good-times-rollin

Friday, February 13, 2015

Sweetwater Reservoir to Cactus Hill Hike

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
February 12, 2015

Joe and I recently did a hike at the Sweetwater Reservoir. The trailhead is located inside the park at 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA. There is a campground (water and electric only) here along with a day-use area that includes a splash park, playground, and covered picnic tables with grills.

To the west, suburban neighborhoods sprawl around more than half of Sweetwater Reservoir. But to the east is a spread of green meadows and rounded hills with sage and coastal varieties of cholla and barrel cacti. Information states it is an "in and out" hike, bike, and horse trail...5 miles (total) to the top of Cactus Hill or you can choose an 8 miler (total) to the foot of the San Miguel Mountain.

A project to re-establish wetlands and eradicate plants not indigenous is in progress with a goal to provide nesting places for the endangered least Bell's vireo.

I enjoyed this hike much better than Joe did. I think his exact words were, "It is boring!". For me, it was just great to be outside and walking!

There is no shade and with temps in the low 80s it would have been hot except that we had a nice breeze...unfortunately if was a head wind going up. Ummm, better exercise?

Until next time, take care...

and happy trails!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
February 9, 2015

This beautiful stretch of more than 2000 acres know as Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within the city limits of San Diego in the coastal neighborhood of La Jolla. When visiting here, it is easy to imagine how California must have looked to settlers many years ago. The reserve encompasses the rare Torrey Pine, unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating birds.

Because groves of trees were not common along the southern California coast, early Spanish explorers (1500-1700) referred to this area as Punto do Los Arboles which means "Point of Trees". In 1850, the year California became a state, the tree was officially discovered by Dr. Charles Parry ( a medical doctor with an interest in botany) who was doing a survey to determine boundaries between Mexico and California. Dr. Parry named these trees for his friend Dr. John Torrey.

The fog was thick!

In 1956, the park was given to the State of California so that the many endangered species would have the protection they deserved.

Hiking was on our agenda for the day. Can you just imagine how excited we were? We haven't been on a hike since July! When we headed out about 9:00, the sun was shining and the skies were blue. The closer we got to La Jolla, the cloudier and foggier it got! We were expecting to see spectacular views of the ocean from the look-outs. "Turn around" was never mentioned as we finally parked along the street with very little visibility in front of us. So, most of the pictures in tonight's post look like black and white photographs with some beautiful spots of color thrown in.

The first part of the hike was along the rode leading to the top where the Visitor's Center is. About half way up, we turned right and followed the Guy Fleming Loop Trail.

According to the kiosk, the cones at the top of the Torrey Pine are the female, seed bearing cones and take 3-5 years to mature...

In January and February, these small pollen filled male cones form on the lower branches.

Also, the needles have an important job...they collect fog droplets in their deep groves and channels them to the ground so that moisture is not lost to evaporation.