Joe's hiking adventures

surprise on Cerro Alto

2012-01-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday , January 22 at approximately 4:30 pm , while talking to a regular hiker near the summit of Cerro Alto , I heard a voice call Grandpa , I looked down the trail to see my grandson Matt and his wife Megan coming up the trail . My heart exploded as this is the first time I have seen them here on my mountain .

a few weeks ago I hiked with Matt 's brother and my great grandson ( 7 years old ) Noah and we made it to the summit 1600 ft elevation gain , how proud I was !!

Last year I backpacked the Sierras with Matt , another milestone in my life .

My Son Luis an veteran ultimarathon runner finished his 10 th 100 mile " Hurt Race in Hawaii " . Things can't get better in a old mans life !! Note that my son Luis is a well sponsored vet of the ultra trail racing scene !

Cerro Alto lcated between Atascadero and Morro Bay Calif .

Cerro Alto Therapy For The Soul

2012-01-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Cerro Alto , a daily hike for myself and often I take a route less often traveled . The lonely quite trail very often offers me a better place to think and meditate . I often wonder if other hikers feel as I do about seeking a quiet place to hike . Fortunately I sometimes do meet such people while hiking and this month of January I have been so lucky . Pictured here is such a person , her name is Lisa and she is here visiting from Seattle . She has in a short period of time hiked several of our local mountains and often taken the less traveled trail . She is strong , confident and most of all seems to have a positive outlook on life .!

I have also recently met a young man on the trail who was visiting our area and has found the mountain an inspirational place . His name is Adam . I enjoyed a short hike and conversation with him and learned he is a writer . This morning I am reading a book he wrote and am finding it very interesting as his adventures often parallel some of my past adventures ! The name of his book is " Where Angels Deserve To Die " I find reading his book very much like conversing with him on the trail. I only wish I had shot a photo of him to share .

For those of you not familiar with Cerro Alto , it is located between Morro Bay and Atascadero Ca. The trail seen here is a fire road , seldom traveled , just below the peak and south of same .

Cerro Alto New Year Celebration

2012-01-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

What better way to start the year ?? Four generations at the top ! Thats me at the top and my Great Grand son Noah up front , grandson Mark Anthony on my left and grandpa Mark ( my son in law ) in red.
Happy New Year !!

Note Cerro Alto is located between Morro bay and Atascadero Ca. , elevation is 2600 ft , the hike is 1600 ft and 3 miles up . My great grand son is 7 years old !
Good Job Noah !!

Cerro Alto Christmas

2011-12-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

Cerro Alto
Located between Morro Bay and Atascadero was bright and sunny this Christmas day . Many visirors enjoyed the views and the weather at the top . A great day for hiking !!

Christmas Week on Cerro alto

2011-12-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas week on Cerro Alto and I am loving the Activity on the mountain , located between Morro Bay and Ayascadero Ca. ---- Yesterday I hiked with good friends and had a great time !

Hiking Christmas Artist

2011-12-21T06:53:00.000-08:00

Thought I would try something new and post my yearly Christmas card . For those of you who don't know me , painting is a passion and each year I make my Christmas art and make my own cards . The original is a oil on canvas 16x20 ,

I think I will start posting some more art that reflects this hiker's mood in his travels .

Double click image to better enjoy same.

Cerro Alto family life

2011-12-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

12-20-11 , on Cerro Alto mountain located on hwy 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero Ca
on a steep climb , the bridge trail , I met this young family , mom dad and two children . It warms my heart to see young folks enjoying the wilderness and sharing with such small kids . This family hiked three
miles , gained 700 ft of elevation and the little girl hiked all the way !!
I later met them in the park lot and judging from their truck and equipment , i am sure this is a way of life for them .I hope to see them again on the trail !!

lost valley

2011-11-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

1-4-11
Wayne and I met Bill(wearing green ) at the Indians area or Memorial Park located east of the Calif. coast approximately 200 miles south of San Francisco in the Ventana wilderness in the Los Padres national Forest . Our trek was to travel to the Lost Valley .
The first photo is at the base of the tallest peak in the Ventana wilderness , Junipero Sierra . The following photos start west on a fairly good trail . The trail deteriorates rapidly. often the trail is at best very thin . Often the trail is non existing or grown over with brush taller than a hikers head . Many times the trail goes over slides . The trek is slow and difficult as a it climbs approximately 1300 ft to a saddle , then descends to Fish Camp , then climbs another 400 ft and reaches a rim where a view of Lost Valley is breath taking ! The trek is a true adventure but I do not advise this hike for the beginning backpacker . Water is plentiful . At this time of the year the weather is cold . We experienced 29 degrees at night . We also found that the past forest fires influenced the landscape in some positive ways adding to it"s beauty ! Note the pine cones on the burned trees and the sculpture like burned tree , the new growth etc. I hope you enjoy !
If you have any questions ---e-mail me at joeramirez@charter.net

Pozo Area

2011-10-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

Quail season is open in the Los Padres
forrest and National Geographis photographic photographers follow Fish and game officer into the Rinconada Trail head park lot and film him as he questions some people in the area about hearing gun shots.
This trail head is located east of Santa Margarita
Ca. near Pozo Calif.
This wilderness are offers fantistic hiking and hunting opportunities .See the many older posts on this blog .

