Weekend Sherpa: Take It Outside

Movies and the great outdoors combine for some best supporting scenery, including dunes for days and Death Valley's surreal-scape (and the new but temporary lake, Manly). In this episode, Holly and Brad discuss several sand dune sites to adventure at, plus the ethereal nature of Death Valley National Park, which is spring-primed. Find out the best spots there for private sunset viewings; where to get stellar vistas of the park's temporary phenomenon, Manly Lake (which reflects Telescope Peak and the Panamint mountains); and the best way to stargaze in this dark sky destination. Later in the pod, they are joined by Ginny Krieger, Executive Director of the Sonoma International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024) to talk about the beauty of Sonoma, and the ways in which the film festival has become one of the best in the West.  Show Notes: Sonoma Valley International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024)Death Valley National Park Weekend Sherpa EditionDunes for Adventure

Dune 2 is the big blockbuster in theaters, but with a break in rain and cooler weather now's a great time to head outdoors to explore some of California's best dunes, including less known places, best for sunsets, and--bonus--the Oregon sand dunes that inspired the novel Dune. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about some of these surreal sandscapes, in addition to other outdoor adventures that are good post-rains, what it means to hurkle-durkle, and Big Bear’s famous bald eagle pair—Jackie and Shadow. Later in the podcast, they are joined by Janice Lim, founder of the travel blog WheresJanice, for a conversation about some top California waterfalls, national parks, camping areas, road trips, and tidepool destinations. Dune it right for outdoor adventures. Dunes to visit in California and Oregon Janice Lim, @wheresjanice

There are all kinds of ways to "winter" in the West over the coming months, including some fantastic adventures in Yosemite National Park. In this episode, Brad and Holly discuss some of the season's best activities in Yosemite, home to California's first ski resort, the old-school and budget-friendly Badger Pass. There's also snowshoeing to panoramic Dewey Point, outdoor ice skating under a huge view of Half Dome (with a firepit and s'mores!), and lots more. Later in the pod they're joined by Lisa Cesaro from Aramark Destinations, discussing lakeview adventures in South Lake Tahoe, snowmobile safaris in Jackson, Wyoming, and the beauty of Yellowstone and Crater Lake national parks. Yodel for Yosemite, yodel for the West's best winter adventures! Show Notes:Yosemite's Winter WondersNation's Vacation Ideas

With the holiday season full steam ahead, Brad and Holly are joined by Weekend Sherpa contributing content creator Yvonne Pasquini, talking about what to do outdoors with friends, family, furry pals, or going solo this season. From day trips with apple cider, donuts, wine, bike trails, and beers, to the best fall foliage, sunset spots, picnic areas, stairway hikes, beaches, and festive restaurants, here's a collage of California fun.Follow Yvonne Pasquini @yvonne_pasquiniLinks to a few of the places discussed:NorCalEl Dorado Bike TrailApple Hill AdventuresPurisima Creek Redwoods Windy Hill Wildcat CampSamuel P Taylor State Park Napa Valley Bike RidePetaluma Tree Farm SoCalHollywood Heights Echo and Elysian Park Hetch Hetchy Backpacking Baldwin HillsWill Rogers State ParkCatalina Island

Death Valley reopens, Mount Diablo's "gated" community controversy, and all the hidden-gem ways to find some Zen this autumn in beautiful Monterey ... it's glow time! And that includes the brilliant bloody-belly comb jelly at Monterey Bay Aquarium's incredible new exhibit, Into the Deep. Brad and Holly are joined by the Aquarium's Ken Peterson and Allen Protasio, who share an ocean's worth of knowledge and tips on where to go and what to "sea" at the Aquarium, on sustainability initiatives for a better future, and on nearby hiking and biking trails, including a few truly hidden gems for birdwatching and sea otter sightings. Get the scoop on fall's best adventures in Monterey and beyond in the Golden State.Visit the Monterey Bay AquariumCheck out Weekend Sherpa's issue: Monterey's Many Hidden Gems

The mystery of the sailing stones of Death Valley, California's very own Blue Zone of health, and full moon dancing ... in this episode Brad and Holly talk about favorite places in California to have full moon adventures, from peak hikes and sand dunes, to guided hikes with wine. Then they're joined by Justin "Just Roc" Rimon, founder of Southern California-based Just Trek, a website and podcast about the great outdoors, including how spending time in nature can help improve both your physical and mental health. The podcast aims to inspire, motivate, and elevate people to a higher state of well-being through adventure filled conversations and guided adventure meetups. Learn about Justin's journey to founding Just Trek and get his excellent tips and ideas on where to go outdoors in Southern California (and do a "summit cypher dance").It's full moon fever time!Follow Justin "Just Roc" Rimon on Instagram, @just.trek. Website: justtrek.netFollow Weekend Sherpa on Instagram, @weekendsherpa and check out all of our content on where to go and what to do outdoors in California at weekendsherpa.com

