Backpacking Morgan Territory Regional Preserve – Trip 2, Day 2

Backpacking Morgan Territory Regional Preserve – Trip 2

Del Valle Regional Park – 6/23

From the initial climb up from Arroyo Staging area

Looking back from the top of the first hill

About the 1/2 point looking directly back on the start and that 1st hill.

The climb up and out was fairly steep taking Heron Cove Tr. vs. East Coast.

Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve – 6/22

Mt. Tamalpais as seen from the Sobrante Ridge Tr.

Crockett Hills Regional Park – June 17

After 15 minutes or so of climbing from the staging area trailhead, turned around to this view.

Beautiful clear morning.

There’s a Killdeer flying through this shot

Looking towards Oakland you don’t notice the refineries, bridges and 101

A fenced off tunnel under Crockett Blvd. On the way through the parking lot I spotted this tunnel. The Deer was relaxing in the shade.

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve – My 1st Solo Backpacking Trip

I learned a lot preparing for this, learned more doing it and cant wait to do it again!

Arrived at 2pm after the 1hr drive. NWS reports it was 106 degrees from 2-3pm, it was a hot, tiring hike in

No photos of the hike in. 106 degrees, camera in backpack. I had to rest under a tree for 10 mins and take breaks on the second of the two climbs. I made it there in 1.5 hrs, incredibly slow for me compared to a day hike!

(Step one was making sure I could access water. I had 750ml left if the reported water icon on the map was wrong, I’d have to go back.)

At first I thought this was the source of the non-potable water. I was very happy to find a spigot of clearer water elsewhere on the site. Filtered 7 liters of water, then picked a site for the tent.

Wonderful view of Mt. Diablo from the east looking west. Setting the tent here would give me a great sundown view and sunrise above my head.

Now what? Ate a small sandwich, drank lots of water, washed some clothes, and started reading

Turns out I was the only one camping tonight. Perhaps the 106 degree weather?

heated up some leftover chili with noodles that Laura made earlier in the week.

Feeling happy about my choice, glad for the opportunity to do this. This is the first time in my life I’ve been completely alone overnight, haven’t seen or heard a person in 8 hrs at this point

this is my new (spacious) backpacking tent.

Finished reading my first book, readying the headlamp for more reading after sunset.

Was sure I would not be able make it out here this weekend, an ankle injury earlier in the week cleared up at the last minute. Thanks Feet!

The night was a little windy, I had a hard time sleeping, wanted to stay up and see everything as it changed through the night.

Woke up for the last time around 4am, relented and got up around 5:30am to watch the sun start its rise.

Was windy over night, but still warm. In the AM I wanted some of that light to come my way!

Forgot the coffee grinds! Rookie! The Oatmeal was hearty and warming, glad I didn’t pass.

I rose soo fast, the next two+ pictures are from the same minute or two.

The wind didn’t let up and made striking camp more of a challenge.

The birds were out.

Getting ready to pack up and head back before the weather turns. AM (dry?!) Thunderstorms forecast, want to get moving before it gets too warm.

Hiked out in just over an hour, vs. 1.5 on the way in. Must have been the heat. At the car, I saw the first human I’d seen in 19 hours. By far the longest time I’ve been truly alone.