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Lassen Volcanic NP: Clusters Lake Loop & Cinder Cone

Paulina DaoJuly 31, 20142615 views

Lassen Volcanic National Park Clusters Lake Loop Cinder Cone

Really long days like this happen when I try to jam pack a lot of things into a short amount of time. I started at the Summit Lake trailhead where our campsite was. My intention was to go all the way out to the Cinder Cone (which I will be tackling this weekend), back and down around the whole Clusters Lake loop. It didn’t happen. It ended up being an out and back past Echo Lake, two unnamed lakes, Upper & Lower Twin Lakes, and Rainbow Lake to just a mile short of the Cinder Cone near the Fantastic Lava Beds and Painted Sand Dunes. This trail loops around Lower Twin lake and connects with the Pacific Crest Trail so you can opt to take that for a bit of a change of pace on your way back.

Swim the Big Sur River Gorge

Paulina DaoJuly 28, 201436K views

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Big Sur River Gorge July 2014

I had accidentally stopped by Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and headed up the Big Sur River Gorge last summer when we stopped too early in an attempt to do the Tanbark Trail & Tin House loop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I mean, the names are confusing. Really.

The last time I was here, we made it up the river to the swimming hole, but opted to come back at a later time to jump in. I was determined to check this place off my bucket list! And this weekend, I did. Headed down to the park on a hot Sunday morning with some friends. We were afraid it would be foggy and cool, but the fog quickly burned off to reveal blue, blue skies for a marvelous trek up the river.

Hiking Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Paulina DaoJuly 21, 20143794 views

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of my favorite places in California. It’s an absolute hidden gem, overshadowed by other national parks like Yosemite. Bumpass Hell was my first hike within the park.

Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of those features that you must see. It’s just so cool! And so stinky, a great, family-friendly introduction to the park.

Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket

Paulina DaoJuly 17, 201411.2K views

Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket

Vapur Element Anti-Bottle

Paulina DaoMarch 11, 20141804 views

Vapur Element 1 Liter Review

I was lucky enough to score big time in the first ever #YonderGames with a Vapur Element bottle!

I’ve never really understood the appeal of these “anti-bottles”. But now I get it.

My Vapur Element holds 1L of water. The fact that it’s clear makes you hyper-aware of just how much water you are drinking. You can see every ounce disappear into your body, and you’re watching the plastic shrink as it happens!