MyNature iPhone App

As an alternative to paper books out on the trail, MyNature has developed an iPhone app that looks great. Check out the demo videos on YouTube.

The tree guide features over 200 trees commonly found across North America.

The animal tracks guide featues the ablility to identify from the smallest Weasel to the largest Grizzly Bear found throughout North America at the touch of a button.

Since I don’t own an iPhone or iTouch, I can’t try it out myself. Let me know if you have tried one of these apps.

Vibram FiveFingers at REI

Well, almost. I have been seeing more and more hikers sporting these unusual hiking shoes. Is it for health reasons or to be a trend setter? Personally, I absolutely hate going barefoot. My shoes never leave my feet except for bathing and sleeping.

Do you like this idea of barefoot hiking? Please chime in.

This is from Wikipedia:
Going barefoot (also barefooted) means for a person not to use, or to go without, any type of foot protection. It is traditional to go barefoot in many developing countries, but less common in industrialized countries for various reasons including societal taboos, health risks, inclement climate, fashions, and peer pressure against going barefoot. A barefooter is someone who prefers to go barefoot occasionally, often, or at all times. Calling oneself a barefooter implies that being barefoot is a voluntary choice (as opposed to, for example, not being able to afford shoes), or whenever use of footwear is decided to be unnecessary. Reasons for choosing to go barefoot include the sensation of one’s feet in direct contact with the ground, and to confirm many perceived spiritual or natural health benefits one may experience.

• Highlights: Lush creek side landscape, pleasant oaks and sycamore trees, caves, rocks
• Near: Malibu, CA
• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 ft
• Hike Time: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: 3/10
• Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
• Restrictions: No dogs or bikes
• Trail head: Click here for Google map
• Rating:

Summary:
This is a good all-around family hike with plenty to see and do. There is a pleasant year-round stream, flowers, birds singing, bees buzzing, caves to explore and rocks to climb.

Trail head:
Pacific Coast Hwy (north) to Sunset Bl. (right) to Palasades Drive (left) to Ver De La Montura (left) to trail head.

Ken in Cave

Leopard Lily

Santa Ynez Trail Sign

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