After a couple of months my Merrell Chameleon Iso’s are holding up great. Worked awesome fishing, hiking and all around town, i cant complain. I did however decide to upgrade the support and go with a Zapz custom moldable insole. I don’t think it was necessary with the Chameleons but you can never have to much support. For those not familiar with Zapz insoles they are a moldable insole insert. In the arch area they contain a gel like substance that when heated in the microwave for a certain amount of time become gelatinous and molds to the shape of your arch. They are super easy to fit and takes a max of 15 minutes and you are walking out the store with them. They also have great shock padding that really softens ever step including a nice deep heel cup to help you stay locked into your shoe. I would recommend them to anyone looking to add more support and a custom feel to their shoes.
I saw some of Steven’s work at the SVWP monthly meeting. I am a very novice photographer, but I was impressed by his presentation. I would not hesitate to recommend one of his workshops. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephenoachs.com
Late last year I was diagnosed with a severely strained tendon on my right foot. My podiatrist made me a custom orthodic that was suppose to rectify the problem. Well this orthodic is crazy wide. My foot is a little wide as is, but this orthodic was ridiculous. So being the good patient I am, I committed to trying them out for a few months. My regular Merrells were going to be too small, so I moved up a half size and the Keen Voyageur fit like a glove. It was wide were it needed to be and very comfortable. I have worn this as an every day shoe as well as hiking and I have been very pleased. It is a very supportive shoe with great traction. They finally got worn down so I recently have switched to the Merrell Moab Ventilator in a wide width. I will let you know how that goes.
I recently had an opportunity to explore Rancho Canada from its main entrance off of Casa Lomo Road. Last year I hiked through the back side of the park from Calero County Park. This is a relatively new park so it really does not draw the big crowds. The wildflower displays are spectacular. The photo is from Trailsloggers Wildflower Photography Workshop back in April. This is also one of the few parks that also provides a paved path for handicap access. Wildlife abounds in this oak woodland park. Paul Dileanis who was our photography instructor said he has seen Tule Elk wandering the park. For more information go to: www.openspaceauthority.org
I volunteer at San Jose Airport..many changes there!! Term A checkin/security (American,Hawaiian,Mexicana,Southwest) has changed locations…you now check in downstairs, then go upstairs for security, concessions, & gates. If entering through short term parking via the overpass…take the escalators down prior to accessing security: American is still on the north side and Southwest on the south side. More changes practically every week, so allow yourselves extra time! Pat
If you’re looking for something special to do with your mom for Mother’s Day be at Santa Teresa County Park this Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 12-3pm. This is a “Healty Trails” outing, hosted by Docent Mike Boulland in conjunction with the Friends of Santa Teresa Park. On the trail, you’ll have the chance to “meet” several historical mothers from Santa Teresa’s past, learn more about the geology and history of the area, and there will even be games for the kids.
MEET @ Fortini Trail Head, located at Fortini Road & San Vicente Ave.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bring water and a snack.
For more info. contact: Carrie Grisenti, (408) 355-2240
- carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org
- www.parkhere.org
This is a FREE class!!
small dogs: meet Saturday, July 11, 2009, 8:30am-9:30am
LARGE DOGS: meet Saturday, July 11, 2009, 9:45-10:15am
Santa Clara County Parks is inviting you and your canine companions to join Docent Sandi Broeland, certified vet technician and dog trainer from Los Gatos Dog and Cat hospital. She will demonstrate to you and your best friend the basics of Dog Etiquette in off-leash facilities. *Pre-registration required.
DIRECTIONS: Los Gatos Creek Park is located at the intersection of Dell and Hacienda Aves in Campbell. From Winchester Blvd., travel east on Hacienda to the stop sign at Dell.
For more information and to register contact: Carrie Grisenti, Outdoor Recreation Leader Santa Clara County Parks Department
- (408) 355-2240
- carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org
- www.parkhere.org
About a month ago I decided it was time for me to purchase some new shoes. After trying on numerous pairs here at Trailsloggers
and testing the fit I decided that the best choice for me was the Merrell Chameleon Iso. These shoes are great! I wanted a nice light weight hiker that I could wear at work for 8 hours at a time and still be comfortable and not leave work tired and in pain. I also wanted to be able to wear the same shoes out to some of my local hiking trails and be able to do some bank fishing in them as well. These shoes met all my criteria. After wearing them for a month they are working great. I can be at work all day on my feet and still be comfortable and energetic when I leave. I can also wear them on the trial or fish all day in them. The Vibram outsole is great on the trail; it keeps me from slipping and sliding in the muddy conditions that spring sometimes offers. I can also navigate some of the steep treacherous banks of some of the local bay area reservoirs in my search for trout and bass. The mesh uppers are just right for the summer months ahead of my and my feet are always cool and dry. Overall the Chameleon Iso incorporates great support and traction with a lightweight breathability.
Hunter climbing in the pinnacles
The weather at Pinnacles is ideal for sport climbing RIGHT NOW! This picture was taken on our first climb of the day, Thrill Hammer 5.8+. Thrill Hammer is a super mellow vertical stroll that is a gentle start to a long day of climbing
Almaden Quicksilver Park is located in S. San Jose. The park encompasses over 3,977 acres and has five different entrances. Quicksilver is usually known as one of those parks that you earn your miles, so hiking with young children can be a challenge. Recently we discovered an entrance off of McAbee Road. There is street side parking and no visible park entrance sign until you hike up a couple hundred feet past a cattle gate. We only had a couple of hours so we took the Mine Hill Trail to the New Almaden Trail and at the junction we took a side trip up the Senador Mine Trail. Here you will find some ruminants of the old mining buildings that used to cover these hills. After a brief snack, we headed back to the car on the McAbee Creek Trail. This was the perfect hike for the family. The terrain was very manageable even for my six year old, plus we got a chance to explore some mining ruins. Quicksilver is also one of the few parks you can take your dog. This loop can be easily extended if you have more time or wish to take a more challenging hike.