Backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail in a weekend: Day 1

Two weeks ago I wrote about my plan to backpack the 36-mile Trans-Catalina Island trail in three days and two nights. The fact that a nonprofit was leading a group across the same trail in six days and five nights made me a little worried, but I didn't have time or money for that trip.

As it turned out, my concerns were realistic, and my plans were not.

Arriving in Avalon on the first ferry Friday morning, my boyfriend and I scrambled to get our bearings. No detailed maps of the island were available at the Catalina Island Conservancy office. (I had tried REI -- no luck.) Campsite reservations had to be confirmed at a hotel a few streets over, and various strangers helped lead us out of the town in the direction of the trail head.

Already we had the feeling that we weren't in a state or national park. According to Wikipedia, the island was owned by the Wrigley family beginning in 1919. In 1975, their company gave 88% of the land to the conservancy, which Philip Wrigley helped create. While conservation is a priority on Catalina Island, tourism appears to be a bigger one.

During the first leg of the road uphill to Blackjack Mountain, vehicles headed to Catalina's new zip line passed us frequently. After we passed a gate, the trail became fairly desolate; a few vehicles, but no other hikers.

Bigfoot alive and well and living in North Carolina

Bigfoot has apparently gone blond and lives in North Carolina. At least according to Cleveland County resident Tim Peeler, who told local authorities of his encounter with the 10-foot tall creature, reports the Charlotte Observer.

Peeler thought he was calling coyotes, but instead got surprised and frightened by what -- or who -- came a-calling.

"Instead of them, him," Peeler, who lives in a rural area near South Mountains State Park, told NBC affiliate WCNC NewsChannel 36.

"This thing was 10-foot tall. He had beautiful hair," said Peeler, adding that it looked like the creature had six fingers on each hand.

"I come out here and rough-talked him and run him off," continued Peeler. But then the creature returned.

Luckily the encounter ended safely when Peeler got a bit more aggressive. "I said, 'Get away from here! Get! Get!' and he went right back up that path again."

Sgt. Mark Self of the Cleveland County sheriff's office responded to the suspicious-person call placed by Peeler.

"It scared me," said Self. "This is just totally blowing my mind that they even brought it back up," adding that the Sasquatch legend has been in the county since the 1970s.

"It doesn't bother me now -- I don't think there's anything to it," Self said. Still, the sheriff's office plans to continue its routine patrols of the area. "If we see something, we’ll try to capture it and take it into custody," he added.

So campers and hikers visiting the state park, one of North Carolina’s least-developed recreational sites, be forewarned -- you might want to plan on carrying a big stick, and leaving the coyote caller at home.

-- Kelly Burgess

Video from NBC affiliate WCNC NewsChannel 36, North Carolina

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Busy Memorial Day weekend expected at Yosemite National Park

A busy commute is expected just about everywhere for the three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend, and Yosemite National Park will be no exception.

To help visitors better enjoy their time while there, the park communications office has released the following update, featuring travel suggestions, current conditions and facilities status:

People planning trips into the park are strongly encouraged to arrive before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. to avoid long waits at the entrance stations.  Visitors may also choose to ride the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, which picks up in multiple locations along Highway 140 from Merced and provides multiple drop-off locations throughout Yosemite Valley.  Once visitors arrive in the park, they are urged to ride the free shuttle throughout Yosemite Valley, utilize the bike paths, or walk.

All campgrounds on the reservation system are full.  There are a very limited number of first-come, first-served campsites available throughout the park -- visitors should arrive early to secure a campsite.  All trails within Yosemite are open, however some may still have snow patches and ice present on the trail.  Hikers should be aware that spring weather can be unpredictable and change without warning.

There's still time to find a California campsite for Memorial Day weekend

There's still hope for procrastinators who haven't yet made their California campground reservations for the Memorial Day weekend.

While many campgrounds, RV parks and resorts are booked for the three-day holiday weekend, there is some availability. To help those scrambling for a spot, Camp-California.com has compiled a listing of those that have yet to fill up.

As of Friday morning, there were at least 87 areas in the Golden State that still had sites and some cabins available, though they are likely going fast.

"If you hurry, you just might be able to snatch a campsite or book one of the growing numbers of park model cabins, yurts and other rental accommodations that are now available at many campgrounds throughout the state," said Verna Wiseman, director of communications for the California Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which operates Camp-California.com.

Some parks offer online reservations via the Camp-California website, though those looking for a spot may want to call parks directly for availability and reservations.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: A recreational vehicle parks by Yosemite Falls. Credit: Los Angeles Times

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Energizer introduces line of solar-powered outdoor gear

Environmentally-friendly products and services seem to be everywhere these days. Energizer is joining the market, introducing a new line of solar-powered lighting options.

