Not So Casual Hikes

Field notes on human capacity, written from the trail.

Why the hardest part is never the miles.

The Issues

I Could Have Made It Easier

Trail Psychology

I Could Have Made It Easier

A private doubt, a group plan, and 224 miles of evidence.

Altitude Series: San Bernardino Peak, 10,649 ft, Benchmark 5

Altitude Series · Training Log

Altitude Series: San Bernardino Peak, 10,649 ft, Benchmark 5

May 23, 2026, San Bernardino National Forest

Altitude Series: Mt. Baldy, 10,064 ft, Benchmarks 4.1 & 4.2

Altitude Series · Training Log

Altitude Series: Mt. Baldy, 10,064 ft, Benchmarks 4.1 & 4.2

May 9 and May 31, 2026, Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains

The Autopilot Paradox

Trail Psychology

+1

The Autopilot Paradox

And the invisible currency of ordinary mornings.

It Is Already Decided

Trail Culture

+1

It Is Already Decided

Thirty people showed up to suffer willingly. Somewhere along the way, that became normal.

Altitude Series: Big Horn × Ontario Peak, 8,696 ft, Benchmark 3 (Originally Benchmark 2)

Altitude Series · Training Log

Altitude Series: Big Horn × Ontario Peak, 8,696 ft, Benchmark 3 (Originally Benchmark 2)

April 25, 2026, Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains