David Multer

It was a tough night yesterday, and I knew I had to get Nick to lower elevation to help him feel better. So it’s back down the trail to see how he feels when we get to the Pear Lake turnoff. Plenty of great views along the way, and I’m happy to see Nick starting to feel better. Unfortunately Nick is in no mood for another tough night in the back country, so it’s back to the car for the both of us. I’m looking forward to our next trip, with a little more time to acclimate. ...

It’s been a long time since I’ve gone backpacking with any of the kids, and this fall it’s Nick’s turn to enjoy the great outdoors with his grizzly dad. We’re headed to a new hike for me out in Sequoia National Park. We drove out early in hopes of getting a permit for one of the nicer areas. We decided on the Lakes Trail route out to Alta Peak for the first night, then over to Pear Lakes for the second night. It was a dusty hike with a good amount of climbing, up through Panther Gap and on to Mehrten Meadow. Unfortunately I didn’t anticipate that Nick might get hit with altitude issues, so we took it easy and setup camp in the Meadow. It was a tough night for him getting up every hour or so. ...

Yesterday was a long drive up to Bishop, but the route up Highway 95 and then over to Bishop was really beautiful. We start nice the day early and head for Mammoth Lakes and Devils Postpile for some excellent hiking. We checked out the rock formations from above and below, and then hiked out to Rainbow Falls. Our next stop is Mono Lake. And then it’s up and over Tioga Pass into Yosemite via Tuolumne Meadows. I’ve really wanted to do some backpacking out this way, but permits are always so tough to come by. One of these days I’m thinking I’ll have to do the Pacific Crest Trail from here down to Whitney. One of these days. ...

We arrived at the North Rim yesterday, and this morning it’s pretty cold, but that certainly doesn’t hinder any of the beauty of this place. Charlotte and I hike around the edge of the canyon, but we don’t have a lot of time today as we’ve got a long drive up to Bishop for our last night of the road trip.

We arrived in Bryce Canyon yesterday, so it’s time to dive into a new National Park to see what it has to offer. It’s a spectacular morning and a good chance to capture some great lighting. This is easily the most unique hike I’ve ever done. Everywhere you look there are amazing rock formations. The colors and quiet trails lead you on a wonderfully meandering path. We spend most of the day exploring as many areas as we can find. ...

Yesterday was a great day of hiking in Zion, so this morning we’re headed to the Kolobs Canyon entrance for a hike on the Taylor Creek trail. The Double Arch Alcove at the end was an impressive sight. I hope to come back this way for some backpacking in the future. It looks like a fun multi-day hike across the park. A little of the wildlife and wildflowers along the way. ...

Charlotte and I are off for a big road trip to various national parks. Our first stop is Zion. After a long drive from Santa Cruz and a peaceful hotel night just outside the park, we head to the Angels Landing hike bright and early. The only problem is that it’s actually dark outside when we start hiking. Let’s just say we’ve got a few switchbacks to traverse before getting to the top of Scout Lookout. ...

Gabe has been very excited about moving on from Middle School to High School for some time now, and today is that day. He’s looking so fine in his new business attire, and I think he even likes the tie. His friends Joe and Connor take their turn up at the podium, while Monica the photographer works the crowd. The big man heads up to get his diploma. A few more friends and then it’s time to party. ...

It was a blast watching the Amgen Tour of California yesterday in Santa Cruz, and today we’re off to San Jose to watch the riders start from downtown. We get a few glimpses of Horner and Hincapie, then Gabe camps out right in front of the Saxo Bank team RV and lucks out. There’s Andy Schleck, Jens Voigt, and Fabian Cancellara. He’s even got a signed tshirt to prove it! ...

The AMGEN Tour of California is back in Santa Cruz again this year, but this year springtime and hopefully the cold, wind, and rain will be replaced with beautiful days like today. Charlotte headed down to the finish area at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with some friends. While Gabe and I camped out on Bonny Doon Road to catch the riders struggling up this great climb. Gabe made a very nice ecologically correct road sign saying “Go Levi”. Meanwhile plenty of local riders headed past us to find their spot to watch the race. ...