On Jan. 1, there is no rearview mirror. Everything lies ahead, and the possibilities are limitless.
All it takes is a little planning ... and some follow-through.
Perhaps you've always wanted to stand in snowshoes on the brink of Yosemite Valley? Hike to the brink of a world-famous waterfall? Raft a mighty Sierra river, hook a ling cod, or even run a marathon?
When you let the outdoors spark your imagination, nothing is out of bounds.
Here's a month-by-month look at what's possible in 2009:
Disc golf may be a niche sport, but that niche is growing. It certainly is around Fresno.
January: Experience a new sport
Disc golf may be a niche sport, but that niche is growing. It certainly is around Fresno. There can be no other explanation for why the 18-hole Woodward Legacy course is so busy on a typical Saturday and Sunday.
For a true immersion, sign up for the Fresno Pro/Am Disc Golf Tournament on Jan. 17, part of the 10-event Central Valley Series. Fees are $30 for amateurs -- yes, there are such things as professional disc golfers -- and preregistration is required.
Details: www.fresnodiscgolf.com or www.disctribution.com
February: Two poles and some curiosity
Some folks won't even try cross-country skiing because they've convinced themselves it's too difficult. Dispel that notion for good by signing up for the Introduction to Cross Country Skiing seminar on Feb. 7, sponsored by the Sequoia Natural History Association.
Skis, boots, poles, instruction and transportation are provided for $61, along with an afternoon tour near the Wuksachi Lodge. There's no better way to enjoy wintertime in the Sierra.
Details: www.sequoiahistory.org
March: Welcome spring in snowshoes
Observe the seasonal transition from winter to spring from as grand a vista as possible -- Dewey Point -- during the Equinox at the Edge snowshoe hike on March 21, sponsored by the Yosemite Association.
For $82, non-members get a guided tour from Badger Pass to the breathtaking viewpoint on the rim of Yosemite Valley, so don't forget your camera. Snowshoe rentals are included in the registration fee.
Details: www.yosemite.org/seminars
April: Singletrack serendipity
It took only one year for The Big Sandy (April 4) to establish itself as Central California's premier mountain bike race. And why not? Nowhere else can you ride 15 miles of sticky singletrack at the peak of spring.
Starting from the San Joaquin River Gorge Management Area outside Auberry, the trail follows the contours of the river canyon before finishing with a mile-long plunge to the South Finegold Picnic Area on the east end of Millerton Lake.
Details: www.bigsandyrace.com
May: Walk around nature
May is a great time to start hitting the trail. And no trail has seen as many footprints over the decades as the one that ascends 3.6 miles and 2,700 feet to the brink of Upper Yosemite Falls. By going in spring, you'll ensure that North America's tallest waterfall still contains ample flows -- a fitting reward for this butt-kicker of a hike. Be sure not to miss the stone staircase that leads to a fence-protected ledge right near the brink.
Details: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
June: Rapids relief
So you've floated the Kings River and are looking for the next challenge? Book a commercial rafting trip on the Merced River, whose steep gradient and amusement-park rapids top out at Class IV.
The 16-mile segment from Red Bud to Briceburg is guided by several permitted outfitters, including Zephyr Whitewater and Whitewater Voyages. Just be sure to go in June. In below-average rainfall years like we've been experiencing, the rapids peter out by early July.
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