Living in the valley outdoor by Merced Sun-Star

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5200 N. Golden State Blvd • Turlock • patchettsford.com • (209) 669-5200 695965

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“Home of the lifetime oil changes”

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JON BETSHCHART

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

dam Blauert teaches U.S. history at Livingston High School and enjoys exploring California’s wild places in his spare time. Born and raised in Merced, his parents and grandparents gave him a love for history and of the outdoors at an early age — a love that he shares with everyone who crosses his path. He writes a weekly outdoors column in the Merced Sun-Star with occasional appearances in The Modesto Bee and looks forward to emails from readers about their outdoor experiences, trip recommendations and ideas for future columns. You can contact him at AdamBlauert@yahoo.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to Living in the Valley, available only to subscribers of The Modesto Bee and the Merced Sun-Star. ᔡ Time to Get Away Time spent outdoors is time to treasure

............................. Page 4

ᔡ Fishing is Fun Many ways to learn and many places to find fish ............. Page 6

ᔡ Caves Are Really Cool Beat the heat and get some serious adventure .................. Page 10

ᔡ Getting Wet, Getting Wild No better way to get wet than going down a river. ........... Page 14

ᔡ Take a Hike John Muir knew it all along, the best way to commune with nature is by getting out in and walking through it. ........ Page 16

ᔡ Your Ticket to Ride Horses make great wilderness companions ....................... Page 20

ᔡ The Birds, Bees and Bears Great ways to find and photograph wild creatures .......... Page 22

ᔡ The (Off) Road to Excitement Excitement on two wheels or four easy to find ................. Page 26 The Central Valley with its blooming ‘forests’ of fruit and nut trees is a destination in itself.

The glories of the great outdoors range from simple California poppies along the Path of the Padres to the waterfalls of Yosemite. At left, Adam Blauert shows off his rainbow trout.

ᔡ Take the Kids Getting outside is healthier than being cooped up ............ Page 28

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Living in the Valley, the Great Outdoors, is a premium edition available only to subscribers of The Modesto Bee and Merced Sun-Star. It focuses on the wonders found in our valley and nearby. All of the stories were written by Sun-Star outdoors columnist Adam Blauert. Many of the photographs were taken by him. Others who contributed photos were Modesto’s Debbie Noda, Elias Fuñez and Joan Barnett Lee. Laurie McAdam, an artist and page designer at The Bee, selected the photos and designed the pages. Mike Dunbar directed the editing in Modesto and Merced.

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e live in an age where just about every imaginable comfort is available for a price. We stand on the verge of a future in which technology blurs the boundaries between humans, animals and machines. Though we are already faced with a confusing complexity of choices, it is refreshing to remember that throughout human history a wide range of people have found inspiration, adventure, comfort, renewal and joy in the wild places.

to go for days without saying or thinking about anything beyond our immediate needs. Want to really get to know someone? Get out in the outdoors and face a challenge together. Even something as simple as cooking a meal together or sitting around the campfire telling stories and kicking around ideas can lead to deeper ties. Many of the best conversations I’ve had have been around campfires and on long hikes. With fewer distractions we find things to think and talk about; ideas and words that draw us closer together and make us better people.

I can’t tell you why this is exactly. It’s something you have to discover on your own. Sometimes you just have to get away from the routines of a job, a dirty kitchen, vacuuming, and misplaced toys and go outside to be renewed and inspired. The “great outdoors” might not have all the creature comforts that money can buy, but heading into wild places where we break our routines and where we can be surprised by nature is good for us. Living in the San Joaquin Valley of California we are lucky to have some amazing wild places very close at hand.

ᔡ Build skills and character: In the digital age we often expect everything to be effortless and instantaneous. Most of us know, though, that the truly valuable things in life – skills and character – aren’t effortless or instantaneous. Hiking to a destination, making a challenging trek to a great fishing hole, finding your way without a trail – none of these things are easy. They often take hours of sweat, hard work, and heavy breathing in the hot sun. But they all have rewards and they reinforce the patience and determination that lead to life

There are so many reason to “get away from it all” this summer. But here are six important ones: ᔡ Beat the heat: Temperature decreases 3-5 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation, resulting in more comfortable weather the higher you go. When it is 100 degrees in the Valley, a campsite at 6,000 feet will be about 85 or even 80 degrees. ᔡ Bask in natural beauty: Technology does some amazing things for us, but there’s nothing like taking a break from cell phone apps and computer programs to be awed by the majesty of a landscape at sunset, fresh snow on mountains, summer wildflowers in Sierra meadows, or a mountain landscape under the full moon. ᔡ Enjoy family and friends: In the safety and comfort of home, schedules and routines, it’s entirely possible

Around every bend, it seems, you can find adventure. This formation serves as a gateway to Sonora Pass as travelers prepare to head over the summit and onto the west slope of the Sierra.

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skills and character. There’s nothing like the feel of the ice cold water of a mountain swimming hole, the flash and rumble of a summer thunderstorm, the taste of a camp food at the end of an exciting day, the tug of a wild trout on your line, and sharing all of these things with the people you value. These things are beautiful, in part, because they require work to accomplish. It’s not a passive act like staring at a screen. ᔡ Better health: Most people want to be healthy, but find it difficult to keep to a workout schedule. Whether it’s the summer heat, getting up earlier, taking care of kids, finding the energy after work, or buckling down to jogging on a machine while staring at a wall, there’s always plenty of excuses not to. But exercising outside can make exercise more appealing. Even if you hike or bike or fish only occasionally, it can provide some additional motivation to add a few workouts during the week so you’ll be better prepared when head outdoors. ᔡ Inexpensive fun: For the cost of taking your family out to dinner and a movie you could spend the entire weekend camping, hiking, swimming and enjoying each other’s company. For a small group of friends who split the costs of gas, food, and campsite fees, it’s also a good deal. — Adam Blauert

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Every journey needs a first step ...

Summer Activities:

ith so many places to explore and such a wide range of outdoor activities available here in Central California, one of the first trip-planning decisions to make is whether you are more interested in visiting a special place or enjoying a specific activity.

• Guided horseback trips into the wilderness

Destination: If there’s a destination that catches your attention, research the kinds of things you can do there. There’s lots of information in newspapers and magazines and more on the internet. But books still provide some of the most detailed and reliable information. There are excellent guidebooks for just about anywhere you might want to go. No matter your destination, you’ll find that it offers at least one of the exciting activities that you can read about in this special outdoors section. Activity: Many memorable family trips start when someone says, “I want to go (fill in the blank).” Whether it’s fishing, horseback riding, cave exploring, whitewater rafting, etc., we’ve profiled several of the premier activities that you can enjoy in our part of the state. But we also hope this will help you find something new to enjoy with your family or friends this summer or give you ideas for new places to visit.

