50 Best Short Hikes: San Diego. Jerry Schad

      Acknowledgments

      50 Best Short Hikes: San Diego contains a large amount of adapted and updated material from weekly or monthly columns researched and written by Jerry Schad that have appeared in various publications over the past 35 years. Versions of some of the material are included in the comprehensive guidebook Afoot & Afield: San Diego County, available in a fifth edition revised by Scott Turner. This new edition of 50 Best Short Hikes: San Diego shares much of the same literary DNA with these other resources. I personally researched, rehiked, and recorded GPS tracks and waypoints for Jerry’s original 50 best hikes to ensure accuracy and reflect changes in trail and habitat conditions since the first edition’s original publication in 2011. Eventually, a total of 60 hikes were surveyed and 5 new hikes incorporated as replacements where construction projects or other impacts reduced the attractiveness of an original hike. My wife, Marilyn, joined me for a number of the shorter hikes and contributed support and encouragement throughout the endeavor. I thank Scott Turner for helping steer this opportunity my way and to Peg Reiter, Jerry’s widow, for endorsing my coauthorship role. Scott graciously shared his experiences and tips associated with revising the fifth edition of Afoot & Afield: San Diego County, joined me for several of the hikes, and corresponded regularly as we traded notes on our two projects.

      While it might seem unusual to acknowledge a coauthor, I am compelled to reflect on the many great—and characteristically physically challenging—times Jerry and I shared in the field going back to the early 1980s. Back then he was researching what eventually became San Diego’s preeminent hiking guide, the first edition of Afoot & Afield: San Diego County. Jerry was ever fascinated with maps and all things relating to the natural world: plants, animals, and—perhaps his greatest passion—the night sky. He was deeply knowledgeable in these areas and erudite in sharing informed insights with others through written word, while leading day hikes or longer outings, and in the classroom. Jerry was a consummate photographer, and over the years we frequently shared memorable images with each other. Jerry was a friend to the end of his life. I will always remember and treasure our engaging conversations in his home throughout his last months after contracting irreversible cancer, reminiscing at times, but also sharing and discussing recent good reads, as well as his vision for this addition to his extensive publication portfolio. Jerry, thank you for leading the way toward a deeper appreciation of the very best outdoor San Diego has to offer. I hope you are pleased with this new edition of 50 Best Short Hikes: San Diego.

      Echoing Jerry’s acknowledgments in the first edition, I am indebted to scores—too numerous to mention here—of friends, acquaintances, and rangers who have generously provided background information, past and present.

      I would like to express my appreciation for several individuals at Wilderness Press: Tim Jackson was my primary contact, ably guiding this first-time author throughout the editorial and publication process. Prior to the first edition, Roslyn Bullas revived the 50 Best Short Hikes concept. Amber Kaye Henderson thoroughly and ably edited the text. Scott McGrew and Annie Long handled the book’s cartography and design.