4 days & 3 nights Backpacking at the Lost Coast

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, I think a video is even better.

Go to link: Lost Coast Backpacking with Friends

Go to link: Scenes and Things at the Lost Coast

In the outdoors you get to know the character of a person, really well and really fast. Faced by unusual conditions we are stripped of all pretentiousness. We find out our strength and endurance, how we hold up carrying our own load and walking several miles on uneven ground. We find out how adaptable and flexible we are. We know what ‘team’ and ‘team building’ really means, watching out for each other, respecting personalities, counting on the different strengths, making group decisions with ease. We find joy and have fun. It's no surprise we become life-long friends. - Eve Cayaban

Amazing sights.

This tent withstood a storm. Ozark bought for $44.

There was time to relax and enjoy the offerings.

Sunsets were a sight to behold.

I love hiking in the spring when wildflowers are abloom.

Backpacking builds character and friendships.

Mother’s Day Training Run Magnolia Ranch Trailhead to Movie Set loop 9.5 miles

As described by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Magnolia Ranch Trailhead is five (5) miles North of the town of Coloma along Highway 49 and the South Fork of the American River. From Rocklin, I drove East on 80 towards Reno, and exited at 119C to Elm Street. Then I drove down Highway 49 in Auburn, past Cool and Pilot Hill. A total of 28.2 miles just a little over 30 minutes in drive time.

At 7 am, there were a total of 19 of us at the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead. The weather was a bit chilly this early, but it was going to heat up soon. First, we followed the Gerle Loop Trail then followed the Down & Up Trail, so named because it is going up and down the green hills. On the trail were lupines, sun flowers, and other wild flowers of yellow and lavender that I cannot identify. I deeply regretted not wearing a hat, thinking it was early enough that the sun’s rays won’t be that fierce. But it was quite fierce and there is not much shade in the Conan Ranch area. Then we followed the route down on the Long Valley Trail where the yellow wildflowers covered hillsides. We reached the movie set of “Love Comes Softly” where there are 2 dilapidated houses and one of which had a warning. The structures were built in 2003 as a set and was not built to last. Ironically, there were two construction vehicles as well.

After a group photo, we took the trail by the South Fork American River. There were plenty of restrooms. You can access this area via the Conan Ranch Road and have a picnic. We followed the river all the way back connecting on the Down & Up Trail then onto the Gerle Loop Trail.

I was happy today, I was in keeping in step with the main group. I was running up and down the trail because I was taking videos with my GoPro. I was not lagging behind where I would normally be. And because I was not last, I did not get lost since there were people ahead of me to follow and people behind to guide me, too! It was a good short hike before Mother’s Day lunch festivities.

Auburn Dam Overlook (ADO) to No Hands Bridge to K2

Life happens, and I was side-tracked for a month. I moved from my home of two years. The good thing about being adventurous is we welcome these changes and are ready to move on taking the lessons and life experiences as we go. The dust has settled or rather kind of because I have come up with a rhythm. Being back on the trail last Sunday was one of them. Life is not normal but having a rhythm and doing the things we have control of is helpful.

American River Canyon Overlook or to many hikers and runners ADO or Auburn Dam Overlook offer a beautiful view of the canyon. It has a big parking area and a popular starting point for hikers and runners to meet up and follow the trails down to the canyon.

After crossing No Hands Bridge

No hands Bridge or officially Mountain Quarries Bridge it was declared a historical place in 2004. It’s No hands bridge was earned due to an equestrian who rode her horse without holding the reigns across the bridge and at that time there were no guard rails. The bridge stands 150 above the river and is 482 feet long.

K2 or Training Hill; for me as a long-time backpacker / mountaineer K2 is the 2^nd highest mountain in the world although it is said to be deadlier. This K2 in Auburn you might find your toes will get killed. On the way down that is, if you are not careful. This K2 you will climb 1,000 feet in 0.9 miles and starts at 607 feet of elevation.

Here we go waking up early on the weekends like at 5 Am to be at the meeting area (ADO) at 7 am. I like to be able to eat a good breakfast (And have coffee!) before going out on a run but have enough time to let it set before running. Our trail run host Hassan reminded to bring enough fuel (food) and water. I had prepared water, Gatorade, pretzel w/ peanut butter and peanut butter sandwiches the night before.