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Above, the alpenglow at sunset near a Mammoth Basin lake.

• High-elevation hiking, backpacking, camping and horseback riding in the Sierra Nevada

• Fishing (generally all waterways and lakes are open during summer)

Wildflowers are blooming in the Merced River Canyon at left.

• Whitewater rafting and kayaking on our area’s numerous rivers • Boating, water sports and fishing in our area’s many lakes and reservoirs • Cave exploring • Rock climbing • Auto touring on high-mountain roads closed by snow during many months • Exploring the backcountry in 4-wheel drive vehicles

• High-elevation hiking, camping, riding (until the first snow) • Fall color hikes • Fishing mountain lakes and streams (many fishing areas close Nov. 15; reservoirs are usually open year-round) • Hunting

• Riding dirt bikes and ATVs

Winter Activities:

• Mountain biking

• Low-elevation hiking, camping, riding

• Beachcombing Fall Activities: • Low-elevation hiking, camping and riding in the Central Valley, foothills and Coastal Range

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on mountain trails • Snowplay with kids • Snowmobiling Spring Activities: • Low-elevation hiking, especially to see spring colors • Higher-elevation hiking, camping as the snow melts and spring wildflowers bloom

• Hunting

• Fishing (many areas that are closed through the winter reopen on the last Saturday in April)

• Downhill skiing at nearby resorts

• Condor viewing at Pinnacles National Park

• Viewing waterfowl and elk at local wildlife refuges

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Teach someone to fish, and it’s fun for a lifetime

Left, guide Jim Stuart with Jon Betschart fishing the Stanislaus River. ADAM BLAUERT

Below, anglers gather at McSwain Reservoir as they try to catch trout. SUN-STAR STAFF PHOTO

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entral California offers great fishing opportunities for just about everyone. But it’s a lot more fun if you know what you’re doing and you catch some fish. Some activities can be learned easily on your own. Other activities are better learned from another person. Fishing is one of the latter. No matter how much you read about it, the skills involved in casting a line and landing a fish come more easily if you have some help. If you’ve never done it, it’s likely you have a friend or relative who has and would would take you out. If that’s not an option, try joining a local fishing club: • Merced Fly Fishing Club: www.mercedffc.org or (209) 722-4411 • Mother Lode Fly Fishing Club: (209) 533-2314 • Stanislaus Fly Fishers: www.stanislausflyfishers.org Classes are also often offered by Sierra Anglers Fly Shop in Modesto: http://sierraanglers.com or call (209) 572-2212. Another great way to learn, or to build your skills while having an exciting day on the water, is with a guide service. A typical day with a guide usually consists of floating a 5- to 10-mile stretch of a river. The guide maneuvers the boat and either suggests or teaches the best technique. Most boats can accommodate two fishermen and all levels from

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beginner to advanced. Though most services focus on fly fishing rivers for trout, many also take clients to lakes to fish for bass and other species. The services vary widely in cost, but expect to spend $250 to $400 for a day on the water. Some local guides include: • Fish’n Dan’s Guide Service: (209) 586-2383 or www.fishndans.com • Monte Smith’s Gold Country Sportfishing: (209) 848-2746 or http://goldcountrysportfishing.com • Mark Cottrell Fly Fishing Guide Service: (209) 536-9364 or www.markcottrellguideservice.com • Mark Pinto’s Home Waters Guide Service: (209) 948-3474 or www.pintoshomewaters.com • Mike Swaney Fishing Guide Service (Sebastopol): (707) 823-0662 or www.mikeswaneyfishingguide.com • Nathan Chandler’s Toads Only Guide Service: (209) 839-1991 or www.toadsonly.com • Randy Pringle’s Bass Fishing Guide Service: (209) 543-6260 or www.thefishinginstructor.com • Sierra Fly Fisher (Fresno): (559) 683-7664 or www.sierraflyfisher.com • Steve B. Walser’s Sierra West Adventures: (209) 743-3416 or www.fishthesierra.com • Tim Hutchins’ Yosemite Fly Fishing: (209) 379-2746 or www.yosemiteflyfishing.net

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Above, the Shoreline Trail, which follows the banks of Lake Don Pedro. Below, an angler tries his luck in Evolution Valley in Kings Canyon National Park.

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Make it fun for kids

ishing can be a lifelong hobby, but kids have shorter attention spans than adults. I remember quite a few hot days trolling lakes with my grandfather where we didn’t catch anything. If we’d had a bit more success, I’d probably have learned to love fishing before my mid-20s. Here are some tips: ᔡ Combine fishing with camping or other activities. That way, if the fish aren’t biting, it won’t be a bad day for the youngsters. ᔡ Make fishing a special day with its own traditions and food. I often have the best luck shore fishing at alpine lakes. This usually involves hiking and having a picnic lunch. It’s a good day even if we don’t catch any fish. Going out to dinner afterward is always a possibility and you can let your kids pick the restaurant. LOS BANOS ENTERPRISE ᔡ Have a Plan B and make is something the kids enjoy. Sometimes after an unsuccessful day fishing with Grandpa we would head for a stocked pond in Snelling where a catch was guaranteed. Though that pond no longer exists, Springfield Trout Farm near Jamestown offers a similar experience (http://springfieldtroutfarm.com or 209 532-4623).

ᔡ Bring friends. If you have bad luck, your kids will still have fun playing with their friends. ᔡ Boat rentals: If you don’t own a boat and don’t plan to fish every weekend, renting a boat can be surprisingly affordable. Don Pedro, McClure, McSwain, New Melones, O’Neill Forebay, Pinecrest, Tulloch, Camanche, New Hogan and Pardee all offer rentals. At left, a girl and her brother, accompanied by their dog, try their luck at the Kids’ Fish, Swim & Fun Day at San Luis Reservoir.

CHARLES GUEST/LOS BANOS ENTERPRISE

Inset, a 2-year-old twists the handle on his spinning reel during last year’s Kids’ Fish, Swim & Fun Day in May.

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Know your conditions

o matter where I plan to fish locally, my first go-to resource is always The Modesto Bee’s weekly fishing report, compiled by Roger George and Dave Hurley and published in Wednesday’s Sports section. It’s the most convenient source of up-to-date information about local reservoirs, ocean fishing and nearby trout plants. Though conditions are constantly changing, and books can become outdated quickly, I also frequently consult Tom Stienstra’s “California Fishing” for general information about fishing throughout the state. It is updated frequently. A quick Internet search also provides helpful results, and a good site for basic information on techniques, equipment and knots is www.takemefishing.org/fishing/fishopedia/how-to-fish.

