sharing my love for philanthropy, cooking, and adventure

Sunrise illuminating the summit glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro, with ice formations in the foreground and a sea of clouds in the background.

Tag: California

Hiker lying on Potato Chip Rock on Mount Woodson in Poway, California

Mount Woodson | Poway | CA

Home of Potato Chip Rock

Some places become famous quietly. Others explode thanks to Instagram, hashtags, and gravity-defying photos. Potato Chip Rock is firmly in the second category.

Normally, I avoid viral trail spots like the plague. Between the wannabe influencers, endless selfies, and people blocking narrow trails for “just one more shot,” it can feel like more work than fun. But every once in a while, curiosity wins. And honestly? This one earned its hype.

Add in the fact that it’s a legit cardio workout, and suddenly I was in. So yes — I did take that photo on Potato Chip Rock. No, it never made it to Instagram.

View from North Fortuna Mountain overlooking Mission Trails Regional Park and the surrounding ridgelines

Mission Trails | San Diego | CA

Mission Trails Regional Park |
Five Peaks and a Story Years in the Making

It didn’t start out as anything more than a single hike.

On February 23, 2024, my sister Vicki and I went up Cowles Mountain—one of those San Diego classics that feels almost too easy to take for granted until you’re standing at the top, wind in your face, looking out at a city that suddenly feels smaller.

Eroded sandstone cliffs with layered textures along the Annie’s Canyon trail in San Elijo Lagoon, California

Annie’s Canyon | Encinitas | CA

A Coastal Slot Canyon Adventure

Welcome to a slice of Southern California’s coast where lagoon trails, sandstone walls, and ocean air all come together in one surprisingly compact hike.

Tucked between Solana Beach and Encinitas, Annie’s Canyon is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem the first time you visit — playful, a little adventurous, and full of contrast. In just a few miles, you’ll move from wide-open wetlands to narrow slot canyon walls, with the option to finish the day all the way out at Cardiff State Beach.

It’s the kind of hike that delivers variety at every turn, proving that you don’t need long miles or big elevation to have a memorable coastal adventure.

Page 2 of 2

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén