Midnight Volcano Hike

8:30 pm: Go to the local market to stock up on water, granola bars, and a banana for the hike

10:30 pm: Get back from the Internet Cafe and try to catch some zzzzzzzz

11:15 pm: Roll out of bed and throw stuff we think we'll need in our packs. My normally non-cumbersome backpack/purse doesn't seem to hold enough

11:30 pm: The Jeep comes to get us, but we're still groggy from not enough sleep. We drive through town, then through the most bumpy impassable road to the base of Vocan Baru.

11:43 pm: and the hike begins...

It's so dark we can't see anything besides the few feet in front of us that the headlamps allow. The path is not what we expected at all. It's not a trail--and it's certainly not a foot path--more like a steep road full of boulders, loose rock and canyons.

We immediately see why we warned about this hike; it isn't for the casual hiker. We start to peel off extra layers of clothing and regret that we even brought jackets. It isn't cold out, and the exertion of the hike makes it seem hot.

After we've hit the first couple of trail markers, we're still in good spirits, and we naively think we're making good time. Two hours into the hike, we realize that we've been crawling. The group starts to stagger, and it becomes a mental uphill battle for each of us. We all wonder how this ever seemed like a good idea.

To keep our minds off how strenuous the hike is turning out to be, we play an international game of 20 questions. It works for a little while to trick our minds into forgetting how exhausted we actually are, but after awhile the game is abandoned because we're trying to conserve every last bit of energy to get to the top.

We finally reach the top in 5.8 hours. It's gorgeous and the views are incredible, but the cross that is sticking out from the middle of a steep jagged climb is the actual top--celebration too soon. We do a little climbing and scrambling to get up the unstable rock, and if we weren't so deliriously tired it might have registered how dangerous and unsteady that last part of the ascent really was.

The view at the top is amazing. Standing on top of the highest point in Panama feels more like being on top of the world. We were standing above the clouds, and watched the sun break through. The peak we were standing on strandled two oceans.

We couldn't enjoy the view for too long becuase it was freezing cold. We put on every single article of clothing we had brought with us, and it still wasn't enough. We said goodbye to the beautiful mountain, and tried to get down the volcano as quick as possible. The loose rock made it tricky. There was a lot of skidding, and by that point we were so tired--even amidst the beautiful scenery, (since it was no longer dark, it was like a completely different hike) all I could think about was a soft bed and a warm shower.  

The Surf House on the Pacific

As charming as the town of El Valle was, a day and a half was good enough. We bussed it over to the surf house on the Pacific side.

It was a relaxing day playing in the waves, lounging on the beach, and hanging out at the pool. I even did a little surfing, or tried, would be a better word...the waves were pretty intense, and I got tossed more times than I got up.

One of my favorite parts about traveling is getting to meet different people on the road. This trip was no exception. We met a lot of great people and made some really good friends. We ended up doing a house barbeque. Fia, Carine, and I were part of the prep team, and we learned a lot under the direction of Alex, an engineer with a talent for cooking. I never knew you could sharpen knives with the underside of a mug.
Alex was traveling with his wife, Alex. Cute, right? They were newlyweds on their honeymoon, and just fun people. Hopefully we will get to catch up with them in California when they return from their travels.

Good food. Good company. We couldn't ask for a better day.

El Valle

El Valle is a charming, litte mountainous town. It was nice to finally get out of the city and back to nature. We were so ready for the adventure part of the trip to begin.

There isn't much going on in the little town of El Valle. There was a short hike to a 70-foot waterfall, but Fia and I got sidetracked by the little handcrafts market on our way to the falls. We stopped when we saw the sweets, and before we knew what was happening, we found ourselves bargaining at the various stalls for trinkets and souvineers for people back home.

Our little detour ended up costing us a lot more time than we realized. The sun was beginning to fall, and we were told by our traveling mates who were already on their way back that the entrance was closed. Apparently, the city of El Valle has taken a very capitalist approach to their prized waterfall, and there is a gated booth that charges an entrance fee.

Not wanting to head back after we made it so far without a peek, we were told by the group that they had hopped the fence and snuck in. We decided to do the same.  It wasn't difficult to hop the little gate, but we were quite paranoid about getting caught.  Once on the other side there was a series of wooden bridges to cross and little stepping stones.  The entire scene, I imagine, must have been pretty impressive during daylight hours... but it was much creepier in the dark.  Our imaginations got the better of us, and after a quick peek and a couple of black photos, we ran out of there.