BEA AHBECK CASSON/MERCEDSUNSTAR

People frequently cast their fishing lines into Lake Yosemite in Merced.

The end of the day can be beautiful as the sun sets over San Luis Reservoir. ADAM BLAUERT

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Intrepid spelunkers near the end of their 165-foot rappells into Moaning Cavern in the Sierra. MERCED SUN-STAR

‘Underground movement’ provides serious fun

hen it gets hot in the valley and the foothills, one of the most exciting ways to escape the heat is to go underground. Cave temperatures hover from the mid-50s to the mid-60s no matter the season. Some of the best caves in California are in Calaveras and Amador counties. Six are open to the public and offer a wide range of activities, from easy walking tours through large passages and chambers to challenging spelunking expeditions that involve crawling through narrow tunnels and climbing ropes into a remarkable underground world that few people ever see.

ᔡ Black Chasm Cavern — Opened to the public just 13 years ago, Black Chasm might be relatively small but it contains some of the most impressive speleothems and helictite formations

Sandstone Cave in the Coast Range, part of the Vasco Caves hike in East Bay Regional Parks District. ADAM BLAUERT

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in California. Fifty-minute tours are offered daily for all ages. A unique aboveground “labyrinth tour” is also available. This reservation-only tour takes visitors from age 8 and up through giant above-ground rock formations that were shaped by hydraulic mining in the late 1800s. You can also find gemstone mining for all ages. Black Chasm is in the small town of Volcano; learn more at www.caverntours.com/BlackRt.htm #bktour or by calling (866) 762-2837. ᔡ California Cavern — In Mountain Ranch, this is one of the most extensive cavern systems in California. Seventy-minute tours are offered daily for all ages but there’s also a 3-hour “Mammoth Cave Expedition” with tight squeezes. This is offered by reservation for ages 8 and up. The ultimate adventure is the 5-hour Middle Earth Expedition — a truly wild trek through a part of the cave system that wasn’t discovered until 1980. You walk, crawl and wiggle nearly a mile underground through passageways, wading at times through thick cave clay and rafting across a subterranean lake. It’s only offered during the dry months and by reservation for those 16 and up. Go to www.caverntours.com/CalifRt.htm or call (866) 762-2837.

Bulbous stalactites drip from the walls of Moaning Cavern, the largest publicly accessible cave in California, 10 miles north of Sonora. ADAM BLAUERT

THE MERCED SUN-STAR

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ᔡ Masonic Cave — A set of very small caves that were used for meetings of the Freemasons during the Gold Rush are in Volcano on Pine Grove-Volcano Road. The caves are on private property, but are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Bring a flashlight and watch out for rattlesnakes. Go to www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=15824. ᔡ Mercer Caverns — A 45-minute tour through an outstanding variety of formations is offered daily. As long as you can stoop beneath a few low spots and climb 232 steps to exit, you can do this tour! Kids can also mine for gemstones. Mercer Caverns is near Murphys. Go to www.mercercavern s.com or call (209) 728-2101. ᔡ Moaning Cavern — This giant vertical cavern can be accessed by a giant spiral staircase or ADAM BLAUERT by rappelling 165 Natural Bridges in Calaveras County is feet. The main named for its openings on both ends. chamber is large enough to hold the Statue of Liberty. Most visitors take the stairs and do a 45-minute tour descending into and then climbing out of the cave. More adventurous visitors rappel in and exit via the stairs. For the most extensive and challenging tour, rappel in, take the 3-hour Adventure Trip through the most remote parts of the cave, then return to the surface via the stairs. You’ll need reservations and must be 12 or older. Moaning Cavern is north of Columbia. Go to www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt.htm or call (866) 762-2837. ᔡ Natural Bridges — Part of the New Melones Recreation Area, this cave is part of the Coyote Creek watercourse. From the parking area on Parrotts Ferry Road just north of the Stanislaus River, hike downhill 1½ miles to the creek then wade into the first chamber and swim or float through the next two to daylight on the other side. It’s helpful to have a raft or float device and a waterproof light if you want to explore the entire cave. A second cave is downstream via a rough, unmaintained trail through a lot of poison oak. Natural Bridges is popular on hot weekend afternoons, so it’s wise to arrive early or come on a weekday. Go to www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/planning_visit.html or call (209) 536-9094.

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The adrenaline rush of spelunking

hen you’re hanging more than 100 feet above the cave floor there’s a lot of adrenaline flowing. That was part of the experience in the Adventure Trip at Moaning Cavern. I joined nine others — mostly from places far off — in donning hardhats, headlamps, knee pads, elbow pads and a harness. Our guide attached us one by one into the rigging and got us started on the exciting descent via a rappelling line into the cave. We controlled our rate of descent through a tensioning device called a J-rack, which even allowed me to stop if I wanted. At some points we touched the walls of the cavern and at other points we were in free descent. It was a lot easier than I had expected, but still a great thrill. The Adventure Trip involves descents and climbs with ropes and lots of crawling. Some of the narrowest passages must be navigated by lying completely flat and wiggling sideways or on the stomach or back. One even required rotating a partial corkscrew. The passages have humorous names like “Pancake Squeeze,” “Birth Canal” and “Santa’s Worst Nightmare!” Our guide, Tim, had lots of spelunking experience and could answer every question; it was obvious he loves underground exploring. The oldest member of our group was 65 and felt the experience took him to his physical limits — despite working out three times a week. Such challenging underground trips are recommended only for those who are in excellent shape.

That’s one of the thrills of of spelunking — challenging your fitness level, no matter what it might be. If you do an adventure trip, wear old clothes and shoes with traction. Empty your pockets and think twice about bringing even a small camera — mine got in the way several times, but withstood the impacts. By the time I finished, I was tired and thirsty. I was also exhilarated. Few of my recent adventures have provided such a physically demanding day and such a feeling of accomplishment at the end. — Adam Blauert

Above, a spelunker struggles up ‘Godzilla’s Nostril’ while crawling 300 feet below the earth at Moaning Cavern. MERCED SUN-STAR

At left, the mouth of Natural Bridges, off Parrotts Ferry Road in Tuolumne County, is a popular swimming spot in Tuolumne County. THE BEE

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For pure excitement, take a raft ride on whitewater

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The Merced river tumbles out of Yosemite Valley before becoming raftable just 4 miles below El Portal.

