Nick's Outdoor Adventures

     Although my Dad and I had always planned on starting to backpack when I was 12 years old (after camping every year as a family from the time I was 5 years old till high school) we never seemed to have gotten around to it.  After that, I planned on starting in college but again I kept busy and never got a chance to go.  Finally, I went on my first true backpacking trip in June 2007 as a post-graduation trip to the Lost Coast before my summer internship started.  It was absolutely amazing and I've been addicted ever since, especially as of late, and I am planning more an more trips to new and exciting places.   
     My goals include getting  at least one trip in to every prominent national forest in California and hopefully in the near future to attempt and complete the John Muir Trail.  Recently I have developed an interest in Mountaineering and took my first formal course/outing in January 2009 to summit Mt. Lassen which got me completely hooked.  I have now also been to the summit of Mt. Shasta and am currently going through mountaineering guide school through Shasta Mountain Guides and UC Davis' guide program as well (for both backpacking & mountaineering).  

Trips - Brief summaries of my previous and planned trips

Maps - Maps of some of the different areas/trails I've backpacked & climbed

Photos - Photos from my various trips

Backpacking Food - Food suggestions and dehydrated meal info

Pre-Trip Checklist - My list of suggested gear to bring on trips

Gear & Reviews - Info and personal reviews of different backpacking gear

External Links - Links to important backpacking related websites