Cerro Alto Challenge

2011-10-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto mountain located between
Atascadero and Morro Bay Cal in the Los padres National Forrest with a 1600 ft elevation gain is my daily hike . I never tire of the variety of visual pleasure I get from this wilderness .
At times it is the landscape or wildlife I love photographing .
And often it is the people on the mountain I love photographing .
Today I enjoyed photographing Sara Gorman , a young runner . I have hiked with her twice and
I admire her strength and her love for the wilderness. She loves running. And as you can see , she does it well . A few weeks ago I hiked 15 miles with her in the Pozo area and found her to be a to be an exceptionally strong young lady !

I hope that you enjoy this experience as much as I loved photographing it .

The bottom line is there is a beautiful experience for all on Cerro Alto

Keep on hiking !

Cerro Alto horses at the top

2011-09-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Cerro alto in the Los Padres national Forrest located on hwy 41 west of Atascadero Ca .

Once again I am pleasantly surprised by a beautiful image at the top !

Rae Lake Loop

2011-09-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

August 29 , Monday evening at Cedar Grove Camp area , yep , that's me by the camp fire enjoying a cold Sierra Nevada Beer . I followed this up with a choice rib eye steak cooked over an apple wood fire . I washed my meal down with a bottle of Opolo Zin !! The only sad part of this evening was that I did not finish the wine and had to leave a third of a bottle behind in order to have a clear head in the morning .

On August 30 , 8 am I pick up my permit at Road's End ranger station and meet up with my grand son Matt Miranda a 30 year old fire captain of Atascadero Ca. I have been very excited about this trip with him for a very long time . It is his first backpacking trip !

This Rae Lake Loop is 44 miles long starting at Road's End on Wood Creek

at the 5000 ft. level climbing up to Mist Falls , Paradise Valley , Woods crossing where it connects with the JMT and then climbs up to the Rae Lakes ( above 10,000 ft ) . The trail then goes over the Glenn Pass , a 12,000 ft. pass enjoying much snow this year !

Aug. 30 Matt and I travel to Mist Falls , then to Middle Paradise Valley , a 7.5 mile trek which included Mist falls on the east side of the trail and Buck Peak on the west side ( a 8800 ft. peak ) .This leg of the journey is flat for the first 2.5 miles and then climbs gently to a 6680 ft. elevation

Matt enjoying a mule pack train , a method of transporting supplies into the ranger stations ,high sierra camps , and trail maintenance crews .

Shots of Matt and myself approaching Mist Falls.

Mist Falls-------------------------

Mist Falls -------------------------

On day 2 , Matt and I met Wayne Howard of Atascadero Ca. at Woods Creek crossing where we stayed one night. Here we hooked up with wayne .this was a prearranged plan that worked ! Wayne was in the process of finishing a through hike on the JMT , a 220 mike trek . The next day we hiked to Rae Lake ( home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the King,s Canyon .

After arriving at Rae Lakes , we all parted company with each leaving on their individual adventure ! Imloved this idea .

The Painted Lady ,my favorite mountain in the sierras . I love the warm colors .

Fin Mountain
This mountain , a must climb for climbers from all over the word !3 years ago Wayne and myself stayed here and fished for two days . We also ,met a girl named James who climbed this mountain free style !

The Painted Lady in early morning light !!!!!

Me again ,on my slo adventure !

Starting my climb up to Glenn Pass .

Glenn Pass ahead.

rest stop before reaching Glenn Pass .

Me resting and looking at Glenn Pass.

Glenn Pass , 1200 ft . tall 1600 ft of elevation gain in less than a mile distance .

Some snow made climbing a challenge !

Typical going on the pass .

First view from the top of the pass .

Me at the top of the pass . This is where I ate lunch .

.a hiker resting at the top of the pass .

A look down at the switch backs on the other side of the pass . ( east side ) Note the two hikers at the lower side.

Myself on the east side of the pass .

Ranger checking my permit .

They really do check for permits .

Deer at Vidette Meadows where I stayed after crossing the Glenn Pass . I was eating breakfast and enjoying the view ! I enjoyed this view so much that I started my hiking late an d had to hike late into the evenning .

Young men crossing swift Bubs Creek at East Lake trail .

same

They are happy to have made it without falling !

Two girls I met at Sphinx crossing camp area just 4 miles from exiting at Roads End. Note the tassles on their caps to keep the bugs away . great idea !!

Thanks for enjoying my trip .

beauty on Cerro Alto

2011-06-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto , my daily fix , located between Atascadero and Morro Bay . in the Los Padres national Forrest .The elevation gain on this mountain is 1600 ft.
At times on my daily hike I think there is nothing new --- today I enjoyed the attached photos !! As I reached the top of the mountain I saw these two girls enjoying the view . --- Quiet day --- interesting sights ! Slow down and enjoy your hiking .

Warm weather on Cerro alto

2011-06-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto located in the Los Padres National Forrest on west of Atascadero Ca.

The weather is warming up on Cerro Alto and as we all know water is important for all hikers , both human and dogs ! These girls are definitely prepared for taking care of their dog having a water dish and a leash for him . Good work !!
I have for years hiked this mountain daily and have seen several dogs go down with heat stroke do to lack of water and training .
Keep on hiking !

Interesting People #2

2011-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I posted photos of two Cal Fire employees . Today I had opportunity to hike up the Cerro alto mountain with Jennifer . Again I must say I was impressed . Her pace was fast and she was very focused . At the top I enjoyed the conversation with her and her friend .In the photo of myself and her , I am holding the water bag containing 5 gallons of water weighing 40 lbs. I also noted she was carrying other gear plus a drinking water supply . Good work !!