The Panama Canal

One of the great modern engineering marvels of the world...


We decided that you couldn't come to Panama without seeing the canal. Although we didn't realize how long it would take for the ships to get through the locks and squeeze through the little isthumus. The shortest time is roughly two and a half hours!

Watching the hydrolics was cool, but you can only watch a slow moving ship for so long, then it becomes about as fascinating as watching paint dry.

Visit to Embera Village

It took us over an hour by taxi to get out of the city. Outside the city center, the roads are not well maintained and the rules of the road play out more like a video game--driving to avoid cyclists, oncoming motorists, buses, and the occasional boulders in the middle of the road. It made for an interesting drive. Luckily, we had an awesome driver, Francisco. He was our very chatty unofficial guide, and we learned all about his family and Panamanian life while he navigated the roads like a pro.

The scenery changed quickly. It went from skyscrappers to humble dwellings in scattered villages. Besides the humidity, the other thing that is immediately noticeable about Panama is the overwhelming greenery. The ride may have been a little bumpy, but the views from the window more than made up for it.

The Embera Village was a cool experience. It felt like something straight out of the Discovery Channel. We learned a lot and got great insight into the indigenous culture and their melding of traditional and modern ways. I thought it was very ingenious and industrious of the tribe to open themselves up to tourism as a way of revenue and a way to preserve their culture and keep some of their traditions alive.

It was a very educational and rewarding experience and we felt honored to be given the chance to interact with the people, share in a meal, learn about their past and present, and dance with them. Even if it is an experience catered to tourists, there is still something very genuine about the people and their willingness to openly share their culture. Although a part of us wondered if they breathed a sigh of relief once all the tourists left, tore off their costumes, and transformed their village, much like the changing of a movie set...

As if the dancing, eating, and learning weren't enough for one day, we continued our adventureous canoe ride upriver to a little hiking spot that led to an amazing waterfall and swimming area.

Panama City

We fell in love with Panama City! The people, the food, and the architecture captivated us from the beginning. Casco Viejo is the old part of the city. It's a place brimming with character and charm, and Fia and I felt right at home with the locals. We immediately took to the food, the pace of life, and managed to navigate the tricky transportation system.

The first night we bunked in Luna's Castle, an artsy little hostel in the heart of Casco Viejo. No air conditioning, but for $10 a night and an incredible view, we really had nothing to complain about. What struck us the most was the beautiful, quirky artwork that surrounded the hostel. You can stay for free if you lend them your artistic talents, which is why the hostel is full of an eccletic mix of creative expression.


The next morning we hopped the a local bus, the diablo rojo, which are these outrageously painted school buses decked out in graffiti and loud colors that scream flashback to the 90s. (Think The Fresh Prince of Bel Air). For 25 cents, we chose a bus at random and rode it around the city just to see where it would go...


While wandering the city, we got caught in a torrential tropical storm (it is rainy season). We were completely illprepared trekking our way back through town in shorts, tank tops, and flip flops splashing through the puddles that had collected from the pouring rain. Within minutes we were drenched to the bone. We got quite a few strange looks from the locals, and honks from the cars passing by, offering to give us a ride out of the rain.

Thoughts on graduation

The sun comes up and goes away, so does graduation day...

FINALLY! College has been a defining experience where I've gotten the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Even though it took me an extra year, I have no regrets. I'm glad I took the time to explore--it's been an enjoyable journey throughout where I've entertained the idea of becoming an anthropologist, a designer, a sociologist, a teacher, and have somehow ended up in marketing.

Life is a crazy journey and college has been a great jumping off point. I've met a lot of great people, camped under the open stars at Red Mountain for an archaeological dig, done multiple road trips with friends, happy hour hops with co-workers, a study abroard experience in China, completed a full marathon, skydived, white water rafted, indulged in new hobbies, backpacked through Europe, was the editor-in-chief of a deparment magazine, worked at a theme park, a coffehouse, and landed a great internship. It's definetely been an eventful five years, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to let them go.

I've straddled the working world and student life for so long, and I've had fun doing it. I think I'm going to miss the balancing act and the crazy chaos associated with trying to do it all. The 9 to 5 (and sometimes later) from here on out seems daunting. I'm going to need a diversion--something to break up the monotony...and I'm starting to wonder if my little weekend escapes will be enough to sustain my appetite and need for adventure...

Life is what you make of it, right? Hopefully, it only gets better from here.

