Anthony's Audio Journal

Episode 50 The Carey Castle Day HIke

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:04:00 +0000

The 50th Episode of Anthony’s Audio Journal, is about our hike into Joshua Tree National Park and our adventure up the Red Butte Wash to visit the Carey Castle. This trip was unique because there isn’t really a trail to Carey’s Castle, in fact, it’s not a trail at all. The only tell-tale signs that it’s there is a small black dot on the USGS Topographic map and the words, “Carey’s Castle”. It’s a pretty well kept secret, and folks want to keep it that way. There are no signs at the trailhead or along the way. There’s no sign at the castle or any mention of it in any of the Joshua Tree publications that I’m aware of. The few cairns that have been placed by hikers are routinely knocked over and scattered about or purposely built to redirect hikers into dead ends, further adding to the mystery of the hike to Carey’s Castle. The hike involves over four miles of walking in loose gravely sand and climbing through the boulder choked wash that forks many times throughout the adventure. Elevation gain is a modest 1400 feet but by the time you’ve walked through the deep gravel and climbed up and over the boulders, it seems like more, much much more.

Episode 49 Palisades Glacier Part Two

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:05:00 +0000

In last episode Doug and I began a 4 day three night adventure up the North Fork of Big Pine Creek to visit the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada Mountains; the Palisades Glacier. We also explored the historical Lon Chaney Cabin, and enjoyed the fabulous turquoise green glacier fed chain of lakes below some of the tallest peaks in California. In this episode we have an unusual encounter with a hostile backpacker and meet some unusual characters at Lake #3, before hiking up valley to the Glacier Trail. From here we work our way through a talus and boulder field to stunning views over the glacial fed chain of lakes and the Palisades Glacier.We conclude our hike with a stop at peaceful Black Lake for our last night in the wilderness. Be sure and watch the video Doug put together of our hike and posted on YouTube in brilliant High Definition. Search for the Palisades Glacier & Big Pine Lakes in the You Tube Search Bar.

Episode 48 The Palisades Glacier Podcast Part One

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:12:00 +0000

In this Part One of a two part episode of Anthony's Audio Journal, Doug and I embark on a 4 day three night adventure up the North Fork of Big Pine Creek to visit the historical Lon Chaney Cabin and hike among the changing fall leaves. We work our way up along the creek and pass several glacial fed lakes before reaching our camp beneath imposing Temple Crag at scenic Third Lake. After spending our first night at the Walk-In Camp, Doug and I meet some some interesting folks and and I hear about a terrifying bear encounter from someone I meet along the trail. Be sure and click on the photo to a link to all of our photos from the trip; you won't believe the magnificent turquoise color of the lakes and the timber and stone Lon Chaney Cabin. Also follow the link at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com to the video Doug put together of our photos and video he posted on You Tube.

Where There's Smoke There's Fire Episode 47

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:02:00 +0000

This podcast of Anthony's Audio Journal is about wildfires in the Southern California area, what to do if you're caught up in one while you're hiking, and all about Smokey Bear's big 65th birthday. In last episode I talked about how Katie and I smelled smoke on our hike to the summit of Mt. Islip. We thought we might be walking into the mouth of a raging wildfire and I didn't know exactly what to do. This episode talks about three major fires in the last few years, including the largest fire in California history. I also share some advice by experts on what to do if you're in the back country and a wildfire approaches. Another focus in this episode is about Smokey Bear and his 65th birthday this year. Over the years the forest service has had some great public service announcements to promote fire prevention. In this episode I mix in some great PSA's from the past to help bring back some nostalgia and its just plain entertaining. I'll post some photos from the Cedar, Esperanza and Station Fires as well as some great advertising photos and memorabilia a from Smokey Bears fire prevention campaign at www. anthonysaudiojournal.com.

Mt. Islip Day Hike Episode 46

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Episode 46 is about a day hike to the summit of Mt. Islip in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California. Katie and I took our Siberian Husky with us on this warm weather hike and worked our way through a beautiful meadow and under the delightful shade canopy of the tall pine forest to Little Jimmy Camp. After taking a break we continued up through the Windy Ridge trail junction and on to the summit of Mt. Islip. Along the way we admired the different typed of pines and wondered where the smell of smoke was coming from as we made it to the summit and the remaining fire tower base blocks and the stone summit cabin. I posted photos of our hike at my web site at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com and uploaded a short video titled Mt. Islip Day Hike on You Tube.