Big Falls up date

2011-05-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

A few more shots of Big Falls
canyon , all are in the canyon except the rocky slope which is the
rinconada trail head at High Mt
rd. The lady is a lost runner , Jim is helping her read her map. He loves lady rescue work !!

Be sure to enjoy the short video of the falls at the bottom of the page.

The Big Falls located off High mountain e/o Santa Margarita Ca in the Los Padres National forest . Jim and I hiked from the park lot of the Rinconada trail head to High Mt Rd. and down the Big Falls Trail and then returned -- Approximately 16 miles . This is the first time I video recorded the falls . For more still photos see earlier postings .

Pine Ridfe Trail May 2011

2011-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

1s week or May 2011 , on the Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness again. I love this wilderness . My hiking companion is is a young athlete , John Hacker of Atascadero Ca . this trail adventure starts at China Camp trail head located on Tassahara rd west of Greenfield Ca. We were a little too early for the spring colors , the weather was cool , the nights cold in the low 30s . en route we met CCC crew on horse back at a very narrow part of the trail , it was difficult to make room for them to pass . I was impressed with the trail work they did , note some of the photos of them working and the clean trail ! Our first night was in Pine Valley where we had to visit Jack English a 93 year old man who lives in a primitive style , That is him with me , he is wearing thew brown jacket . Jack seems i good health . He says he will love the strawberries ands chocolate I took to him .

That's me below , nice having a photographer along on thew hike ! Thanks John .

This profile is of John with Junipero Sierra mountain behind him .

Check out the clean trail , thanks to the hard work of the CCC .

Dangerous trail !

This marker was left on Ventana Cone South mountain , nobody was around ?

On The valley floor ---- for more valley photos see Pine Ridge fall posting of November 2010 .

Above is John demonstrating the proper method of starting a camp fire .

The intersection to the Pine Ridge camp area , last time I was here there was no signs or markings .

Sunrise at ridge camp .

Twin Peaks as seen from the ridge , this view is looking south west .

Sunset from the ridge .

strange view looking north west from the ridge .

View south west and below the ridge , that is the Pine ridge trail going down to the coast .

From top of the mountain just north of our camp on the ridge , look carefully and you will see a tent .

close up photo of the Pine Ridge trail continuing to the coast .
For more photos of the Pine Ridge , see Pine Ridge Trail Fall Colors , November 2010

Thanks !

Touch of Spring on Cerro Alto

2011-05-06T08:05:00.001-07:00

Once again , on Cerro alto Mountain -- Los Padres Forrest _ I am enjoying spring . The photo ops are endless . This year is a especially good year in the wilderness as water has been plentiful two years consecutively . Animal and plant life is thriving ! Butterflies and bees have caught my attention this spring , here you will see blue , brown ,black and white butterflies . The bees enjoy high country black sage blooms . I wonder what the honey from these blooms tastes like ?
The Yucca and Manzanita are doing well . Note the bears love to eat both along with Black Sage blooms .
Great year . I also remind you that the local natives in years past enjoyed these as food sources . The Yucca stalk yielded good liquid and then were roasted for eating . The Manzanita made tea. The Bay Laurel is best at the top of the mountain . The Blue Sage is very delightful this year and is all over the mountain . The Indian Paint Brush suffered from late frost , but the Lupines and the cream Cups are doing super . All and all mid and late blooming plant life should also do great this year . The creeks will be filled with Elderberries and mushrooms . Note that the elderberry is a late season food source for the bears so don't startle them in the creek beds !
Bush Bunnies are especially fat this year and plentiful and the Turkey Vultures are keeping a close eye on things . All in all , life is great on the mountain this spring . Spring is all over from the Yerba Santa to the Morning Glories . Enjoy and keep on hiking !!

interesting people on the mountain # 1

2011-05-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto , my home mountain , love this place . yesterday I returned from a short backpacking trip on the pine Ridge trail in the Ventana Wilderness , now I am enjoying the afterglow from that trip , more about that later . Today I am going to start posting a series of interesting people on Cerro Alto mountain . I start with a scene I have often enjoyed , dedicated people who train their bodies to serve and protect us . The first is a Cal Fire man carrying a heavy load and wearing heavy clothing and helmet on a warm spring day. I forget his name but he has served for 16 years and this is how he prepares for fire season every year and I note that this is his day off !! Occasionally , In meet some firemen from my town of Atascadero Ca. , 7 miles from this mountain on US 101 . I have a grandson , a captain on the fire department . His men also train on their own time , I love seeing them and recognize some of them . The second two photos are a young lady Cal Fire person named Jennifer . Each of these photos I took on different hikes . I have met her on the trail 3 times this spring and I am very impressed with her focus on physical fitness . She carries the bag she is holding filled with 5 gallons of water , weighing 40 lbs. along with her other equipment . At the top of the mountain she empties the bag . Once again SHE IS DOING THIS TRAINING ON HER OWN TIME ! Today I met her on her way down the mountain . I have met forest service employees on many trails in the state and am always impressed with their work !---- Thank You to all of you who work so hard to make the wilderness a better and safer place !!

Pozo turkeys

2011-04-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Jeff , got your comment , you did not leave a e-mail address or contact info .
my e-mail address is joeramirez@charter.net

Rinconada Trail Spring clowds

2011-04-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Rinconada trail , e/ Santa Margarita Cal . near Pozo Cal.

at the top , a short 2 mile hike and your in heaven at this time of the year!

