Resources

Writing Resources
WriteGirl (for teen writers in Greater Los Angeles)
Writing Workshop Dallas (online classes available!)

Hiking Resources
All Trails: Reviews and downloadable GPS maps
The Hiking Guy: Practical trail guides without all the flexing
SoCal Hiker: Godfather of the Six Pack of Peaks challenge 

Hiking Gear
Summer Boot: Salomon X Ultra 3 Aero 
Winter Boot: Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Mid 
Après Hike: Hoka One One Recovery Slides
Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 20
Multiday Backpack: Osprey Kyte 46
Hydration: Osprey Hydraulics 1.5L and Osprey Hydraulics 3L
Trekking Poles: Sterling Endurance
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 325
Sportwatch: Apple
First Aid: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
Energy: SaltStick Fast Chews and ProBar Meals
Insect Repellent: DEET Free REPEL
Camera: GoPro Hero8 Black
Memory: SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB
Portable Charger: Anker PowerCore 26,800mAh
Parking: SoCal Annual Forest Adventure Pass

Safe Hiking Tips

  • Leave an itinerary w a friend
  • Use a GPS tracker
  • Study the trail ahead of time
  • Carry first aid
  • Give wildlife a wide berth
  • One earphone or none at all
  • Watch where you step
  • Carry a loud whistle or alarm
  • Bring a piece of bright clothing*
  • Know when to turn back (13:00)
  • Stay hydrated—if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated
  • Check ahead for conditions (fire, snow, rain, heat exposure, height exposure, overgrowth, blowdowns)
  • Know your limits and prepare accordingly (altitude**, vertigo, fitness, endurance)
  • Be ready for an emergency (water, layers, headlamp, sunscreen, water filtration system)

*Most trails discourage bright clothing, but keep one visible article on hand to assist with SAR location

**I can’t make any medical claims re. effectiveness, but for altitude I rely on either liquid chlorophyll (OTC), COQ10 (OTC), or Diamox (prescription)—or some combo thereof. Note that Diamox is a diuretic which might be inconvenient on the trail.

Hiking Etiquette

  • Right of way: Bikers yield to hikers, descending hikers yield to ascending hikers, all hikers yield to horses
  • No music from speakers
  • Use quiet voices
  • Say “hello” and “thank you”
  • Don’t take shortcuts (protect trails from erosion and flora from damage)
  • Don’t let young children roam free on difficult trails, for their safety and others’
  • Do not remove anything from the trail (incl. pine cones and dried plants) unless it’s other people’s trash
  • Pack out your trash, be aware of loose bits falling from your pack
  • Wear a mask when passing, as directed by public health agencies