The view from the top of Mt. Diablo in northern California. On a clear day you can see the Sierras...and San Francisco.

The view from the top of Mt. Diablo in northern California. On a clear day you can see the Sierras…and San Francisco.

The Sunset Camp in Yosemite, along the John Muir Trail.

Yes. I realize that you cannot be completely objective when compiling a list of “The World’s Best Hikes”, as Jason Heflin of Gadling did today. I also realize that it doesn’t matter whether a best hikes list is subjective or not; if the hikes are mentioned on a top 10 list, no matter if that list was assembled by an AOL subsidiary or the retired, day-hiker from the East Sierras, they are worth at the very least a try. That said, the list Jason has compiled is pretty good, if not for the sole inspiration it provides as it forces you to think beyond your “normal” day-hike.

Not bragging or anything (in your face!), but I’ve hiked one of the trails in full- the Cinque Terre trail- and I can vouch that it’s got to be the one of the world’s best. The trail was originally used as the pathway for trading between farmers from each of the 5 coastal villages, so the trail meanders along the Italian coastline, through the farmed fields, switch-backing over steep cliffs and rugged shorelines. Now, the entire area- the 5 villages and the surrounding hills- are all considered a National Park. We started north to south: In Monterosso al Mare (where the sole bar is aptly named the American Bar), where we continued through Vernazza and Corniglia and Manarola to watch the sunset in Riomaggiore. The towns are evenly spread out, each providing a pleasant reprise from a surprisingly difficult hike. As you descend into each village, you’ll quickly realize which recreational activity the town provides, whether it be swimming (Vernazza), shopping for trinkets (any one), or eating (Riomaggiore- preferably at sunset). The hike is a perfect day-hike, as you get to experience a pleasant mix of lush landscape and quaint coastal living. Plus, and it’s a huge plus after the up and down hike along the hills, you can just take the train back to your original destination where you enjoy glass after glass of the local wine.

If it’s worth anything, no matter how fun that hike was, I’d gladly trade that in for the ability to say I’ve hiked the entirety of the John Muir Trail, which is also on the list. Someday…

Anyway, here is a truncated version of Gadling’s “World’s Best Hikes” (but make sure to read the whole article):

• Mt. Whitney, California- Located at the southern end of the John Muir Trail, this hike is sure to tax your body- it’s the highest point of elevation on the lower 48. Though the views of the Mojave desert below you
• Salkantay Trek, Peru- One of the alternate routes to Machu Picchu.
• Timberline Trail, Oregon- The 41-mile trail that circumnavigates Mount Hood. I can’t wait for a backpacking trip on this trail.
• Everest Base Camp, Nepal- You know what that means.
• Appalachian Trail, North Carolina- 2,178 miles, from Georgia to Maine. It takes about 3 months on average, if you’re going at a decent pace. Like most hikers on the east coast I’ve hiked a small portion of it: the views are as advertised. Oh, and, the fall is, without a doubt, the best time for a hike of any distance.
• Kilimanjaro, Tanzania- If properly conditioned (the altitude change is brutal), this is supposed to be one of the most rewarding hikes on the planet. A friend of mine recently made the investment- of both time and money- to make the trek up the famed African mountain. Verdict: A lot of money for a lot of hassle. Probably wouldn’t deter me though.
• Zion Narrows, Utah- I had no idea these narrow gorges, 16 miles of em, in Zion National Park existed. For the first time since I was 14, thank you AOL.
• Haute Route, France/Switzerland- It’s in the Alps. Enough said.
• John Muir Trail- 223 miles from Mt. Whitney to Yosemite Valley. Chances are you won’t find a better one in the world.
• Cinque Terre, Italy- Above.

Also, sidenote: I have no idea when Gadling started as a blog but they’ve produced some great content lately. I’m not saying that

Second growth redwoods in Big Basin Redwood State Park.

Second growth redwoods in Big Basin Redwood State Park.

Scientists: Redwoods Need More Fog

Old-Growth Redwoods in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

As multiple news outlets are reporting, scientists from UC Berkeley have released a study that claims a gradual decrease in summer fog along the California coast over the past century could negatively affect the ecology of the fragile redwood forest. According to the study, which was released in an online edition of the Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, the lack of fog during summer months might be endangering the redwood trees and the flora and fauna they provide for. Even if the decrease persists, the redwood giants aren’t necessarily the ones at risk (though it’s definitely possible that they are); it’s the seedlings of future redwood generations that might not get the right amount of care as they need constant moisture to sprout and grow to full maturity. The study, which used data from 8 local airports from Mexico to Oregon as well as temperature records dating back to the late 1800s, found that fog was 33 percent more common in redwood forests a century ago then it is today. The risk these changes pose to the redwoods is likely to cause the most media attention (PROOF right here!), but Todd E. Dawson, one of the Berkeley researchers, wants to make sure that we realize that it’s not just about the magnificent titans:

“Salamanders, worms and many plants like the giant sword ferns that are abundant in the shaded ground beneath the trees all depend on fog drip for their water, and we’re concerned that if the loss of fog continues they will all be threatened too.”

Big Park Proposals in the Santa Cruz Mountains….and Canada

Good news for environmentalists: Lately, efforts are being made to create grand parks all over the place. Better yet, the proposals are on state and national scales, which signals that these parks aren’t just being created out of circumstance, they’re being created out of years of hard work from conservationists. The most recent evidence? Earlier this month, the Capitola Soquel Times (download the issue here) reported that the Sempervirens Fund has stated that it is aiming to create a giant park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The organization wants the park to rival the size of Zion National Park in Utah, eventually encompassing over 215,000 acres of land, most of which would be redwood forest. The plan, which is still in its early stages, is to take 76,000 of land that is already protected (including Big Basin Redwoods State Park) and connect it to properties that are both public lands and working forest. The plan, though in its early stages, already has its opponents; namely those who arleady believe that the Santa Cruz Mountains are over-managed.

Also, last week, the Vancouver Sun (and other outlets) reported that a new national park will be created in Labrador. The yet-to-be-officially-named Mealy Mountains National Park will be bigger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined, so whether it’s in Canada or not the 11,000 sq.-km. park is a big deal.

Half Dome Now Requires a Permit

Yosemite's Half Dome from the north.

Over the past few years you’ve surely heard the complaint from a Yosemite summer hiker that the Half Dome hike, including the famous steel cable portion, is way too crowded. Personally, I’ve heard stories of people waiting up to 15 minutes in the same spot just to move 30 yards up to wait the same amount of time again. If the waiting and crowding weren’t enough to make you queasy, the heightened level of danger (as if you needed it) definitely is. Well, the National Park Service has taken note: This summer, the park will require day-use permits on all weekends (including Fridays) and holidays to hike up the famed Half Dome. Starting in May, when the cables go up, the National Park service will issue 400 permits, 100 of which will be included in wilderness permits. The permits are required for all trails from the base of the subdome to the summit of Half Dome. To give you an idea of how crowded it was last year: the park estimates that, during peak summer days, half dome saw 1,100 to 1,200 visitors. In one day. Knowing that you could head to Yosemite one night and head up the famed Half Dome the next morning was great and all, but this new system is the right direction for an agency that believes in the safety and park experience for its visitors above all else. Permits are available by advance reservation only, and can be purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777. Up to four may be obtained per reservation, with each person required to have his or her own. The permits for May and June will be available beginning March 1; July and August permits will be available for reservation April 1, and on May 1, the permits for September and October will be released.

A couple of Q and As from the Yosemite website if you need more information:

Why is the National Park Service implementing this permit system now?

We are implementing this permit system now in order to increase safety. In 2009, one near-fatality and one fatality occurred on consecutive Saturdays on the Half Dome cables during inclement weather. These two incidents, plus others in recent years, brought to park management’s attention the potential for other serious situations on the Half Dome cables.
How long will this interim program continue?
This program is being implemented as an emergency safety measure for 2010. If significant crowding or other major issues are observed, modifications to the program will be effected during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Why aren’t permits available in Yosemite on a first-come, first-served basis?