I like mornings, when there is no traffic, watching the sun as she rises, the wind is cool with a gentle breeze. At this time though a long sleeve tight hugging (lightweight) shirt is all that is needed. There were 14 of us that showed up and after a brief introduction proceeded to follow the trail down to the American River to No Hands Bridge. This is 500 feet of elevation loss. The trail was very pretty with wildflowers abound. I was feeling pretty good today, but I still reminded Hassan to wait for me. Hassan and Steve waited for me at the important junctions. I attribute my slow pace to being careful with my left knee, watching where I step, short legs, need for more training and taking time to admire the flowers. My running friends inspire me because they are ultra-runners that have finished 50 – 100-mile races.

Training takes time, as Stephen Covey writes about the Law of the Farm; natural laws determine processes and outcomes in the natural world. For example, farm workers understand that “ripping up the soil, throwing in the seeds, watering and cultivating overnight” will not provide them with “a bountiful harvest overnight.”.

Hence, I cannot expect to finish a marathon in good form if I do not put in the required training; building strength, building miles, preparing my body with food, and preparing my mind. Preparation is everything. I like to run with a group and I count it a blessing to have found Trail Running Adventures led by Carina and Hassan. The training and camaraderie is awesome, and it makes me come back for more.

A lady with her fur baby coming from the opposite direction had a message for me, saying that my friends were just a few minutes ahead. I reached No Hands Bridge and saw everyone was waiting at the end of the bridge. As I ran across the bridge, I was shouting, Hassan please take my picture and I am happy he obliged. Next a group photo by the sign “Mt. Quarries Railroad Bridge” and we were on our way to the K2 trailhead.

At K2 trailhead we let the others go ahead while we posed for more photos. Steve wanted to let us go ahead so he could run his way up. If only for this short distance of 0.9 miles and an elevation gain of 400 feet I could do this over and over and be prepared for any trail hardship. Hassan kept reminding me to fuel up (eat) and hydrate. I was eating my pretzels with peanut butter filling. It has salt and protein.

As I hiked up, I was sweating profusely, my heart rate is up, and I could feel my leg, thigh and behind muscles getting a good work-out. At the top of the hill, a German couple offered to take our photo and we had our photo taken with the backdrop of the ridge across which is the ADO.

Hassan went ahead and was waiting as I navigated the last few feet of the trail. He asked if I wanted to do the 4-mile loop or go back down via the K2. I voted for the shorter route by going back down the K2 trail. Interesting that when we got there, a few from the main group were already waiting. I voted to run ahead since I am slow. After less than a mile they all caught up and passed me. Except for Hassan who was doing the sweep.

Again, I was enjoying the view and greeting everyone along the trail. I was also making a mental note of the location of the wildflowers so that I can re-visit and take photos. I was tempted to stop at the waterfall for photos but decided against it. Christina and Hiromi would wait for me at the junctions and I did not want to make them wait too long, less they think I have once again gotten lost.

Three quarters of a mile to ADO parking lot, Hassan caught up. As we passed the yellow flowers I asked Hassan if he had seen this on the way out. A trail hidden by bushes going up with the bushes so full of these beautiful yellow flowers. It did not take much to convince Hassan to take a few photos and a couple of videos.

We raced on to ADO parking lot where our friends were gathered as we waited for Steve to arrive. Our motto is “No person left behind”. We did not have to wait long, Steve arrived in 5 minutes. I felt good this whole training run, I was glad that Hassan reminded me to eat and drink repeatedly. It makes a lot of difference. Not eating or drinking is very bad and once you crash it is hard to recover. Looking forward to the next training run!

2018 Run Rocklin

Kids' Race

Yesterday was the AR50 or the American River Endurance Run which has two distances a 25 or a 50 miler. Many in our trail running adventures group were running the race, including my friend Carina who is one of the leaders of the group. I greatly appreciate all the training runs she is organizing to get me ready to race. In my own little way of thanking her, I had volunteered to be one of her crew. There were 4 crew stops, where runners can meet-up with their crew for such things as: change of shoes, change of clothing, refill beverages and/or water and other necessities. I was so envious with all the fun they had but I know, I am not ready for a 50-miler yet. I should push through with my plans of running the San Francisco Marathon on July 29 before proceeding to much longer races. It was a good experience, being a crew on the AR50, it gave me an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for race day. It was a long day of racing for the runners but they were all very inspiring.

