Author Archives: AlphaRoaming

27 years ago, a Navy helicopter crashed on rugged Montara Mountain, just south of San Francisco. A memorial plaque was placed and a redwood seedling was planted. The location was then largely forgotten. It was recently rediscovered, by a hiking … Continue reading →

A few weeks back, I met-up with a friend for two nights in Death Valley. We “boondock” camped off the beaten path, though we centered most of our activities near Panamint Springs, where initially met-up, then had breakfast both days … Continue reading →

I’ve been slacking-off on my blog recently. Why? Because I have a full-time job, in a Silicon Valley cubicle, so my time is more limited. Also, I’ve RUN OUT of interesting adventures close to home. So…that leaves distant adventures, like … Continue reading →

Just a bit west of Panamint Springs, up a long, steep hill, is an observation point, officially known as “Father Crowley Point”, overlooking Rainbow Canyon. Informally, it’s known as “The Jedi Transition” or “Star Wars Canyon” It’s named as such, … Continue reading →

Beautiful weekend in Henry Coe State Park! I just came back from a quick overnight backpack to Coit Horse Camp. (I have some friends planning a five day, high altitude, trip in the Sierra. I haven’t done much backpacking in … Continue reading →

Nobody told me you could DRIVE to the top! 😉 “Yours truly” accompanied Jeff Hester on his scouting trip to Mt Diablo a few weeks back. It was a great hike, and an opportunity to meet Jeff. I’m in three … Continue reading →

Located at the edge of Henry Coe State Park, Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs has a long and interesting history. Located on the appropriately named “Gilroy Hot Springs Road”, visitors to the Coyote Creek entrance notice the green bridge, with the … Continue reading →

A few weeks back, on Labor Day weekend, I joined some friends on a mountain getaway, to the Bishop and Mammoth area. It was beautiful seeing bits of leftover snow at the top of Sonora Pass, after our record-breaking winter. … Continue reading →

NOTE: It has been “crazy busy” this first full weekend (Sept 23/24), with full parking lots, and motorists being turned back. You may want to consider waiting a few weekends, trying a weekday afternoon, or leaving your car at the … Continue reading →

I’ve been watching the Highway 1 drama for months now, feeling bad for the affected businesses and hoping to pay them visit. Kirk Creek campground was calling out to me, and I recently saw that the pedestrian trail around the … Continue reading →