I woke Thursday morning to temperatures hovering around freezing, cold as hell in Blair Valley. Struggling to gain the motivation to pack up my gear and begin heading out, I delayed as the sun rose. Within hours, I would be setting off on a planned nine day adventure to finally complete the Anza Borrego Badlands Route that I had been working on for the last year, taking over 180 miles of hiking and another 25 miles of hitchhiking to complete a full loop through the desert.
Anza Borrego Badlands Route Part 2
Following an 80 mile attempt at a long route through the badlands of Anza Borrego Desert State Park in March, I have continued working on lengthening that route. As I explored potential avenues, I created a long loop exploring the badlands. On Friday, November 22, I set out to attempt the new route, ultimately completing a shortened 111.41 mile version of it.
Joshua Tree: California Riding and Hiking Trail Yo-Yo
After a few months with family, I finally got back out on the trail this weekend. On Friday, October 18, I set off once again on the California Riding and Hiking Trail through Joshua Tree National Park. While I completed this same trail earlier this year, I decided to instead yo-yo it this time (i.e. complete it in both directions), plus add some side-trips. In total, I completed 86.5 miles.
On The Future
The future is always a funny thing for me. I enjoy making long term plans, and it is my rule to never give up on a dream. Yet I prefer the excitement of embracing the unknown. This has served me well as I embarked on this nomadic lifestyle over the last years. Yet I never stop changing, and it is always better to give things up. So, right now being more important, I am moving on to new adventures.
Rogue River Trail
On June 1, I headed to Southwestern Oregon and hopped on to the Rogue River Trail. Having a nearby outfitter shuttle my car to the end the following day, I hiked the 39.5 mile trail between Grave Creek Boat Ramp and Foster Bar over the weekend.
California Riding and Hiking Trail (Joshua Tree National Park)
In April, I went up to Joshua Tree National Park to hike the section of the California Riding and Hiking Trail that makes its way through the park. The trail totals about 35 miles per the mileage on my topo map. Really, a great short thru-hike that would serve great for those new to desert backpacking, with the appropriate planning.
Anza Borrego Badlands Route
I have been staring out over the different badlands around Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells SVRA for years now. For the last few, a thought has been stirring endlessly in my mind: there must be a route through it all! Well, with some staring at maps and working on Google Earth, I made a prototype route and set out to give it a try.
Trans-Catalina Trail
On February 21, I hopped aboard a boat to Catalina, where I spent 4 days hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail. Officially, the TCT is a 38.5 mile trek across Catalina island. I began in Avalon and hiked to Two Harbors, before continuing on to Parsons Landing for one night and taking the boat back to the mainland.
Formally Introducing Mirja
Alright. Alright. I traded in Tivona back in December, getting a new 2019 Subaru Ascent instead. It is time for me to formally do the whole introduction thing here on the blog. I got the Living Setup updated, and here is the introduction post. 😉
San Diego Trans-County Trail and Reflections (Jan 2019)
On January 5th, I set off on another adventure on the San Diego Trans-County Trail. This time I did the hike solo, and tried to squeeze it in between a couple of storms. It was an amazing experience, and a wonderful opportunity for me to reflect on a challenging year now behind me.