With just 3 traffic lights in the entire county, wild open spaces, charming small towns, mountain lakes for swimming, paddling, boating (wait there's more!), shorelines featuring beaches and campgrounds, and a national park that's a still a secret gem, Plumas County in the far northern Sierra is poised for its close up. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about their recent trip to the Plumas County, the lakes they visited, hikes and paddles and bike rides to do in the area, towns to stay in, places to eat, drink, shop, and spend the night... and visiting "California's Yellowstone"—Bumpass Hell and other spectacular sites at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Plus, they talk to Karen Kleven, a longtime Plumas County local, adventurer, and advocate for the Feather River Land Trust.

In this episode Brad and Holly catch up on summer travels and recommendations for California and Southern Oregon outdoor adventures, plus discuss Yosemite's controversial decision encouraging visitors to knock down cairns in the park. Also in the podcast: the climate crisis, and an interview with Weekend Sherpa contributing content creator Heather Werner, recently cast in Naked & Afraid for an episode filmed in Africa, and currently solo biking from Canada to Mexico. Program Note: This podcast episode discusses wildfires in the US and Canada and was recorded before the devastation of the Maui wildfires, the deadliest in modern US history. Our thoughts are with the people in Lahaina and Maui who are suffering in the aftermath. If you are able to support Maui in giving what you can, reputable news outlets and individuals have provided guidance on places to donate, including American Red Cross, The Maui Strong Fund, and The Maui Humane Society, among others.To follow Heather Werner on her current solo biking adventure from Canada to Mexico, see her IG, @heath.er.wer.ner

Weekend Sherpa contributing writer Heather Werner joins Brad and Holly to share her recent experience climbing North America's highest mountain, Alaska's Denali. Hear just how challenging and intense the summit expedition was, and what it took to make it to the top. Plus hear about Brad and Holly's most memorable experiences from 2022.

In this special edition podcast, Brad and Holly talk with Carlo Facchino about his incredible solo rowing journey across the Pacific from San Francisco to the Big Island of Hawaii. Alone at sea for 72 days, Carlo encountered many challenges and obstacles in navigating the great wild open. He also found incredible peace and had extraordinary experiences, including in the pitch dark of night! You'll hear his stories and sentiments around the entire adventure: a most moving, inspirational, and candid account of what he went through and what he discovered about himself. Much of what he speaks about applies to our own experiences in life, and Carlo's wisdom shines through in sharing this epic adventure. Learn more about Carlo's journey and follow his plans for what's next https://www.facebook.com/SoloOceanRower

When the going gets tough, it's nice to get outside for some respite. But what happens when your passion for the great outdoors is upended unexpectedly? In this episode, Brad and Holly discuss their brief hiatus from regularly scheduled podcasts after Brad broke his hip in a mountain bike crash. Six weeks later, Weekend Sherpa's beloved unofficial mascot, Hank the English Bulldog, died suddenly. Needless to say, sometimes we all need to take some time. But it's not all doom and gloom—they also discuss some fun adventures to do outdoors in California to round out summer... with a few extra surprises and pawsitive vibes!

Sunny days are ahead! In this episode, Holly and Brad, along with Weekend Sherpa team adventurers, Ellen and Scott, talk about a very recent trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. This is a place where nature is nurture, and wellness is found in everything from alpine peak hikes to sublime car-free bike rides, botanical gardens, and free outdoor yoga at Bald Mountain. There's also stellar sunsets, starry nights, terrific dining, and the vibrancy of community events like Ketch'em Alive, where everyone gathers for live music and food and drink trucks galore. Sun Valley is how to do summer right! See details of the trip https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/yoga-hiking-biking-outdoors-nature-nurture-sun-valley-idaho/

In celebration of National Park Week, Weekend Sherpa co-founders Brad Day and Holly Kulak discuss eight great national park adventures they shared via this week's email newsletter in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Then they have a conversation with podcast guest Daniel Dietrich, the filmmaker behind "Tule Elk: The Killing of a Native Species." It's a discussion about a controversial decision to kill Tule Elk in Point Reyes National Seashore to make more room for cattle ranchers to let their cows graze more land. This is a highly charged topic, with politics and money shrouding the controversy. Find out ways to help save the Tule Elk living in the park.See the Eight Great National Park adventures here https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/eight-great-national-parks-in-the-west/Learn more about Daniel's film here https://www.danieldietrich.com/videoGet involved and comment to the national parks about Tule Elk here https://parkplanning.nps.gov/

