Week of January 22: Winter Backpacking @ Sam MacDonald Hut

Sierra Club has a system of huts that they maintain throughout California. Usually, these huts are within a few miles from the trailhead and are open to the public all year. I've been to a few of these huts (Ludlow Hut and Benson Hut) in the Sierra Nevada mountains but I only recently learned about the Sam MacDonald Hut in La Honda, which is only about an hour south west of Oakland.

Winter is the perfect time to visit the Sierra Club Huts. Chances are much higher in reserving the whole hut for your group of friends which is exactly what I did. Andrea and I packed our backpacks and hit the road early Saturday morning for Sam MacDonald Park. We met our friends at the parking lot near the trailhead. The Hut was located 1.5 miles from the trailhead and had running water, standard toilets, electricity, fireplace with wood, a full kitchen and slept 14. Since the Hut came with many of the conveniences usually not associated with backpacking, we were able to leave a lot of the camping gear behind and instead pack our backpacks with good food and beverages. Perhaps it was the convenience of the Hut or perhaps it was the caliber of friends Andrea and I keep, but I managed to gain weight over the weekend by eating and drinking all day.

We reached the Hut around noon. After lunching on delicious sandwiches, we quickly settled in and began a long day of enjoying adult beverages and playing multiple games. I must say, I haven't laughed like that in quite a while. Overall, the trip was an excellent way of being in the outdoors and spending time with good friends.

As you can see, Brian (black jacket) has already eaten his lunch and is buying time for his second round. Charles, Jenny and Andrea still have half of their sandwiches left!!!

Playing a civilized game of Blow Pong, where each team tries to blow the ping pong ball off the opponent's table side. Blow Todd blow!!!

After Blow Pong, we decided to get outside for some fresh air and some good old fun. Beers had nothing to do with what happened I'm sure. As you will see, I had a hard time holding the camera steady.

Todd vs. Charles

Lucie vs. Jason

Jenny vs. Lauren

Andrea vs. Victor vs. Leslie

Quite the view from our Hut. Andrea (top) enjoying the sunrise on Sunday. Todd and Leslie (bottom) trying to get away for some quality time alone.