Devils Hole; To Hell and Back; Las Trampas Regional Wilderness By Stacy Poulos
Devils Hole; To Hell and Back
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
By Stacy Poulos
Here's a 360 photo. Click on the upper right to expand. [Click here]
Ok Here's the thing, I got my ass kicked yesterday. The good part about every mountain, is it hides the next mountain and valley you must walk through. So, when you think you have concord an extraordinary feat in your life, to walk the miles you have, you come to another clearing where you have an even longer and harder distance to go. Shit! I was thinking about an analogy of what I went through yesterday, when I was driving over the San Mateo bridge and seen a tiny distant light across the bay to my left thinking, that is where I'm going... in my car. Yesterday, it was on foot, times 10. That light was like the people ahead of me near the bend of the trail. Really!!?? ....that's where were going! Again!!! Shit! I kept thinking, obviously I have no concept what these maps mean, or what 6.6 miles is in people feet walking. I was just proud as a graphic artist, I was able to highlight the proposed trail on my map. (I think my guide, who has the body of Jack LaLanne, also has no concept what a 4 in difficulty, means on a scale of 1 to 10 to out of shape people), like what 4 beers is to someone 180 lbs, is a lot different to someone 110 lbs. I guess it's all relative, and I really need to qualify the situation a little better, if I live. People who make up these numbers should consider the delusion of out of shape people, who think they can hike. He was just concerned that it was 94 degrees high noon heat in the thick of it. Humm. [Thats it! ...in my own mind... You think only 'heat' is the issue here, as I pant, grasping my stomach wondering what Turkey Vultures gonna get me when I'm left behind. As people drop off in the shade to bring there huffing down to a point of manageable blood pressure after a hiking some horrendous incline at a 500 feet incline back out of Devils Hole.] "Only 200 zig zag feet in elevation to go, he says" but look theres a shady tree up ahead.] Deeeevvvviiiils Holeeee, That! Should have been my first clue when I read the map. ["Oh good, Devils Hole sounds mysterious, this is going to be a great adventure. Wooo hooo, here we gooooo."] Now I know why they call it Devils Hole, sounds like fun, but to get there, and out of there, you will feel like you have gone to Hell and back.
So, all kidding aside (not), it was; beautiful scene, after beautiful scene. Amazing this is in the heart of the East Bay surrounded by rural areas and city life. You couldn't see any homes once you got to the other side, but a lake (San Leandro reservoir) with lots of green trees and brush, a few mountainy rocks and 60 miles in the distance you could see San Francisco smaller than a inch.
I chronicled my trip in photos, so when they found me dead underneath a poison oak plant, they would know how far and why I had past out. Besides our fall back group having fun plotting out how we were going to hold down the leader and kick his ass, if we lived to see the end, who now looks like a dot, on yet another ridge we must conquer. I thought to myself, self, thankfully America has the foresite to preserve these areas. And even though I'll never see Devils Hole again, unless it's on a post card, in my nightmares, or from a helicopter. I want to figure out how I can support State Parks more. If we're to stupid to not enjoy them, we should at least make sure they are their for those who do.
If you're an in shape experienced hiker, you may like this hike. Our leader is a great guy and super nice. Maybe a little delusional about his numbers. I'd go to this kind of hike at any point ...for a mile and that would be pushing it. Unfortunately you have to go to Devils Hole, to get to 'Sycamore trail' which is the best of all the trails. It was the most interesting to see, but the most treacherous elevation hike. It was under the most brush, which made the 94 degree weather not so bad for the hardest part.
360 At lunch in Devil's Hole [click]
For some one like me, I would take a trip like this if it was a 4 day hike. Hike camp. Hike, camp. Not all in one shot. We started with 47 people, all grouped up for the first quarter mile. Then our group spread out about a quarter mile apart in smaller groups. Me, taking up the tail with the fall back group, another couple who had a baby with them, and with another experienced woman hiker of this Trail with a old and slow dog. (My buddy). Who eventually split, before Devils Hole. (Our "Half Way point"). Obviously a wiser woman. ..another clue what was to come.
Being a mother Bear instinct myself, I was concerned for the momma and the baby, since I was huffing and puffing and had all my limbs to break a fall, she had to care for her daughter with one arm to protect her. There were a lot of situations where we had the luxury of two arms to get through some sticky situations and her only one.
So what else can I say? 24 ounces of water is not enough. I was out of water, when I got out of Hell. Once out of Hell, I would have paid $20.00 for a bottle of Ice cold gatorade. Luckily I had to new fallback people that were generous and well equipped that shared theres.