When I got home I saw Carina one of the events that Carina created on Facebook letting us know that she was signed up for Run Rocklin the next day, as a taper run. I messaged her and ask if she was running. Due to an ankle injury from the AR50, she would just help in the registration. I still signed-up because my plans for Sunday fell through and I was determined to get some miles in for the week.

12K and 13.1 mile race start

There is a continuing debate on whether it is harder to run on the road or the trail and both has its merits. I prefer trail for the simple reason that I like the scenery. I think trail running is harder because of the natural obstacles like rocks, roots, elevation, water, and many more.

Rocklin is a very challenging road course because it is very hilly. I like Rocklin because the traffic is not as bad as it would be in other places, also there are a lot of pocket areas of greenery. Everything is just so well-placed and organized, considering the city was incorporated in 1893. That’s a total of 125 years!

I was in bed as soon as I got home and just fell in deep sleep. I did not realize I was tired, too! I woke up at 4:30 am, an hour earlier than I would have wanted. So, I lay in bed for an hour before getting up to prepare. I wanted to be early at the Rocklin Community Center for packet pick-up and to find good parking. I was up before the alarm on my phone came on. I was at the Johnson-Springview Regional Park parking at a little before 6:30 PM. I went to the office for the bib pick-up and while I stood in line, Carina called me over. Carina oversaw giving the bibs for the late registrants like me. I am amazed that Carina after a 50-mile run and a still swollen ankle could be able to get up out of her bed and volunteer.

With Carina and the trail adventurers we regularly run on the trail, mostly around Folsom Lake. My 1^st half-marathon was the Cool Dam(n) Run and my 2^nd half-marathon was the Sofi Golden Gate Half was a mix of road, a little bit of dirt road, and hilly. This Run Rocklin will be the 2^nd time only that I have run on the road.

I tried to keep her pace.

After getting my bib and a short chat with Carina, I went back to my car to stay warm. At 7:30 AM I began my stretch exercises. By 7:45 AM I made my way to race start. There was a kid race first and that was awesome to watch. It was amazing that there were even young kids who showed much determination to finish their race.

After the kids finished, the half-marathon and 12K runners were next to start. I took my place by the flag that says 12 minutes per mile. I have been running on the trail and have little experience on the road. From the Johnson-Springview Regional Park race start the course would run South then turn left on Sunset Boulevard and turn right on Whitney Boulevard for over a mile and the half-marathon runners turn right on Crest Drive which comes into the hilliest part of the course. I was trying to keep up with the pacer that had the 2:30 sign. I mentioned to her that if I keep her pace I will be able to beat time of my 2^nd half-marathon time of 2:47. As the road went uphill though I was beginning to lag my 2:30 pacer. The turnaround was at 4.5 mile, then it is downhill for three miles before turning left on Midas Avenue. My pacer had already turnaround, I greeted her and she said that I was still on track, because the next pacer was still behind me. The course continues to Rawhide Road and the second turnaround is before mile 9. On the turns that were clearly marked, there was a marshal and cheerers for encouragement. It helped me big time. The sun was out and beating hard that I ran out of water in my bladder pack. That is even if I was also drinking from the water / Gatorade stations. Somewhere along Rawhide Road, I approached a family cheering from their driveway and they immediately asked what I needed. I asked for water and they were quick to grab and hand me a bottle of water. I was so happy and thankful for them. I was feeling so hot and faint at that point but the bottled water helped big time. The official high temperature that morning was 68F but running 13.1 miles, it felt much warmer than that. Along Rawhide Road, I looked backed and saw the 2:45 pacer. I picked up my pace and ran as fast as I could, I kept pushing till I covered the last two miles and finished. The photographer was there I even smiled and requested a jump shot to which he obliged. Another photographer took my photo when she saw me taking a selfie with my medal.

On the way to race office, Stacy (also a crew during AR50) saw me and she had run the 5K. We both went to check our official time for the race. Yes, we both beat our previous record! YES!