Bear Awareness Episode 45

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:43:00 +0000

This episode is about confrontations with bears while on the trail or at home. There have been many encounters with bears this summer; bears coming into the neighborhood or into the picnic areas. This podcast gives you a brief idea of what went on in the Southern California area this year, what the local wildlife personnel are doing about it and how you can prevent an unwanted encounter with a bear. I talk about bear food storage containers; how they are tested, who tests them and some of the field trial successes and failures. For more information check out my web page at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com for photos and links to bear resistant container manufacturers and agencies that help us keep bears in the wild and eating their own food.

Iron Mountain Podcast Episode 44

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:46:00 +0000

This podcast is about a day hike to the summit of Iron Mountain in San Diego California. I picked up Dave at the train station in Escondido and drove to Poway where we headed up the Iron Mountain Trail. Along the way we saw more wildlife than ever and met some unusual folks while hiking along this splendid wilderness trail. After reaching the summit we headed back to the trail junction of the Ellie Lane Trail and finished our semi loop hike with a rousing and thigh burning climb up a steep hillside. We met some shifty looking characters and stared at some very unusual looking rock formations before taking the Wildhorse Trail back to the truck.

Big Bear to lake Arrowhead Podcast

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

This episode of Anthony's Audio Journal is about a quick overnight hike from Big Bear Lake to Lake Arrowhead in Southern California. Doug, Steve, Brad and I made this hike from the shores of Big Bear Lake up the Cougar Crest Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail near Bertha peak. From here we headed south along the P.C.T. alongside Delamar Mountain and down into the Holcomb Creek drainage toward Lake Arrowhead almost 30 miles away. Doug brought his German Shepard Brandy while Brad's Golden Retriever June happily followed along. We hiked at a fast clip taking in some beautiful scenery above Holcomb Valley and eventually made camp at Holcomb Creek Crossing Camp for the night. Steve had stashed some beer in advance and he and Doug humped the extra couple of miles to fetch the beer for all of us to share. Steve's friend Matt joined us for the night and we sat around the campfire talking about our adventurous day and about our favorite parts of the hike so far. The next morning we continued on towards Deep Creek and the large metal bridge before splitting up at Splinter's Cabin. Steve, Matt, Brad and June headed back to town on the fire road while Doug and I continued up the Little Bear Creek Trail into the North Shore campground and eventually arrived at Doug's Fire Station 92 in Lake Arrowhead. This podcast features lots of great music with lyrics that compliment my thoughts and feelings along the way and ends with a special song that flushes out the last of fond memories. I took lots of photos along the way and posted them on my web site at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com. Head over to my web site for links, photos and more.

Apache Peak Podcast

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:03:00 +0000

In this episode of Anthony's Audio Journal, Dave and I make a trip up the Spitler Peak Trail to the desert divide and hike up to the summit of Apache Peak. Along the way we hike through transitional zones of chaparral, oak woodland, and eventually pine forest. We meet the friendly California Conservation Corp and chat with trail boss Jose Murillo while the CCC crew from San Bernardino clip back the manzanita and remove rocks from the trail. Music featured in this episode of Anthony's Audio Journal is from Douglass Spotted Eagle with Summer Morn, ALexander Blu with Nature Song and Maria Danes with Church of Rock. Additional photos are avail1ble on my web page at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com

Dangerous Encounters with Mountain Lions

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:20:00 +0000

In this final part of a three part series on dangerous wildlife encounters I relate my personal story about a unique encounter with a mountain lion and talk about mountain lion attacks in Southern California. I also talk about my eerie connection with the attack victims and the unusual familiarity with the areas where the attacks occurred. Also featured is some great information on what to do if confronted by a mountain lion and some great music from the Podsafe Music Network.

