Heading South for the Winter

Posted by: mekineer

Heading South for the Winter - 12/19/16 08:29 PM

Anyone know of a good cheap destination that I can fly to and start backpacking? I seem to have a preference for mountains. I considered going to Cuba. Has anyone taken any international trips? Anything that isn't too freezing in the U.S. during January or Feb? I'd like it to be at least close to 50F during the day. My main complaint for the cold, is that I can't use my fingers for dexterity work.

Another requirement, is cheap airfare!
Posted by: mekineer

Re: Heading South for the Winter - 12/19/16 08:34 PM

If you're hiking during the day, then your fingers are in your gloves and you're find, but I like to also base camp and relax, and want to try fishing.
Posted by: bluefish

Re: Heading South for the Winter - 12/20/16 07:09 AM

Southwest Airlines get away fares are pretty low. Right now you can fly cross country round trip for around $400 between lots of cities. Superstition Mts. in Az., Point Reyes National Seashore , north of San Fransico might be the best for fishing. Barred surf perch are the catch. St. Joseph's Peninsula in Fla. has beach backpacking and fishing in the Gulf.
Posted by: BZH

Re: Heading South for the Winter - 12/20/16 12:03 PM

bluefish's recommendations are good... I'll just add in the islands off of Los Angeles: Channel Islands National Park (Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa) or if you want a touch of civilization then Catalina Island (not part of the NP but geographically part of the Channel Islands). Winter is my favorite time to go. Great weather (though a chance of rain) and not very many people.

I haven't backpacked out side the US but Cuba, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii sound like a lot of fun!
Posted by: mekineer

Re: Heading South for the Winter - 12/20/16 12:07 PM

Puerto Rico, it is always raining, so I've read, when looking into the park on the east coast