
UPDATE 5/25/12- Yesterday afternoon I re-hiked this trail and upon second consideration the terrain may be more suitable for a mountain biker. None the less the track is still very interesting.
We RV camped in the Joshua Tree area this weekend for Steve’s bachelor party. It was an exciting trip with many highlights. We romped the Super Truck, shot some guns, hiked abandoned gold mines and drank lots of libations.
Angeles National Forest Adventure
Posted: 02/06/2012 by goodie in Geocache, hikes, Mt. Waterman, travelBrown’s Park in downtown Laguna is a hidden gem missed by many. Sculpture, poetry, stained glass and an incredible view make this a good spot to gain some inspiration. A home used to stand here but was donated to the city by the family after the home was destroyed in a winter storm swell.

The poem reads:In this fleeting moment, what extravagant respite, as booming surf speaks its, mystical passage across, the undreamed depths.

Let me live in a house by the side of the sea,Where men and women wander byWhere there is beauty and grace and excitement that's freeOn the beach, in the sun let me lieLet me listen to ocean's melodious roarAnd its rhythm, so soothing to hearAs the foam-covered waves seem to reach for the shoreUnder skies that are sunny and clear.-Joseph E. Brown