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Summer Time
Blackberries, Sunshine & Wild Waters
California, Off the Beaten Path |
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Summer Issue 2011 |
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You gotta know by now if you wanna see the really cool stuff, you gotta get away from the masses. Having a high clearance vehicle is often a big bonus for this outdoor task. Sometimes that bad gas mileage SUV proves itself well in the dusty conditions while you search for that one last turn off at the end of the road, away from the pavement. Go for it... with the whole weekend to spare. Take off your wrist watch and see where this route takes you.
National Forests' rural roads are the paths that lead us to such wonderful remote areas. Thankfully we live in a country that has this kinda accessible beauty so readily available. Maybe some of the California State Parks are off-limits now, but we sure have a lot more public land to discover. Out for just a day drive or a 4-day camping weekend, be sure to bring the proper trail and road maps, so you can explore and recreate to the fullest extent. Just park and walk it. What a concept. Leave your rig at camp and explore on foot.
With over a dozen National Forest in California, there are plenty choices. Between elevations, wildflowers, drastic terrain and small towns to discover, you won't be missing the big sale at the mall, guaranteed.
grab a map and start your planning
check out: newly renovated gear store
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Sierra Nevada mountain range is the granite spine of the west coast. This summer rivers are dangerous, most creeks are raging and the lakes are full. In June, the waterfalls in Yosemite were pouring. Gorgeous and amazing scenery awaits in the Sierra Nevada, with abundant snow melt and lush waterways. California waterfalls should last into Autumn this year.
In celebration of good snow in the highn country, we are offering an awesome little map of the Sierra Nevada for a sale price of $8.88
This topo map is colorful and makes a great reference piece, Covers areas from Tehachapi north to Lassen Volcanic Peak. David Imus located in Oregon, has been creating maps for 25 years. A perfect Sierra map for hanging on the wall, it measures 30" x 50". Normally it comes folded at 6" x 9", but you can special order one rolled in a tube, or laminated.
IMUS Sierra Map - sale priced $8.88
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If you are seeking a private camp site in California, then you will need to venture further north than popular Southern Cal. At this time of year, campgrounds in SoCal tend to be crowded campgrounds with locals, families, and RVers, as well as visiting tourists.
After examining population tables on the US Census site, it clearly explains the lack of 'seclusion' in the SoCal. Nearly 40 million people live in the state of California, and half them reside in the bottom third of the state (20k inside 7 counties). That leaves 20 million to populating the rest of the state from the Southern Sierra to NorCal . The moral to the story is: The further you drive north in California, the less people there will be surrounding you, especially out in the boonies.
Roughin in on back roads and staying outside of a developed campground is the best way to camp for free, with you own private site without neighbors nearby. But if you really must have an outhouse and picnic table at a camp, then chose the smaller, lesser known campgrounds. Plus if you pick a destination that isn't well known, you will be less likely to encounter crowds. Chances are if you've never even heard of the place, most everyone else hasn't either.
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Higher than average river flows in California have swept people to their deaths this summer. Kern river has claimed several lives and nearly every river is at high level. The waterfalls are cranking in Yosemite National Park. In May rangers and personnel respond to 2 separate fatality incidents within the park, both of which involved water.
Day dreams of wading in shallow sun filled pools will come late this year, maybe before the snow starts. Please use extra caution around water this season. Wear a lifevest in rivers and lakes, it could save your life.
Total Escape ventured up to Plumas County for a week, exploring areas from Donner Pass to Downieville, and Susanville to La Porte. Muddy back roads and closed campgrounds found in mid July. Big snow berm on Upper La Porte Road. Lassen National Park was still closed from on the south entrance. Mt Shasta must be solid white still.
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Outdoor stickers, here we go! DanaMite has a new vinyl cutting machine for making stickers, and she wants to make you a sticker. Show off your passion for your favorite recreation! Display it boldly for everyone to see, in glossy red, yellow, white, blue or metalic silver.
NEW SUMMER DECALS: iStickers
iBike, iCamp, iClimb, iHike, iRide, iSoak, iWheel
More colors and outdoor designs will soon follow. Sending out totalescape.com stickers free of charge with any map order - or just by request. Total Escape will be celebrating 15 years online this Autumn; all local, all outdoors, all for you California.
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next issue: Autumn Fishing - cabins, creeks & aspen colors
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