Before, I froze 3 mini 4 oz. collapsible containers, to keep my sandwich cool till lunch, great idea, BUT I think I miss read that to, it was more like concentrate, yuck. I thought of many inventions along the way, like a hat fan you clip on the brim of a baseball hat that is solar powered facing your face. Miniature handy wipe bags you can reseal.
At first I think, 'what are these people doing bringing 'back packs', were going for a 'walk'. Then I was jealous of all the amenities they had. Like our leader had an inflatable seat cushion to sit on. It was handy when we were in Hell lingering around having lunch, looking at Heaven. In light of wanting to sit along the hike, I thought an inflatable pair of shorts would be handy. Also the babies momma could have used a unit to keep her baby on her chest like she did, but not with such thick material and something to keep them cool and secure. One gal brought crackers and espresso beans to share, since I missed my espresso in the morning I indulged. She said she froze them so they wouldn't melt. She's not the only one who froze something, one man who supplied me with water after I ran out in Hell, froze his gatorade the night before. We ended up having more people join our fall back team who were welcomed with open arms. Especially with extra supplies!
And for the record, if your going down and not in the direction of your car, your gonna to have to go up. In our case, up, and up, and up and up! If your wondering what those skinny unmarked lines that connect in circles from large to small around the trail you are on, they are mountains, the smallest circle is the tip. So, in conclusion, when you see several small circles on your trail, they will be the mountains in your way you will have to hike on, down, up and around. "W" means water incase your from Europe and think "W" means Water Hole as in bathroom. Ironically what seamed to be a little trail of Heaven on our last stretch, a easy paved road that seam to go straight to the parking lot, was the hardest stretch. Because of the steep decline put a lot of awkward pressure on your knees and jams your toes to the tip of your shoes. Even though I knew none of the 47 people I started out with, it was probably better that my friends bailed on me, they would have kicked my ass. I'm sure in a few days I'll think I had fun, and forget I was paralyzed from the pain the next day and walked like a penguin with a stick up my butt for a week.
But you know, I wanted my ass kicked really, I deserved it for letting myself get so out of shape in so many ways, when I'm a born athlete. I'm not going to be my true potential God intended me to be, if I let myself go so much as I had. I'm just not someone who can go to a gym and breathe the air of others sweat, focused on just the workout. If God intended us to keep our bodies in shape at a gym,he wouldn't have created the great out doors. So in a way, my leader was a Saint that took us in and out of Hell. The Hell we live for not getting out and seeing the world and respecting our bodies. Days like these, you think about who your are, and how you pollute yourself with unnecessary crap. (Maybe 6.6 was a little dramatic for my first day out) rubbing the skin off the back of my feet, jamming my toes and knees. Straining every muscle I have, especially the one between my ears trying to find a way out, a kebab I can jump on to kebab down the hill instead of walking it. A helicopter to pick me up and take me home to my mommy.
"All ails fails, read the directions" is our family motto. As I go back to review the website to see where I may have missed something, I read the the leaders profile for the 1st time. He says: "My experience level with hiking is very advanced - numerous hikes more than 12 miles, many with many, many thousands of feet of elevation change. ...and am always pushing my hiking further - literally. That being said, I love to introduce new people to the sport, and can enjoy anything from very mild to ugh! level hikes. Between hiking, treadmill, and trail running my goal is to get in at least 20 miles a week of cardio, shooting for 25+ though!.." Well. Sigh! There you go. I followed a psycho hiker. Thank you!! I now have a Callus on my foot named after you.
Then I read The Sierra Clubs description "About this Trail... This is a 6.3 mile long loop hike to Devil’s Hole over Rocky Ridge. Enjoy lung-busting climbs to rocky ridges offering breathtaking 360 degree views of Ramage Peak at 1401 feet, Mt. Diablo at 3849 feet, the Ohlone Ridge out beyond Livermore, and Grizzly and Volvon Peaks dominating the Berkeley Hills horizon. Enjoy the wild life, eagles, hawks, and buzzing buzzards (turkey vultures, cousin to the more glamorous California Condor) patrolling the deep blue skies, bobcats and mountain lions skulking about or sleeping nearby in the sandstone cave outcroppings." Blah, blah, blah.. "Change in Elevation: 1200, Elevation at trailhead: 1080, Highest Elevation: 1960 (Why my knees and butt-tox hurt) Lowest Elevation: 1080" .. eeeexxxxaaaccctttly!!
Thank you my fearless leader for taking the brunt of our commiserating I loved every minute of it. I think all the new comers miss judged the '4' in difficulty and probably didn't read your personal profile. Then again they were probably like me, wanted the inspiration of a group to go on a journey. No matter how difficult. If I go with this group again, it will be on a '1' difficulty for a mile. His next trip is to be a 10 mile hike... Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve... I'm out! 'But there's a cave... 'nope, I'm out!
