The Blackboard
(November 2003)

 “Day Trippin'”
By Ron Jones, MS 

Ron @ Upper Kern River Waterfall

One of the cool things about Bako is that you can get out into some nice wilderness on a day trip.  Getting out for one full day is really important when you are in a place like Bako with our poor air quality—it’s healthy for the body, mind, and soul to hit some elevation and clean air.  One nice trip is jetting up to Mt. Pinos just west of Frazier Park.  There is a nice paved road all the way from I-5 to the trail head parking lot.  West of Frazier Park exposes a nice open meadow with a sprinkling of mountain homes.  The trail to the Mt. Pinos summit is nice and wide with plenty of room for hikers and mountain bikes.  The summit reveals a wonderful panorama with what is supposed to be some of the best air in California.  My favorite season for this trip is winter when the trail is covered in snow.  A pair of snowshoes makes the jaunt even more fun.  Snowshoes are fairly cheap and easy to master in an hour or so.  It’s really fun to run through a fresh open meadow covered with deep powdered snow—and refreshing.

            Another great day trip to the northeast is on the upper Kern River.  Drive up past Kernville and all the rafting spots to the Johnsondale Bridge.  Stow the wheels in the little parking lot then walk back across the pedestrian bridge to the stairs down to the river area.  Follow the single track trail up the river a few miles until you come to a really pretty waterfall cascading off the western granite face of the canyon.  In this area just up a little more to the north you’ll also find some wide pools of water and a small sandy beach for lizarding.  It’s a very nice hike in the summer because it’s a bit cooler and not too cold in the fall or spring.  I haven’t been there in the winter with snow, but this could be tricky as the trail is a bit narrow at times.  No problem with good conditions but heavy rain or snow you’d have to be more careful.

            These are just two cool day trips that can give one a major attitude adjustment and taste of fresh air.  Longer trips to the Bishop and Mammoth areas are even more picturesque if you have the time.  If you pick the right times of the year they aren’t too crowded and not really much hassle at all.  Next time you can’t see across the street because of the smog and dust—get out!  Hit the trail and breathe some fresh air—it’s healthy and you can get to Mt. Pinos or the Upper Kern River and back in one day.  Not bad road trips at all…and they don’t really cost much except some time.

            Next month we’ll talk about some Wellness coaching and how to come up with strategies to overcome obstacles to making healthier decisions for better eating and getting regular exercise…the holiday season is near!  I’ll show you some tricks for navigating those treacherous waters of holiday weight gain and slothful couch sitting.  Head those fat cells off at the pass—before they get to your a#@!

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