IN

7Editor’s Note The path to the path, a journey to the now

8Inbox & Ear to the Ground Letters, opinions, poetry, and industry news

10Earn Your Beer Kayaking and body surfing Mendocino

12Tulare Lake A sacred lake returns to the Central Valley

14The Gift of a Lift Ten reasons to embrace MTB parks

16Surf Safari Exploring Southern California’s legendary coastline

18Joint Ventures Preserving migratory bird habitats

22Kula Cloth Anastasia Allison and the art of the pee cloth

24Pacific Crest Trail Forging through Oregon’s forever forests

28Rock Climbing Climb your way to fitness at any age

30Yosemite Climbing Association

Celebrating 20 years of climbing advocacy and stewardship

32Events Calendar Upcoming races and events

34Gear We Love Goodies for your active lifestyle

ON THE COVER: Ron Kauk powers through a dicey sequence on Peace, Medlicott Dome, Tuolumne Meadows. This route was established by installing anchors on rappel, a controversial tactic at the time. The route name was ironic given the animosity around climbing ethics. Photo by Chris Falkenstein.

THIS ISSUE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY: A Single Track Mind, Adventure Van Expo, Bear Valley Adventure Company, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Bishop, CAL FIRE, Carson City, Discover Klamath, Dodge Ridge, Eastside Sports, Four Wheel Camper, Granlibakken, Kayak Connection, Kula Cloth, Leki, Mammoth Mountain, O'Neill Yacht Charters, OATBRAN, Onewheel, Mariposa County, Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, Petzl, Rab, Recover, RecPak, Ride the Rim, Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge, Tahoe Keepers, Western Mountaineering, White Pine County Nevada, Yuma Arizona

PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER

Cathy Claesson cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

EDITOR

Michele Lamelin & Krista Houghton

COPY EDITOR

Jennifer Stein

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matt Johanson, Anthea Raymond, Russ Lowgren, Mick Thompson, Connor Jandreau, Hannah Nikonow, Kim Stark, Daniel Nylen, American Rivers, Anastasia Allison, Mirna Valerio, Chris Van Leuven, Chris Falkenstein, Phil Bard, Mike White, Glen Denny, Karl Luce, Jannette Wing Pazer, Amy Mountjoy, Andrew Altevogt, Michelle Altevogt, James Murren, Chris Neely, China Peak, Sean Evans

COVER DESIGN

Lauren Worth

EVENTS MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION

Krista Houghton krista@adventuresportsjournal.com

Lee Houghton lee@adventuresportsjournal.com

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cathy Claesson I 831.234.0351 cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

DESTINATION MARKETING MANAGER

Pamela Coffey I 619.887.9937 pamela@adventuresportsjournal.com

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our office resides in Aulinta (‘place of the Red Abalone’) in the larger region called Popeloutchom (‘paradise’) by the Amah Mutsun Tribe.

ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL PO BOX 35, Santa Cruz, CA 95063 Phone 831.457.9453 staff@adventuresportsjournal.com

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Adventure Sports Journal or our advertisers. We usually agree with our articles, but sometimes we don’t. We welcome all contributions.

All content © Adventure Sports Journal 2023. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editors.

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Asj Contributors

What personal achievements or moments of surprise have you experienced during your outdoor adventures?

Leoniesherman

I just biked 105 miles and climbed 7,000 feet in a single day on a tandem. Unfortunately my riding partner realized he prefers biking downhill! Anyone want to join me on a long tandem ride? Please get in touch!

Mattjohanson

That’s a timely question because after 26 years, I just finished hiking the PCT today! Even when I hiked alone, many friends and family made the journey in my heart. Thanks for that!

Anthearaymond

I am always ready to be surprised when I go outside — especially in the city. And I am rarely disappointed. The plants and animals always find a way to make it work despite the concrete and pollution.

Kristahoughton

My outdoor adventure mantra is “the no fuck up clause is in full effect!” I call upon my body and mind to always be aware and careful. I appreciate the centered feeling it gives me — balancing emotions with the slower time of nature.

timmyo’neill

Over 30 plus years watching, listening and adventuring in the wilderness I’ve realized that life shifts in beauty and brightness depending upon how you hold and view it.

dierdewolownick

There are so many!

“Personal achievements”… ”Moments of surprise”…I could write a book about all those! Oh, wait — maybe I will….

Jamesmurren

Those moments when you push on and things improve, kind of like creating a second wind versus simply getting one. Many a mountain bike ride has gone that way, along with a 40 km day hike in Prince Albert National Park.

Michelelamelin

I started section hiking the PCT four years ago, in my mid-50s. I feel moments of awe that my feet have carried me over 1,130 miles so far, with all I need on my back. More impressively, my dog Ani has done nearly all those miles with me!