Girlpages Adventure Club Meet UP
-Stacy Poulos
THE BEST of Pennsylvania Sessano Cafe and Deli
THE BEST Hoagie of Pennsylvania!! Sessano Cafe and Deli
Sessano Cafe & Deli
4.0 star rating
13 reviews Rating Details
1840 Markley St
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 270-9607
12/28/2009
THE BEST Hoagie of Pennsylvania!!
I went to 4 Hoagie places in Pennsylvania, some twice (two Lee Hoagie locations, and the Food Network's famous 'Pat's' and 'Gino's' ) in Philly and hands down my last day, I wanted to go back to end my Pennsylvania eating experience here at Sessano Cafe and Deli. I recommend award winning Roast sandwich with sweet peppers. They start slow roasting the meat 4 hours before they serve it. It's run by a small Italian family. The father; Santino Ciccaglione is from Central Italy out side of Roma and somehow landed in the odd small town called Norristown, PA. The food is worth the trip. Don't expect a fancy environment, it's a deli style restaurant with seating and just good food, the atmosphere is your happy taste buds. Santino said he has shipped the sandwich to people out side the State, it's REALLY that good!!! (I am personally plotting to get him drunk one night, hoping to have him spill the beans of how he makes it). In the meantime, Santino my address is....
Bon Appétit - Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers Facebook
History of The Hoagie:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HoagieSubmarinePoBoy.htm
A Photographic journal of Alameda Antiques Show 2011 Stacy Poulos Photography
I love the Alameda Point Antiques Faire! It makes me dizzy because there are so many cool things I want to take home! 1st Sunday, every Month
http://www.alamedapointantiquesfaire.com/
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
2900 Navy Way (at Main Street)
Alameda, CA 94501
Enjoy the video Stacy Poulos Photography
Music By Ronnda Cadle
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Miss Pearl’s Jam House Creole Gumbo And Jack London Square, Oakland Ca By Stacy Poulos
Miss Pearl’s Jam House Creole Gumbo And Jack London Square, Oakland Ca By Stacy Poulos
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I love a great discoveries! Today I toured the 'Jack London Square bay' taking photos on a Kayak with a friend. We went in the public entrance at Jack London Square, free to launch my own kayak, and my friend rented a paddle board $15.00 an hour at "California Canoe And Kayak" which was very helpful and lots of cool stuff to buy. We parked our car for $5.00 for 12 hours a block away takes cash and cards.
My friend had just a few appetizers, very tasty 'Rosemary Polenta' ($4.00) and 'Seasonal vegetables' ($4.00) which happen to be 'Young Broccoli marinated in fresh (un-refrigerated, huge difference!) potent Garlic cooked absolutely perfect.
So as the sun fell on the water, we enjoyed a superb 2008 Petite Sirah; R&B Cellars Pizzicato, Napa Valley's; Rock Wall Wine Company ($9.00 glass). www.rbcellars.com From a very fun and knowledgeable waiter and staff that checked in often. They went as far as letting me in the kitchen to get a photo. If you didn't get the window view, the restaurant is uniquely designed with beautiful mosaic sea shell tiles on the wall. If you go into the bar, they have live music as well, and a nice atmosphere. I'm definitely coming back soon. Problem is, there looks like a lot of good stuff on the menu, but I think I'll have the gumbo again, and warm up to the chef for the recipe.
Caio’ for now. -Stacy
Miss Pearl’s Jam House
Cuisine Inspired by the Caribbean Islands
One Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Jack London Square
at the Water Front Hotel
Telephone: 510.444.7171
http://www.misspearlsjamhouse.com
California Canoe And Kayak
Oakland Retail Shop
409 Water Street
Jack London Square
Oakland, CA 94607
http://www.calkayak.com/store_oakland.cfm
510-893-7833
PS Make sure if you go on the estuary it's not too windy, paddling up wind is a lot of work.
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A Superb Stake & The Maltese Falcon At John's Grill In San Francisco
A Superb Stake & The Maltese Falcon At John's Grill In San Francisco
-By Stacy Poulos
John's Grill
63 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 94102
(between 4th St & Market St)
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 986-0069
www.johnsgrill.com
When you've been around since 1908 you know someone has carried on the torch. After spending 3 day's at a MacWorld convention I thought I'd treat myself to a great meal. As I walked down Powell Street I passed by an officer and said "I know you must know where a good place to eat a reasonably priced steak is around here". He pointed right up the street to 120 Powell at 'Tad's Steak Restaurant' and said you can get a good steak for around 15 buck's (almost with a New York accent). So I went in that direction, before crossing Ellis St, being a good citizen looking both ways before I crossed the street, to my right 'John's Grill since 1908' caught my eye. It rang a bell for me, so I thought I'd peek in and it was the home of the movie 'The Maltese Falcon'. It's a little more spendi for my budget. But as a filmmaker, I couldn't help but want to sit in a room where Sam spade from the movie sat and be inspired by History. Why not spoil myself once in a while.