Dangerous Encounters part two Rattlesnakes

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:33:00 +0000

In part two of Dangerous Wildlife Encounters I tell the story about an encounter with a very large snake while getting ready to go mountain biking with the kids. I also relate a real life snake bite encounter and read from an article written by the Loma Linda University Medical Center’s leading snakebite physician Dr. Sean Bush, famous for his appearance on T.V. Show Venom E.R. Dr. Bush lets us know how to avoid being bitten and walks us through the series of steps that will happen after you’ve been bit. I mention gory snakebite photos from Justin Schwartz’s horrifying snakebite and feature links to some well photographed rattlesnakes and their look-a-likes in the Southern California Area from California Herps.Com. To check out the links head over to my web page at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com In memory of The Crodile Hunter’s Steve Irwin I included a link to a short video on You Tube where Steve handles a Mojave Rattlesnake, California’s most venomous snake. Music featured in this episode is Watch Out from Matt Thorp and Survive from Polaradio. All from the Podsafe Music Network.

Episode 38 Dangerous Wildlife Encounters Pt. 1 Killer Bee Attack

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:38:00 +0000

In this first part of a three part series about dangerous wildlife encounters, I tell the story about a short day hike I did with my dogs while looking for a geocache. We accidently stirred up a bee hive hidden among the boulders below the trail. I relate the nervous few minutes that followed and our race back to the truck to escape the bee attack. I also talk about the history of Africanized Bees and relate true stories of attacks in the southwest. I let you know what to do if you’re atacked and how to escape with help from Desert USA’s great website at www.desertusa.com. Check out the interesting video on You Tube Video about Killer Bees called Killer Bees, "Don't Provoke an Attack" by the BBC Wildlife. Also check out and an interesting website about Bees, Wasps and other stinging insects called Coming Back Alive at www.comingbackalive.com. Music featured in this episode is from Get Three Coffins Ready and Tom Smith from the Podsafe Music Network. Don't forget to check out my new website at www.anthonysaudiojournal.com

Tahquitz Meadow Snowshoe Hike

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:18:00 +0000

This episode of Anthony’s Audio Journal is about a snowshoe day hike up the Devil’s Slide Trail to Tahquitz Meadow of the San Bernardino National Forest. Dick, Dane and I strap on our snowshoes and head up into a wintery wonderland after a large winter storm dumped over three feet of fresh powder on the trail. We met some interesting folks along the way and Dane shot some great video footage and provided additional commentary describing the deep snow and our adventure along the way.

Outdoor Survival and Nature Awareness

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:46:00 +0000

In this unique episode of Anthony's Audio Journal I spend some time talking about being aware of your surroundings while on the trail and outdoor survival. I talk about the mental aspect of being lost in the wilderness and things you should and shouldn't do if you find yourself in a difficult situation. I also discuss the ten essential pieces of gear you should always take with you and why. I touch on outdoor clothing and relate some real life situations.

Icehouse Canyon Timber Mountain

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:24:00 +0000

In this episode of Anthony's Audio Journal Dane,Katie and I take a winter day hike up the Icehouse Canyon Trail to the summit of Timber Mountain in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California. We hiked up this splendid canyon in light snow cover and explore abandoned cabins and view an icy cold creek enroute to our lunch spot at Icehouse Saddle. From here We continue up to the summit of Timber Mountain, or is it? Along the way I talked to an Italian hiker with three dogs and fire up my vintage Svea climber stove for some warm beverages. I also shot a video along the way and uploaded it to Google Video. Check out the video after listening to the podcast to get a better view of the canyon and our surprise on top. Video link http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8770621880879024916 or search for Icehouse Canyon Timber Mountain on google video Photo Slide show Cut & Paste http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Icehouse Canyon/?albumview=slide show

Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves Podcast

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:21:00 +0000

This episode is part two of our trip into Anza Borrego State Park and our visit to the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves. Lindsey and I drove down the Vallecito Wash and headed through a walled mud wash canyon in search of the mud caves. Along the way we passed "Hollywood and Vine" on our way to the "Big Mud Cave". We explored the region and give you an idea about the fun and exciting things to do in Anza Borrego State Park. Photo link cut & paste the whole thing http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Arroyo Tapiado/?albumview=grid You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkIitFDPDDs

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:59:00 +0000

In this special holiday episode of Anthony's Audio Journal I take a ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Dave and Troy go along with me on this summer hike from the top of the Palm Springs Tram's Mountain Station to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto at 10,804 feet. I talk about the tram's early beginnings and how the tram came to be, from it's conception to it's modernization in 2000. I feature some special holiday music from Lee Harris and the Country Sunshine and Pushstart Wagon's Christmas Tree Farm. Here's a link to some photos http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Palm Springs Tram/?albumview=slideshow and a link to the exciting Palm Springs Aerial Tramway www.pstramway.com

