Visit Anchorage: Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area

We visited the Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area, which is a wildlife habitat and offers trails and viewing platforms. 

It was a brisk day, which made for a comfortable hike on an easy loop trail.  There is an option to go down a number of steps to an overlook

There, we saw some Sandhill Cranes.

Although we didn't see much else, we did enjoy the views.  The views were so pretty!

The Natural Area is right at the edge of a neighborhood, and with the exception of cars that go through to get to the parking lot, I imagine they feel fortunate to be able to visit whenever they want.  

It was a nice place to visit!

Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area
9531 Selkirk Dr

Anchorage, AK 99502

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Visit Nevada: Hiking at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway

While in Nevada, we attempted to go to Lee Canyon for some snow play, but highway patrol ended up turning people around since the snow was minimal.  Since we were already on Mt. Charleston, we decided to check out the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway which was just a few minutes away, and it turned out to be a starting point for a number of hikes.

The Kunav Huveep Trail is an easy "stroller-friendly" trail, and we did some of the Pack Rat route, which leads to a very steep Escarpment Trail. 

It's hard to tell from this pic, but the incline was pretty steep - it reminded me of the tunnel in DMZ in Korea (IYKYK).

We didn't do the entire trail since we had no plans on hiking (we just had some free time and decided to get some physical activity in), and we really weren't dressed for it nor did we have adequate water, etc., but the park ranger at the Visitor Center said the views are incredible if you can get to the top.  

Even though it was in the 40s, it was very warm being out in the sun.

It was nice to be outdoors, away from the hustle & bustle of The Strip.  The views were pretty!

If hiking is not your thing, there are a number of exhibits you can see around the Visitors Center, and of course there are restrooms.

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway
2525 Kyle Canyon Rd

Mt Charleston, NV 89124

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Visit Maui: Kapalua Coastal Trail

While staying at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, I went to check out the Kapalua Coastal Trail.  

I went early in the morning, and even though it started to rain, it looked like the showers were passing, so I decided to keep walking.

I'm so glad I did, because despite some intermittent showers, the walk was just so nice and relaxing, with the most gorgeous views.  

I started on a boardwalk path, that soon eventually transitioned to sand, dirt, and lava rock.

I came across some runners and walkers, but the trail was not overly crowded.  

There was one point of the trail that cut through some lava rock, and it was not clearly marked (at least to me it wasn't), so I had to wait until another walker passed me so I could follow the path he took.  Turns out, you could just make your own path across the rocks, being cautious not to enter any restricted native bird nesting areas (there are many along the trail) or private property.  

I really took my time to take in the views and my surroundings, and I was able to cover about 60% of the trail before I had to head back for another busy day.  

 Next time I hope to finish the entire walk!

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Visit Los Angeles: Hike to View of Hollywood Sign

I've always wanted to hike to the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, but never found the time. This past weekend I got the chance, but since I was with my 13 year old son that doesn't really enjoy hiking, I knew the over 4 mile hike was out. Instead, I was able to find on the All Trails app a pretty easy trail to a great view of the sign which would make us both happy.

The trail is called Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Drive. The trail is 1.7 mile out and back and takes about 45 minutes. The trail is not shaded so be prepared with sunscreen and water. The path isn't difficult, but still recommend wearing proper footwear as you don't want to slip.

We found parking near the trailhead on Innsdale Drive. The trail is open year-round and is dog friendly. 

View of the lake

Cade was satisfied with this view. LOL

But keep going to get this view! Happy hiking!

 

  

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Visit Japan: Climbing Mount Fuji

During the Covid shutdown, I really got into hiking and I added climbing Mount Fuji to my bucket list. Last year I asked a few friends to join me and started my research. The hiking season is from July to September and there are four trails to the summit; the most popular being the Yoshida trail.  Most hikers plan for a two-day journey which includes a rest stop at a mountain hut and continuing the hike to reach the summit of 3,776 meters above sea level in time for sunrise.