here’s nothing like riding raging rapids through fresh snowmelt on a hot summer day. And you don’t have to go far to do it. The Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne rivers offer excellent whitewater close to home. This winter’s limited snowpack will reduce the flow in the Merced early this year perhaps making it less exciting for whitewater veterans. The flip side is the trips at the end of the season will be more suitable for younger children. One of the most poular whitewater sections of the Tuolumne is below a dam. This means the flow is more constant throughout the summer, ensuring a longer season. The North Fork of the Stanislaus is generally an early-season trip, and in wet years the Goodwin Canyon section can be rafted all season. But this year the run is already finished. It will reopen in October for two weeks. The mild section below Knight’s Ferry will be open all summer. If you’re interested in rafting in July, August, September or October, plan for the Tuolumne or Stanislaus. Most Merced River trips start near El Portal and end west of Briceburg — a total of about 16 exciting miles. There are several Class IV rapids, a lot of Class II and III, and some relaxing stretches in between. In May, I rafted the Merced with Zephyr Whitewater. With a permanent facility at Indian Flat where the trips begin, they’re one of the major operators on the river. My raft included several Bay Area residents that goes whitewater rafting every year. Despite having floated several other California rivers, they were quick to tell me that Zephyr was their favorite operator and they’d been on five previous Merced and Tuolumne River trips with Zephyr.

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Whitewater rafting is great for team building, especially on a river like the Merced where you have some slower stretches where conversation is possible between moments of the excitement. I hadn’t rafted for a long time, but it didn’t take long to get the hang of it again. Having a highly experienced guide helped. Bob Newcomb got us safely down the river and taught us a lot about rafting, the river and local lore. Zephyr’s photographer took shots at several major rapids along the way, capturing facial expressions, waves, paddles and flying water in crisp, sharp detail. The CD was more than worth the price. This trip whet my appetite and I am already planning my next trip. Tuolumne River trips generally include an 18-mile stretch between Hetch Hetchy and Don Pedro. The Tuolumne is a bit more challenging, with lots of Class III, IV, and IV+ rapids. The river can be enjoyed in one long day or over an extended two- or three-day trip. Three sections of the Stanislaus are open to rafting: A 6-mile stretch on the North Fork through Calaveras Big Trees State Park usually runs from April through June, but will probably end early this year. It’s one of the best shorter trips with Class IV+ rapids. The 4-mile Goodwin Canyon stretch includes a lot of Class III rapids plus a few class IV+. It reopens for two

Guided whitewater trips • ARTA: Merced/Tuolumne rivers, www.arta.org or call (209) 962-7873 • All-Outdoors California Whitewater: Merced/Tuolumne/Stanislaus rivers and Cherry Creek, www.aorafting.com or call (800) 247-2387 • Mariah Wilderness Expeditions: Merced/Tuolumne rivers, www.mariahrafting.com or call (800) 462-7424 • O.A.R.S.: Merced/Stanislaus/Tuolumne rivers, www.oars.com/california or call (800) 346-6277 • Sierra Mac: Tuolumne River/Cherry Creek, www.sierramac.com or call (800) 457-2580 • Whitewater Voyages: Merced/Tuolumne rivers, www.whitewatervoyages.com or call (800) 400-7238 • Zephyr Whitewater: Merced/Tuolumne rivers, www.zrafting.com or call (209) 532-6249 or (800) 431-3636 • River Journey, Stanislaus River raft and tube rentals: www.riverjourney.com or vall (800) 292-2938 • Sunshine Rafting, Stanislaus River raft and tube rentals: http://raftadventure.com or call (800) 829-7238

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Safety No matter what, you must be careful on the water! Rivers can be extremely dangerous and you must wear a life jacket at all times while in the water. Participating in guided trips minimizes the danger because boats are stocked with emergency equipment, and guides are trained in rescue, CPR and first aid.

Getting ready

weeks in October when extra water is released to help the salmon swim upstream. The 8-mile stretch west from Knights Ferry is mostly class I with a few short class II sections. guided trips are offered, families or other groups can rent rafts or tubes and water safety gear and float the river at their own pace. Once you arrive at the take-out point there’s a shuttle waiting to reunite you with your vehicle.

All outfitters will provide a wetsuit, so wear a swimsuit that fit easily underneath. You might want to bring shorts to wear over your suit to provide extra traction on the boat. When the water or the outside temperature is especially cold the outfitter will also usually provide a “splash jacket” for extra torso warmth. Wear old tennis shoes or river shoes, a visor or baseball cap that can fit under a helmet, leashed sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. Unless you’re taking an overnight trip, don’t pack a camera. You be paddling the whole time and won’t have any opportunity to use it.

Rafters get a guided tour down the Stanislaus River east of Knights Ferry. ZEPHYR WHITEWATER

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Above, hikers Dan Lynch, Adam Blauert and Chris Collins hike in Yosemite on the Mono Pass Trail. Below, a trail and bridge crosses the Tuolumne River in the midst of Tuolumne Meadows near Tioga Pass in Yosemite.

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ᔡ Exercise Start walking and stretching regularly. If you can, add other cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, jogging or biking. If you have medical conditions discuss your hiking goals with your doctor.

ᔡ Clothes Pants or shorts with a T-shirt are standard for most summer hikes. Bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt and a disposable poncho in case the weather changes — which it can very quickly if you’re in the mountains. In colder seasons, you’ll want additional layers. Look for synthetic fabrics designed for athletic activity. These clothes dry out more quickly than cotton. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are also essential. ᔡ Boots & poles Not only should your boots be sturdy and comfortable, they should also be broken in. Don’t try to soften them up on a trail; wear them around your house and then start using them while exercising. Hiking poles can be very helpful on steep or rocky trails. They take some of the burden off of your knees during a steep downhill stretch. If you’re past, say, 45 or you have bad knees, you might appreciate the extra stability and balance.

Left, a cascade below Lower Golden Trout Lake in Inyo National Forest.

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e are lucky to live near some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. But quite a few of the most impressive sights can be accessed only by trail. If you have limited experience hiking, or haven’t hiked in a long time, here are some helpful hints about getting started (or re-started).

Y Check with the local rang er station about curren itinerary with t conditions someone st and dangers before you se aying home. If you want to t out. Alway learn from ex s carr y a map and co perts, all local nationa mpass, and l parks and know how to use them. Lo m o st state pa ok at your m rks regularly ap regulaarrllyy offer ranger and get used -g ui hi ded ke to how the fe s. atures of the landscap e are repres ented. Mapp fluency has helped me o n a numberr occasions w of hen I thought I wass lostt.t. Frequently lo ok back and familiarize yourself with the view that you will have on your return hike. Find a hiking partner or pa g rtners and le ave trip

ADAM BLAUERT

PERMITS AND PASSES

Right, a solitary hiker takes a wooded path.

