Santa Cruz Mountains & Big Basin Redwoods State Park

California Redwood

John Muir said, "The mountains are calling and I must go." This is how I feel every time I return to the west. The Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges dwarf the mountains of the east, but there's one smaller mountain range that shouldn't be missed if you're visiting the California coastline–the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Father of the Forest, Big Basin

Home to the tallest living organisms on Earth, Sequoia sempervirens–commonly known as California Redwoods–grow up to 350 feet tall, over 50 feet in circumference, and can live up to 2,500 years. These awe-inspiring, humble giants only grow in northern California and southern Oregon and only 5 percent of this ancient forest remains. The California gold rush and subsequent logging destroyed most of it before 1900.

Nature's Skyscrapers

A mecca for outdoor adventurers, naturalists, and photographers, Big Basin offers spectacular views of the Pacific, waterfalls, and wildlife. Year round camping, hiking, and interpretive campfire programs are among the most popular recreational activities in the park.

Banana Slug

In May 1900, a coalition of journalists, politicians, scholars and others banned together, determined to save what was left of this amazing forest and started California's conservation movement. Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods State Park (so named in 1927), is the state's first state park and is comprised of more than 18,000 acres of forest and 80 miles of trails.

Gateway to Big Basin is the small mountain town of Boulder Creek. Built during the 1870's to support the logging industry, this tiny place gives those who pass through a peek into California's history. Six miles south of Boulder Creek on Route 9 is Felton, home of Roaring Camp Railroads. A bit of a tourist attraction, the area's first railroad has offered tours through the Redwoods since 1875.

Ano Nuevo, Butano, and Castle Rock State Parks lie just outside Big Basin and are among the other wonderful State Parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Downtown Big Basin

No matter where you go in Santa Cruz County, the sites are beautiful, the energy is positive, and the vibes are all good.

Santa Cruz Mountains

Rain Brings Hope to Santa Cruz Mountain Residents

Watching the Rain

It's been a long time since it's rained. So long that local residents cannot remember the last time they heard thunder or saw lightening. Somewhat of a freak storm, the November rains of late have been welcomed by California Bay Area residents.

"I can't remember the last time I saw this much rain," Chrissy Hocutt, a long standing Bay Area resident said. "What's left of the grass is actually turning green."

Bay Area residents have been living in severe drought conditions for the past four years. Threats of wildfire have had Santa Cruz Mountain locals on edge, as well as the prediction of El Niño - a weather phenomenon that promises to bring torrential rains and flood waters to California this winter. 

"It's a concern because torrential rains following a long period of drought means a lot of flooding. Because of climate change it will be extreme and dangerous," one local resident predicted.

Long Overdue Rainstorm Comes through Big Basin

While local residents prepare as best they can for what may come they must also prepare for things to continue as they are.

"We don't wash our cars and we've eliminated some of our grass. Most people in our neighborhood are very careful about how much they use. It's just the way it is - we're all in this together," Chrissy said.

Water conservation and environmental preservation is a long-standing tradition in Northern California. Drought tolerant plants, buckets in the shower to catch unused water, and parking lots covered with solar panels are the norm in the Bay Area. People seek sustainable living and keep conservation at the forefront of their lives. From recycling everything, to driving fuel efficient cars, to eliminating waste, California residents are forward-learning when it comes to keeping things green.
The stormy weather brought big swells to Mavericks and Steamers Lane. Surfers were out in droves as good sets rolled in one after the other. 

Surfing Storm Waves at Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz

After nearly two days of rain, sunshine and rainbows blessed the valley; a hopeful sign of better days ahead.

Double Rainbow–A Sign of Hope

Opting in on REI's #OPTOUTSIDE Campaign

REI's #OptOutside Campaign

The US is shameless when it comes to consumerism and nothing illustrates this more than Black Friday. Beginning a few years ago, retailers began opening Thanksgiving Day to jump start the holiday shopping season. This year, millions of shoppers will indulge in this cycle of shopping sickness and I urge you to do something heroic. Don't.

On 27 November, I'm opting in on REI's #OPTOUTSIDE campaign. While I rarely use my blog as political pulpit, I will when it comes to topics I'm passionate about such as enjoying the outdoors, honoring Mother Nature, and living mindfully.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday devoted to giving thanks for the year's bountiful harvest. We pause to celebrate with one another the many gifts we have received the preceding year like food, shelter, warmth, and water. It's also time to honor our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and most importantly, Mother Nature herself-the giver of all life. And when I say "we" I mean all of us-the collective whole-not just those who work white collar and government jobs. All of us deserve to take part in this festive holiday, retail workers included.

