Birthday Backpack Trip

Last weekend my friends Arturo, Ryan and Jonathan joined me for my birthday backpacking trip. We walked the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail that begins at Castle Rock State Park in the Santa Cruz mountains and winds 38 miles down to Waddell Beach.

Day one was pretty gentle, though by the time we made it to the trail camp, we were ready to be done. Here we are getting started.



One of the best things about the trail was the variety of landscapes. We were in brushy madronas one minute, and then in lush redwood canopies the next.


Ryan bushwhacking.

Our closest call of the weekend happened at the end of day one when I looked to my right and saw a little skunk sitting about six feet from my head. We gave him a little space and he walked away without incident. That could have been very, very bad.


Camp on the evening of day one.


Day two was long. It was long. It was long. Because the ideal campsite was booked, we had to walk a little longer than we would have liked: 17 miles. But it started out with a wonderful walk through the redwood rainforest. It was foggy and wet and beautiful.





Here we are on the night of day two, experimenting with Arturo's military ration. There was some chemically induced heat happening. It was strange.


Day three held the most beautiful scenery. We started out at Golden Cascade waterfall filtering some water for the day ahead.


Next came the sheer drop of Silver Falls. All of the sudden the trail dropped away and we followed a single cable down the side of the rocks. It was amazing.


And finally we arrived at Berry Creek falls.



After about 8 miles of walking on our final day, we saw the sea! It was a gorgeous day to arrive at the beach.


Victory at the end of the trail.

Sure, we were in pain. Sure, there were times when everyone was bitching about their feet or knees, or hips, or blisters, etc. But I loved it. And the next morning—after I hobbled and heaved myself out of bed—I began looking for another trip.

Thanks, Anne, for the great birthday present. Thanks, guys, for coming along and being amazing walking buddies.