angels above angels below, Fleet Week Spectacular. early October

http://www.chiff.com/articles/san-francisco-fleet-week.htm

http://www.fleetweek.us/

7-12 October 2010 with the ninth and tenth being the weekend

As mentioned in an earlier post, this is the absolute best time of the year to be on the bay.

The lack of temperature gradient means sunny beaches and mild evenings without much breeze. Find secluded beaches all along the coastal waters.

Columbus Day Holiday is the most festive celebration that the City has in store for you.

The Blue Angels overhead and Angel Island under your feet!

Take the Vallejo Ferry with your bikes and ride around fisherman’s wharf, you can visit Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island all in a day using bikes and ferry combinations. Discover the rich history of Tiburon and San Francisco Bay.

You are welcome to borrow any number of my books as this is all I did when the surf was bonk… learn about the history of the Bay so that I may one day become a kayak tour guide… well those days are quickly passing, but I still have the books to boot around and better even still you have youtube and google and wikipedia!

Did you know you can camp at Angel Island, underneath the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge just west of the span! You can help give breathing treatments to sick seals and even learn to teach a Harbor Seal how to swim? Camping exists at the Presidio as well as clothing optional beachesJ There is a secret town known for the towns’ people taking down the sign. So in 1968 CalTrans stopped putting up signs of how to get there. Tiburon during the prohibition was a speak~easy. Vigilante law came from the original developers of The City. It was the place to go to if you were trying to hide from the law. The prominent families divided the city into vigilance districts. Those districts still exist today (Cole, Richmond, Noe, Castro). Point Reyes as over 470 different species of birds. Tidepooling. There is a (pretty rocky place) that natural hot springs empty into the sea. Mt Biking at Mt Tam. Stargazing at Mt Diablo. Kayaking to boat in camp grounds at Lake Sonoma on a full moon night. There are even lighthouses that you can spend the night at.

Forts to protect gold ships were turned in to cannons aimed against Japanese invasion and then turned in to Nike Missle Silos aimed against the commies! All the while co-ops like REI and Whole foods started ironic grass roots movements. … And a beautiful rebuilt historic Lifeboat station complete with beneficial haunting ghosts of the heroes that once kept men from peril. I could spend years rambling on (I am at jury duty as of this writing) about the intricacies and details of the City and its surrounding lore.

IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE ALL YEAR, BE HAPPY THAT YOU GOT TO VISIT THE CITY IN OCTOBER

Travel is the enemy of bigotry, narrow-mindedness and prejudice. Mark Twain

Sedna Solo

Kokanee Salmon Festival and a river runs through it. September/ October

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X95UD0Fd8xo




Each autumn, from late September through mid-October, one of biology's

clocks sounds an irresistible alarm. Mature kokanee salmon,

transformed from a silver-blue color to a fiery vermilion, twist their

narrowing way upstream from Lake Tahoe to spawn in the gravels of

Taylor Creek, near South Lake Tahoe. The sight of the blazing salmon

draws many spectators, who can observe the fish at close range in

several places. The kokanee's commitment to its nature is compelling.

People tend to stop for a brief look, then become transfixed.





Kokanee Salmon Festival held October 2-3, 2010 by the US Forest

Service just down the street or walking path at the Stream Profile

Chamber. Discover the beauty and history of the Kokanee Salmon

spawning run.



http://www.tahoekidsguide.com/Kokanee_Salmon_in_Tahoe.html



AND BONUS!!! also in Tahoe that weekend!!!



October 2-3, 2010 Oktoberfest on-site at the resort provides fun and

laughs for the whole family. A local's favorite, this festival

features great food, music, family games & activities, and the famous

Beer and Wine Garden.



German Food & Desserts

Craft Booths

Beer & Wine Garden

Live Music featuring the “Al Gruber Band”

Pumpkin Patch

Bouncy Castle

Face Painting

Poker Run

Costume Contest for you & your dog







For information on Lake Tahoe events throughout the year, please visit

the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority site.

http://www.ltva.org/default.aspx



http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/


Remember that the days are getting shorter and evenings cooler so bring a torch ( I have Brit friends) and a layer or two. gloves always a good idea...  the kids really have a blast on this one.

Cheers~
OutsideJay

Monarch Butterfly Migration/ Big Sur - September/October

http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/monarchs.html

http://www.monarch-butterfly.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0m_rK_WpjQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG5PAzrpZ6k&feature=related

Monarchs arrive in October for their annual migration to Mexico.