Wilderness permits are only required for overnight hiking or backpacking trips. The most recognizable exceptions to this rule are Half Dome (Yosemite), Mt. Whitney (Sequoia National Park), Mt. Shasta (Shasta-Trinity National Forest), and Mt. San Gorgonio (San Bernardino National Forest).

A walk in the woods will do you enormous good

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ᔡ Backpacks Get a comfortable backpack with a padded backboard. You can pay an a lot for premium hiking and camping gear, and this might be an area where it’s worth the investment. What goes in the pack is important. In addition to food, my pack usually contains water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, mosquito repellant, a water filtration system or iodine tablets, a first aid kit, a lightweight jacket, a disposable poncho, a headlamp or flashlight, a map and compass, a whistle, toilet paper and plastic trowel, an extra pair of socks, a wristwatch and my camera. Cell phones are good for emergencies, but they don’t work in many remote locations. If I plan to fish I add a collapsible pole, reel, tackle, pliers and my license. Don’t forget any prescription medications and asthma inhalers. ᔡ Water Pack plenty and drink regularly. Water from natural sources generally needs to be purified. If you don’t plan to carry enough for the entire trip, you will need a filtration system or iodine tablets.

ALTITUDE DANGER If you are not used to high elevations, spend the night near your trailhead before beginning a hike. Don’t attempt too much until you know how much the elevation affects your body. If you develop headaches or nausea, symptoms of altitude sickness, get out of the sun and take a rest. An over-the-counter painkiller might help. Road sign: Highway 36, Northern California

Above, Devils Postpile formations at Devils Postpile National Monument. Left, Yosemite Cascade from the Chilnualna Falls Trail near Wawona.

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Food Pack non-perishables high in protein and carbohydrates. Typical examples include trail mix, dried fruit, beef jerky, energy bars, granola bars, cheese and crackers. Make sure you have some salty snacks to replace the salt that your body loses through sweating. Sanitation On most hikes, your restroom is wherever you choose, as long as you are out of view of others and at least 100 feet from trails, campsites and water sources. Bring toilet paper and a small trowel. Bury waste 6 inches below the surface. Carry out used toilet paper in a resealable plastic bag. Danger No hike is without danger, but knowing how to deal with it minimizes the risk. Learn how to identify poison oak. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. If you hear one, identify where it is and move slowly in the opposite direction. Avoid hiking during thunderstorms and stay out of areas that are exposed or higher if you get caught in one. Wear sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hats and mosquito repellant. Be especially careful near the edges of cliffs, while walking on loose rock or gravel, and while crossing streams. Two hikers try to figure out their next steps while hiking Inyo National Forest.

Dome and no permit is required. Round moderate climb to the top of a long volcanic plateau, this hike trip of 14 miles with a 2,300 foot elevation boasts great views and wildflower displays in the spring. gain. • Spike’s Peak, Pacheco State Park — The highest summit at Don’t feed animals or leave food • Chilnualna Falls, Yosemite — Chilnual- Pacheco State Park, this 2,000 foot Diablo Range summit offers unattended. Bears are generally not na Creek drops 2,400 feet to Wawona and wide views in all directions. A 2.6 mile hike each way, the climb aggressive unless you appear to be you can follow its many cascades and is gradual and the views are biggest after a storm. a threat to their cubs or get between free-falls back to the top. Start early in the them and a food source. If a bear • Wapama Falls, Yosemite — Do this hike when the snow is day. gets your food, DO NOT try to get it melting and pouring water into Wapama Creek, but before it gets back. • Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite — Two of too hot. Only 2½ miles from the parking area at Hetch Hetchy Yosemite’s most stunning lakes are Reservoir, Wapama is one of the most impressive falls in accessible from Tuolumne Meadows via a Yosemite. You can enjoy it from a bridge that crosses directly 5 Easy Hikes 4-mile hike. Jagged Cathedral Peak dominates the landabove the falls. • Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, Yosemite — Starting at Glacier scape. • Hite’s Cove, Sierra National Forest — A great spring wildflower Point, this is a 2-mile loop to two of the best viewpoints overlook- • Virginia Lakes, Hoover Wilderness — Just outside hike, this trail follows the South Fork of the Merced River from Yosemite’s eastern boundary, there are five lakes within 2 ing Yosemite Valley. Highway 140 to a major cove (bend in the river). It’s 5 miles each miles of the parking area. If you have time and energy, you way, but the best wildflower displays are located near the trail• Lyell Fork Tuolumne River, Yosemite — This branch of the can climb an additional 3 miles to Summit Lake or Hoover head. river has almost zero elevation gain for over 3 miles. Starting at Lakes in true alpine landscapes. the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, follow the trail as long as you • Mt. Dana, Yosemite — For experienced hikers in excellent Hiker John Wendel hikes through Sabrina Basin want before turning around. The route is beautiful from the start condition only, this challenging unmaintained trail climbs in Inyo National Forest. and it doesn’t let up! loose rock to the summit of Yosemite’s second highest peak. • Pinecrest National Recreation Trail, Stanislaus National Forest From the 13,053 foot summit you can see at least 50 miles — Easy, 4- mile paved loop around Pinecrest Lake; extremely in every direction. It’s only 3 miles each way but it is tough! popular, but crowds don’t take away from the beauty.

ANIMAL DANGER

• North Grove Loop, Calaveras Big Trees — Completely level, 1½ mile loop through giant trees with a tunnel tree to walk through.

5 Non-Summer Easy Hikes

• Clouds Rest, Yosemite — The view rivals the one from Half

• Table Mountain, New Melones Recreation Area — A

• Balconies Caves Trail, Pinnacles National Park — Pinnacles gets hot in the summer, but it’s nice the rest of the • Natural Bridges, New Melones Recreation Area — Less than a year. It’s less than a mile from the parking area to the cave mile downhill to a limestone cave that you can float through on an entrance where you begin climbing rock stairs through the best talus caves in the state. A flashlight is required and the tube or raft. whole hike is only a 2½ mile round trip, though the park offers many more trails if you have the time and energy. 5 Challenging Summer Hikes

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Horses and mules do all the walking on pack trips

housands of years ago, wild horses roamed North America. They originated here, then spread out across the Bering Strait land bridge into Asia and Europe. Sometime after humans first arrived on our continent, the land bridge disappeared and the world went through catastrophic climate change.

A pack train from Kennedy Meadows Pack Station heads for an overnight trip at Kennedy Lake in the Emigrant Wilderness. Inset, the pack horses take a break at Reds Meadow Pack Station before heading off to Red Cones near Mammoth Lakes.

