Pacific Crest Trail hikers see plenty of stunning mountain and desert views from the trail. But every so often we come upon something so remarkable it cries out for pausing and tipping one's hat in admiration. I call it PCT Art, and here's my work-in-progress collection. ...
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I was ready for the long stretches without water sources, the midday heat, and trail closures due to wildfires and endangered frogs. I knew exactly where to find the big elevation gains, confusing trail splits, and major road crossings. But, as I section-hiked the PCT...
Read MorePortable pumpkin pie! Okay, it isn’t quite the same, but this recipe from A Fork in the Trail still tastes really great. Pumpkin Pie Leather Makes 4 servings 1 cup cooked canned pumpkin 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ginger At Home Mix the pumpkin and spices together. Spread the mixture about 1/4-inch thick on lined dehydrator...
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Apples. Pumpkins. Hayrides. Animals. Fall is a great season to bring the little ones to a local farm. These three family-friendly spots featured in Visit California Farms, by Erin Mahoney Harris, are the perfect place to celebrate the season. Slide Ranch Muir Beach, CA Situated on 134 picturesque acres overlooking the bluffs of Muir Beach just...
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The timing of my backpacking trip through the Sierras had more to do with permit availability than with peak fall colors or precipitation levels. But I lucked out in both areas: There was no rain and plenty of beautiful foliage during a four-day trip along...
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This is a great month to plan a weekend getaway—to somewhere close that still feels like a vacation. You want to unplug and unwind, but you don’t want the hassle of camping for this trip. You want a comfortable bed to sink into, but not at a chain hotel. So...
Read MoreThis recipe from A Fork in the Trail makes the most of apple picking season, with bonus points if you pick the apples yourself. Rice or egg noodles are a great accompaniment for this dish. Harvest Pork and Apple Stew Makes 4-6 servings 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound pork tenderloin A handful of flour 1 onion,...
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Sweet potatoes are a fall staple, packed with nutrition and flavor. This recipe from A Fork in the Trail can be accented with a little sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. Chipotle Sweet Potatoes Makes 2 servings 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon lime...
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This chili from A Fork in the Trail includes four types of beans and is the perfect way to fight off the chill in the fall air. Try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to enhance the flavors. Bean and Mushroom Chili Makes 3-4 servings 1 small onion, chopped 1 1/4 cups...
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While still in John Muir Trail territory, my son and I set up a fantastic bivy site for the night high over an absolutely gorgeous lake, the name of which doesn't matter because they're all beautiful. The site was nearly a mile from the lake's shore and...
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