Exploring the mud caves, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

 #  posted by Russ, September 15, 2009

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Ocotillo plant in the desert, there is life!
Ocotillo plant in the desert, there is life!Being that desert season is coming here in San Diego, I figured I'd share some information about the mud caves out in the Anza Borrego desert. They are great to explore, all you need is a headlamp or flashlight, and a sense of exploration! Bring some water, make sure there's no rain in the forecast, and don't get lost!

Following is an excerpt of my write up about the mud caves, including information on how to get there, and some photos! Also, if you're in the area, check out my hiking page where I've reviewed some local San Diego hikes.

Entrance to mud cave in the desert
Entrance to mud cave in the desert I had always heard of the mud caves out in the Anza Borrego desert, and the fact that they are supposed to be some of the best in the world was enough to finally get me out there. I used the "Afoot & Afield San Diego County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide" book as my rough guide for getting there and keeping my bearings. It turns out that I just used it as sort of a general guide, and then once there explored on my own. This isn't so much of a hiking trip as it is an exploring trip, but depending on the condition of the "roads" and the type of vehicle you have, there can definitely be a fair amount of walking. As a worst case scenario, if you have a sedan or low style car, and want to get a good taste of at least a few caves, be prepared for 2-4 miles of walking. With a car and decent road conditions, you can safely and easily drive to pretty close to the first of the caves.

To get there, take 8 East from San Diego to Imperial County... read more and see photos


Related Links:
San Diego hiking page

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How to Climb Mt Whitney in One Day - eBook

 #  posted by Russ, August 11, 2009

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How to Successfully Summit Mount Whitney in One Day - eBook Coming soon!

In my first real attempt to monetize this site, I am in the process of writing my first e-book. And because it will be my first eBook, I will be giving out the first 10 copies free. Keep reading for the details.

The e-book describe in full detail how to successfully day hike Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the continental United States. I have attempted the hike twice, and completed it once, so I know what makes the difference between a successful trip and an unsuccessful one. I also spent quite a bit of time researching for this trip, so I have wealth of knowledge to share.
Mount Whitney

For those of you who don't know, I am just an average guy and I'm not an extreme athlete, but I learned from the first year's mistakes and successfully trained to complete the hike the second time around. Since this is my first go at an e-book, I will be giving out the first 10 copies free. All I ask is that after reading it you provide some feedback. I will then make any necessary changes and probably being selling it for $9 per download.

With this guide I am not trying to make you a superstar hiker, however I will tell you in complete detail the steps I followed to make the trip a success. My goal is to supply anyone with the desire to complete this hike with all the necessary information to prepare, train, and successfully complete this hike.

What you can expect from this guide:
  • What months to go to have the best weather and the best chance of success
  • How to navigage the permit process
  • Training and preparation tips
    • When to begin your training
    • How to know if you're ready
    • How much training is necessary
  • What to expect in the days leading up to the trip
  • Where to stay prior to the hike (Camping vs hotel)
  • Acclimating to the elevation
  • How and what to pack for the hike
  • What to expect on The Big Day
  • Photos of the trail and the mountain


If you are interested in being one of the first to receive this e-book or you wish to get on the list to purchase it, simply leave a comment below or contact me. I will notify you by email when the e-book has been completed.

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Some of my accomplishments ... and things still to be done

 #  posted by Russ, August 5, 2009

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Mount Whitney Summit
Mt Whitney Summit -- August 2008There are days when I feel accomplished, and there are days when I feel down. Sometimes life seems to get a little boring, and the days begin to pass in the blink of an eye. So I've decided to write this post in an effort to keep myself inspired and to remind myself not to let my life get too boring as I quickly approach my 31st year. There are some things that I've accomplished that I can look back upon to remind myself that I am living, and there things I want to do to make sure I keep living. On days when life gets frustrating and starts to seem pretty boring, I remind myself of these things that I've done and can continue to be proud of. And along with that, I have to keep reminding myself of all the things out there that I want to do!

So here is my list... What are your accomplishments and goals? How do you stay motivated?

Done and/or accomplished:


Things I want to do: (Not limited to just this list :) )
  • Finish a marathon or longer race
  • Take an overnight hiking/backpacking trip
  • Ride my bike up the Pacific Coast
  • TRAVEL more (Asia, Africa, more of Europe, South America, anywhere really)
  • Live in a van or RV for at least a month
  • Hike some or all of the Appalachian Trail
  • Become self employed

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Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

 #  posted by Russ, January 2, 2009

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I am not big on resolutions, as most of them seem to just fade in time. But from time to time I re-assess my life and try to make some positive changes. For this New Year, this is what I thought to myself this morning:


I will learn to speak my mind, follow my heart, and live how I wish to live. I will be healthier and be more moderate with my vices.


Pretty simple, right?

Though I enjoy my life, and am generally pretty healthy, I could really do a lot to positively improve myself as well. There are many days where I wonder how I've gotten to this point and what I can change to improve. Most of these thoughts center on my own growth, as well as my career choices.

I talk a lot about diet, travel, and other things like that. There are many things I'm interested in, but nothing I want to go to any extremes with -- I like a life of moderation and being free to indulge extremes as well. For example, I like travel, but I like home too. I like health and my new explorations into raw eating, but I like to enjoy a few beers and dinners out with my girlfriend as well. I like hiking, exercise, and pushing my limits, but I also like lounging on the couch watching TV or reading a book.

So in the coming year my goal is to continue living a middle path, but to try to align my work and career with my interests, and also to be passionate about what I do, regardless of which extreme I am enjoying at the time.

Related Links:
An experiment with raw diet
Meat, to eat or not
Back from Spain

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Day Hike of Mt Whitney - Highest Mountain in United States

 #  posted by Russ, September 9, 2008

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Interested in my How to Hike Mt Whitney in One Day eBook?

Well, at around 14,500 feet, Mt Whitney is not technically the highest mountain in the United States, however it is the highest in the lower 48 states. If you have browsed this site at all, you will have seen on my inspiration page I say that "nothing helps your inspiration more than getting outside, breathing some fresh air, planting your feet firmly on the ground, and being amazed by nature." As an avid hiker who has now climbed Mt Whitney, I can certainly attest to that.

I want to share with you my experience of successfully day hiking Mount Whitney about a month ago. It was an amazing and exhausting experience, and the scenery was breathtaking and certainly inspiring. The entire hike was around 22 miles with an overall elevation gain of over 6000 feet, and took about 18 hours, which included breaks to eat and rest.

Last year I didn't quite summit, however this year I did. This photo is what it looks like at the summit.


Related Links:
How to Climb Mt Whitney in One Day - eBook

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