I travel a lot each year. Traveling the globe in search of adventure is one of the things I am most passionate about. We live on an incredibly diverse planet filled with so many amazing places. Last year, I was fortunate enough to pay visit to a country that although very close in proximity to the United States hold its own deep mystique - Cuba.

(March, 19, 2009) hi, my name is Brent Fidler and I’m an instructor with Alpine Training Services (ATS).   ATS specializes in canyoneering, rock climbing, and backpacking and leads all the adventures Sport Chalet offers. (Keep an eye out at your local Sport Chalet for upcoming trips!).  Over the past ten years, I’ve backpacked through Alaska, Canada, and many awesome places in California.  I’m excited to share some of my past experiences with you and keep you updated on what I’m up to now.

If we ever go on adventure together, the first thing you’ll notice is that I randomly shout AAAAaaaaawwwwwooooo!  I don’t know where it started or when for that matter, but saying this reminds me of all the great times I have had in the outdoors.

I remember the first time I ever went camping in Joshua Tree National Park, it was mid-November and the temperature dipped below freezing.  Just to stay warm at night, a friend and I went out for a night hike and made silly videos near the remnants of Ryan Ranch, built around 1896 (photo below).  

Before camping in Joshua Tree, I was used to camping in places like Yosemite, Sequoia, and other famous Southern California camping spots.  Joshua Tree was completely different than any of the other places I ’d gone.  It had its own beauty and I respected it in a different way.  The giant boulders and Joshua Trees made the terrain unique and I was intrigued about exploring this beautiful land.  The sky felt much larger and the stars seemed brighter.   My friend and I decided not to set up a tent; instead we just threw our sleeping bags in the back of the truck and used our Thermarests for cushion.  As my eyes started to close and I took a deep breath of the cool, crisp, air; immediately a sense of ease and freedom came over me.  Despite the cold, I slept like a baby in my zero degree sleeping bag. 

Early the next morning, we made it our goal to seek out abandoned mines in Joshua Tree.  We decided to head out towards Lost Horse Mine.   To our dismay the entrance was nowhere to be found.  Apparently they sealed it shut and buried it somewhere beneath our feet.  All that is left is a mill that is considered one of the best-preserved mills of its kind in a National Park. On a side note, there are tremendous safety issues that go with exploring abandoned mines. You should only do so if you are understand that you are truly in a "do at your own risk" zone. Many old mines are unstable and cave-in's are commonplace.

Not finding any mine entrances, we diverted our attention back to what Joshua Tree is famous for (besides the obvious) - the rocks! We bouldered and monkeyed around the rock formations for hours more that day. Although well over a million people a year visit the park, it's easy to find an isolated spot for climbing or bouldering. We enjoyed our solace that day seeing only two groups walk by in as many hours.

Later that day, we packed up and headed back home to Orange County.  That’s another plus for Joshua Tree, it’s only a couple of hours away from O.C. and L.A.  Back when I did this trip, camping was free at most of the campgrounds.  Although there is now a fee of $10 to $15, Joshua Tree is affordable for a weekend getaway and definitely a place you want to visit.   Feel free to let me know about your experiences in Joshua Tree.  Hope to see you on a rock!