SoCal Adventures-Paddle Boarding in Lido Island

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We try to enjoy the outdoors all year round since living in Southern California pretty much guarantees constant sunshine. Even with El Nino weather this year, the rain has not prevented us from the outdoors. We decided to go paddle boarding on Lido Island a couple of weekends ago. This was a request made by my friend Azrina before she went back to the “real” winter in Boston. Lido Island is a manmade island located in the harbor of Newport Beach, CA. Since only Louis and I had our own paddle boards, our friends found a good deal for a 2-hr paddle board rental at Wayward Captain Watersports for $10. The weather was partially sunny with very light breeze, which turned out to be perfect paddle boarding climate. One thing to watch out for is the wind when paddle boarding, it can be quite a workout fighting against the wind!

Good to know:

  • Wayward Captain Watersports is located at 2406 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA. They are located on the dock behind the American Junkie restaurant. Their hours of operation are from 10AM-6PM.
  • Parking is tight on Lido Island, it is especially chaotic on the weekends. Valet parking is available in front of the restaurant for $12 or street parking is available if you don’t mind walking a bit further.
  • Once you launch your paddle board, watch for boat traffic in this area- it’s a harbor for small boats coming in and out of the Pacific Ocean.
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We ended up paddling around the perimeter of Lido Island for the afternoon

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Paddling around Lido Island

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Alpana in her “winter” attire while paddle boarding

Weekend Getaway- Wind Wolves Preserve

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We visited the Wind Wolves Preserve in Bakersfield, California this past weekend with Louis’s sisters and their significant others. This is one of the 12 preserves run under the Wildlands Conservancy in California. It was our first time at the Wind Wolves Preserve but we’ve visited the Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa, California last year.

Good to know:

  • Location: The preserve is located at 16019 Maricopa Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311 and it takes a little under 2 hours to get there from Los Angeles.
  • Camping at San Emigdio Campground is free and available at the park with reservation, we emailed Courtney Carter to make our reservations a couple weeks in advance. Check in for campsites is daily between 2PM-4:30PM and checkout is at 10AM. No late arrivals is allowed after 5PM.
  • Fees: There are no fees to use and visit the reserve or camp, however, since this is a nonprofit organization, they do suggest $5 donation per individual or $10 per family.
  • Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the preserve but are not allowed to participate in the organized hikes
  • Campfires: Unfortunately, no campfires are allowed due to the dry climate in Bakersfield.
  • Additional information can be found on the Wind Wolves Preserve webpage and their facebook page for photos.

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    Tule Elk Viewing Area, Wind Wolves Preserve

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Gear Review: ZPacks Hexamid Twin (2014)

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Hexamid Twin, Zpacks, Lost Coast

Quick and Dirty
Gear Type: Shelter/Tent
Material: .51 Cuben and Nano-noseum
Weight with Poles and Stuff Sacks: 13.5 oz
Trail weight: 13.5 oz with no floor, 18 oz with optional cuben floor
Price: $320 – $530
Link:  Hexamid Twin
Pros: Easy pitch, very lightweight, innovative design
Cons: Lacks headspace opposite of the door

The Zpacks Hexamid Twin (Hexamid) is a ultra-light sub 13 oz “fully enclosed” singled-wall tent or 18 oz with the cuben bath tub floor.  Zpacks uses .51 cuben fiber and a nano-noseum door and floor to ease construction.  The Hexamid is the only production tent on the US market that uses a noseum floor.  Zpacks claims that it is plenty durable for trail use.

Our Hexamid was purchased specifically to be used for solo and two person trips without the dog.  Our Hexamid is not the current storm doors model.  Instead, it is the 2013-2014, bonded model with the roll-down beak.  By far, this is one of the most beautiful tent designs on the market.

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Badlands Park- Laguna Niguel, CA

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The Quick and Dirty:
Location: 31671 Isle Vista, Laguna Niguel, CA. Free parking can be found on Isle Vista street. Park on the street before entering the private, gated community.
Distance:  Short 1.5 mile walk with panoramic views of Dana Point and Laguna Beach. 
Difficulty:  Easy, this trail is not really a hike but a leaisure walk. It is super short but perfect to bring friends and family who wants an ocean view by can’t walk or hike very far.
Dogs Allowed? Yes, dogs need to be leashed on to be on the trail.

If you want a panoramic ocean view in south Orange County without the crowd, this is the place to come. We stumbled upon this short hiking trail during a dog Meetup for Dakota and have been taking family and friends to visit this place ever since.

Located in Laguna Niguel, Badlands Park is a short 1.5 walk  with a view of the Dana Point to Laguna Beach coastline on one side and equally impressive cliff-side houses on the other. We think this trail is great if you are looking for a leisure stroll with a panoramic view and without needing direct beach access. Picnic tables are also available at the beginning of the trail for a meal and a nice view of the coastal sunset.

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Coast view looking north towards Laguna Beach. On a clear day, you can see as far as Long Beach toward the north and Catalina Island towards the west.

 

 

 

Los Pinos Peak, Cleveland National Forest

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The Quick and Dirty:
Location: Los Pinos Peak from Blue Jay campground, Cleveland National Forest
Distance: 5 miles round trip from Main Divide Truck Trail and Long Canyon Trail 
Difficulty:  Easy but watch for mountain bikers on the trail
Duration: 2.5 hours out and back
Dogs Allowed? Yes

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