A few years ago, legislation passed to allow the killing of native Tule Elk in Point Reyes National Seashore amid pressure from the ranching community, who want room for their cattle to graze and roam. Cows outnumber Tule Elk by a factor of 10 to 1 in Point Reyes. Brought back from the edge of extinction, today the Tule Elk are again threatened … in a national seashore where commercial private gain is winning out against what national parks are supposed to do: protect and preserve the natural environment. The controversy surrounding Bill HR6687, sponsored by Democratic member of Congress Jared Huffman, has intensified since—and now a short and excellent film by Daniel Dietrich (danieldietrich.com) is making the rounds at film festivals, sharing important and vital information about this situation. Brad and Holly discuss this film and the Tule Elk that are a natural part of Point Reyes. They also share details and tips on some beautiful short hikes in wine country, filled with wildflowers and wondrous views, along with how to stay cool in SoCal when you want to get outdoors for an adventure and the weather is unseasonably hot. Watch “Tule Elk: The Killing of a Native Species”https://www.danieldietrich.com/videoMore information and Take Actionhttps://www.rri.org

It's wildflower season already! This year brings early blooms that should just get better in the coming weeks. In this episode Brad and Holly discuss some local places across the Bay Area to hike and bike among some beautiful blooms, as well as great places to enjoy picnics and barbecues with views. They also discuss some peak hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains that are great to do in spring, with more daylight. Speaking of daylight, Brad gives his takes on the recent decision in the US Senate to make Daylight Savings Time permanent, and the controversial decisions around Tule Elk in Point Reyes National Seashore.See their wildflower recommendations here https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/bay-area-hikes-and-bike-rides-spring-wildflowersAnd see their picnic with views recommendations here https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/beautiful-bbq-picnic-spots-marin-bay-area

Just when the Omicron crisis was starting to abate, the situation in Ukraine arose as another world event of devastation and heartache. How do you take a break from the doom-news? Sometimes it's helpful to be in nature. In this episode Brad and Holly talk about some less known local places in California that have everything from wildflowers to farm animals, including a place on the San Mateo Coast to try Goat Yoga. They also discuss where to start applying for camping and backpacking permits for summer adventures, including a beach next to the famous film location for parts of Jurassic Park 2, and a few top hike-in environmental campgrounds in Big Sur and the Sonoma Coast (this gem is first-come, first-served).

Make a date with the great outdoors and bring along whoever you love (or just like a lot). In this episode, Brad and Holly and Weeknd Sherpa contributing writer Ben Replogle discuss close-to-home and off-the-beaten-path adventures in California: from a hike in San Francisco with a new work of "heart" overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, hikes with early wildflowers in Napa, bike rides with beaches and picnic stops, hiking to Joshua Tree's hidden old miner's cabin, and plenty more. Plus Brad and Holly discuss their recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, including tips on Volcanoes National Park, where to see loads of sea turtles, and a few other tips for planning some Aloha time. Who loves ya? The outdoors, that's who!

Is this California's wildest national park? Maybe! What's a for sure? You should absolutely visit Channel Islands National Park off Ventura County Coast. Channel Islands has been dubbed the Galapagos of North America for good reason: The five islands comprising this national park have over 2,000 terrestrial plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. You won't find ice cream shops here ... but you might spy the island fox. In this episode, Brad and Holly share details from their recent road trip to Ventura County Coast, including taking a boat out to Channel Islands National Park for some hiking and kayaking into caves. Get ideas and inspiration for a road trip getaway to adventure on Ventura County Coast.

Two years into a global pandemic and one thing remains true—the outdoors is a saving grace for physical and mental health. In this new year's episode, Brad and Holly discuss winter as the season of sunrises and sunsets, and the best outdoor settings in California to experience both. Also, where to find local waterfalls, and some of the best places to hike-in for a picnic with panoramic scenery. And, what's a spirit animal, anyway?! It's all new for 2022.

Waterfalls, wildlife, secret beaches, small towns, and epic sand dunes. The Oregon Coast and Highway of Waterfalls makes a magnificent getaway this winter. In this episode Brad and Holly share tips and itinerary ideas from their recent road trip along the Southern Oregon Coast and the Highway of Waterfalls, including "Secret Beach", the massive sand dunes that sparked the inspiration for the bestselling book (and hence the movie) Dune, and the incredible hike-in waterfalls along one of the most beautiful scenic byways in the West.