The heat and the swarming black flies encouraged us to take a small break from the Angeles. We chose Temescal Canyon for a short get-together. We took the trail to Will Rogers and sat for a moment at the Inspiration Point overlook with view of the ocean before heading back the way we came.
The Santa Monica mountains are often over-crowded especially on the weekends. Those who rise early, however, will be rewarded with a few moments of solitude, a view to the ocean and the sweet smell of eucalyptus and fennel. Our rewards on this day also included one crouching bobcat, one rattlesnake retreating into the brush and the biggest spider I have ever seen (well maybe not the biggest).
The Facts are:
We went about 5 miles.
It must have been 100 deg (at least!).
The bathrooms at temescal don't open until 7:02, there's no paper in there and they were last cleaned in 1998.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
August 21, 2005
The Facts are: We hiked 13.5 miles total; our route on this day was Red Box to the Kenyon Devore Trail up to the top of Wilson and down the Wilson Road.
We were on the trail at 7:45am. The bugs were swarming us and headnets were definately in order. Actually the bugs are even annoying with the headnets because they cover the outside of the net which makes me feel creepy. We weren't sure how long the Kenyon Devore trail was and it turns out it was 3.5 miles. About two miles in there was a old beach chair (note: this was not a lightweight camp chair) discarded along the side of the trail. It was Sharon's idea to carry it out. I must admit that, although it was heavy, I was glad we did. I left it at the top in hopes a ranger would dispose of it. I fully expect to see it there the next time we visit.
We didn't see any wildlife today but the trail was peaceful. We saw few people most of the day and no one at all on Kenyon Devore. It was one of the most beautiful days and may well have been perfect if not for the bugs.
We were on the trail at 7:45am. The bugs were swarming us and headnets were definately in order. Actually the bugs are even annoying with the headnets because they cover the outside of the net which makes me feel creepy. We weren't sure how long the Kenyon Devore trail was and it turns out it was 3.5 miles. About two miles in there was a old beach chair (note: this was not a lightweight camp chair) discarded along the side of the trail. It was Sharon's idea to carry it out. I must admit that, although it was heavy, I was glad we did. I left it at the top in hopes a ranger would dispose of it. I fully expect to see it there the next time we visit.
We didn't see any wildlife today but the trail was peaceful. We saw few people most of the day and no one at all on Kenyon Devore. It was one of the most beautiful days and may well have been perfect if not for the bugs.
Monday, August 22, 2005
August 7 & 14, 2005
August 14, 2005
The Facts:
On the road at 7:00;
Our route was up the Chantry road and around the small loop via the first water trail 11+ miles;
Lots of water out there still.
We drove out to Chantry Flat and parked in the shady spot under the tree. We had a great walk up the road as it was cloud covered and so not too hot. Canyon Dave passed us on the way up and suggested we meet him at the top. We joined Dave for part of his Patrol which was fun. We got to see half-dozen or so cabins, learned some history of the canyon and had a nice chat. Dave informed us of emergencies which could occur and instructed us on various escape routes. I trust that Sharon remembers the details.
Along the way we saw two rattlesnakes and one deer.
August 7, 2005
The Facts:
We were on the road from Sharon's house at 7:00am;
We hiked 12 miles;
The water is still running;
The bugs are swarming and if you don't have a headnet they will drive you completely insane.
It was a beautiful day to hike out to West Fork Campground and back the same way. We hauled two salt bricks for our "salt the deer mission."
When we got there, we saw two people sitting in camp chairs outside of the red cabin where the deer stall is. We chatted for a moment with them and learned they own the cabin which I had thought until now was a forest service/ranger cabin.
The peeps had brought their gardeners with blow machines to do their fire clearance. We learned that the cabin has electricity and plumbing and they drive in all the way right to their door. Since we now know they are the ones bringing the salt licks in the back of their SUV we have halted the "salt the deer mission."
We met a volunteer group out at West Fork who was cleaning up the campground. We must keep on the lookout for this group because they did a great job.
There was a little issue with dehydration and not eating enough which left me feeling like I had West Nile Virus. After checking in with my brother in law (Dr. Dave) I have vowed to a new policy of drinking and eating more especially when it's hot.
The Facts:
On the road at 7:00;
Our route was up the Chantry road and around the small loop via the first water trail 11+ miles;
Lots of water out there still.
We drove out to Chantry Flat and parked in the shady spot under the tree. We had a great walk up the road as it was cloud covered and so not too hot. Canyon Dave passed us on the way up and suggested we meet him at the top. We joined Dave for part of his Patrol which was fun. We got to see half-dozen or so cabins, learned some history of the canyon and had a nice chat. Dave informed us of emergencies which could occur and instructed us on various escape routes. I trust that Sharon remembers the details.
Along the way we saw two rattlesnakes and one deer.
August 7, 2005
The Facts:
We were on the road from Sharon's house at 7:00am;
We hiked 12 miles;
The water is still running;
The bugs are swarming and if you don't have a headnet they will drive you completely insane.
It was a beautiful day to hike out to West Fork Campground and back the same way. We hauled two salt bricks for our "salt the deer mission."
When we got there, we saw two people sitting in camp chairs outside of the red cabin where the deer stall is. We chatted for a moment with them and learned they own the cabin which I had thought until now was a forest service/ranger cabin.
The peeps had brought their gardeners with blow machines to do their fire clearance. We learned that the cabin has electricity and plumbing and they drive in all the way right to their door. Since we now know they are the ones bringing the salt licks in the back of their SUV we have halted the "salt the deer mission."
We met a volunteer group out at West Fork who was cleaning up the campground. We must keep on the lookout for this group because they did a great job.
There was a little issue with dehydration and not eating enough which left me feeling like I had West Nile Virus. After checking in with my brother in law (Dr. Dave) I have vowed to a new policy of drinking and eating more especially when it's hot.
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