9 Miles from Rattlesnake Bar to Auburn Dam Overlook

 

Carina, Hassan and the rest of my friends in Trail Running Adventures are a few weeks away from their next ultra-race AR 50 (American River) which is on April 7. It is taper time for them, which is an 8-10 mile run. Carina organized a 9-mile run last Sunday – March 25 from Rattle Snake Bar, Folsom to Auburn Dam Overlook. This was the 3^rd and last stretch of the 25-mile practice run we had last Sunday. My longest run of 17 miles happened on January 21^st, upon Carina’s recommendation I joined Dave’s Running group or that Saturday’s run from Skunk Hollow to Sophia Parkway. The latest longest run of 25 miles was a good 2 months later coming back from vacation. During my vacation in the Philippines I did not get a chance to go on a trail run. I welcomed this taper off run of 9 miles. I would go through the same section where I struggled the most during the 25-mile run. I was pushing my muscles to where I had not gone before, which is past a 17-mile mark.

But this time I am starting fresh on this 9-mile section. We estimated to finish in 2 hours but as for me, I think I would finish in 3 hours. I decided to take a slow pace this time although at the start I was at it again, trying to keep up with the front of the pack. After a couple of miles, I just got tired and ran a slower pace. Thankfully, Carina would wait on me and so did Alex. Alex took action shots which was really cool. At one point I asked Alex, how long he waited before I arrived. He replied, “Oh around 10, 15, 20 minutes”. I was so embarrassed that they he had to wait long, but he did not seem to mind and he just took off.

Since it was a short run, I was not too worried about the time, unlike the 25-mile run when I had to be conscious of the time. I stopped to take photos and enjoyed the scenery.

On the last 3 miles is the Auburn Dam trail which takes you up to the Auburn Dam Overlook. It has a rather steep incline with an elevation gain of 797 feet. Carina and I walked together and she pointed the trails that were used for the other races. I must try that Cardiac Hill trail at one point to see if it lives up to its name. From what I hear, yes it does live up to its name.

This was a nice short run with steep inclines and elevation gain to make for a good work-out. 

Back from vacation with a 25 Mile trail run

I was on vacation in the Philippines visiting my elderly parents. I stayed for 33 days, to augment my running training I enrolled in a gym, a block away from my parents’ house. I would be using the treadmill working on my pace.

When I got back from vacation on March 7, I was raring to run outdoors again. I had a full week before joining the Wednesday night Cavitt short run. We were lucky to have finished the 4.00 mile run before the rain, thunder and lightning came. Rain is fine, but thunder and lightning is another story.

I was going on a hike last Saturday – March 17, but a volunteer to sweep the 5K in the Folsom Lake South Side trail run was still needed. I volunteered because I wanted to give back to my running group organizer and friend – Carina. I changed my RSVP to the North Table Mountain Hike with the Chico Oroville Outdoor Adventurers to “No”. I figured I can still catch the wild spring flowers at some point. But as it happened, I was done with my volunteer work at 11 AM. I grabbed a quick lunch and headed for Oroville.

Carina, Hassan and others in my running group Trail Running Adventures are preparing for the American River 50-mile Endurance Run or AR50. The Folsom Lake South Side Trail Run is their 21-Mile practice run last Saturday. Then Carina planned a back to back training run for March 18 – Sunday with the route being the 2^nd half of the AR50. The route was Beale’s Point, Folsom Lake to Auburn Dam Outlook which approximately 25 miles.

I decided to join the 25-mile training run just for the heck of it and I really like the company. It would be fun as always and I get my miles on albeit admittedly my latest long run of 17 miles was more than a month ago. An additional 8 miles is a big challenge. I prepared my hydration pack, fuel/food, wipes, and clothing will be in layers. It will be a cool start and getting warmer as the day goes on. The estimated time is 6-hours and could easily be 8-hours for me a first timer for this distance. I went to bed early and tossed and turned. It wasn’t a good sleep probably just a good 3 hours.

We met at the Auburn Dam Overlook (ADO) at 6:15 am, leaving three cars. We all rode on Lavina’s van to go to Beale’s Point. After the run, we will drive Lavina from ADO to Beale’s Point. At 7 am we were all at Beale’s Point with a total of 11 runners. I like seeing the sunrise reflecting its yellow rays on the waters of Lake Folsom. It was going to be a good day with the rain holding off.

The trail is single track, through forest and open areas. It is a very beautiful hike because the foliage is just very lush and green. As a guide, keep Folsom Lake on your right. It had been raining days before so the trail was muddy and slippery in some areas. We ran into another big group of runners. I recognized some of them from my previous Fleet Feet half-marathon training group.

Since Carina and Hassan ran a 21-mile race Saturday, we were going to take today’s run slow. However, I was running fast and having a hard time keeping up with them. Not wanting to risk injury Carina just started walking it, and she felt some pain in her left knee. I walked with Carina because I needed the rest, too!

