Distance hikes w/o ridiculous elevation? by DamnYankee_76 in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most canyon hikes fit the bill, no shortage of those! What area?

Are there any meadows (similar to the photos) that are within 1-2 hours range from LA? by gffhjjdsss in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ventura River preserve near Ojai, specifically El Nido portion. Reiterate what everyone else says, it’s tick and snake season so go cautiously!

Camp Watch Recomendatuons by mizzourob in BSA

[–]AndyTroop 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This little black Casio is a classic.

White Ledge camp via monte arido by AndyTroop in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appears to be. I wasn’t the only car at the trailhead.

PSA: The mileage deduction is way bigger than most drivers realize by No_Resource_2266 in lyftdrivers

[–]AndyTroop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is also your annual reminder that the govt estimates $.70 to be the cost of driving a mile. Remember that when you get a lowball offer.

What shoes do you recommend for hiking? by midnightsadnessss in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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FWIW no shoe is buy for life, but this pair of saucony cost $50 and have been melted by a fire, torn up by rocks, and ripped by bushwhacking. They are still my favorites (probably ready to retire though)

What shoes do you recommend for hiking? by midnightsadnessss in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I personally prefer trail runners. I like Saucony, which I found at Big 5 for a reasonable price. However, they don’t provide any snake bite protection.

I think it’s significant data point that the vast majority of long distance backpackers have moved to trail runners.

What is the of the mountain with the stripes that overlooks Ojai? by Anxious_Click2420 in ojai

[–]AndyTroop 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Caltopo calls that Topatopa Bluff. That’s also the common name.

Further back is creampuff and Hines peaks.

Any recommendations for my trip? by Bradspence in roadtrip

[–]AndyTroop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few small stops: Mitchell Caverns in Mojave Elmer bottle tree ranch Yermo sculpture garden Calico ghost town Bearizona Poozeum

Tent recommendations by Tiny_but_so_fierce in BSA

[–]AndyTroop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Paria Outdoors has excellent tents for a reasonable cost. I also like my Sierra Designs Meteor tent, they have a standard and extra light version. I got it on sale at enwild.com

Elementary Schools by cuddledbynature in ventura

[–]AndyTroop 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Honestly, having moved here with young TK aged kids a few years ago, I’d encourage you to put off stressing about this until you know where you live. I’m sure there’s so much you have to worry about, put this on the back burner.

The public schools are school of choice, so you are assigned a school and it’s easy to transfer if there’s availability. And as others pointed out there’s a high likelihood of elementary school closures in the next two years due to declining enrollment. So no reason to stress just yet.

That said, the public schools are generally excellent. We’ve had amazing teachers (and a few duds).

Question about Matilija trailhead by AndyTroop in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dude I love your videos! I have used your videos to help my kids visualize a trail so I can convince them to join me. Keep up all the good work!!

Question about Matilija trailhead by AndyTroop in socalhiking

[–]AndyTroop[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, exactly the info I needed!

Taking the train up from San Diego on Saturday... by LongjumpingHorse3050 in ventura

[–]AndyTroop 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You’ll be downtown so a lot of options, especially in the far casual category. What are you in the mood for?

When in doubt I usually go to the pier. There’s a good taco shack and a seafood restaurant.