The North American horses died out along with saber-toothed cats, wooly mammoths, giant beavers, camels, llamas, sloths, dire wolves, and many other large species. You can see the proof at the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, on Highway 99 between Chowchilla and Madera. But horses returned to North America with the Spanish in the 15th century. Some escaped and their offspring thrived and grew into wild herds. Native Americans captured some of them and developed

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Local OHV parks Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area: You’ll find 1,300 acres of terrain with trails, open riding areas, a hill-climb area, and four tracks for motorcycles and ATVs on Corral Hollow Road, west of Tracy. The 70cc Children’s Track and 110cc Beginner Track are designed to make learning to ride safe and easy. Two additional tracks are designated for more experienced riders. Carnegie tends to be more popular with dirt bikes than with quads. The campground offers 23 sites and coin-operated showers. The MotoMart offers refreshments, parts, and riding gear. The park is open year-round, except for emergency closures during inclement weather. A long-term project to open 3,000 acres of adjacent land is underway for the future. For more information go to http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172 or call (924) 447-9027. Frank Raines Regional Park: West of Patterson in Del Puerto Canyon, Raines park provides 800 acres of terrain for riding. Both easy and challenging routes are available. Though the OHV area closes each year at the beginning of June due to fire danger, it re-opens in October. The park’s picnic areas, sports field, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, recreation hall, picnic shelter and 34 campsites remain open. For more information go to www.stancounty.com/ER/PARKS/ pdf/off-highwayvehicle-regional-parks.pdf or call (209) 525-6750.

PREMIUM EDITION Twelve-year-old Kyle Smith gets ready for a day of riding his quad along the trails of Frank Raines Park in Del Puerto Canyon. ELIAS FUNEZ/THE BEE

here’s a real thrill to riding ATVs and dirt bikes and they can be enjoyed with a relative degree of safety if you are learn the necessary skills and remain aware of rules and regulations governing their use. Safety courses are regularly offered at Carnegie and Hollister Hills. • For motorcycle safety courses, go to: Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area: Hollister Hills SVA offers 4,100 acres of terrain with 150 miles of trails, five tracks and several hill-climb areas. While Carnegie is a little better suited for dirt bikes than quads, riders generally consider Hollister to be equally good for both. Two campgrounds offer a total of 7 campsites, two of which have coin-operated showers. On La Cienega Road near Hollister, the park is open daily from dawn until dusk. La Grange Off-Highway Vehicle Park: Just south of Highway 132 on La Grange Road, this park is smaller than the others but has good beginner, intermediate and motocross tracks — plus more than 100 acres of trails. Undeveloped campsites and restrooms are available. For more information go to www.stancounty.com/ER/PARKS/pdf/off-highwayvehicle-regional-parks.pdf or call (209) 525-6750.

http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx#. • For ATV safety courses go to: http://www.atvsafety.org/asi.cfm. • For laws and regulations go to: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1234. National Forests: I spend a lot of time exploring remote mountain roads in my truck. California’s national forests and other public lands offer thousands of miles of roads. Many of these roads can be enjoyed with a high-clearance pickup truck or SUV but can be tough on a standard passenger vehicle. 4WD expands the number of roads you can try and decreases your chances of getting stuck. I started enjoying this kind of exploration when I bought my first high-clearance vehicle during college. By starting with easy roads and having friends along to help if an emergency arose (fortunately there weren’t too many) I gradually got comfortable with more challenging roads. Because the vehicle I use to explore is also my only vehicle, I generally stick to roads rated no more than a 4 or 5 on a scale of 10. I don’t see it as a limitation — there are still hundreds of miles of easy to moderate backroads close to home that I haven’t yet had the chance to explore. Books provide ideas for some of the most scenic routes. Tony Huegel’s Sierra Nevada Byways is one of my favorites. It has a wide range of easy to moderate routes throughout the Sierra — perfect for day or weekend excursions with family or friends. Backroad exploring is also a good activity if you have a friend or family member with a disability. For a successful trip, it’s important to have accurate maps and to designate one of the passengers for the role of navigator. Pick up a map from one of our local national forests (Sierra, Stanislaus, El Dorado, or Humboldt-Toiyabe) and ask about current road conditions. While street-legal vehicles are allowed on all roads not designated for ATVs and motorcycles only, ATVs and motorcycles are not allowed on many forest roads open to street-legal vehicles. — Adam Blauert

San Jose’s Chris Smith takes his Rhino ATV through a portion of Del Puerto Creek at the Frank Raines Park west of Patterson. ELIAS FUNEZ/THE BEE

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unsurpassed skills that enabled them to ride, hunt and fight on horseback, transforming their culture. Wild horses still roam some remote regions of the west. Horses and mules (the sure-footed offspring of a horse and a donkey) also played an important role for European-Americans as they spread out and explored the American wild lands, carrying explorers, settlers and supplies. Today, the tradition of enjoying and exploring wild places on horseback continues. Not only is horseback riding one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the backcountry, but horses and mules also make the backcountry more accessible for families with small children, older adults and people with disabilities. An overnight pack trip can be a great way to learn how to take extended wilderness trips if you don’t have any backpacking experience. A “spot trip” is one of the best ways to see more of the wilderness in a short amount of time. Most pack outfits offer several types of trips. Day rides/guided trail rides — 1-8 hours of riding and exploring with a guide, generally with a stop for lunch, fishing or swimming. Spot/drop trips — Packer takes you and your gear to a wilderness destination. You can be picked up at the same spot after one or more nights, or you can journey into the wilderness on foot and return on your own or be picked up at a different location. Extended trips — A packer leads you on a multi-night wilderness trip, camping at different locations each night. Or you set up a base camp for day rides to additional destinations such as fishing lakes. All-inclusive trips — Same as extended trip, but with the packer providing cooked meals, bedding, etc. Resupply/supply drop — Packer uses mules to resupply you with food and provisions partway through an extended backpacking trip. Hunting trips — Many outfits offer special guided hunting trips in the fall.

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Pack Trip

f you’re looking for a way to make lasting family memories this summer, a pack trip could be perfect. Here are several local pack outfits and the areas they serve: • Aspen Meadow Pack Station: Emigrant Wilderness, www.aspenmeadowpackstation.com or call (209) 965-3402 • DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite: Yosemite National Park, www.yosemitepark.com/mule-horseback -rides.aspx or call (801) 559-4884 • High Sierra Pack Station: Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, www.highsierrapackstations.com or call (559) 285-7225 • Kennedy Meadows Pack Station: Carson-Iceberg and Emigrant Wildernesses, northern Yosemitem www.kennedymeadows.com or call (209) 965-3911 • Kirkwood Sierra Outfitters: Mokelumne Wilderness, www.defininghorsemanship.com/Default. aspx or call (209) 785-7066 • Leavitt Meadow Pack Station: Emigrant and Hoover Wildernesses, Yosemite, www.leavittmeadows.com or call (775) 450-0014 • JC High Country (Little Antelope Pack Station, Kirkwood Corrals, Wolf Creek Pack Station): Carson-Iceberg Wilderness (and Mokelumne?), www.littleantelopepackstation.com or call (775) 315-6222 • Mather Saddle and Pack Station: Northern Yosemite, www.mathersaddleandpackstation.com or call (209) 847-5753

Specialized camps — Some outfits offer special youth programs such as Kennedy Meadows’ week-long horse camp.