We caught up with the rest of the group up at Rattlesnake Bar and at that point both my thighs felt as hard as rock. I could no longer run downhill. Hassan said it was better to keep moving and my thoughts were the same. I am also an avid backpacker, so covering distance is not new to me. However, running the distance is new to me. At the start of my running training, I found it hard to switch from walking to running and the impact of running is hard on the muscles and the knees and every part of your anatomy used for running. I would hear Cordelia or Hassan or one of our other friends checking on my progress. I was keeping up although more slowly, my mind was getting a little foggy, I was more quiet than usual. I said hello to a lady, and she said that my friends were just at the fork waiting on me. I thanked her and moved on and saw Hassan. They were worried that I might lose my way. We took a few more photos by the raging American River happy that we were just 8 miles away, approximately 2 hours to go maybe.

I was eating my protein bars and Milky Way mini-bars but I was still feeling hunger pangs. I ran out of water and was about to run out of Gatorade. It was getting warmer, too that we had peeled off our jackets and long sleeve shirts. It was now past noon time and everyone was just eager for a meal and be home. Hassan said that I should not worry because everyone is tired. Although, I am the only one trying to complete my first 25 mile run.

 

Then finally we hit the gravel road, the last three miles to the Auburn Dam overlook. I would like to find out the elevation gain going up that road because it looked very daunting. I kept wishing they would pick me up in a car whenever they reach the parking lot. Even as I was tired, I would wave to hikers and runners who were just starting their work-out while I’m sure I was looking horrible and not happy. I started marching, in cadence muttering left-left-left-right-left.

On the last section of the road, I was already disoriented. I had gone to the street and into what I thought was the overlook, but it was a baseball or soccer field. I do not know, everything was hazy. I kept asking for directions and kept getting the wrong direction or I was just too tired to follow directions. I sent an SMS to Carina – I’m lost. She replied with Hassan’s cellphone number and Hassan was already calling and asked where I was and was told to stay put.

The car pulled in and I was so glad to see Cordelia, Hassan and Grace. Hassan was congratulating me and I did not feel celebratory at that moment. All I wanted was to go home, wait no, I wanted to eat a big meal and go home. They made sure I was okay to drive.

As I drove home, I thought – Wow, 25 miles of trail was no joke – hills, downhills, mud, water, gravel, plus the scenery it was worth it! I just pre-empted my marathon training, Coach Brian will not be happy. But I survived, my muscles are on their way to recovery. It was a great day!!!

Rain and Running!

Before the run

It had been raining all day but Carina sent a message that the practice run was on. Hassan said reminded us to dress for the occasion. I mentioned that there might be a little traffic but I will be there!

I left work about 5 minutes before 5 PM. Although there was a bit of traffic I made it still in good time. I had prepared my clothing choices and put them out the night before. I wore 4 layers; a no sleeve Nike, Uniqlo red long sleeves, a Nike orange reflectorize long-sleeves and a light weight North Face rain jacket with hood. The first three layers were tight (for warmth) and made of polyester and spandex blend to wick away moisture. My rain jacket had zippers in the under-sleeve area. While there is a need to be warm, it is also important not to perspire. Once you perspire, you will get cold and a chance of hypothermia. I was also wearing a beanie hat and a head lamp. I wore spandex running shorts and a waterproof pants. But when I got to the meeting place at Cavitt, Jeremy advised me that I’d get too warm. I took it off and left it in the car.

Dripping wet!

After the customary picture taking we were off, already dripping from the rain. Everyone just took off! I was glad that Carina was taking it easy because she did not want to get injured before the Folsom Lake Sweet Water race this Saturday. Rain dropping steadily, we tried to avoid puddles and sometimes we were successful. But after some time, we just had to be careful not to slip.

It is good to practice in the elements specially if you intend to go for longer races because you never know what to expect. Knowing how to dress up, and bringing the necessary gadgets like a head lamp and/or flashlight, water and food is important. At practice, you also learn tips from other runners who have run it before. The body is conditioned, the mind better prepared, your spirit, too! As your body gets stronger, your confidence develops, too! Pushing yourself a little each time.

It was cold, it was dark, the rain did not stop, but we were all smiling! The exhilarating feeling of being able to do things you won’t normally do and having fun in the process. You can do this!

Why do we do this?