SF Bay Area Hikers - Can I tag along?

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Sep 2, 2008
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Hey Guys,

Is there anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area that would be willing to let me tag along on hikes? Maybe even overnighter/backpacking trips eventually, if I can work up to it or afford it.


FYI, my motivations:

1: I need to get off my a$$ and out of the house. I grew up in Hawaii and used to be pretty outdoorsy person (beach bum at least); sadly, I haven't had the time or the means to take full advantage of all California has to offer since I moved here. I'm itching to get out there and live.

2: I want to learn W&SS. Anything from gear selection to surviving with no gear. The little knowledge I have managed to glean through my relatively short life is just that: knowledge. little knowledge. I would like to learn real application, develop skills from knowledge, and see what actually works for me and what doesn't. I've been reading up on stuff here on BF, and have begun reading the standard literature, but I need experience now. And I'd like to get that from one or several of you.

3: My gf isn't into the whole hiking scene (really frustrating actually), and most of my other friends have moved away or are rather sedentary. I want to hike with and learn stuff from someone who loves it.

4: I hate the gym. It stinks. And it is often plagued by the occasional tool/dbag.

5: I don't have the money to pay for some REI type outdoor program that might force upon me the company of undesirable people (No offense to the store, i'm just averse to certain types that shop there). I wouldn't sign up even if i did have the cash.


Some things you should know:

- I don't have a car (My gf has one). I'm able to commute to work, so I've never bought one. Therefore, I'd have to meet you somewhere along or near public transportation in the bay area and catch a ride with you if possible. I know, it's lame, but i figure it's worth a chance asking. Of course, I'll split gas with you etc.

- I'm in average shape right now. I'm not a triathlete, but I'm no slouch either. Once I get in the groove, I'll probably whip up pretty quickly. So if you're a regular trail blazer, maybe I'll spend more time at the gym before slowing you down. But if you're a moderate hiker, I can probably keep up or quickly get to your level.

- I'm not that much of a talker. Contrary to this long-winded post, I tend to be on the quiet side verbally. That doesn't mean I'm completely opposed to conversations, but I'm more than content to hike in relative silence. Some call me shy; I say i'm more along the lines of "better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt.":) Anyway, the point is, I'd be unobtrusive and wouldn't get in anyone's way.

- I'm don't have much wilderness experience or many survival skills under my belt, but if you're willing to teach, i'm down to learn. I'm not looking to be anyone's disciple, but I do want to figure out what works for me by learning from others.


One more thing, you don't have to "teach" me if you don't want to! I'd be perfectly happy just to tag along and enjoy the hike :)



Thanks, and sorry this was so long,
Russell
 
russell-- how goes it...:)

i'm in the SANTA CRUZ mtns... no too far away... if you're ever in this area, we have a lot of trails/parks to explore... KILLER mtn. bike trails too...:D
 
Great, thanks Mike :) You are indeed not very far away. I think i could day-trip it out there on amtrak. Will research the options and PM you sometime :)
 
Well, I'm soon moving to the south bay(saratoga). If you're down to go hiking in Santa Cruz, I can take you the rest of the way, if you can get to the south bay. My wife and I like to go hiking when we can, mostly day hikes, but we hope to do an overnighter or two next year. We aren't in very good shape at all ourselves, so don't worry about that.

Mike's a great guy, and has all kinds of trails nearby. We are in the middle of moving right now, but once we get settled in more, and start hiking again, I'd be more than happy to shoot you an email to see if you want to come along. You just gotta figure out how to get down to the San Jose area, I hate driving in the city, so I aint coming to pic you up, lol. But, my wifes been bugging me to go to Muir woods, so if we ever do that, we could maybe pic you up on the way.

P.S. We're pretty quiet people too. Send me an email so I have your address, and I'll put it aside for future reference.(click on my screen name to email me.) Oh, and if you like mountain biking, Mike's got some great trails like he said.
 
I used to live around that area. About a mile from Mt. Diablo. I used to go there just about every weekend as a kid. A wonderful place without a lot of people. Go check it out.
 
Mt. Diablo is awesome! Love the tarantulas in the fall :) Wow, to live a mile from a place like that must surely have been awesome. :) Plan to go back there soon, thanks Joezilla!
 
Well I'm not into the W&SS stuff down here, but I'd be up for a camp outing and MTB ride in the area.

I'm down in Monterey area, but come up and play PB off of BearCreek Road, so I know what the hills and stuff are like.

Maybe we should get a BF outting planned.

And I don't know how many hunters we have in the area, but would be up to do some more of that. BTW, I'm from back east... not a CA native.

DM
 
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Yeah, a BF outing sounds like a good idea. Seems like we got several people who are in the general area :)
 
i'm into that...:thumbup: we just had small gathering last night in san jose, from folks here on BF... it was a blast... hopefully i'll get some pics up soon...
 
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