Gear Review: Keen Newport H2

I got these a month ago for my little weekend excursions. The fit is great and they're comfortable and light weight, which makes them easy to pack. After three hikes and 20 + miles they've held up pretty well. Even wet, these shoes provide great traction. I loved the ease with which you can river cross and go from wet to dry without any problems.

The only negative? They aren't designed for longer hikes. My feet were feeling it after the 10 mile mark. The light weight construction means that there isn't as much cushioning as your standard pair of heavy hiking boots. The best use is for short day hikes with water. Also, if you do a rocky trail, those little annoying rocks will sometimes get stuck inside the shoe. Overall, I'm happy with my Keens.

The Slides

Wooohoooo!

So clearly I have a thing for waterfalls...This was one of those amazing hikes where I felt like I'd escaped even though home was a mere two hours away. I guess it was kind of a drive, especially with gas prices being the way they are...but the pictures say it all. I was blown away by the beautiful scenery. The hike itself wasn't strenous, but it was pretty hard to navigate. There are signs everywhere that say "trail not maintained" and they weren't kidding! It's as if the parks service forgot about this place. We veered off-course multiple times, and at one point we were just wandering, following the river upstream. The trail leading up to the switchbacks is rocky and there are multiple river crossings. But losing the trail makes for a good adventure.


The reward? An awesome waterfall that feeds into clear emerald green waters. The pool is deep and perfect for cliff diving. There are even ropes for you to climb and swing from like Tarzan. It's a great spot to spend a hot summer afternoon.

If you double back and climb around the falls, on the otherside, there is an even more amazing sight, natural water slides!

Beautiful rock formations worn smooth by the fast moving water. The only negative? There's a lot of senseless tagging and graffiti on the trails and even on the gorgeous rocks. People should really leave nature alone and go back to defacing buildings. At least that can be covered with a little paint.

Somewhere near Tujunga...

I'm a sucker for hikes with pretty scenery--otherwise, what's the point? This trail was a little hard to find. North of Sunland and Tujunga, you follow Mt. Gleason Rd. through the Angeles National Forest. There's a small, unmarked dirt road that's easy to miss even if you know what your looking for...

The hike itself was a lot of fun. Dense vegetation, heavy canopy in some parts, and rock hopping on the multiple stream crossings help keep it iteresting. About two miles into the trail is the waterfall. There aren't any signs, just a steep rocky trail that leads to the falls. If you listen to the sound of the water, you can hear it before you spot it.

Beyond the waterfall is the Tom Lucas Camp, and beyond that is Condor Peak. The further into the trail you get, the less maintained it becomes. There are also patches of poison oak to look out for.

Even though it was a misty day, the views were still beautiful. The waterfall was definetely the highlight though. Overall it's a good hike.

Paradise Falls

Tucked away in a quiet residental neighborhood in Thousand Oaks is the Paradise Falls trail--a great local day hike for LA residents looking for a quick escape. Parking is free and the trails are well-maintained. From the small parking lot, take the marked trail and follow the signs to Paradise Falls about (1.5 miles). The evevation gain isn't too bad, making this a relatively moderate hike. Even in the early summer heat, this 50-ft waterfall still has a nice flow.

The pool of water is fairly deep. We went for a refreshing swim and climbed up into the small cave. The cold water was a welcome change from the blazing summer heat.


There's plenty of rock hopping if you want to venture further down the creek. I tried to traverse climb toward the mouth of the waterfall, but the rock was crumbly toward the base--best to just jump in and go for a swim.


Exploring Indian Cave..a little further down the trail... It looks man-made, and is rather small, but interesting enough for a quick view. If you take the steep unmarked trail from the cave's exit, you can loop back up to the main trail.


The wooden tepee structure is located at the halfway point to paradise falls. It's a good stop for a water break, and the shaded seating area makes it an ideal spot for a picnic.

Jalama Beach

It was a relaxing weekend, waking up to the sound of the surf...I haven't been to Jalama Beach since I was little, and in all that time, it hasn't changed much. It is still the same secluded strand of beach with huge swells and sea cliffs that tower above it. The road to Jalama is a winding one through the green mountainous valley, 14 miles away from the main highway. When we finally reached the campsite the best sites were already taken, but really there aren't any bad spots at Jalama. When you overlook the ocean and can watch a perfect sunset, from where I'm sitting, it's pretty good.


Watching the sunset from our tent...


It's the kind of place where a sense of tranquility comes automatically. You forget about the outside world and everything else melts away...