I will say, as frugal as I am, I have a very sophisticated pallet for a great quality steak. My mom spoiled us with her restaurant sized indoor grill and teated us to a good T-bone or New York steak once in a while. Not to mention, we got our meat from cows my step dad's family had raised in Portland Oregon. So trust me, I know a good quality steak. I start out on a steak adventure very skeptical, that it will be near as good as what I have grown up to know. A great steak needs just salt and pepper. Sometimes a hint of butter and garlic.
Going in a fancy restaurant as a single female alone, isn't always a nice greeting. I was pleasantly surprised all the way around. The first thing I thought about when they sat me down and brought me bread and butter, was the great tasting San Francisco sourdough bread (my best friend in Alabama makes me bring her a loaf when I visit). Most restaurants have this chewy bread. Even if it's freshly made nothing compares to a SF sourdough bread crust. It has its own taste and texture. Even though there's a "Sam Spade’s Chops (Broiled lamb chops)" on the menu, I had myself a nice Medium rare New York USDA Prime or Certified Black Angus, the finest available. Corn-fed in the Midwest, it is specially selected for the highest quality and naturally aged for maximum flavor and tenderness steak. Yummy! Perfect flame broiled on the outside and rare on the inside. The flavor of the meat was superb, As I enjoyed live jazz filling the air.
33 bucks for the steak includes seasonal vegie, a baked potato and roaming around the unofficial museum of San Francisco's rich History. On the walls are many famous people who have visited including the late Jack Lalanne who said my newest favorite quote "The worst thing you can do to your body is not use it". I sat across from the 1984 Olympic Torch. You know they have to know someone to have that. It's a different experience than going to a museum and observing, than actually sitting where films have inspired a part of your career. Before I left, I got my photo taken next to the Maltese Falcon and Emmy Award to inspire my next generation of filmmaking with a great meal underneath my belt and new technology to expand my horizon.
A Superb Stake & The Maltese Falcon At John's Grill In San Francisco
-By Stacy Poulos www.PostcardTravelers.com
Determination
Photo "My Favorite Perspective" City Of Refuge, HI
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Oakland Greek Festival Is Off The Hook, Travel To Greece in Oakland
The food is the best! Gyros in Greece are much different, they don't have ground meat, but they are excellent just the same. They serve; Gyros; ground meat, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce -yogurt, sour cream, garlic & cucumber, served with pita bread), Spanakopita; Spinach & feta pie in phyllo, Tyropitakia; Feta Cheese Pie Triangles in phyllo, Loukaniko; Greek Sausage; Cooked on grill with oregano and lemon), this year they added a treat; Avgolemono Soup; Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. All of which I eat on my first day! I'm still full. It's not everyday you get this quality of Greek food in one location. These are not trained professionals in the kitchen, they are authentic Greek grandmothers showing off their talents (maybe with a little grandma to grandma, or yaya to yaya competition) in the kitchen handing down there skills and tradition to the next generation.
There is also Souvlakin; marinated chunks of meat on little skewers Chicken and beef, Greek Halloumi; cheese grilled, topped with capers salad dressing, Dolmathes; stuffed Grape leaves, Greek salad; lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese, vinaigrette, and to my surprise they had a Greek salad in a pita with my favorite salad dressing 'Greco Fusion' from Elio's Family Restaurant (The Eliopoulos's) they now bottle and sell. Ironically they had an AD at the Gyro booth for the dressings that I made (Photos, layout and printing). They happen to be a customer of mine, I made the restaurant and the dressings website eliosfoods.com and eliosdining.com
If you end the day with a Greek espresso be prepared to have something that resembles mud in the bottom of your cup, Greek style they don't filter out the grounds. When you go to a Greek festival be prepared to do as the Greeks do. What I love about the Oakland Greek Festival is the atmosphere, they import a Mykonos type windmill as you walk through the front door, the center piece is the beautiful Greek Temple, with rows of pillars, Greek blue windows. Inside the temple is one large room where a wispier will echo throughout the temple, religious icons painted on a copper sealing. Not many know but the rocks are also imported from Greece.
