Let it Rain!

So I woke up Sunday morning and it was pouring. Really hard. And it was cold. Really cold. Nevertheless, Sharon was waiting and hadn't called. And I sure wasn't going to be the one to call saying its raining and cold as if she wouldn't already know that. So I dig out my full-on Goretex from the closet and head on out to my car and make my way to pick up my good friend. I make it to Sharon's and question whether or not the ever undependable road to our favorite trail will even be open given the near monsoon conditions. She says certainly not but we will walk up the road anyway. In the rain. ok.

So the road turns out to be very open and we make it to the parking lot where Volunteer Ranger Tina questions our decision to come out on a day like this. She warns us about flash floods and reminds us of the collapse of the road at one time in the past. I suggest we may do just a half-loop but Sharon says certainly not and we carry on. I'm thinking now Sharon must have had a bad week and nothing less than ten will solve the issue.

Wouldn't you know it as soon as we hit the trail the clouds gave way to the most remarkable blue? We shed our goretex and walked happily through the canyon which we had all to ourselves!

Let it Rain!

Rainy Days Like This...

We walked an exceptional twelve miles through clouded luxury this past weekend. Not only is the mist great for the complextion, but it gives our day a peaceful quality that cannot compare to those amidst the sunny-summer crowds.

The soft rustle of falling leaves drifting downward cushioned the bouncing acorns and a light drizzle kept the dust off our boots. Only the view suffered a little but we happily traded the usual mountain vistas for the throb and pulse of countless tiny water droplets before our eyes; the thick, white air revealing only a shadow of the trail before us.

There was a lot of poo on this hike and we stopped to scrutinize all interesting samples, struggling to determine how long before the bear had passed and engaging in serious conversation about how the humidity might affect the aging process of animal waste.

We passed three mountain bikers on their way to where we had been and gave them the good news that they would likely be free to pick up some speed.

May the Fall of 2010 bring many days like this.

Say Hello to Ed and Rachelle!

Hello, Football!

The parking situation at Chantry Flat has noticeably improved and its about time. Fall is here, there is a chill in the air and the footballs are flying. This keeps the masses home in front of the tv rather than on the trail where I want to be and this is fine with me.

Our Old Friend Steve!

I almost didn't recognize Steve, what with his new beard. It was great to say hello after what seems like a couple of years now. We look forward to catching up with him soon when we pay him a visit down at his cabin!

The Most Beautiful Day

Three Generations

Joan, Dana & Chrissie!

On The Trail Again

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.

footsafari san diego

It was hot, hot, hot on the trail to Hodge's Lake. This trail was in North County which is far superior to the South County according to Nicole. I admit that the absence of police helicopters and ambulance sirens was a fine respite from the norm. The trail bounced gently over lush green hills. lots of dogs and mountain bikers. no mountain lions as were promised in the literature.