Ghost Mountain and the Marshal South Home

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:50:00 +0000

This episode of Anthony's Audio Journal is about a short trip to the top of Ghost Mountain to visit the historic Marshal South Homestead. My daughter Lindsey and I make the hike to the remains of the adobe and wood home. Here we examine the remains of the residence and try to imagine what it must have been like for the South family to live or survive in this desolated and isolated region of the dry Anza Borrego Desert. Along the way I meet a hiking family and they share their thoughts about the hike and opinions about how the South family lived. I also tell them about the ghosts that haunt the region and eerie strange lights the are seen near Ghost Mountain. I'm including a link to Desert USA's wonderfully informative web site where you can read all about the Marshal South home and the intimate details about their life. They also have links to ghost stories and a host of other exciting details about the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Desert USA link to stories about the South Home http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/mar/papr/mtsouth.html Diana Lindsey's fascinating story about the South's http://www.desertusa.com/mag05/jan/south.html Photos from the hike (Cut & Paste url) http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Ghost Mountain/?albumview=slideshow

Mt. Baldy Day Hike

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:04:00 +0000

In this episode of Anthony's Audio Journal Dane and I do a winter hike to the summit of Mt. Baldy and hike across the Devil's Backbone. Located high atop the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest near Los Angeles California Mt. Baldy is the county high point at an elevation of 10,064 feet. Dane and I make this day hike during an unusually low snowfall year and take the Sierra Club Ski Hut Trail from the Manker Flats parking area to the summit. From here we taverse the crest of the San Gabriel Mountains using the narrow Devil's Backbone and hike to the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort. During this episode I talk about the trail conditions and the many people I met along the way. Here's some photos at this link http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Mount Baldy Winter Day Hike/?albumview=grid Link to the Sierra Club Ski Hut http://angeles.sierraclub.org/lodges/sanantonioskihut.html

Mt. Baden Powell Day Hike

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:57:00 +0000

This episode is about a day hike to the summit of Mt. Baden Powell in the Angeles National Forest of the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. Our trip starts at the Vincent Gap Trailhead off Highway 2 near Wrightwood California and heads to the summit.Along the way you'll hear from my hiking companions, Larry, Dave and Steve as we hike up the steep trail in bone chilling temperatures during a Santa Ana Wind condition.The summit of Mt. Baden Powell has a monument dedicated to the founder of the Boy Scout movement and it situated with tremendous views over the southland west toward the Pacific Ocean and to the east overlooking the desert. We braved the high winds and made this a fun and exciting adventure, hiking up the trail to the monument in honor of Robert Baden Powell.We also pass through an old grove of Limber Pines reported to be close to 2,000 years old, one of which is signed as the Wally Waldon Tree in honor of a Boy Scout Executive Council member who orchestrated the building of the monument at the summit Here's a few links you might be interested in YouTube Video of Mt. Baden Powell Hike http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia1JaetnrR4 Photos of the hike (cut & paste, the links not working yet) http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Mount Baden Powell/?albumview=grid Kate Starlings Artwork http://www.kstarling.com/

Shadow Lake Basin and the Ritter Range Part Two

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:32:00 +0000

In this episode Doug and I spent the night at Garnet Lake and awoke to a stunning sunrise across the lake toward Mt.Ritter and Banner peaks. We continued up the John Muir Trail and passed Ruby and Emerald Lakes on the way to Thousand Island Lake. Along the way we talked to a group that may have been visited by a bear during the night, hunkered down during a hail storm and talked to a fisherman beside thousand Island Lake. We experienced the magnificent reflection of the peaks in the lake the next moring before hiking up to the flourescent Clark Lakes and back down the High Trail to Agnew Meadows.

