Thinking of camping in the forest? Why sleep on the ground when you can be off the ground in a tree tent by tentsile.com. Fairly light and packable this tent will give you a dry comfortable night. There is also a plain hammock version to just relax and experience the outdoors. Sedgwick Travel is now an affiliate of tentsile.com and will have some items in stock. Sedgwick Travel will be showing the tree tent at local venues in California and Oregon, as well as static displays in the outdoors.
Be on the lookout for snakes. I saw this one on August 25 while hiking Devils Slide Trail in Idyllwild. I’ve come across this mountain rattlesnake before.
They don’t rattle, at least every time I’ve come across them. I’m sure if you aggravate it, you may get it to rattle, but who wants to do that. This snake just crossed the trail and kept going. And that’s fine with me.
I have always grabbed any pair of socks to wear with my hiking shoes. I never knew that there could be such a difference by wearing Smartwool socks. I bought a pair in Ireland to wear with my waterproof hiking boots. Oh man, we’re they comfortable.
I recently ordered two more pairs of the short crew socks. Again comfortable and they keep your feet dry from perspiration. I’ve hiked 5-12 miles with no complaints. The socks offer maximum breathability with excellent moisture management. They are worth a try.
I’ve hiked several of the Idyllwild trails in August. Other than it being a little warm at the lower elevations, it’s been beautiful above 7000′. The small gnats that have invaded the lower elevations are gone above 7000′. I did notice several downed trees on most of the trails. And some of the trails (PCT) need some trimming, due to plant (poison oak) overgrowth.
I didn’t find any water except for the stream crossing the trail just below Little Round Valley. So make sure you bring plenty of water on your hike. I don’t consume a lot of water normally but with the warmer weather I’ve been consuming about 60oz on a 6 mile hike and even more on longer hikes. Wildlife seems to be venturing down lower in search of water also. I’ve seen several deer along the way.
I find myself lucky to experience these local trails on a regular basis, and hope you also come up and experience this natural wonder in Southern California.
You can now book your hotel stays via booking.com right from this site.