• Minarets Pack Station: Ansel Adams Wilderness, southern Yosemite, www.highsierrapackers.org or call (559) 868-3405

Western-themed events — Some outfits offer chuckwagon cookouts with traditional ranch food and music, extended trips that involve traditional ranch work such as helping with a roundup or cattle drive, or winter sleigh rides.

• Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit: Hoover Wilderness, Northern Yosemite, www.virginialakes.com or call (760) 937-0326

Fishing guides — All pack stations offer trips that take riders to great fishing destinations. A few offer fishing guides to accompany the trips.

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• Yosemite Trails Saddle and Sleigh Company: Sierra National Forest, southern Yosemite, www.yosemitetrails.com or call (559) 683-7611

Top, two mules stand ready for the trip at Reds Meadow Pack Station near Mammoth Lakes. Above, riders on their way to Kennedy Lake.

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Birds, elk and more, our valley contains it all

M The western fence lizard, photographed at Sutter Buttes, also goes by the more descriptive name of bluebelly lizard. These wildflowers and a butterfly were found in Humphreys Basin.

uch of the Central Valley was once a great wetlands. Water from Sierra rivers flooded the lowest parts, providing extensive habitat for a multitude of bird species. The Pacific Flyway remains one of the greatest migration corridors in the world, with millions of migratory birds making their winter homes here. Three large federal wildlife refuges and several smaller state refuges provide habitat, viewing areas and hunting opportunities. These refuges make up the largest contiguous freshwater wetlands remaining in California. Though some species live in the refuges year-round, the best time to visit is from December through February when huge sections are flooded to attract waterfowl. The refuges are open daily from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Because winter mornings are often foggy, evening is usually the best time to see birds returning from feeding. Bring binoculars and a camera with your longest lenses. The best bird viewing areas — which are separate from hunting areas — include:

ᔡ Merced National Wildlife Refuge — Southwest of Merced on Sandy Mush Road, there is a 5.2-mile auto

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L I V I N G I N T H E VA L L E Y tour route with raised viewing platforms and four short trails. ᔡ San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuge — There is an excellent viewing platform on Beckwith Road near the Stanislaus River. Go west from Modesto on Highway 132, turn right on Gates Road then left on Beckwith. The platform is clearly marked. The 4-mile Pelican Nature Trail is south of the platform at the end of Dairy Road. ᔡ San Luis National Wildlife Refuge (Main Unit) — Drive north from Los Banos on Highway 165 and turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow it into the refuge where you’ll find an 8½-mile waterfowl auto tour route, a 5-mile tule elk auto tour route and five short trails. There are viewing platforms along the way. There’s also an informative visitor center, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While touring, look for black-tailed deer, too. ᔡ San Luis National Wildlife Refuge — The Bear Creek Unit is on Highway 165 a few miles north of the Wolfsen turnoff. It offers a 2½-mile auto tour and two trails of about 1½ miles each. Check www.fws.gov/Refuge/San_Luis or call (209) 826-1445 for maps and info on tours. Below, two 1-year-old raccoons sit in a tree trunk at the Stanislaus Wildlife Center.

THE BEE

Right, deer feed in the meadow during the spring with Yosemite Falls in the background. ADAM BLAUERT

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A Canada goose and its offspring swim in the Turlock Lake fishing access area. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE

Wildflowers can be found in all of California’s ranges. ADAM BLAUERT

CALIFORNIA CONDOR This remarkable species is another that is slowly recovering from near-extinction. With wingspans of up to 10 feet, condors are a thrill to see soaring. The population fell to 22 individuals in the 1980s, but has grown to over 400 now. Condors often can be seen along the coast and in the mountains of Southern California. The closest place to see them is Pinnacles National Park, 30 miles south of Hollister. While sightings are not guaranteed, Pinnacles is a great place to visit in cooler months and its trails and caves make it worth the journey even if the condors aren’t there. I saw at least a dozen from the High Peaks Trail last spring. Go to www.nps.gov/pinn or call (831) 389-4485.

ADAM BLAUERT

The world’s largest flying bird is the California condor, can be seen at Pinnacles State Park. Left, egrets return to their roost in Turlock. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE

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Tule elk forage in the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge north of Los Banos. ADAM BLAUERT

Below, a great egret and turtle share space at CSU, Stanislaus. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE

TULE ELK Grizzly bears, pronghorn (commonly called â&#x20AC;&#x153;antelopeâ&#x20AC;?) and tule elk once roamed the floor of our Valley in enormous numbers. The California grizzly is now extinct and you have to drive all the way to the Carrizo Plain National Monument to find pronghorn. But you can see elk right in our own back yard. The 5-mile tour at San Luis Refuge loops around a large enclosure where a

herd of about 50 elk can be spotted, often in the distance. The elk roam the area, often in separate groups but usually can be seen from the large viewing platform near the end of the route. Though binoculars are helpful, the platform has a large permanently-mounted viewing scope. The tule elk population once dropped to fewer than 50 individuals, but now there are several thousand in the state. A free-roaming herd may sometimes be spotted near San Luis Reservoir.

Left, a jackrabbit takes cover in the shade of a wild mustard plant near Modesto. DEBBIE NODA/ THE BEE

Right, white pelicans gather and groom themselves near the shoreline of Turlock Lake. DEBBIE NODA/ THE BEE

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Getting off paved paths is exciting and lots of fun Frank Raines Regional Park is popular with off-roaders, welcomes ATVs, 4WDs, motorcycles, dune buggies and sandrails to Del Puerto Canyon near Patterson. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE

Inset, San Jose’s Chris Smith meets up with a pair of quad riders on his Rhino ATV. ELIAS FUNEZ/THE BEE

ff-roading can be quite mysterious to those who haven’t done it. Those who do it on a regular basis love it. But those who don’t can find themselves baffled by the jargon of veteran off-roaders. We’ll try to clarify some of those terms and make this very popular sport a little more accessible and recommend some new places to ride for those who already know what it’s all about. There are several ways to enjoy motor-driven recreation in our area. Some of the most popular include: • Riding dirt bikes or ATVs on trails in established OHV recreation areas and parks; • Riding dirt bikes or ATVs on unpaved mountain roads (not permitted in all areas — see the “National Forests” section that follows); • Riding dirt bikes or ATVs on motocross/race tracks; • Exploring unpaved mountain roads in multi-passenger off-road vehicles such as, Jeeps, pickup trucks, and heavy-duty SUVs.