Debuting this spring will be a solar folding lantern (pictured), a solar spot light and a solar crank flashlight, all harnessing sun-power to light up the night. 

-- The solar folding lantern is a portable lantern that uses the latest solar technology to charge in all conditions, including overcast days and early mornings. Powerful enough to light a campsite, this lantern can also be powered by three D-size alkaline batteries. Five hours of charging in the sun will provide 2.5 hours of run-time; batteries will provide 135 hours.

-- The solar crank flashlight offers two powering options -- solar or crank -- and includes lifetime LEDs. Small enough to clip to backpacks or other gear, this flashlight also has the ability to charge even in low light. Five hours of sun-charging will provide 2.5 hours light-time.

-- The solar spot light is a hybrid-powered flashlight that can be recharged via solar power or DC power from the included car cigarette lighter adapter. This flashlight also floats, making it ideal for any water-based activities. Three hours of run-time achieved with five hours of charging it in the sun.

Products should be available beginning in early May at Target and Meijer stores. I might look into purchasing the solar-folding lantern, which seems not only useful when camping but also something worth adding to the emergency supplies.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Solar folding lantern. Credit: Energizer

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Department of Fish and Game to host wilderness survival clinic at Tejon Ranch

The California Department of Fish and Game will host a two-day wilderness survival clinic May 1 and May 2 at Tejon Ranch, located approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

The clinic begins at 9 am. on May 1 and ends at 3 p.m. May 2 and is part of the department's Advanced Hunter Education program. The class will cover topics including the different types of survival kits for various terrain, wilderness first aid, techniques for water collection, fire starting, signaling and shelter building.

The cost to attend is $65. Participants age 16 and younger may attend for free but must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian.

Preregistration is required and can be done on the Department of Fish and Game website. Space is limited to 25 people. After registering, participants will receive an e-mail with a map to the facility and a list of items to bring.

All necessary class equipment and a survival kit will be provided, but meals are not included. Camping accommodations are available at Tejon Ranch.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Lake Tejon looking south on Tejon Ranch. Credit: Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times

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Zippo adds new products to its outdoor line

Zippo, the company best known for it's metal-case lighters, recently expanded its offerings and has introduced some "hot" new products with the outdoor enthusiast in mind.

The Emergency Fire Starter (pictured), Flexible Neck Utility Lighter and Campfire Starter join the already released Windproof Lighter, Outdoor Utility Lighter and popular Hand Warmer.

-- The campfire starter is a blend of compressed cedar sawdust and wax made of all natural, recycled material. The easy-to-pack block separates into four sections and is meant to alight even in the wettest conditions.

-- The emergency fire starter is a water-resistant, easy-to-carry kit that contains waxed, rayon tinder sticks and a flint wheel for quickly igniting and starting a fire.

-- The utility lighter seems good for lighting anything around camp, be it a camp stove, barbecue or lantern. With rugged metal construction, wind-resistant dual-flame technology, adjustable flame and flexible extended neck, this lighter also could be useful at home for lighting tiki torches, barbecues or even gas ranges and water heaters.

The new products are still being rolled out in retail stores, so the best bet for anyone who wants to purchase any of these items is via the Zippo website.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Emergency Fire Starter. Credit: Zippo

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Free guide to California campgrounds now expanded to include more sites

With temperatures warming, plants abloom and birds merrily chirping for mates, it's obvious that spring is here -- a time when one's thoughts may turn to getting outside to enjoy the change of season by taking a camping trip.

For those looking for campgrounds in California, a free, handy guide has recently been updated to include almost all our Golden State has to offer to campers.

The "Camp-California! Guide -- the Camper's Guide to California" now includes all federal, state and locally run parks as well as privately owned campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts.

The additions have increased the database to more than 1,000 campgrounds throughout the state, said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which compiled the information.

"We think consumers will love what we've done because we're creating a one-stop-shop for people looking for camping opportunities in California in both public and privately owned campgrounds, RV parks and resorts," said Sipe.

Next year, the association plans to also include the nearly 1,000 U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the state.

"Consumers want complete content. They want to get all the information they need in one spot," said Sipe. "But until now, there was no single source for all camping information in California."

The complimentary guides are available at visitor and welcome centers statewide as well as at RV shows. They can also be requested sent via mail on the Camp California website or by e-mailing info@camp-california.com. Those in a hurry can also view a digital copy and/or download the guide on the website.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Barbara and Erik Jan Gerke, from The Netherlands, enjoy camping out in Yosemite Valley near Half Dome. Credit: Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times

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Idaho trips' auction raises nearly $17,000 to benefit outdoor education

A recent online auction of extraordinary Idaho trips netted nearly $17,000 for the state's Watchable Wildlife programs, designed to promote education, wildlife viewing and photography, and instill an appreciation for what the state has to offer outdoors.

