Sports Events in California

California has one of the most extensive trail networks in the world. The famed John Muir Trail is one of the oldest. The Pacific Crest Trail runs down the spine of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the top of the state to Mexico. The Pacific Coast Trail does the same along the ocean. No matter your skill level, you will find a suitable trail in this great state. The trails vary not only by their difficulty but by the many terrains the state has. Hike along coastal bluffs, hike in dense lush forest, hike on stony alpine peaks, and hike in the desert. California pretty much has it all so if you are an avid hiker, bring your gear. If you've only just been thinking about it, by all means, make your visit to the Golden State the one where you finally did it.

Equipment: Good hiking boots and quality socks are a must. Carry warm quick drying clothes when hiking in the mountains and for extended walks along the coat. Weather changes quickly and there's nothing worse than being wet and cold. Rain gear is essential for mountain travel and again, good to carry if doing a long walk on the coast.

The part of the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area south of State Highway 78 is a fine place for riding dune buggies, motorcycles or other off-road vehicles. The price is $25 per week or $90 for a season pass. Do not try and use the facilities without a pass, the rules are strictly enforced.

I am not an addict. I do not sleep, drink or live for golf. I go out a couple times of year, with friends and attempt to make a couple nice shots in between temptations of throwing my golf clubs in the water. Actually that is an exaggeration, I am a much worse golfer and a lot more evenly tempered.

With places like Pebble Beach / Spyglass or Palm Springs, there is no limit on how much one can spend on a round. But do not fear, if you do not have as much clout as Michael Jordan, you can still find a myriad of places within your location or price range all throughout the state.

The picture is of us at Pacific Grove Golf Course. One of the best municipal courses in Northern California. For less than $40, you'll get your fix of a fresh ocean breezes and breathtaking views. (831-648-3177)

Equipment: a set of clubs, that you can usually rent, and a pair of pants that makes your arse look fat.

Home of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers, Qualcomm Stadium opened in 1967 as San Diego Stadium. At that time, it had a seating capacity of 53,000. The stadium was expanded to 61,000 seats (and its name changed to Jack Murphy Stadium) in 1984, and then to its current seating capacity of 71,500 seats in 1997. Also in 1997, the stadium was renamed Qualcomm Stadium when Qualcomm, a San Diego telecommunications company, bought the naming rights.

In addition to providing a home field for the San Diego Chargers, the stadium is also used for rock concerts and other large civic events. And in 1998, it hosted Super Bowl XXXII.

Home of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, the 42,445-seat PETCO Park opened in 2004 to provide the Padres with a home of their own. Prior to construction of the ballpark, the team shared Qualcomm Stadium with the National Football League's San Diego Chargers.

The new ballpark was designed to combine the look and feel of the traditional old-time ballparks with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. The historic Western Metal Supply Company Building was renovated and incorporated into the ballpark. It houses the Padres Team Store where fans can buy team souvenirs and memorabilia. And while watching a game, fans have a great view of downtown San Diego's skyline.

Read my "off the beaten path" section

But why are there not pictures of me you ask skydiving? Well, I will tell you why, because I am not tiny person, and there are these laws called physics. My “instructor” and I were both larger people… so when we jumped, we fell like a bat out of hell. Basically, the photographer could not catch us. Apparently the photographer I had was a “slow” diver. After talking to the youngest & fastest, (and smallest I might add), instructor… he said that he should have done it. I asked him what made him the fastest… he smiled and said, “balls”

My slow a$$ mofo photo guy was wearing “wings” the other guy… spandex…

Over the past decade or so, I have rafted many of the California Rivers. It is a great weekend out with the friends or a great change of pace for things such as bachelor parties, and somehow we usually talk about these times more than the nights throwing dollar bills. There is a river that will meet your expectations. A lot will depend on the time of year you go and the snow pack from the winter before. (best time is early to mid Spring) Most class III I find to be mostly lazy rivers that will give you plenty of time to jump and swim as you meander your way down the river. The class IV’s and V can test your nerves and swimming ability. Cherry Creek is the only, and last step in skill level that I haven’t tried yet. I heard that they do swimming test before they allow you on the river. Sorry I don’t have any great pics, but it is a little hard when you on a raft rowing to save your butt.

For those of you that are visiting the state, it is usually a good little history lesson of the California Gold Rush of 1848/49. These were the rivers where it all began. You can look down in the water and see the gold flakes and even see some "miners" still sifting through the gravel, trying to strike it rich. Last time on the Tuolumne, we actually stopped and a miner passed around his find for the day (or year), I would guess it to be a 2 oz natural nugget of gold. I thought that was cool.

The natural scenery is awesome, but don’t let it distract you. Remember, if you fall out, keep your feet pointed down stream!

Equipment: They will supply everything you need, including lunch. Don't wear cotton shorts or cotton socks – you will be cold and miserable. They usually require you to wear closed toe shoes as well; otherwise you'll get nasty blisters.

I have used some different outfitters (ie rafting companies) but i have always had a good time and enjoyed A.O. (the site I have listed below) They can also direct you to different camp sites around the area that you are supposed to meet the outfitters.

California can offer an incredible fly-fishing experience from the southern Sierras Mountains all the way up to the Oregon border ? and beyond. Whether you are looking for the secluded high sierra stream hooking into native brook or golden trout or if you prefer the steelhead runs, you can find it here ? sometimes with a hefty price tag or just time spent out exploring and getting skunked (ie ? not catching a damn thing). Most of my trips have been around Yosemite and areas Northeast of Redding / Red Bluff (follow hwy 5 North from Sacramento). Although not designed for the budget in mind, I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a guide if you are visiting the state. Many of the California Rivers can be tricky and without the know-how, you can just be getting wet. The etymology (read: bug?s life) of a river can be vastly different from another one?s a mile away. Tactics can be various as well, some rivers you have to fish upstream, others downstream and some waters are on private land, so without a guide, you can?t even get on. Between the snow pack runoff, hatches, heat, and ?open season,? the time of year is important to consider as well.

There are quite a few Fly-Fishing shops around the sierras ? Mammoth Lakes, Sacramento, Merced?etc? so if you are going around these areas, I would do some research, check in with the local shops for either the tips of the local waters or point you in the direction of a guide. (common etiquette is if you are asking where to go and what to use, then patronize that shop)

Equipment: If you trip takes you to Northern California, then I would highly recommend The Fly Shop, in Redding California. They are a top notch store with up to date info on the big waters and provide guide services for all the surrounding waters. I have never used their guides, but have met them on the streams at times, and always are friendly and offered good advice. They also have guided trip to Alaska, British Columbia, Chile, Argentina, Bahamas, Tahiti, Mexican Tucatan and Belize.

I will provide their info below.

I will be posting up pics on the t?logues.
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