In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the Monarchs of North America. They travel much farther than all other tropical butterflies, up to three thousand miles. They are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees. Their migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales. However, unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round-trip once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall. The descendants often roost in the exact same tree that was somehow passed onto them through DNA.


it is also the best time of the year to be out on the coast. I highly recommend a day hike to Morro State Beach and pfiefer falls. http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=pfeiffer+falls&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=ZV9LTI6YBYrWtQOmj8RI&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDIQsAQwAw&biw=1280&bih=685

esalen institute : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNrDSxJ6h7I&feature=PlayList&p=07240BA661E319C0&playnext=1&index=2

and of coarse the Ventana Wilderness

outsidejay

It only takes one quart of oil to destroy 150,000 to 350,000 gallons of sea-water. Please know we all are stewards of our earth.

The Bats of Davis (june july august)

The Davis Causeway between Sac and Davis is home to trillions of bats. Every night, ten minutes after sunset one or two bats decide to start their hunt for mosquitoes, grass hoppers and other like insects. All the other trillion bats follow that one bat out in "ribbons" .. it is a site to see!!! don't miss out! The best months to do this is june july and august. There are tours. Do not wash your car before hand (it is very dusty there). Do bring wine and cheese or chocolate and beer (just don't show it to the cops:) pay attention to the lunar phase and catch it when the moon is rising full or sliver! Enjoy your Northern California summer evenings!

I stumbled on this phenomenon on my many motorcyle trips to that part of town. If I timed my rides wrong, My helmet's face shield would be full of bugs and insects. So now I time it so that the bats beat me to the feeding grounds first then I take that liesurely ride home though clean face screen.

also a great activity after a Davis bike ride (and farmer's market) or before hitting the city night life. 

http://daviswiki.org/bats

this is just a bonus: wilderness survival skill that I had to use one evening under that bridge waiting for better timing. Enjoy!

http://www.wimp.com/wineshoe

July 31 Berkeley Kite Festival

July 31st and August 1, 2010

22nd annual Berkeley Kite Festival 

Kites aren't just for kids!

At the Berkeley Kite Festival a awesome surprise awaits around every corner. 

In one open-air amphitheater you’ll find multi-line competitions of the Bay Area Sport Kite League. In another you’ll find events and other competitions, such as the candy drops and rokkaku battles. Look to the north and you will see the traditional kites of our special guests from the Sode-cho Kite-Flying Society of Hamamatsu, Japan. In the upper field you’ll enjoy the giant creature kite show of the Berkeley Kite Wranglers.

Just up the hill, visitors can get hands-on demonstrations of all the latest products from Ozone Kites, Revolution Kites and Prism Designs. Backing up the demo fields is the giant HighlineKites.com tent, where you can get the best kites. Behind the kite tent you’ll see hundreds of kids enjoying the free kite making and behind them, a designated area along the ridge for families and their kites. Each area of the festival will give you a different taste of what kiting has to offer.

Kite Festival Website

100 Ginourmous house size colorful kites as big as parade balloons ... !!!

The event is very near The Berkeley Marina and is easily accessible by bikes, walking, and even kayaking and of course kiting or sailing:) it's a free festival so bring the family, dogs, kids and personal kites. 

There is a host of secondary options also... including touring thru Berkeley, taking the ferry from Vallejo yada yada yada... just layer up because the Bay Area Fog is sure to chill in the evening.

as always; youtube or google any of this for up to date info and changes in their plans or to see how spectacular this event is.

OutSideJay

Comets, Asteroids and Starfire, Satellites and Constellations

Comets and asteroids leave a tail of smaller particles in space. Several times of the year the earth traveling in her orbit passes through these awaiting star shows.

This year (August 12-13 2010,) there will be a NO (August 10) moon to compete with the meteor showers. The weekend to plan out is August 13/14/15

Sunset about 7pm (and getting daytime getting shorter)

I suggest you go to non populated lakes in and around the Sacramento region and go for a night time canoe or kayak.

Alternatively, there are many granite peaks that are void of trees that are perfect theaters for the more land based people.

I would welcome the opportunity to point you in the correct direction. (did you see my first post?)

