Dancer on Cerro Alto

Cerro Alto located west of Atascadero Ca. with an elevation 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

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

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

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

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.

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 ( as the crow fly )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.