BASIC TERMINOLOGY ATV: A 3- or 4-wheeled vehicle designed for rough terrain, but not legal for street driving. ATVs are typically designed with a motorcycle-like seat that the driver straddles. Most have one seat, but two-seat models are also available. Common ATVs are known as “quads,” “4-wheelers,” or “3-wheelers.” Dirt bike: A motorcycle designed for rough terrain. Motocross: Dirt bike racing on enclosed courses with off-road terrain. OHV: Any vehicle designed for off-highway use, including dirt bikes, ATVs, Jeeps, pickup trucks and heavy-duty SUVs.

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fun A hiker jumps at the top of Dome Rock, Sequoia National Monument. ADAM BLAUERT

The Smith, Ereno, Villanueva and Hays families of San Jose, Tracy, and Pleasanton enjoy Mothers’ Day weekend at Frank Raines OHV campground. ELIAS FUNEZ/THE BEE

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DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE

Donna Howry’s grandson, Douglas McCleary, age 9, lets an armyworm crawl on his fingers.

Want creative, resourceful kids? Get them outside

he outdoors offers unmatchable opportunities for families and friends to enjoy each other’s company, to explore, imagine and build lasting bonds. And it’s healthier than keeping them cooped up inside. In his book “Last Child in the Woods,” Richard Louv explores the negative effects of growing up indoors. Statistics show that today’s children spend far less time outdoors than their parents or grandparents, and when they are outdoors they tend to be participating in organized or structured activities. Louv shows that playing outside fosters creativity and offers a wide range of psychological benefits that can’t be matched by any amount of technology. The younger your kids are when they begin enjoying the outdoors, the better off they are. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are suggestions for being able to relax while outdoors with your family. ᔡ Go camping — If you’re not used to camping, start by picking a campground that has some of the comforts of home such as flush toilets and showers. Pick a location adjacent to a lake, creek, river or easy hiking trails. Don’t drive too far and plan activities for the kids to do in the car. Also make sure your campground is not next to a highway or

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Don’t Let Disabilities Keep You Inside National parks and all other federal recreation areas offer free lifetime access passes for all residents with permanent disabilities. The pass provides a 50 percent discount on use fees for campgrounds, tours and interpretive activities. Those older than 62 can buy a lifetime pass for $10. Learn more at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm. Also, find a list of accessible campsites at www.recreation.gov and www.reserveamerica.com.

Hikers take to the hills of Del Puerto Canyon’s Minnear Day Use Area for Patterson’s Hikes, Bikes and Kayaks program. ELIAS FUNEZ/THE BEE

major road. There’s nothing fun about listening to traffic all night. ᔡ Involve the kids — They can be an important part of the planning, the packing, the camp chores, the cooking, etc. They will have fun and they can also learn some responsibilities in the process. ᔡ Don’t overplan — Before you leave home, research so you know what you’ll be doing on your trip — but don’t try to do too much. Relaxing in the campground might be more appealing than a busy day. Folding chairs can make any campsite more comfortable. ᔡ Food — Hot dogs cooked over a campfire taste better than hot dogs ever tasted at home. Remember, camp food doesn’t have to be fancy. Let the kids help pick the menu. If you want something adults might enjoy, too, then Dutch oven cooking can create an enjoyable family tradition. ᔡ Relax around the campfire — Storytelling around the campfire is one of my favorite parts of any trip. The more you get out and do fun things with your kids, the more stories you will have to tell. Kids also enjoy hearing stories about what it was like when their parents were growing up. Or you can make up stories or play “one sentence story” by starting with the youngest person and going clockwise around the fire, each person adding a sentence until everyone

Hopper, a common raven, is a longtime resident at the the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE

Monique Lucatero, 4, and her little brother Mitchell try their hands at angling at San Luis Reservoir’s O’Neill Forebay. CHARLES GUEST/ LOS BANOS ENTERPRISE

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L I V I N G I N T H E VA L L E Y agrees that the story is done. Expect hilarity. Once dinner has settled, toast some marshmallows and make s’mores. ᔡ Explore the campground — Go on short hikes, help kids scramble up small boulders, toss a line in the water and see if you can land a fish. If you bring bikes, campgrounds are often safe places to ride and kids will likely find other kids to play with. Take a short night hike with flashlights on a well-marked trail. When your kids find something they enjoy doing, get out of the way and let them play. ᔡ Bring toys and games — Bring outdoor toys that can’t be easily damaged. Boxes can become forts, castles, etc. And don’t forget those toys that make small children feel more secure and comfortable — teddy

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bears, blankets, etc. Hide and seek can be great for older kids as long as clear boundaries are set. A board game or a deck of cards is a great “plan B” if the weather turns bad. Pack the discs, footballs, horseshoes and bean bags — but leave the electronics at home!

ᔡ Bring friends — “The more the merrier” usually applies in camping. If you can set up a trip with another family with kids, they’ll likely have twice the fun. If possible, reserve two adjacent camping sites. Kids enjoy participating in short ranger-led activities offered at many national and state parks.

ᔡ Take photos — Pictures make it easier to remember your trip. Kids can also learn to use a camera — pick up a disposable camera or two and you won’t have to worry about accidents in the learning process.

ᔡ Make it comfortable — Bug spray, warm sleeping bags and clothing for all temperatures and weather situations are essential. Though kids can usually get comfortable on any sleeping pad, adults generally sleep better on high quality inflatables.

ᔡ Plan your packing — Let the kids help plan and pack. It’s better to bring more than you need than not having what you can’t do without. It’s often possible to borrow or rent camping gear that you don’t own. If you like, practice camping in the back yard before your first trip. And take notes to make the next trip more enjoyable. ᔡ Attitude — Take it easy and try to enjoy whatever surprises come your way. Have a positive attitude for kids to copy.

ᔡ Safety — Be prepared for wildlife encounters and supervise kids around water, dangerous terrain, and other hazards. Don’t forget a well-stocked first-aid kit and itch and sunburn lotions. Inset, sitting around a campfire is one of the true joys of McCLATCHY-TRIBUNE camping with family. Tent camping is very popular and campgrounds can become crowded; but don’t let that stop you. THE BEE

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