Cerro Alto mountain

2011-04-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto Summit , located in the Los Padres forest Hwy 41 west of atascadero Ca. These Kids are having fun at the top , weather is great , spring is here ! Great hike again !

Cerro Alto warminy up

2011-04-07T07:34:00.001-07:00

Cerro Alto mountain , located on hwy41 west of Atascadero Ca. , is now warming up and spring is again evident in the color and beauty , and along with this spring event , Rattle snakes appear --- be careful ! Today I photographed this large Rattler that was barely visible as it was in the grass 10 inches from the trail ! As you can see it is black and was in the shade , the trail was in the sun -- tough combination . This snake is 4 to 5 feet long with several rattles and remember it can strike over half of its length ! So be careful .

Enjoy the spring hiking and watch the color multiply .

Dancer on Cerro Alto

2011-03-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto located west of Atascadero Ca. with an evelation gain of 1600 ft. Today , 3-30-2011, I met a most interesting hiker at the top of Cerro alto . I was at the top when I observed below a hiker climbing at a very fast pace and when she arrived at the top I was surprised to see her very composed in warm weather wearing dance clothes and shoes , with no gear . Her water supply in her purse were in small square bottles . Great lady in superb physical shape . I complemented her on same and asked what else she did to keep in shape she said she was a Tango Dance . Anyway she made an interesting hiker !

Cerro Alto Spring 2011

2011-03-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Cerro Alto west of Atascadero Ca. between Atascadero and Morro Bay Ca. March

27 , 2011 , the record setting rains have stopped and the sun is shinning , the temp is in the 60s and all is fresh . The trail reveals beauty in all places , flowers , water , and most of all beautiful people enjoying a healthy sport of hiking , The couple reaching the top were from Berkley , traveling and backpacking . i shared some trail info for their travels . The young lady taking photos at the top of Cerro alto is Ashley , she was with 5 others , all were in super shape ,and enjoying the mountain . We discussed the view of the sierras and other mountains within view from this location . I love seeing Youth of this age getting physical and enjoying the the wilderness ! I hope to see them again . a special thanks to my model Ashley !

Turkey Season open

2011-03-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

March 25 , 2001 -- Saturday , at the Rinconada trail in Pozo ( e/o ) Santa Margarita Ca. A rainy day , Jim and I are about to hike when we were advised by Fish and Game officer of hunting in the area . We heard many gun shots . this officers heads up was welcome ! The officer identified himself as Togazzini ( I hope I spelled it right ). a couple of weeks ago we met turkey hunters exploring the area's turkey potential . This game warden upon learning of our interest in wild life on the trail was kind enough to show us a turkey confiscated today for an illegal hunt on private property .He explained how to identify a legal tom turkey see the beard on the neck -- close up photo. Good work Fish and Game ! Thanks for being an important part of wilderness trail life !

Back Packing Training 3-19-11

2011-03-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday hike in Pozo , on the Rinconada Trail ( east of Santa Margarita Ca. ) brought me in contact with father and son team Dave and Nathan training for a week long back packing adventure to New Mexico with the Boy Scouts . It was pouring down rain and I found the umbrella a interesting piece of equipment . It warms my heart to see a dad teaching his son to love the wilderness !
Best of luck to you both , hope to see you again !

Pozo Turkey Hunter

2011-03-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Jim and I were hiking the Rinconada Trail when we met the turkey hunter wearing his trophies (turkey spurs ) !He claimed he had hiked 7 miles and saw no sign of turkeys . As we left the area we saw about 30 turkeys . Too bad for the hunter . Oh well that's the way luck is ?

Junipero Serra and Bear Mt.

2011-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

A rare view of Junipero Serra and Bear mountain on the right . This view was Sunday February 27 th , 2011 This photo was taken with a 400 mm lens on a Canon SLR . The mountains are approx. 50 miles away and usually covered with clouds when there is snow on the ground . Junipero is 5,862 feet high .

Cerro Alto is located in the Los Padres National Forrest on hwy 41 west of Atascadero.

Tuolumne River

2011-02-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

Posted here are a few photos from my backpacking adventure to the grand canyon of the Tuolumne River last year . My intended adventure was to be a 70 mile loop , starting and finishing at the Tuolumne Meadows ( located above Yosemite Valley ) . However due to injuries I was not able to complete same . Anyway I hope that you enjoy these photos made during the two days of this trip . We passed several water falls that made the trail very loud and spectacular . The water fall with the blue pool at the base of same in Glenn Aulin located about 6 miles from the Tuolumne Meadows . We camped at the frost covered meadow located another 6 miles past Glenn Aulin . The girl in the swim wear was swimming in the ice cold waters of the water falls . I included two photos that need more explanation . One is my partner Wayne building a fire as I think he an expert at making a fire on the trail under any circumstances , note how small the fire is started , He takes pride in using only one match ! The other photo is the horse back rider , he is a ranger . Great job if you can get it !! For more information on this hike see the Yosemite High Country Trail Map from Tom Harrison Maps .