This year, REI is doing something extraordinary, something I would like to see more retailers do-act ethically. The US Supreme Court has decided that corporations are people, therefore, I expect them to act within the laws of human decency. Those who do not will not have my business-sorry Walmart, your unscrupulous business practices cost you my business long ago.

Going to the Mountains is Going Home

Remaining closed on Black Friday is not the only thing REI is doing right however; they are also a promoting healthy, mindful living. Instead of spending your hard-earned dollars buying things, get outside and do something good for yourself. Breathe fresh air, enjoy Mother Nature, get close to the earth. It's FREE and you deserve it.

In a May 2015 letter to members, REI CEO Jerry Stritzke wrote, "We believe an outdoor life is a life well lived. That single, simple idea unites our community, no matter where you’re from or what your political beliefs are. Seeking adventure and finding ourselves in the outdoors drives a virtuous cycle. We believe that life outside is better for us as individuals, better for society and ultimately, better for the planet. That is what unites us at REI." 

Ironically, closing on Black Friday will most likely earn REI even bigger profits. Putting consumer's well-being ahead of profit margins is not only a best business practice, it's common sense. Mindful shoppers pay attention when corporations do things for the common good versus lining their own pockets. Research has shown that companies who care more about their customers than their bottom line are rewarded with greater consumer loyalty, patronage, and overall profits.

REI Tysons Corner, Virginia

Don't take it from me however, think about it and ask yourself, Who would I rather do business with: a company who genuine cares about me, or one who will take my money regardless of whether I'm satisfied?

Remember the basic laws of supply and demand: corporations exists because we buy their products. If a corporation's business practices posit a moral or ethical dilemma, or doesn't put your needs or the needs of its employee's first, then perhaps patronizing them is no longer right. Consumers have the power to decide which companies and corporations gets rewarded in our society-it's not the other way around.

So this year, be bold and #OPTOUTSIDE. Skip Black Friday and do something good for yourself.

Hiking the Camino de Santiago May 2015

New England's Berkshires-an Outdoor Paradise

Frost covered grass glistened with morning dew as the sun peaked over the horizon offering first warmth to the crisp, autumn air. Runners outfitted in jackets and hats passed by the Keene, New Hampshire hotel restaurant, their breath forming puffy white steam clouds against the cobalt sky. I sipped my coffee and secured my favorite North Face wool cap, preparing for the day ahead.

The Berkshires is one of New England's most enchanted places and has been named one of the world's last great places by the Nature Conservancy. Leaf peepers delight in the kaleidoscope of colors, adventurers basque in the wide-array of outdoor pursuits, and apple pickers are in heaven. It's a nature lovers paradise that calls the soul.

Church in the Berkshires

Our first stop on this weekend adventure was the Granville Country Store in Massachusetts. Established in 1851, this historic time warp is home to the finest aged cheddar cheese in New England according to local residents.  "I drive 30 miles to pick up a pound of aged cheddar," said one resident who stopped in while I was there. "It melts in your mouth." I tried some myself and ordered a pound of sharp cheddar. If you have a passion for cheese, this is a must stop when passing through the Berkshires.

Granville Country Store

An hour down the road, we stopped at Toymakers Cafe in Falls Village, Connecticut for hot cider and a homemade lunch. Just off Route 7 and the Appalachian Trail, this is a favorite spot for AT hikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you're into vintage bikes and anything British, this is a great spot to warm up and fill your belly. Owners Greg and author Ann Bidou will make you feel right at home.

Toymakers Cafe

Just down the road from Toymakers Cafe is West Cornwall, Connecticut-an idyllic town with postcard-perfect scenery and New England charm. This village, famous for it's iconic covered bridge, has been dubbed the greenest town in Connecticut.

Covered Bridge in West Cornwall, Connecticut

Fly-fish the Housatonic River, snowboard Mohawk Mountain, hike miles of trails or camp in Housatonic Meadows State Park, motorcycle ride scenic zig-zags, or hang out with writers, artist, and classic motor car enthusiasts. It's an outdoor mecca and progressive paradise that calls those who yearn for a simpler way of life.

Fly-fishing the Housatonic River

West Cornwall's Wandering Moose Cafe

Though a bit of a drive from Washington, D.C.,––7 hours––this weekend get-a-way was a perfect Halloween weekend retreat. I invite you to do the same...

Leaving the Berkshires

Clifton, Virginia's Sea of Gold

Autumn in the Woods

I swam in a sea of gold whilst birds sang their morning hymns and winds rustled tree tops. Soft earth under foot, fallen leaves crunched with each step, and I filled my lungs with nature. Sunlight danced like a flickering flame, and I waded, mesmerized by this state of place, and dreamed this moment would never cease.

Sea of Gold