February 2016 – Subaru Vagabond

My Rules: 6. Never Stop Changing

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

“If you want to be a new man you have to stay in new places, and do new things, with people who never knew you before. If you go back to the same old ways, what else can you be but the same old person?” – Joe Ambercrombie

How does one expand on the point made by Winston Churchill? This quote alone sums up my Rule #6, “Never Stop Changing.” It’s difficult to even think of what I could possibly add. I’ve spent weeks, now, researching quotes and what people have to say. Turns out, a lot of people have a lot to say about change. Yet Winston Churchill still stands as the one to make one quote summing all of it up.

Pine Creek Road Boondocking and Other News

While camping up on Big Black Mountain, I ended up running out of water and so had to head on down to refill my water jug. While already down the mountain, I then decided to head over towards the Mount Laguna area of Cleveland National Forest and check out some alternative boondocking locations there. I found a lovely area down Pine Creek Road, with a few good options available.

I’ve also settled on a change of future plans: instead of staying around San Diego, hiking, I will be headed out to larger adventures, traveling cross country again.

Boondocking up Big Black Mountain Again!

This week, I headed back up Big Black Mountain in San Diego. I’ve stayed here a couple of times before, and it’s always an amazing treat. I absolutely love the spot, and I’m spending a couple of weeks up here this time. Between the adventure of a drive getting up and the amazing sunsets, the only bad so far has been getting stuck from the rain that came through–even that was kind of fun, in its own right.

My Rules: 5. Laugh At Yourself

“You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.” – Ethel Barrymore

“Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don’t leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” – Alan Alda

What’s the point of things without a good sense of humor? Why make my list of rules, if I can’t laugh at how ridiculous that is? A life taken too seriously is a terribly boring affair. So, I made a rule to remind myself to step back and laugh at the stupid and/or silly things I do on a frequent basis. A reminder to laugh at myself, instead of doubting myself.

Hiking Sombrero Peak

Today, I decided to go on a shorter, easier hike, making my way to the summit of Sombrero Peak. I’ve been staring at this particular peak for months, so it was wonderful to finally climb it. I even got to experience some snow up on this mountain, again.

Avoiding the Sand Men and Ghost Lights: Hike to Goat Canyon Trestle, Puff Benchmark, and Jacumba Mountain

Today, I decided to go on a hike to Goat Canyon Trestle and Puff Benchmark. While up on Puff Benchmark, I made the sudden decision to also shoot for Jacumba Mountain. Overall, the whole day was absolutely amazing, and I was very happy with my decision. The combinations of views was absolutely breathtaking!