Shadow Lake Basin and the Ritter Range

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:24:00 +0000

This podcast is about a four day backpack trip above the Shadow Lake Basin to explore the Ritter Range of mountains near Mammoth Lakes California. On this trip Doug Miles and I hiked up past Shadow Lake and spent some time at Ediza Lake under the Minarets then hiked over the John Muir Trail to picturesque Garnet Lake. We continued to Thousand Island Lake and watched the sunrise with the peak reflected in the glassy water and hiked back along the High Trail. In this episode we met an inventor, a pack train operator and a painter. Here's the link to Dixon Roller packs http://dixonrollerpack.com/ Link to some photos we took along the way http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/?albumview=slideshow

Death Valley Adventure

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:46:00 +0000

This podcast is about a road trip to Death Valley National Park in April. I took along my family and relatives as we ventured into this scenic valley to experience the Wild West and wide open spaces that the Mojave Desert has to offer. Along the way we stopped to see the Worlds Tallest Thermometer in Baker California, the Badwater Salt Flats know for being the lowest elevation in North America and visited legendary Scotty's Castle. We spent a night at the Mesquite Springs Campground and had an adventure we'll never forget. The next day we saw the Devil's Cornfield and the ghost town of Ryolite before heading home. Here's the links I promised you. Death Valley National Park http://www.nps.gov/deva/ Bun Boy and the Worlds Tallest Thermometer http://www.roadtripamerica.com/roadside/Baker-Thermometer.htm and one for Telescope Peak http://www.desertusa.com/mag06/feb/hike.html

Perseid Meteor Shower Night Hike

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:10:00 +0000

This edition of Anthony's Audio Journal is about a night hike to the summit of Stonewall Peak to view the annual Perseid Meteor Showers. Katie, Dave and I set up camp at Paso Pichacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in Eastern San Diego County before starting our hike to the peak. Along the way we do a short evening hike to Lake Cuyamaca and talk about what to expect on the night hike. This audio journal exposes our fears about hiking in the dark, the risk of mountain lion attacks and rattlesnake bites as well as being mutilated in our sleep by a psysho killer camped next to us. At the end of the journal I read from a list of real mountain lion encounters in or near the state park and feature some music from the Darren james Band. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ID=667 Mountain lion attacks in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuyamaca_Rancho_State_Park Perseid Meteor Showers 2008 http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/22jul_perseiddawn.htm

Stonewall Peak Day Hike

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:19:00 +0000

This podcast is about a day hike to Stonewall Peak in Eastern San Diego California. The short but scenic trail leads up to a granite peak with magnificent views across meadows and a lake and features one of the most interesting summit blocks I've ever seen. I went on this summer hike with my daughter Katie and we climbed up to the top enjoying the scenic trail and hikers along the way.

Episode 24 Devil's Slide Trail to San Jacinto Peak

Sat, 24 May 2008 17:28:00 +0000

This episode is about a quick overnight backpack trip to the San Jacinto Wilderness of the San Bernardino Forest in Southern California. We took this 2 day trip during one of the hotest weekends of the year, using the Devil's Slide Trail to get to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. We hiked down the other side and spent the night at the Little Round Valley camp. We continued back to the car using the Marion Mountain Trail and drove back to Idyllwild. Along the way we ran into some friendly hikers as I share my experience of hiking in the back country and tell what it's like spending the night where Indian legends were born.

Episode 23 Vivian Creek Trail to Mt. San Gorgonio

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:25:00 +0000

This podcast is about a strenuous day hike to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain using the Vivian Creek Trail in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. In this episode Troy, Dave and I make the hike from the Vivian Creek Trailhead at 6100 feet to the top of the highest mountain in Southern California at 11,503 feet. Along the way I describe the trail and take you along on one of the toughest day hikes in California.

Episode 22 Cedar Springs Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:47:00 +0000

This episode of Anthonys Audio Journal is about a day hike I took with my daughter and my two dogs, Cody the Golden Retriever, and Cheyenne, the Siberian Husky. We hiked up the Cedar Springs Trail to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail and hiked along the desert divide. Along the way we hiked in snow, unusual for this location and elevation. I give our thoughts and trail descriptions along the way and interview an interesting couple hiking up the trail.

Eposido 13 Mt. San Jacinto Winter Day Hike Disaster

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:53:00 +0000

This episode is about a winter day hike to the San Jacinto Wilderness in Southern California. Our snowshoe trip started after a brief ride up the Palm Springs Tram and concluded with one hiker sustaining an injury and assisting with the evacuation of another.

Bridge to Nowhere Day Hike

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:20:00 +0000

This episode is about a day hike to the Bridge to Nowhere located up the East Fork of the San Gabriel River in the Angeles National Forest. This large concrete bridge spans the river in the middle of nowhere and makes for an interesting hike.