Cerro Alto -- pretty images

2011-02-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

Haven't posted in a while so I am posting some interesting and pretty images om Cerro Alto ( located on hwy 41 west of Atascadero Ca. ) . All are self explainable except the tracks in the rain . It is raining season now and I love hiking in the rain and so do the wild life . I met a man hiking in the rain , we were the only two on the mountain , we met traveling opposite directions we said hello and continued on our way . It was pouring and I was enjoying his foot tracks on the ground ( my thought was our the only tracks because of the heavy rain ) a few yards after passing him I saw these cat tracks on top of his foot prints . All washed away within a hour or so . They were completely gone upon my return down the mountain . I find this really fascinating as I have come upon a situation like this several times in the past while hiking in the rain ! Note that there are two images of these tracks -- one is a close up image . The planes I found interesting because they were so low and large I am told that they are C130 and used for carrying troops and tanks etc.

night animal shots

2011-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

I taught you might enjoy some night photos I took with a infra red camera in the Pozo Area . The quality is very poor but fun . The cougar shots were all far away from the camera and the jack rabbit , coyote , grey fox are close to the camera . Since I had to crop in all photos , size is deceptive . The cougars were really far from the camera but this cat is a mature animal with his back approximately 2 and 1/2 ft. high , it weighs approx . 165 lbs . I know this because I took some measurements of items in this are for comparison and used Adobe photo shop grid method to establish size .I have now seen several cougars both dead and alive in the field and now have a pretty good working knowledge of them . I have also photographed and measured dozens of cat tracks , both cougar and bob cat . The fox is a Grey Fox and is much larger than the red fox . The Coyote is large in this area about the size of a large dog .The jack rabbits are of average size and I was surprised to see them in this area as I have never seen them in the daylight here . ???? Note Golden Eagles abound in this area !!

sierras view

2011-02-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

This is a rare view of Mount Whitney as seen from the top of Cerro Alto . This mountain is 14495 ft high and is located 172 miles and 50 degrees N/E of Cerro Alto . Most of the time you can not see these mountains due to the fog or smog in the valley . Today is a good day because it rained this past week in January 2011 . Sorry for the small image on this blog . If you ever climb Cerro Alto , take a compass and shoot a bering 58 degrees N/E and just and you will know where this mountain is .
Atascadero is located below Mt Whitney in this photo. As you can see , the sierras are snow capped now .With binoculars you can see these mountains and her canyons !!
Enjoy !
Cerro Alto is located in San Luis Obispo Co. weswt of Atascadero Ca.

Pine ridge trail fall colors

2010-11-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

11-16-10

Once again on the Pine Ridge Trail , we entered same at the China Camp trail head which is located on Tassajara rd. 35 miles n/w of Greenfield Ca. .

This area of the state is one of the prettiest wilderness areas I have ever visited in California . This was my 5 th hike here . The trail goes from China Camp to the coast at Big Sur . For more photos of the trail see older postings titled Pine Ridge .

Today I am posting some beautiful color that floods

the canyons and valleys of

this wilderness . The photos start at the Church creek divide , see the above sign .

These photos include an up dated photo of Jack English with Wayne and myself in his kitchen , he cooked for us on his wood burning stove again . Remember Jack is 92 years old ! He still hikes ! Also pictured here are photos of Junipero Serra mountain viewed from the Church Creek Trail , and caves with native American pictographs , and a 110 year old shack . Sorry about not giving directions of the caves as they are on private property . I also included a photo of Bill Sullivan , a lettuce grower and friend of Jack . Bill is an avid hiker and monthly packs some groceries in to Jack we enjoyed his greatly company . I f you have any questions about this post e-mail me joeramirez@charter.net

nore Pozo fun

2010-11-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

/remember Pozo is east of Santa Margarita Ca. in San Luis Obispo Co.

Thought I would include a couple of more elk and hawk shots and show
how we finish a trail hike .
Photographed here are Jim Bartlett and Myself --- Joe .
Keep Hiking

Pozo Eagles , Elk and Hawks

2010-11-11T10:24:00.001-08:00

11-10-10
Hiking again the Pozo area
located approximately 30 miles east of Santa Margarita Ca. This time I had a real camera with me and not a point and shoot that I used to photograph the elk posting last week . I deleted those of last week . I hope that you will enjoy these a lot more . Remember to double click on the image and it will enlarge a little .
The last photo is of a bull coming out of a drainage .The photo at the top is a Golden Eagle . The bird landing in the tree is a Red Tail Hawk . The bird in flight is an Eagle also.
This day I was blessed to have shot more than 150 images . To bad I cant share all !
If you have any questions e-mail me at joeramirez@charter.
****************************!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A special thanks to Jim Bartlett , my photo assistant , as he is very enthusiastic and has a sharp eye !

Pozo area 10-2010

2010-11-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Fun in the Pozo Area again .

I love hiking this area east of Santa Margaretta Ca.

The shots here are Golden Eagles at the water , and in flight . the silhouette is a Raven.

This area abound in wild life everything including , Elk , Cougars , Coyote , Deer , Turkey , Bears , Bob Cats , Hawks , Rattlers and much more !

Note : These Golden Eagles are approximately 20 lbs and over 3 feet tall .

Rinconada in September

2010-09-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well it is September with fall approaching again. The Rinconada trail in the Pozo area east of Santa Margarita Ca. is still beautiful with it's golden colors and abundant wild life .I love this entire area and in the past have posted spring , winter , photos also . Animal tracks and sounds on trails in the Pozo area are an entertainment beyond photo description . I hope that you enjoy this small sample of Los Padres forest in the Pozo area .
I could not resist including the stray white calf , cattle on the trail are always a welcome sight and only add to the charm of this area.

Cerro Alto

2010-08-17T08:58:00.001-07:00

This is Ty.
He climbed Cerro Alto today.
He looked a little tired .
A few more hikes on this mountain will help !

Hope you enjoy the composition.

hiker and his dog

2010-07-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

7-14-10
Had a beautiful hike today , following a couple fo new friends .

sweet peas

2010-07-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

had a beautiful hike , saw a big cougar but he ran horizontally and was about 200 feet from me I could not get a focus on him with my point and shoot camera. I wish I had a SLR
with me. But I got some sweet peas ,

fox , snakes and lizards

2010-07-10T08:57:00.001-07:00

July 9 Th

Cerro Alto --- again !

Located near Atascadero Ca. in San Luis Obispo Co. The Lizard traffic is heavy on the trail and this brings out the fox , rodents and snakes . I got lucky again with my point and shoot camera . The only rodent I saw today was dead . I have seen many fox before , but this is the first time I succeeded in photographing one . Note this is a mama fox ! Enjoy !

buck on Cerro Alto

2010-06-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Once again on my daily hike on Cerro Alto -- a mountain in the Las Padres national Forest near Atascadero Ca.
I was standing on the west ridge of this canyon facing a 500 ft. cliff across the canyon when I saw this buck run up the east wall of this canyon . He was running from me and I could not believe my eyes , hearing the noise and seeing him run straight up ! I never would have guessed an animal could scale up such a steep cliff so fast . He once stopped to briefly look at me . and then disappeared over the ridge above me . This was a very exciting moment and I was lucky to have a long lens on my slr Canon .

dream hike on Cerro Alto

2010-06-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

6-11-10

Fantasy hike on a hot day .

The weather on Cerro Alto was hot , but there was a breeze at the top !

eye to eye

2010-05-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

I need to explain how these turkey photos were made.... as you can see I am shooting down at this bird ----- he was trying to attack me !! He was loud !!

The Steps near Pozo

2010-05-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

That is me on the famous Steps

near Pozo California.

This location is about 40 miles east of

Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo Co.

The double track trail is a real challenge for modified four wheel
drivers .

And take it from me it is very steep

and rugged .

I thought it was time to hike this bad boy .

My friend Jim and I were up to

the Challenge !

I forgot to take a trekking pole

and it sure would have helped !

The turkey photos were

taken en route to Pozo this day.

This Bad Boy was angry and

ready for a fight !

Spring 2010 Cerro Alto

2010-05-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

It,s spring again on Cerro Altoand the weather is warming up . People are enjoying the mountain in larger numbers . The Yuccas are blooming again . I just love the warm afternoons . I have been lucky to find some beautiful quartz crystals as you can see in my hand . We have had one day of rain each week lately and as you can see by couple in the white tee shirts the rain felt good to them as the made it to the summit without rain gear . When I took this shot I was wearing a rain suit .

Hope you enjoy the self portrait , I made it today

Pozo Cocktail Shots

2010-05-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

A few shots from Pozo Cocktail shots

Pozo Cocktail

2010-05-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Pozo California , a very small town and the gate way to Los Padres Forest wilderness . I love this area of our county . It is located about 20 miles east of Santa Margarita Ca. The wilderness offers many beautiful and strenuous hikes.
Warm weather always calls for a cold beer at the Pozo Saloon . The people are always friendly and interesting .
The landscape is always changing in this area , but now is probably the most beautiful time of the year . I hope you enjot the short slide show I have prepared from yesterday's hike !

Cerro Alto

2010-04-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

( Cerro Alto --in Los Padres National forest near Atascadero Ca. )

4-29-10
Today I met some interesting hikers at the top of Cerro Alto .
Dennis Vaca of Atascadero says they were training for an endurance race
of 50 miles.
As a daily hiker of this mountain , I found this to be a rare sight as riders usually only climb half way up this mountain .

I have also included some local color --- one a beautiful flower arrangement and the other some shot gun shell litter , both found this day on this beautiful mountain .
I will return tomorrow with a bag to clean up the shells as there were to many on the road to store in my pockets .

Manzana river trail

2010-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Manzana Canyon is located in the San Rafael Wilderness ) east of Los Olivos Ca . In Santa Barbara County )

Thanks to Kris Madaus here is the Manzana School House----------------

Thanks Kris .

Saturday April 10,2010 I hiked with four friends down the Manzana river trail to the Manzana School House camping area . I did not get a photo of the school house but Khris Madaus promised to send one to me and when he does I will post same . The weather was cool and sunny . The trail 9 miles one way and wet . We crossed the river 32 times while carrying a back pack . This trail is rich with history as far back as the 1800s when homesteaders settled there .

Big Falls 4-2010

2010-04-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

( Big Fall trail is located in the Los Padres National forest ) east of Santa Margarita Ca ., in San Luis Obispo Co.
For those of you who are not familiar with same , this trail can be accessed from High Mountain Road above Pozo Ca.
I love hiking a longer version starting at the trail head of Rinconada trail off Pozo road to High Mountain road and then west on High Mountain road for approx 1.5 miles to Big falls trail head and then 3 miles down to the falls . total loop is 12 miles .

Saturday April 17 , I finally succeeded in
finding Big Falls with a full water fall .
The wild flowers were in full bloom and
much trail work completed . The weather
and very warm , I met many
hikers . Some were even fishing . All was good !

more Rinconada photos 4-10

2010-04-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Rinconada trail 4-10

2010-04-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Rinconada trail is located in the Los Padres National forest in San Luis Obispo Co. Cal.
e/of Santa Margarita Ca.