Bonus: watch for satellites about an hour after sunset. Your part of earth is in shadow. However, the satellites are flying in high orbit and their panels often reflect directly down to you!

http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2010.html

http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/

partial list of outdoor activities to do in Northern California

air soft 
animal migration viewing (monarchs, bats, big horn elk and salmon) 
archery base jumping
art/paint/photography
body boarding
bungee jumping
camping- backpacking 
camping- car camping 
caving/spelunking
climbing (indoor) 
climbing (outdoor)
cross country 
fishing
flying
hang gliding
hiking 
horse racing 
horseback riding
hot air ballooning
innertubing 
jet ski 
kite flying
kitesurfingmotor boats/ jet skis
mountaineering 
mountain biking
OHV
paint ball
paragliding
rollerblading
rowing
running
RV-ing 
sailing
scuba diving 
sea/ tour kayaking 
skateboarding 
skimboarding
sky diving
skiing
skin diving
sky diving sledding
snorkeling
snow boarding 
snow shoeing
stand up paddling
surfing swimming 
telemark skiing 
tidepooling
wake boarding
waterfall hunting
water skiing
white water kayaking 
white water rafting 
wild flower meadows hunting
wind surfing
zip lining 

September and October

September: The Bay, Coastal Waters sunny beaches


As theses months roll around the temperature gradient plummets and mild mornings to mild evenings create the warmest and least weather laden time of the year along the coast. The lack of winds will make sports like mt biking, sight seeing and kayak touring heavenly. Kayaking to places like sausalito and Tiburon and Angel Island (if you know your tides) are very picturesque. The ferries accept bicycles. So Jump on the ferry at Vallejo and take it around Chrissy Field, up and across the Golden Gate then It is all the way down to Sausalito where a ferry awaits for your trips to Tiburon, Sausalito, Angel Island, Jack London Square or if you want to head back and spend the afternoon in The City, back to Fisherman's Wharf.

san francisco discovery tour 

bay area exploring

Perseid meteor shower

light house hostels

bilolumenescent kayaking-
monarch butterfly migration- santa cruz
thule elk rutting- pt reyes

Caves, the perfect escape

spelunking, wine cellars, bats, mines and history... all google able and easily accessible

moaning caverns
placer county website

wineries
twisted oak winery


this blog is due for massive editing

Spicy... Oh Yeah... SummerTime!

All of your equatorial countries eat spicy foods... Thailand, Africa, Middle East, India, Jamaica, Mexico, etc

None of your Norwegian Countries put black pepper on their foods.

Spicy foods is a potent vasodialator, and it makes you sweat WithOut working... therefore it is passive air conditioning and super sweet in arid hot parts of the world.

I found this out the hard way after spicing it up a notch and heading to ski patrol.... I thought i was coming down with something cos i could not get warm... sat and literally chilled all day. then I remembered what I had eaten as I was spicing it up some more at lunch.... the next day came the "doh" moment cos I was back to normal and still  scratching my head about what was all that about....go figure.

You drink because your brain (baroreceptors) tells your kidneys (not everyone is an md here) that your body is dry(remember the vasodilation part). So you pound down the glasses of water chauvanistically....

wanna jump into a long surgical procedure... eat spicy foods and limit your drinking (if you can) and you will not have to stop for a pee break... be diligent about the use of this advise :)

In the Sacramento SummerScape... eat a spicy brunch in preparation of the warm afternoons but bring a jacket in case the delta breeze makes your body shiver. It usually cools of in the evening times here so be ready for the change in your body's reaction.

Vasodilation is a good way to "tank up" and prehydrate making some of the weighty water in your pack less necessary... (don't go overboard with this knowledge).

You should still be peeing six times a day.. that means three times before lunch... if you are not... you may not be ready for the adventure you signed up for... which in turn not only endangers you, but endangers your rescuers also.

cool? yup Chill! ~
outsidejay@gmail.com

july: the winds

July: the winds 

the wind in San Francisco doesn't blow it sucks:


 When hot air rises over the desert that begins in Sacramento and ends way down in Mexico. Cold air is sucked in from the open coast.


There are two funnel spot and before the Golden Gate bridge was built Mt Tam and Twin Peaks. It funnels a blast of cold air air up the delta. 


The hotter it got in the daytime in sacramento, the colder and foggier it is in the bay. 


The great news is that after the heat of the day, we are rewarded by a predictable “Delta Breeze” and a resetting of the climates at night for superb and consistent early morning hikes to watch the sunrise.


So make sure to head to the foothills and go to the cool summit hikes, lakes and river adventures. Then head down back to Sacramento for the cool evenings out with your friends... The kids are  out of school... you have sooooo much more daylight to get further out and really explore the Northern California that I have been trying to get people to see for 20 years!
Rafting is predictable and super fun!


Remember, tv makes more money the longer they can get you to "stay tuned" ... turn it off!!!


OutSideJay

Waterfallswest.com

Waterfallswest.com is undeniably my favorite website to go to when I have a day off of work. I can pick any type of waterfall hike, get the location, how to drive there, all the beta (second hand information) that I need and even have pictures of what I will find. This year, 2010 was a phenomenal year for waterfall hunting as the %150 snowpack and now very warm temps brings cascades that have not been this big in 20 years...

Go to the ocean and other escapes later in the summer. Right now, don't miss out on the waterfalls.

