Some Hiking...San Diego WEEK 2 (Part 2)

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 15, 2019

The later part of week 2, we enjoyed a couple of our favorite hikes.

Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
About 30 minutes away near the little town of Jumal is Hollenbeck Canyon.  

The former cattle ranch was designated a wildlife area in 2001.  
Unlike the last few years when we enjoyed the area for free, there is a $4.00 fee per person to enter.

  


As the pictures show, one of my favorite things about this hike are the trees...giant beautiful trees.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines SNR is located within the San Diego city limits.


This 1,500 acres of land gives us an idea of what Southern California must have looked like to the Spanish explorers. 

It is amazingly beautiful and remains one of my favorite spots to visit.  FYI...the entry price has increased...during High Season it is $15 Mon.-Thurs. and $20 Fri.-Sun. per car.  


Torrey Pines is home to our nation's rarest pine tree which is native only here and on Santa Rosa Island.

It was sad to see so many distressed tree.

 Unfortunately, extended drought conditions have weakened the trees making them unable to fight back against bark beetles that have infested and killed many trees.  




Cone shaped traps bated with battle pheromones have been placed in the park to catch and monitor the beetles.
  

Torrey Pines SNR is always at the top of the list when in San Diego...

The last time we were in San Diego was Jan 2017.  


We had the pleasure of meeting one of the many volunteers in the park that year.   We turned the corner this year and there was Ann in the same spot as 2017.  

Ronnie points out a group/pod of dolphins...

 So until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS ! 

OOPS! I Almost Forgot Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 29, 2016


Our last hike in San Diego was the Hollenbeck Canyon Trail just off Honey Springs Road in Jamul, CA. It is about a 21 mile drive from the KOA. 

This is a popular biking trail as well so there are lots of choices on trails to take and miles to hike. We first did this hike last year and somehow missed a turn that would have taken us on a loop, actually a lollipop loop. This year we were determined, well hoped, we would get it right. And we did!

The trail we hiked was just under 5 miles. It felt good to lace up the hiking boots again. 





The first portion of the trail is an open meadow.




Next comes my favorite...a trail shaded by gigantic oak trees and lined with luscious green grass. Both these sections make up what I refer to as the stick on the lollipop. Nice since you get to do that part twice!

 It's too early for alot of color...just hints of whites and yellows with a dash of purple every now and then.

 The grass was cool to the touch, smelled so fresh, and fun to watch dancing in the breeze.

On our way out, we had time to play. It's been a long while since I have climbed a tree...





The loop is not shady at all. Southern girls "mist" rather than perspire...but not this day! A full blown sweat! We climbed and used some muscles that needed a good workout.




We took our time, drank lots of water and admired the view.

 Until next time, happy days and...

 happy trails!