With more than 100 bidders nationwide, the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation reports that this is the most successful auction since it moved to an online-bidding format five years ago.

Ranging from day trips to overnight excursions, 42 outdoor adventures were on the auction block. Trips included guided fly-fishing, youth-mentored duck hunting, patrolling the Salmon River by jetboat and helping biologists capture and radio-collar elk calves.

The top-three highest-bid items were the Selway Wilderness fishing and trail riding trip, which sold for $950; the wolf pup count in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, $900; and the Hells Canyon white sturgeon research trip, which netted $875. Other trips, such as the white-fronted geese survey and the rooster pheasant release, sold for less than $100 each.

Co-sponsored by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the 20th annual auction offered such a unique variety of outdoor adventures that perhaps other state's might consider hosting such an auction, as a way to provide some much needed revenue to bolster education programs and interest in the outdoors.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Children participate in the songbird banding and raptor trapping trip, one of 42 outdoor opportunities up for auction. Credit: Idaho Fish and Game

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Fish and Game Q&A: Can I use ground Yucca plant roots to fish?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: There is an old legend that local Native Americans used to grind up the roots of Yucca plants and spread them in the water to "stun" fish so they could collect them. Can I use this as a fishing method? (Jeff, Riverside County)

Answer: No. Although that may have been how Native Americans historically fished and a seemingly natural method, today the use of chemicals of any type is not a legal method of take. According to Department of Fish and Game Warden Patrick Foy, fish must be taken by angling, which is defined under the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 1.05 as “to take fish by hook and line with the line held in the hand, or with the line attached to a pole or rod held in the hand or closely attended in such manner that the fish voluntarily takes the bait or lure in its mouth” (exceptions are listed in Section 2 of the fishing regulations, under Fishing Methods and Gear Restrictions).

Adding these ground-up root chemicals to the water would also be unlawful because it is generally illegal to deposit in, permit to pass into, or place where it can pass into the waters of this state any substance or material deleterious to fish, plant life or bird life (Fish and Game Code, section 5650[a][6]). In addition, FGC, section 5650(a)(5) specifically prohibits the use of Cocculus indicus, the plant from which these legends are derived.

Q: I would like a clarification on the use of cast nets in inland waters. I see people using them both at Clear Lake and in the Delta. As far as I know, it is illegal to use anything larger than a dip net or a trap not more than three feet in greatest dimension. Cast nets are not mentioned in the regulation booklet. (Dave, Clearlake)

Fred Hall Show opens Wednesday at the Long Beach Convention Center

The 64th annual Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show hits Southern California this week, opening Wednesday at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

Occupying nearly 750,000 square feet of space, this extravaganza of exhibits and seminars is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

To refer to the Fred Hall Show as a fishing tackle and boat show seems a misnomer these days. The exhibitor list has grown to include hunting lodges, firearms manufacturers, outdoor adventures, shooting sports and fishing destination resorts worldwide.

But not to worry -- fishing will still be well represented in the approximately 600 vendor booths and 400 seminars taking place over five days. Plus, 16 boat dealers representing 30 watercraft manufacturers will be on site.

"The Fred Hall Shows, both in Long Beach and Del Mar, are the only major boat shows left in California," Bart Hall, Fred's son, told Outposts. "The boating industry in this state has been decimated by the recession -- nearly 50 dealers statewide have gone out of business -- but last year there was no recession at the Fred Hall Shows, and we expect it to be the same this year as well."

Visitation to national parks increases in 2009

Perhaps a sign of the economic times, or inspired by Ken Burns’ popular documentary series, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” 10 million more people visited national parks last year than in 2008, a 3.9% increase.

More than 285.5 million people visited national parks during 2009, close to the all-time visitation record of 287.2 million in 1987.

The most-visited national park last year was the Great Smoky Mountains. At more than 9.4 visitors, it surpassed the second- and third-most-visited parks combined (Grand Canyon, 4.3 million and Yosemite, 3.7 million).

No matter the reason, it's great to hear that both American and foreign tourists took advantage of the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural treasures that make up the national park system.

The top 10 most visited national parks were:

  -- Great Smoky Mountains, 9,491,437 visitors
  -- Grand Canyon, 4,348,068
  -- Yosemite, 3,737,472
  -- Yellowstone, 3,295,187
  -- Olympic, 3,276,459
  -- Rocky Mountain, 2,822,325
  -- Zion, 2,735,402
  -- Cuyahoga Valley, 2,589,288
  -- Grand Teton, 2,580,081
  -- Acadia, 2,227,698

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Winter in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Credit: National Park Service

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