The very high demand we would expect for the relatively few first-come, first-served permits available would lead to a frustrating experience for visitors and would be difficult to manage. However, we may consider offering some permits on a first-come, first-served basis (one day in advance) in the future, as well as other changes to the permit system, based on our experiences this year.

Why is the quota 400 people per day?
Free-flowing conditions prevent additional fatigue to hikers waiting on the cables and allow an orderly evacuation down the cables if a fast moving storm approaches. Free-flowing conditions generally occur on weekdays, during which time, an average of 390 people per day use the cables. The quota includes 300 day hikers and 100 backpackers.

Rain Can’t Stop the Habitat for Humanity Marathon at Diamond Valley Lake

Competitors run in the Habitat for Humanity marathon at Diamond Valley Lake this weekend. Photo courtesy of Craig Shultz for The Valley Chronicle.

Rain wreaked havoc on the preparations for the Habitat for Humanity marathon but it couldn’t dampen (sorry) the mood of race day at Diamond Valley Lake. Even though the race had been postponed for over 2 weeks due to bad road conditions (due to the onslaught of storms), about 280 participants came out to brave the drizzle, and eventually, the downpour, to accompany 50 marathoners in the race around the Hemet, CA lake and according to most- the race was both a huge success and a lot of fun. According to Lakshman Koka, president of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, the race grossed about $30,000 for the charity.

A view of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco, California

A view of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco, California.

However, a great backcountry trip doesn’t just materialize out of thin air. It requires (and I do mean REQUIRES) a good deal of preparation. Even the grizzled backcountry National Park rangers are meticulous in their planning. It’s essential both for your safety and to maximize the chances of you maximizing your National Park experience. Plan poorly and you’ll be wondering for years why everyone loves the Kings Canyon backcountry so much, plan well and you’ll be telling others about your natural experience for decades. There are tons of generic backcountry guides online, guides for what to bring and guides for how to plan, but I haven’t found one site that does it better than Glacier National Park’s backcountry guide (make sure to download the PDF). Sure, Glacier isn’t in California and, sure, it’s guides seems like it’s very specific towards Glacier Park alone. But it’s tips, advice and lessons are all applicable to the California National Park experience- keep the same things in mind and just replace their maps with the maps of Redwood National, Kings Canyon, Lassen or Yosemite. The most important lesson that should be taken away from the Glacier website is the Leave No Trace plan, something that you should keep in mind when visiting any park in the country world. A video from the NPS sums up principles pretty clearly: http://www.nps.gov/features/wilderness/leavenotrace/popup.html

San Pablo Reservoir, which opens back up next Friday, February 19th.

San Pablo opens next Friday, February 19th, but until then check out one of these lakes for some great fishing days…

Los Vaqueros Reservoir

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Overall fishing at the reservoir is rated slow to fair but we are hoping a trout plant at the end of this week and another trout plant the week of Feb. 15 will pick things up.

Water conditions are good and the current water temperature is 52°. Our water level is at 77%

2010 State fishing licenses and watershed annual parking permits are available

Fishing permits now cost $4 a day and boat rentals are half off Monday through Friday (non holiday). Monday the 15th is considered a holiday, and the half off price will not be in effect.

Our hours are still 7:00am to 5:00pm with boats due in by 3:30.
Hours will expand to 6:00pm starting in March.

TROUT
Overall the fishing in slow. Trout fishing should pick up after the trout plants Friday and the following week. Currently a few fish are being taken near the rock wall. Fish are being caught mostly on bait. Nightcrawlers are a good choice. White PowerEggs have also taken some fish. The South Cove has been slow but should pick up after the scheduled trout plants. Currently very few limits are being reported.

Anglers in boats have caught some trout at the backs of Peninsula and Howden Coves. One angler had some success drifting a nightcrawler under a bobber. Trolling has been slow. You might try a dodger or flasher with a crawler trailing about 2 feet behind. Troll as slow as you can. Only troll about 10 to 20 feet from the shoreline. The East shoreline is a solid choice.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
On the slow side but some nice fish were checked in. All the bass caught were either on nightcrawlers or plastic worms. Purple was reported as a good color by one angler. Fish were reported caught in Cowboy Cove, by the Rockwall and off the points in Peninsula Cove. Largest fish weighted in was 4 pounds. We continue to encourage our anglers to catch and release.

STRIPERS
We did not see any stripers caught this week. Striper fishing always improves after the trout plants so it should improve this weekend and next week.

SALMON
We did not hear any reports of salmon being caught. Try casting Kastmasters in the backs of some of the coves.

CATFISH
No catfish have been checked in at the marina in a while.

Lake Camanche

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Lake Camanche’s current elevation is 217.25 feet above sea level, a lake level rise of .69 of a foot this week. Lake Pardee will be releasing about 1350 c.f.s. of water to Camanche from Monday through Saturday between 7:00am - 10:00pm this week. The outflow from Lake Camanche will be 330 c.f.s. Surface temperature at the North Marina is 54°

9,600 POUNDS OF TROUT WILL BE PLANTED IN FEBRUARY!!!

TROUT
Winter weather makes trout happy, and there have been many happy anglers here at Lake Camanche this week. Richard Jones Jr., from Lodi, caught 4 fine trout this week, with a whopper at 8.22 pounds. He was trolling with Rapala lures, near Hat Island. Bob Thorne, from Hercules, caught his limit on Tuesday while trolling near Hat Island, and also in The Narrows. He caught fish on Rapalas, and also orange grubs, and had a big fish at 3 ½ pounds. Two weeks before he was trolling with Larry Ross, and caught 2 limits with a whopper at 8.5 pounds. They were using Rapala lures then also. Bob Mankin and a buddy, from Discovery Bay, caught two limits trolling in the main lake with Rapala lures. Their big fish was 6.75 pounds. Dan Wilson, from South San Francisco, caught his limit last week while fishing in the upper lake area with a silver/blue Humdinger lure. His big fish was 4.5 pounds. Louie Schallberger, Leon Gervin, and Walter Beltramo caught 10 fish between them on Friday. Their fish were all about 2-2 ½ pounds, and they were using orange grubs in the upper lake area. Phil Baker, from Lake Amador, caught 7 trout on Saturday while fishing with Needlefish, and dodger/nightcrawlers. He said all the fish were over 2 pounds, with a big fish at 3 ½ pounds. Jack Pherigo, from West Sacramento, caught two nice 3 pounders while trolling Rapalas in Camanche Arm, and said last month he caught a 10 ½ pounder, with two others from 3-5 pounds. Bill Crisler, from San Jose, rented a boat 2 days this week, and caught two 2 ½ pound trout and a 3 pound bass one day, and caught 2 two more the next day from 2-3 ½ pounds. All were caught trolling with Kastmasters. The South Pond has also been good for many anglers. Herb Parnell, from Vallejo, caught a 6.9 pound rainbow while casting with Rapala lures. He and his wife Betsy caught limits both days they were here and also caught fish on PowerWorms/PowerEggs combo, as well as nightcrawlers. Richie and Mark Woodard, from Galt, fished the Pond on 3 different days, and caught limits for both of them each time. They also released all of the fish that they caught. Richie caught 17 fish total, using Kastmasters in assorted colors, and Mark caught 11 fish total using hand tied flies. They caught two 7 pound trout, and all the rest were 1 ½-2 pounds each.