I was sure that the four of us could hike it on our own and set an alarm to make the mountain hut reservation. Ideally, we wanted a mountain hut that was closest to the summit so our hike time in the middle of the night would be minimal. Alas, getting a mountain hut reservation was harder than getting Taylor Swift tickets and we were left with plan B. Plan B was to pay for a hiking guide that included a stay at a mountain hut plus transportation to and from Tokyo. In hindsight, it was the best decision we made.

We ended up selecting Fuji Mountain Guides based on their great reviews and detailed itinerary. We started the day of the hike at a meeting point in Tokyo where we rode a private bus to a service station before heading to the Subashiri Trail 5th station. At the 5th station, we collected our rental gear and acclimated for about an hour.  I already had most of the gear that was needed but rented the rain jacket and pants, backpack, and gaiters.

I liked that our group of 30 plus hikers weren't made to hike together and we could go at our own pace.  A guide was in the front leading, a few spread out in the middle, and a guide at the back so no one was left behind.  At each mountain hut, there was a guide waiting for us to give us directions on how to get to the next mountain hut and gave us an approximate duration of how long it would take. We found it to be pretty accurate and it gave me the motivation I needed to get to the next stop.

Subashiri trail begins in a forest area.

Th volcanic gravel makes it a tough climb.

Getting my first stamp on my stick.

In the clouds.

My sleeping quarters. There were bunks above us and across from us. 

After hiking for hours in cold and super windy conditions, we finally made it to the mountain hut where we would have dinner and rest before the 2:10am wake up call to finish the hike to the summit.  Honestly, I was just so excited to take off my shoes.  There are no showers at the mountain hut so you need to clean up best you can with wipes. There's also no trash cans along the trail so be prepared to pack out all your trash.

What's great about the trail is the number of mountain huts along the way. We stopped at 6 and they all have pay to use toilets as well as sell food and drinks. You won't believe how wonderful it is to have a hot chocolate in the middle of your hike. We each brought about 2 liters of water which was heavy. You could bring less water and buy at the mountain huts as you need it.  You are also able to return empty bottles to the mountain hut provided they are the ones you bought it from. Of course, purchasing water at the mountain hut is pricier.  For example, at one of the higher mountain huts, a small bottle of water was 500 yen.

Hiking at 3am requires head lamps.

The views made the hike worth it.

So thrilled for clear conditions to see the sunrise. Bucket list checked!

The hike to the summit took about two hours as they kept our group together. At the summit we were free to enjoy and explore until it was time to return to the mountain hut to pack up our things and begin the descent. The worst part of the hike for me was the downhill 3-km portion of volcanic gravel which took almost two hours to get through and not without a few tumbles.  I was overjoyed to be done with that. It was a great feeling to emerge from the forest and be greeted by survey takers asking if we had made it to the top. Yes! Yes, we did!

We enjoyed hot udon for lunch as we waited for the rest of the group to finish. The first bus was already full and preparing to leave. Climbing Mount Fuji was not an easy experience, but an amazing one that I am so grateful to have accomplished with the help of great friends.  Our key to success was being prepared.  You need the right gear, to have enough food and water, and in our case we took medication to prevent altitude sickness as well as supplements to help with muscle repair. It was an all around once in a lifetime experience for me!

 

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Visit Maui: Makaluapuna

While at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, @melissa808 told me about the Kapalua Labyrinth at Makaluapuna, otherwise known as Dragon's Teeth due to the unique rock formations.

I went on a solo hike just after sunrise and got to enjoy the peacefulness of the area.

The rock formations were pretty incredible, and I could easily see why the area was called "Dragon's Teeth."  

A labyrinth was formed in the area.

Makaluapuna is actually an integral part of Hawaiian culture - a place of tradition, spirituality, and power.  The path borders a golf course and villas, but it is also alongside an ancient burial ground.  

I went solo just after sunrise and felt safe.  I had an unusual mix of emotions while at Makaluapuna - fear, happiness, sadness, calm . . . whether it was from the whirlwind weekend of The Celebration of the Arts, being in such a spiritual place, immersing myself in nature, or just reflecting on life - whatever it was, I think about Makaluapuna often.

The trail to access the area is of course public, and it is indeed a beautiful place to visit, but if you visit, do so respectfully and responsibly with an intention to learn and reflect.

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