Hike: Wind Wolves Preserve (Tule Elk Trail) / March 2020

Hike: Wind Wolves Preserve (Tule Elk Trail) / March 2020

We've been to the Wind Wolves Preserve numerous times. It can be brutal in the summer (as many hikes can in southern California) but in the spring, cool, foggy and lush. Almost mysterious really. The first mile or so is pleasant if not mundane, then you begin the climb up the first and most imposing, hill. That leads deep into the verdant (at least at this time of the year) rolling hills of the San Emigdio Canyon. About 3 miles in you come upon... a massive flock of sheep (and a lone bored looking sheep herder, or, more accurately, sheep watcher.) You can proceed past the curious and hungry sheep deeper into the canyon. In fact you can go in as deep as you want, really.

Length: 6 miles / Elevation gain: 1,100' / Highest Elevation Point: 2,552'.

Hike: Montecito Peak, Santa Barbara, CA / March 2020

Hike: Montecito Peak, Santa Barbara, CA / March 2020

One of the best hikes (at least that I know of) in the Santa Barbara area is this one. Montecito Peak. The first mile or so is through a lush verdant tropical-like forest that seems like something straight out of Jurassic Park. I expected to be running alongside velociraptors at some point. Pretty gnarly. Then you proceed to make the climb - with rad views of the coast and downtown (and rural) Santa Barbara to your immediate right and covering your peripheral vision. I took the step, but quicker climb up the mountain (and my legs regretted it immediately) about halfway up. The fog grew considerably as the elevation did too. Great hike.

Length: 6 / Elevation gain: 2,444' / Highest Elevation Point: 3,367'.

Road Trip: Sunrise Highway Scenic Byway (San Diego) / April 2020

Road Trip: Sunrise Highway Scenic Byway (San Diego) / April 2020

Surprisingly - or not - there's quite some captivating scenery in the eastern part of San Diego county and driving down the Sunrise Highway Scenic Byway allows one to capture that in a most enjoyable fashion. I lived in San Diego for years and somehow, never visited this area. Strange, but I'm glad I finally got the chance to make it back.

Road Trip: Yosemite Valley / April 2020

Road Trip: Yosemite Valley / April 2020

Surprisingly enough, this was my first ever road trip to Yosemite National Park. I know, how and what the hell? And it's always been at the top of my list. Considering I'm a mere 4.5 hours away, how could this be? Well, this is one of those National Parks and Trips best enjoyed with a companion - be it my daughter, my girlfriend, my family, whomever. So that and the massive crowds that usually make this a questionable destination when my travel schedule allowed...

My schedule allowed a 'quick' (day) trip right before the travel restrictions from Covid-19 kicked it, we got in a short but intriguing visit to and through the park (the Glacier Point area and ridge above the park is still closed this time of the year.) It was enough to whet my appetite for more adventure ASAP - and hopefully soon as the park has YET to open, but here's to wishful thinking as the closures come to a (phased) end soon.

Words aren't needed to describe what pictures can do so much more effectively.