BASS
A South Shore bass angler reported catching 4 nice bass on Wednesday. He caught 2 in the back end of Camanche Arm near the stick-ups and creek channel, and was using Baby Brush Hogs in green pumpkin. He caught 2 more near Dikes 1 & 2 while drop shotting Senkos and also using purple/brown jigs. He said fish were from 15-35 feet, and all of his fish were caught in the morning hours. A trout troller caught a 4 ½ pound bass while trolling in the Lancha Plana area. He was using Rapala lures in Brown Trout pattern, and he said the water was 20 feet deep in that area.

Diamond Valley Lake

BASS

DVL bass fishing is far from prime, but some fish found their way to anglers’ line. The most notable catches this week were around 20-30 feet leading folks eager for the dawn of the spawn. Swimbaits, creature baits, and crankbaits got some heavyweights. Pig n’ jiggin’ and the drop shot was hot. Elliott M Lewis Jr. of Beaumont caught his biggest bass at 8.12 pounds fishing from shore with a Huddle Bug. James Mehan of Winchester caught an 18.5 pound limit trolling a shad Rapala along the east dam. This Weeks American Bass Association tournament winners were Shane Spencer and Art Berry who bagged five fish at 23.13 pounds.

TROUT
There ain’t no doubt that the best bite at DVL is rainbow trout. Fishing from the bank with crawlers or floating bait is the best way to hook a stout trout. Panther Martins, mini jigs, and Roostertails are great lures for those ‘bows. Boaters are having a tough run, but those fishing the west shore are getting it done.

STRIPER
Lassen trout brought the striper out! Big baits caught some big weights this week. The marina cove and the east dam are the best spots to land a lineside. If you are looking for sizable striper DVL is the place to be with not many catches coming in under 10 pounds. Not sure what lure? Zplugs, Lunker Punkers, LA sliders, BBZ’s, California Cwimbabes, Tripletrouts, and Huddlestons will do the trick. Ranier Bernal of Fontana caught a 12.82 pound striper fishing from shore with a swimbait. Brian Altadonna of Sun City caught a 12.43 pound striper fishing the west shoreline with a BBZ. Pete Olbera of Perris caught a12.70 pound striper fishing the east dam with a white fly.

CATFISH
Not many cats were caught this week. Rawson cove and the inlet were familiar spots to try. Most cut baits, nightcrawlers, or Hog Wild will catch the cats.

PANFISH
Panfish has been slow except for those in the know. A few tight lipped folks have caught some crappie where it is along the dams and where it is rocky. Live worms, Crickets or jigs are the best baits.

Lake Chabot

GENERAL CONDITIONS
This week Mt. Lassen will plant 750 lbs of nice size rainbows by the marina. Trout fishing has picked up with trout being caught from Indian Cove to Raccoon Point. This past week we had 18 whoppers come in from both the shoreline and trolling. Catfishing still remains slow, but a couple weeks ago whopper-size cats were getting pulled out. Bass fishing remains a little slow due to the cooler water temperature. Currently, the water level is about 4 and a half feet below full. The water temp is in the low 50’s. If you catch a whopper bring it into the marina and get a free whopper hat and pin.

TROUT
Fishing has started picking up this past week with the water clearing up, there were more then several trout reported getting caught on the east shore trial from Indian cove to Raccoon point. Anglers trolling are also doing extremely well with a lot of whoppers getting caught in half moon bay and across from raccoon point. The lake is being stock pretty heavy with trout this time of the year. The best way to fish for trout right now is using a sliding sinker set up and using powerbait and night crawlers during the morning or early evening down in deeper water. Make sure your leader line is at least 18 inches over by Raccoon point where the creek has water coming in. Make sure to have those kastmasters and rapalas ready!!! Those are the lures that are going to catch you those limits of trout. If you have any questions or you’re new to fishing come by the marina and one of our staff will help you out.

BASS
Bass fishing has been a little slow this past week, no reports of bass were caught. The lake level is really low this year a lot of structures are sticking out of the water. Those areas are areas you want to concentrate on. Bass fishing is usually very slow this time of the year, most of the bass that are caught here are mostly in the spring and summer months. Bass are moving to deep water and are suspended off of main lake points. Livewells can be provided upon request thanks to Walton’s pond. Please practice catch and release for bass, as they are not stocked into the lake and their population depends on you.

