Northern State Recreation Area aka Northern State Mental Hospital

Another relatively easy hike with some potential bad weather that didn't show itself until just after we were settled for our post-hike lunch. Northern State Recretion Area used to be a State Hospital. Some of the buildings are still there, some are still intact and being used by other organizations and some are in serious disrepair with falling walls and roofs.




We ended up walking mainly amongst the buildings because the trail around the more forested area was mostly under water. In 2 hours, we wandered around approximately 2 miles with lots of stops to look at the surroundings.




There is also a disc golf course there and some people were out playing. I think it would be more fun without so much water. Also seems like a great place for some flat running.

Afterwards we headed to Sedro-Woolley for some lunch. Just after we ordered, a hard rain started falling. Great timing!

Squires Lake Trail

Went for a walk with some friends today. It was described as a level hike, which should have been described as a decent climb to the flat section. It was a short hike (approx 2 miles) and we were each of different fitness levels. One other person and I took an upper loop  with a bit more climbing, but then we met up with the rest of the group and a half mile in.

So, aside from my weekly spinning, this begins my official training for the TRT.

Announcement - Tahoe Rim Trail

I've committed to backpacking the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) during Summer 2020. The TRT is 165 miles and I'll plan to take a couple weeks. Some people can do it in a week or less, but I'm not there at this point. So I'll do 11-12 miles/day at least with the hope that I'll be in good enough shape to do longer days so I can take 1-2 rest days in Tahoe City and/or South Lake Tahoe.

I've already got most of my gear and am currently shopping for an ultralight sleeping bag. I bought a tent recently that I haven't gotten to try yet. I did try to put it up in the family room, but it's supported by hiking poles so I could not get it completely erected without damaging the floors. I'll share a review of it once I get a chance to use it.

So now, it's time to get back into backpacking shape.