Many waterfalls are boat-in only finds. It is just another reason to learn to kayak, canoe, raft, or paddleboard.

OutSideJay

On Visiting Hawaii :)

• The wet season is from November thru March- more waterfalls!!
• The hurricane season is from June thru November- cheaper fares and larger discounts
• The whale migration season is from December to April.
• The “tourist season” is from December thru March- Prices increase during this “peak season” for tourists. Best times to go based on weather alone are September and October, as well as April and May...(but there are less waterfalls on the road to Hana).
• Tourists from Japan usually visit Hawaii the last week of April and the first week in May. (A cultural holiday for them…kinda like our summer break from school, called “Golden Week”).
• Waves are bigger November thru March and smaller June thru September. So it depends on how good of a surfer you are or if you are trying to learn.
• If you are from California or the mainland, watch the sunrise on the summit of the volcanoes on day one of your visit. The locals have to get up at four in the morning to drive up to the top to see the sunrise. Since you are on CA time, then it’s like waking up at seven for you! Watch the sunrise then take a nap on the beach and wake up on Hawaii time :)
• Watching the sunset from the mountain top is very sketchy as the sun warms the humidity and often forms a cloud layer to obstruct your view. But sunsets from the beach are absolutely perfect!
• Google the“Green Flash” phenomenon. It’s pretty dang cold up at the summit at sunrise so go to a thrift store here on the mainland, buy a cheap winter parka, watch the sunrise in Hawaii , then donate your cheap parka to a thrift store in Hawaii. Another tourist will buy it from there.
• Plankton follow the light (of the moon at night). On a NO moon night, they head towards the lavish hotels we have built close to shore. The hotels have many lights pointed directly into the ocean. The Kona Surf Hotel is the one I like in particular. Giant Manta Rays feed off plankton. On a no moon night, they migrate towards the hotels also (so they can scoop up food easily). Go to Jack’s Diving Locker and dive shop and shell out a whopping $145 to goto a “beach” fifty five feet under water under the silhouette of the Kona Surf Hotel. Turn on the massive flashlight that they provide for you and you will have the GREATEST underwater aerial show imaginable!!! Giant Manta Rays have wingspans between 12 and 15 feetlong!
• Enjoy!!

Trade Ya?!

Here is my pitch... and it will be the only favor I ask of you.

Log onto the link below, it is to the Oprah Winfrey show's Show Suggestion Page. Type in the required fields (I promise Oprah will not stalk you or spread your email) in the message section. Just put http://www.rozsavage.com/.

It would be cool to be able to spread her story and message of hopes, dreams, adventure, and ecology/sustainability to a greater audience than the outdoor adventure community. She is from a small town near London, and she is just now becoming aware of how powerful she is. Any help from you is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks ahead of time!
Jay

https://www.oprah.com/ownshow/plug_form.html?plug_id=216

Roz Savage

Roz Savage is the FIRST woman to row across the Pacific Ocean (3 June 2010). She has also rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 2005. She is only the SIXTH woman to gain that honor. She is an author, an inspirational speaker, as well as a proponent for ecology and sustainability. She is featured in the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival and is a prime contender for National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Award 2010.

Her message is simple and clear... Hope, Dreams, Adventure and Ecology.

Roz will be in the San Francisco Bay Area 26 September to 3 October 2010. She will be touring to fundraise for her Indian Ocean Row.

Below are several links via YouTube that will better describe and introduce you to her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJAhkcN_PQg Roz Savage - Two min intro video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY4zS8cc0Lg Roz Savage - Ocean rower
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEE-VPm1B3M Rowing the Atlantic trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLJSQ0XbfUA Solo woman rows across the Atlantic - part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSjlhqGwaFg Solo woman rows across the Atlantic - part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXqPaHQp4Xw Roz Savage: Why I'm rowing across the Pacific

Here are a few more that can be searched on your own, respectively.

Roz Savage: Ocean Rower, Writer, Speaker.
First Woman To Row Solo Across the Pacific Ocean 2006
Solo Atlantic from Canaries to Antigua 2008
Solo Pacific I from California to Hawaii 2009
Solo Pacific II from Hawaii to Kiribati 2010
Solo Pacific III from Kiribati to Papua New Guinea

Email: roz@rozsavage.com

Web: http://www.rozsavage.com/
Twitter: rozsavage
Book: Rowing The Atlantic: Lessons Learned On The Open Ocean (Simon & Schuster, 2009)

I got captivated by this story of adventure, dreams and ecology... I started this blog so that I can support Roz while doing what I do best.

Have a wonderful time adventuring!

Please remember, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow her from our children."~Native American Translation