April 3-10
I hiked the Rinconada Trail out of Pozo up to the High Mountain road and then big falls. For photos of Big Falls see archived posting Big Falls . The weather was great and the wild flowers have started to blossom , see following posting . I have included here a photo of rangers on horse back as this was a first for me to see mounted rangers in this area . They said that the Little Falls trail has just been improved and if you have seen this trail before you will surely remember how eroded , narrow and steep it is . Also the sign and gate missing for years. here are photos of the new sign and trail head . Also note the improved trail shot in the distance . The trail has been widened to 7 ft. Sorry , the trail is still just as steep as before , strenious !!

Cerro Alto 3/28/10

2010-03-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

( Cerro Alto , located in the Los Padres National forest Between Morro Bay and Atascadero Ca. )

More color at Cerro Alto .
The weather is warm and the aroma of flowers is strong !
Note third and fourth photo are both sage one, the third is black sage and the fourth is grey sage .

Pine Ridge Trail 3-20-10

2010-03-24T07:56:00.001-07:00

We started this hike at the China Camp area west of Greenfield Ca. The trail continues west to Big Sur State park on Hwy 1

Yes that is me with a horse , the photo is a little fuzzy but I like it as it reminds me of the fun I had ! And that is me also going under a tree fall . Hard work on an old man !!

This Pine Ridge trip was beautiful but difficult as there were many , many dead tree falls and climbing over and under them was hard work while wearing a 40 lb. pack !I was a little disappointed not finding wild flowers yet as in my area the mountains are now covered with flowers . But I enjoyed the scenery just the same as one of my favorite models hiked with us . Her name is Hanna and she is a Berkley student on spring break . I have watched this girl grow up as a dancer and actress and now enjoy her as a backpacking hiker ! For more photos of the trail vistas see my posting on Pine Ridge Trail of 2-10-10

We also met some fun people , cowboys and of course Jack English a 91 year old resident of Pine Valley and he is doing fine. Jack is always a pleasure to visit and he still hikes out to buy groceries.

Spring on Cerro Alto

2010-03-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

( Cerrro Alto my home Mountain near Atascadero Ca. )

Spring is bursting all over our mountains ! The weather is great .
Butterflies are out and so are the snakes !

Cerro Alto 2nd week March

2010-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

( Cerro Alto in the Los Padres National Forest near Atascadereo Ca. )

These shots are at the top of the mountain.

Is the 2nd week of march and the weather is improving , it is dry but cold at the top. I was lucky to meet so many young people the past few days.

Much fun !

The shot of me walking was a surprise as I was not aware it was taken .

snake season

2010-03-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Hi guys ,
I don"t mean to instruct , but in a couple of weeks these guys will be out in force and they love the trail , Cerro Alto Los Paders forrest in SLO Co. The King snake is a good guy ! He is not very frightened
of humans-- please don't bother him . He also eats Rattlers !!
As for the Rattler--- give him space !
Learn all you can about how to protect yourself before a bite and after a bite !

Cerro Alto- Scout Trail

2010-03-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

( Cerro Alto located in the Los Padres National forest near Atascadero Ca. )

By several requests , a couple of photos of the Scout Trail on Cerro Alto . The first is the trail head near hwy 41 at entrance to campground , it continues level for approx 1/8 mile and then climbs about 600 ft in 3/4 mile distance and continues along the ridge and you can see Morro Rock from the ridge , then the trail enters a eucalyptus grove and continues for another 3/4 mile and exits on a ridge with The summit of Cerro Alto access in full view.

Big Falls Trail

2010-03-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

( Big Falls trail located in the Los Padres National forest east of Santa Margarita Ca. Ca. )

Big Falls

This is one of my favorite hikes because of the diverse beauty in landscape and geometric composition in the rock formations .

The hike is 6 miles in and out , however , I like doing a loop Big Falls and Little Falls ( 8 miles ) or both falls starting at Rinconada trail total of 14 miles . any of these combinations is a Strenuous !

The long loop is better access near Pozo Ca. and the single falls trail is best reached via Arroyo Grande Ca. access.These shots were made in late October after some rain .

2010-02-23T22:47:00.000-08:00

Fall colors on Cerro Alto Mt. Better late than never , thought I should share some fall colors on Cerro Alto -San Luis Obispo co . Ca.

* tired of rain

2010-02-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Friday 2-19-10 , and more rain !

Once again

I got caught in the rain but I had my winter pack so I quickly suited up in my rain gear and continued hiking . I do enjoy the rain but I have had enough rain for the year . I am ready for summer !

* bear

2010-02-19T07:19:00.001-08:00

A couple of years ago I met this bear on the trail near Pozo . This bear did not want to give up the trail. I had to bushwhack up around it. Stubborn guy it gave me a false charge , but it was fun .

*Cerro Alto 2-17-10

2010-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

2-17-10 Tuesday and there is a touch of spring in the weather. A little sunshine brings out the early flowers , creativity and lots of campers and hikers. This flowering bush I love and soon there will be thousands of these on the mountain along with many other. Does anybody know what the name of this flower is >

*JMT

2010-02-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Feel like posting a little of the John Muir Trail and that is me cresting the Donahue Pass a 13000 ft pass. The Mountain over looking the lake is Banner Peak and Garnett Lake ( the first mountin and lake photoat top )

*more Copper Canyon

2010-02-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

I hiked Cerro Alto yesterday the weather was great . Many people on the mountain enjoying the beautiful weekend but I was nursing a sore right foot which made hiking a little tough . This reminded me of the natives of the Copper Canyon and their bare feet and all the running they do. Check out the foot photo of earlier posting . These guys don't know what it is to wear shoes yet they run hundreds of miles weekly. It really makes me wonder about foot health ? Today I am posting from the 06 race the 50 mile race in which Ornolfo , the native who won the race , you will see him close up and running along side of the worlds number one ultra runner Scott Jurek. Th man with the pen and note book in hand is Christopher McDougall the author of best selling book" Born To Run "

*Cerro Alto 2-11-10

2010-02-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Took a late hike on Cerro Alto today ( Thursday the 11 ) I went to the west ridge . Morro Rock was spooky and dark . I found a lot of cougar tracks near the shed . actually I have seen many fresh tracks here in the past couple of weeks . The cat tracks are of all sizes so I am sure there is a new family near by as the tracks are close to fresh water puddles on this trail.

*Beach Hike

2010-02-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

I love beach hikes because of the unique beauty I encounter .Beach hiking is not as challenging as mountain trails but often very rewarding --- View the slide show and see if you agree ?

*Lady Bugs

2010-02-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

2-12-10 ---A couple of days ago , on a dry day the sun came out and the lady bugs appeared . They gather by the thousands in sunny spots along the trails of Cerro Alto. I saw a little boy with his arms covered with lady bugs and he was so proud ! I should have taken a photo of him --my mistake !

*Painted Lady and Banner Peak paintings

2010-02-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

I love painting locations and events that I have visited . Here I share the Painted Lady , the mountain on the Rae Lake Loop in Kings canyon . this painting is the one with the bright reflection in the water . The other painting is of Banner Peak overlooking Garnett Lake . I am told that this mountain is the most photographed mountain on the John Muir Trail . Both of these paintings are 40 inchs and are in oil .

*Copper Canyon Native Runners

2010-02-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

These were some of the Tarahumara men who raced our American runners in a 50 mile race . I am posting a couple of more photos . The guys hiked 40 miles from Botopilas to Urique in one day ! The race was started in the town of Urique.

In 2006 , I made a trip to the Copper Canyon with my son Luis a ultra runner . He and six other runners raced 50 miles with the natives of this canyon . This race is now fetured in a Best Selling Book " Born to Run" by Mc Dougal. More on the details later as I am now going to hike . I just wanted to post a couple of photos

*more on PineRidge Trail

2010-02-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

couple of more photos including a sunrise and sunset

*more on Pine Ridge Trail

2010-02-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

sunset and sunrise

*Pine ridge trail

2010-02-09T21:55:00.001-08:00

These photos were taken in November of 09 from the Pine ridge trail . We started the hike at China Camp trail head located west of Greenfield Ca. and hiked to the coast . The hike was slow and tough ! fires and rain had damaged trails and all signs . But the trip was great as the views were spectacular as we could see Junipero Cerra peak , the ocean , Ventana cone peak , Pine Valley and much more . The weather was cold and damp .The sunsets and sunrises were beautiful. I promise to post more photos of this area later. This blog limits the number of photos one can post at a time.

*Cerro Alto 2-7-09 5:PM

2010-02-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a Cerro Alto hike . Had a great time .weather was fairly clear . I enjoyed this couple's energy !

*People on Photos of Cerro Alto

2010-02-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

the view of the Morro Bay Rock is from the summit of Cerro Alto.

There is a 360 degree view from this summit .

As promised , here are a couple of brighter photos of Cerro Alto

*still raining on Cerro Alto 2-6-10

2010-02-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

Still raining !! Well it is late and I gettin off the Cerro Alto trail at dark , about 5:45PM as you can see by two photos . I am going to post these and then post a couple of brighter photos of Cerro Alto .

*Grand Canyon

2010-02-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Today its raining and I will get wet on my daily hike , So---------.

Time to warm up the images and what better way than to post some grand canyon photos .

*mushrooms and quartz

2010-02-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I met a young man , an avid hiker, who collects mushrooms and quartz on Cerro Alto. Jeremy is his name . He told me that after the rains and bike activity quartz crystal are easy to find . The mushrooms are Chantal and are orange in color with ruffled edges.

*Mentor-- Wayne Howard

2010-02-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

A little about the man who introduced me to backpacking.--Wayne.
Wayne has been hiking most of his life and backpackin since he was a kid .He is a professor at cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo .He is responsible for my keen interest and understanding of the sport of backpacking. I am posting a couple of photos of

*Cerro alto Trail Maintenance

2010-02-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Ron Dexter

Does it all!

That's right , Ron maintains the trails weekly without pay !

When rain is predicted , he works extra hard to prepare the trails for drainage. When the storm damage is done -- he cleans it up !!

I can not thank him enough !

*Kings Canyon

2010-02-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

Kings Canyon -- Rae Lake Loop -- fishing was great , especially on Dragon Lake (an off trail lake ) I found the 12700 ft Painted Lady Peak to be beautiful . I also painted this mountain . I will post a photo of the painting later. I had quite a surprise one with a middle of the night visit by a cougar-- four legged cougar . I am attaching photos it made at the edge of my tent .

*Cerro Alto current news and photos

2010-02-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

bush bunnies love to come out in the rain as do many other animals--- banana slugs, turkeys , some birds ,etc.

January and the rain is frequent and heavy . The trails are in great shape and have started to dry out . For a while the canyon trail was difficult to hike due to swollen creek crossings and tree dead falls . The mountain is always beautiful with rain , clouds , and sunshine. some wild life love this season as you will see with some photos I am posting . Enjoy !