[Christy Bravo]

@Paulina These are the ones I have. My camelback pack has loops on the shoulder straps so I have the items hooked there. The knife I hook on my pocket.

[Christy Bravo]

So far the two I've done, I've had to leave the dogs at home due to the heat. Both mornings I started at 5a and there were people in the parking lots starting at the same time. I haven't felt unsafe so far. That being said, I do hike with pepper spray, an emergency whistle and I knife all within reach. Good luck on the trails!

[Christy Bravo]

Camping alone is probably my next adventure. When I have my camelback I always have my pepper spray and an emergency whistle within reach. That bag has all my goods… first aide kit, doggy bowls, and a separate water bottle for them, plus the oh so necessary poop bags. Lol I got better at keeping it equipped with stuff after my national parks vacation last year (Sequoia, Kings Cyn, Zion, Bryce Cyn, Arches, and Capitol Reef.)

[Christy Bravo]

Thanks! I'm not sure if that's what I have… I've been putting off the podiatrist appointment… but I have pain in the ball area near the 2nd and 3rd toes. It started when I used to volunteer at a ranch that used these rocks on the walkways…my muck boots didn't provide enough protection. So now any time I walk or hike too much it acts up. It's also my right foot, which I broke in college. Anything that can provide protection and comfort I am willing to try.

[Christy Bravo]

Thank you for the info! I'll check it out!

[Christy Bravo]

Thank you! That's awesome!

[Christy Bravo]

Thanks! I live in Tustin, walking distance from Peter's Cyn. The last two days I did a little over 4 miles each time with my dogs. The first day I just did the flat trail, but today I did the hills. I don't mind going there alone because there are so many people on the trails and out in the surrounding neighborhoods. I'm trying to build up my endurance and mileage there. How long did it take you to do Baldy? What time did you start?

[Christy Bravo]

Thanks! I just always worry being out there alone.

I would love to join you on Sunday but I'm not sure I can make the 5.5 miles or so uphill (bad knee), the way back/down hill, no problem. The last “hard” hike I did was Bell View to the flag pole and the highest peak I've done was Little Baldy… but both of those are under 4 miles total… eeek!

I live over by Peter's Cyn. What area of OC are you in?