Disasters and emergencies can strike at anytime and it is important to be prepared.  A simple internet search can provide survival tips but often leads to information overload.  I recently purchased the book "Urban Survival Guide" by David Morris and I found that this book is very different from most survival books.  

The book is actually a 12 week Urban Survival course that covers the most important elements of survival.  This book will not give you useless information but rather provide you with practical skills that you can use in just about any survival situation.  Since the book is intended to be a 12 week course, if done properly you will become more prepared and knowledgeable about survival after participating in the exercises in this book.  I use this book often to update my survival skills, and properly replenish my emergency kit.  Survival and emergency preparedness is important for everyone, not just campers.  

I highly recommend the Urban Survival Guide. There are also additional online, and printed resources available to those that purchase this book.  The camping fantastic blog remains free but only with the support of people like you.  I occasionally recommend awesome products that I have personally used and this survival book is a useful tool.   Donations and product recommendations keep this blog alive.   If you are ready to be prepared and learn more about survival just click here.

It takes just a short hike through Bailey Canyon to reach this small waterfall.  The trail is somewhat overgrown due to the recent wind storms and rains.  It may seem that the trail is hard to find at times but there is signage and a maintained trail even if it is hard to spot.  The waterfall is about 15 feet tall and depending on the season in which you go you may only see a small trickle of water.  The hike is short at about 1 mile round trip and passes through a unique shaded canyon.  Other longer hikes are nearby. 

To get to the falls:
 
Take the trail to the left from the Bailey Canyon Park located at 
499  W Carter Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.  Pass through the fence and turnstyle to the west.  Walk up the paved road past a debris basin and a chain linked fence. The closed paved road becomes a trail.  Follow the trail and veer to the left at the fork in the trail.  The trail follows the creekbed and leads to a small but pretty 15 foot waterfall.  Watch out for poison oak.   

Should you go camping on a Monday in the cold?

Absolutely yes.

Mondays do not have to suck. Late November may not be the ideal month to go camping in your book but don't let the cold weather scare you off.  And although California does get cold it does not have the harsh winters that other states are famous for.  However it will get cold especially at night. 

Camping during the week is awesome.  I previously camped in Gorman and Big Sur in the middle of the week and thoroughly enjoyed it.  This time I tried Leo Carrillo.  I have been there many times before but this was my first time camping at this location.  If you are able to camp during the week it is a nice change of pace.  The campground will not be empty but it will be less crowded and more enjoyable if avoiding crowds is your thing.  Furthermore you will get to choose the campsite you want vs. taking what is available on Reserve America.  Camping in the fall, winter or spring is also beneficial for the same reasons and the weather is perfect.  As long as you bring a warm tent (4 season), warm clothes (layering is important), wool blankets, 0 degree sleeping bag, and plenty of firewood you should have no problem staying warm.  I also recommend an air mattress and/or sleeping pad for extra comfort. 

I used a old sleeping bag as a floor pad in my tent, a sleeping pad, air mattress, wool blankets and a 0 degree sleeping bag.  My technique is probably overkill but I was warm and comfortable every night. 

Of course your gear will differ for a backpacking trip but for car camping it is important to bring whatever you need to be comfortable. 

Leo Carrillo SP is a nice campground only 28 miles north of Santa Monica CA.  Campsites are large and many provide ample shade and privacy.  Most spots have ample parking for 2-3 vehicles.  Check with the park for any size restrictions or extra cost for additional vehicles.  However I observed many RV campers so size should not be an issue.  

On my recent trip to Leo Carrillo I camped in site #90.  It was a large site with plenty of shade.  I would avoid campgrounds near the entrance, center loop or near the bathrooms. These sites have less privacy, shade, and one site had power lines running right through the campground.  The sites near the bathrooms do not smell or anything but you may have people walking through your site en route to the bathrooms or showers.  Certainly not the end of the world but if you can avoid these spots I would.

Other awesome sites include: 82, 61, 58, 55, 25, 20, and 101.  I investigated the entire campground and these were my favorites for privacy and shade.  There really is not a bad site in this campground but some sites have little shade or privacy.  

The nearby beach is just a short walk from the campground and is amazing for wildlife and sea life viewing in the tide pools.  Checking the tide schedule ahead of time online is suggested as most tide pools are not visible during high tide. Also be careful as rocks can be slippery and the incoming tide can be dangerous. For tide schedules try these websites:  

http://www.freetidetables.com/state/California/sid/1455d0aa or
www.weather.com/

The area is very beautiful yet very close to Pch so you may hear slight traffic noise at all hours.  This is not as bad as it sounds because you are far enough from the city yet still very close to a store if you need to stock up on any forgotten supplies i.e. extra firewood.  A gas station and nursery that sells firewood is located about 4 miles south of the campground.  Leo Carillo also has a camp store but it was not open when I was there. 

Just a short drive from the campground is Neptunes Net or Malibu Seafood.  Both serve incredible seafood either steamed or fried and provide excellent views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Tent camping is only $35 per night at this campground.  Leo Carillo is also a great campground for those that are on the fence about camping.  It is beautiful, close to Los Angeles and near local restaurants, shops and gas stations.  There are hot showers (operated by tokens) and the bathrooms are not scary.  There is also plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Whether you are a pro camper or a first timer Leo Carillo State Park is a nice local campground not to be missed.

Chris Guillebeau writes about traveling and living a exciting life as he travels to every country in the world.  His "Unconventional Guides" offer incredible assistance to those that want to live an exceptional and exciting life filled with adventure. Learn about world domination, travel hacking and more.

And just once every year he has a sale on his amazing guides.

Until the end of Cyber Monday, you can get 15% off everything in the store by using  the discount code CRANBERRY upon checkout. And yes, this includes
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The Camping Fantastic Spicy Rosemary Margarita

You will need:

1 lime, 1 Jalapeno, 1 sprig of rosemary 
1 1/2 oz Premium Reposado tequila
1 1/2 oz Triple Sec
Hot Sauce
Garlic, Salt, Pepper
Lemon Lime Soda

Mix Tequila and Triple Sec in a shaker. Pour into a rocks glass with ice.  Add lemon/lime soda (I used Sprite and Squirt would be good too). Add garlic, Salt, and pepper. Garnish with Rosemary, Lime, and Jalapeno (sliced and floating on drink), Pour some hot sauce on top of the Jalapeno but do not overpower the drink with hot sauce.
 
This drink is somewhat spicy and you may feel a tingling on the lips.  Get your Friday going and try this. 

This is a very beautiful hike in Southern California, yet many do not know about it.  I hiked to Sturtevant Falls and loved it!  Another nice nearby hike is
Hermit Falls.   

Sturtevant Falls:

http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/sturtevant.html

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sturtevant-falls-sierra-madre

TO GET THERE:

From Pasadena:
 
Take the I-210 East  
Take Santa Anita Ave exit 
Turn left onto North Santa Anita Ave 
Continue onto Chantry Flats Rd

Look for the Chantry Flats Parking Lot  (end of road)

2201-2299 Forest Route 2N40,
La Canada Flintridge, California 
91011

Look for trailhead signs (Sturtevant Falls)

Highway 39 is open and exploring the Crystal Lake Recreation Area is the perfect day trip or weekend camping adventure.  The local Cafe serves banana bread, sandwiches, and frito pie.  The nearby lake offers fishing. Crystal Lake is one of the few naturally made lakes in California.  Water levels vary but the lake is from 35 to 150 feet deep depending on the season.  The surrounding forest provides plenty of camping and hiking.  Camping is closed for the winter from November to May.

Finding this waterfall can be a challenge but once you do you will be rewarded with a beautiful 50 foot waterfall in a shaded canyon about only 1/2 mile off the road.  The sound of the crashing waterfall is soothing and the water spray is refeshing on a hot day.

To get there: head north on Highway 39 past the Coldbrook campground.  Head about 2 miles past the campground on Hwy 39 and look for mile marker 34.  The trailhead is located along soldier creek at the curve in the road just past mile marker 34.  Park on the side of the road (An Adventure Pass is required to park.)  and head north on the small trail.

You will pass two cabins (Please be respectful of the residents).  As you continue on the trail you will walk past the ruins of several cabins and even walk up the steps of a destroyed cabin.  The trail is a easy hike but has received some neglect and damage due to recent fires and storms.  Eventually you will reach ruins of the last cabin and what appears to be the end of the trail.  Head down towards the creek and cross the creek veering left. 

It may take some work crossing the creek and climbing over fallen trees and up slippery rocks.  The journey is somewhat easy but be very careful to avoid injury. The main annoyance were the bugs and spider webs along the creek.  Just a short distance up the creek and you will see the awesome 50 foot waterfall. 

Did you enjoy your journey to Lewis Falls?

Coldbrook campground has 25 campsites and most of them overlook the Coldbrook creek.  The fee is only $10 per night if you have a Forest Adventure Pass and only $12 per night without a Forest Adventure Pass. Go north on Azusa Ave (Hwy 39) about 14 miles north of Azusa to reach the campground.  Many sites provide shade.  Check before you arrive of any fire restrictions.