You can dance to several bands, watch period dressed Greek dancers, while you sip on a Imported Greek wine or American/Greek wine made in California; Lolonis, they even have Retsina - defiantly an an acquired taste. Or if you prefer there is micro brew, and Mythos; a Imported Greek logger. And of course, there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages including a Iced Frappé coffee. Lots of vendors selling Greek Imports, cloths, jewelry, religious icons, paintings, photography, tee shirts, music, etc. There are also cooking demonstrations, if you want to try your hand in cooking Greek style.
The people are fun to work with, they are all members, or friends of the church and volunteer (Like I do). I always volunteer to bartend, proceeds go to build their church, it's a great cause, and event, usually packed out.
The Oakland Greek Festival is as close to Greece you will get in America. You can get discount coupons from there website www.oaklandgreekfestival.com/ Elio's, and Luke's Grill in San Leandro www.yelp.com/biz/lukes-grill-san-leandro havesome Greek dishes for those of you who crave Greek food in betweenGreek Festivals. Or you don't have a Yaya to whip up something for you. The next festival up, local to me is the Castro Valley usally inOctober. The Festival's sometimes hosted in Hayward at the Centennial Hall. I prefer when it's out doors in Castro Valley at their church,but with the weather so unpredictable it's a safer bet for them inside.It's another place to enjoy great Greek food, family and entertainment.I typically bartend there too. Hey, it's easier than working the salad bar like I did one year. www.cvresurrection.org
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Duplicity, Starring hot Clive Owen, and hotter Julia Roberts with a great twisted plot to boot
Duplicity, Starring hot Clive Owen, and hotter Julia Roberts with a great twisted plot to boot! By Stacy Poulos
PostcardTravelers Movie reviews
Duplicity (2009) PG 13
4 stars!
Cleverly written and directed by Tony Gilroy. This romantic comedy spy-thriller Stars hot Clive Owen, and hotter Julia Roberts, to name a few. A pair of corporate spies who share a steamy relationship.
I love watching movies where they take you places I've been, or want to go. Duplicity starts out in Dubai, other scenes in Rome, Zürich;Switzerland, New York City and other places. Nothing like bring you back to a moment in time. One of the scenes takes place in Rome or as they say their "Roma" and depicts the quaint and rustic feeling ofRoma I miss.
This is a great twisted plot of corporate spy's. As a writer and filmmaker I love the twisted story. As a World Traveler I love the scenes. As a business owner I love the inside scoop of what goes on in the Corporate world. As a fan of hustler movies like, my all-time favorite hustlers; Whoopi Goldberg as in Burglar 1987 and Ghost 1990,and Chevy Chase in "Fletch" to name a few.
I'm not going to ruin the movie it by telling you what goes on, just make it a night you pay full attention. The move jumps around in time and can get a little confusing. I like it so much I'm going to buy it.
Read more at: www.netflix.com/
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Lee's Hoagie House: Highly Recommended! Norristown, PA
2896 Dekalb Pike
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 279-0800
www.leeshoagiehouse.com
I've never been to PA (Pennsylvania) and was looking forward to
going, a friend of Local Pages Publishing (a local
phone book) recommended I try 'Lee's Hoagie House' for a Pennsylvania
style Hoalgie while I was in the Norristown Area.
I tried there special an "Italian Hoalgie", and I loved
it. I loved it so much I wanted to go back for dinner but they were
closed. Hungry for that experience again, I tried another place nearly across the street, and it
ruined my experience. Just cuz there in Pennsylvania doesn't mean
everyone who claims to make a good one, does. It actually bothered me
me so much, I went back the first opportunity I had to have another
one. The freshness in the bread took it over the top and the dressing
gave it a nice kick. The other place was like eating a dry sponge. My
guest let me try her stake Hoalgie with mushrooms, and that was good
to. I can go to Pennsylvania and be happy just eating the Hoalgies.
Next time I'll just get a stake with mushroom. The atmosphere was a
deli / sports appeal. I don't like sports but I love the charm and
love the food. It's a good get-it-and-go. It's located in a
not-so-fancy strip mall. But the quality of food is outstanding. Just a few
doors down from a fish store, you have to see
Nemos Aquarium... I don't know if you can bring in your lunch
and hang out but I promise you will want to see there shark tank and
100's of different fish, most of all, the amazing live coral. I
have never seen before and I'm a diver.
By Stacy Poulos
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As you can see it is a little messy with dressing dripping, that dressing and the peppers gives it a unique kick.
The bread has that fresh chewy texture while the inner bread is soft pillow of freshness.
This is what I'm coming back for next.
Catalina Island Sunrise On Avalon,
By Stacy Poulos
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