CATFISH
Catfishing this time of the year is very slow. Several weeks ago Ken Kruse landed several nice catfish fishing over at the sticks using mackerel. Catching catfish is very uncommon during the winter, but possible. Look for better catfishing conditions when the water warms back up.

WHOPPERS
Jason Vien of San Ramon caught a 5.5 lb trout on a swim bait and Coots landing.
David Lindstrom from San Leandro caught a 9.3 lb trout a Kastmaster at the ADA dock near the marina.
Jessica Fahey of San Lorenzo caught a 6 and a 8.25 lb trout using chartreuse PowerBait at Indian Cove.
Kevin Sexton of Daly City landed a 5 lb trout trolling a Rapala past Indian Cove.
Chiam Sae Chaq of Oakland caught a 5.89 lb trout in Half Moon Bay trolling a Kastmaster.
Bailey from San Leandro got a 5 lb trout at the Burner using PowerBait.
Trystan Clark of San Leandro go ta 5 lb. trout in Honker bay using Chartreuse PowerBait.
Patrick Vigit of Hayward landed a 5.7 lb trout from Indian Cove using PowerBait.

WINTER SPECIAL
HALF OFF all boat rentals, Monday-Thursday

HOURS
Boat rentals are from 7:00am - 3:30 pm
Boats due in by 4:30 pm

Drakes Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Drakes Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore.

A surfer at the Mavericks Surf Contest. Courtesy of Frederic Larson/SF Chronicle

It’s official. Earlier today, the 24 competitors voted to hold the Mavericks surf competition this Saturday off Pillar Point north of Half Moon Bay. After several dates had previously been rejected, the surfers voted unanimously to hold the contest this weekend because of (predicted) clear, sunny skies and “higher than normal” surf. The event will start at 8 am. You bring chairs and sunscreen and a couple sweatshirts. That’s all in stone now. The only thing that’s left: Where are you going to watch it? Here are a couple of options:

Half Moon Bay You know….because….that’s where the competition is being held and all.

Walking: Rent a hotel room, there are about 7 hotels in Half Moon Bay. Better yet, CAMP! Walk there. Sit Down. Driving and Parking: If you head down to Half Moon Bay, know this: It’s not going to be the normal Saturday drive down there. Police and traffic control will be out in full force so expect delays whether you come north or south from the 1 or from the east on Rt. 92. If you are coming from San Francisco and you are considering either the 1 or the 92, I would strongly suggest taking the PCH. Also, if you wait too long you might be sitting in traffic the whole time. I’ll still probably go. You’re also limited in terms of parking. The entire Princeton-by-the-Sea township will be closed to all non-residents on Saturday, so you’ll have to park at the Half Moon Bay airport (and pay $15); they run shuttles back and forth for you.

The Perfect Spot: There isn’t one. Unless you get there and plop your stuff down on a bluff on Pillar Point at 4 am. The best spot is, well, it’ll be easy to spot where the masses go; there aren’t many shores that hug Pillar Point and the thronging masses will find them fast. If you do watch on the bluffs make sure to be careful around the vegetation- it’s a National Marine Sanctuary and they don’t like you trouncin’. You could have also reserved a spot on a boat tour, but that’s sold out now. Maybe it’s worth holding out for though- they can put you on the waiting list if you show up Saturday morning.

AT&T Park

(Insert joke here about the big swell in McCovey Cove. ) For much less hassle and much less naturalness you can pay $25 ($20 if bought in advance) to watch the entire competition in AT&T Park. I bet it’s fun to watch, comfortable and very convenient. Great for the same reason that many would now choose a free trip to their couch with their 52″ plasma over a free trip to the Super Bowl. But I guess if you’re not going to go to the contest you might as well just watch it on your computer via their site. I wonder if there would be thousands in the stadium….that could be cool.

Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California.

Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California.