Finally Hiking Again
Hiking has saved my life - literally. When I was in a very stressful work situation, going up a mountain, breaking sweat and coming to the place of just breathing and setting one foot in front of the other, kept me sane.
Here in San Diego, we have an area called Mission Trails which is basically in the middle of the city. But the minute you hit a trail, it feels like being out in the wilderness.
Wildlife does exist on the trails. I have encountered more than one rattlesnake. I saw coyotes, deer and all kinds of other critters.
However, one of the trails, the front side of Cowles Mountain, is not the place to encounter snakes and coyotes - at least not during the day.
This is the mountain to be climbed - well, you might call it a hill. Cowles Mountain is almost 1600 feet high and the hike up is about 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 950 feet.
Usually, I avoid that trail because it is so very busy.
See the row of cars along the road here?
All of the owners of these cars are on the mountain right now. On weekends, the hike to the trailhead can almost be as long as the hike to the top of Cowles.
However, when I went that day, I really had to use the bathroom before setting out and this is the only trailhead with that kind of a luxury.
I was unpleasantly surprised to see the addition of a soda vending machine. Really? Do a bit for your health and then drink soda.
But a lot of the improvements since my last visit were positive. Like this entrance to the trail from the street.
Here I am with my trusty hiking hat ready to go.
The first new sign I encountered was this one.
So many people take their dogs and don't provide for them at all. That day, I saw well over 30 dogs on the trail and very few of the owners were carrying water. And it was well above 80 Fahrenheit (over 27 degree Celsius).
This is the trailhead, all nice now with stairs and a wide trail - and lots more signs to tell people how to behave on the mountain.
See how that sign says that there is not trail fairy? Guess what I saw not far into the hike (and many more times later).
Yup. Just there. The owner apparently didn't notice that their little darling dropped something.
And close by, I found this.
I saw them going up and still in the same place going down - waiting for the fairy to come by.
Another addition were the fences all along the trail.
They are so necessary because people would take short cuts between the switchbacks and cause all kinds of erosion.
When I was in shape, I could go up and down the mountain in less than 45 minutes. This time, it took me an hour and a half. I started around 11 AM - not the best time because it is hot. Most hikers are on this trail in the morning hours and also after work in the evenings.
During my hike, I encountered 390 fellow hikers. I counted!!
No wonder they need so many signs and no wonder this trail is considered one of the most hiked trails in Southern California.
Red face to prove that I really hiked.
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Couple of thoughts on trail hiking. My hubby and I much prefer the less populated trails...although those rarely have bathrooms. But I'd take peeing in the forest over a busy trail. That's just me. We also avoid trails that don't allow the pooch to come. He has his own little doggie hiking pack that has a fold up bowl and we carry his water with us.
I usually go the less populated trails as well. Even just starting on a different trailhead is much less populated. But being so close to the city - or rather, in the middle of the city - makes it hard to get completely away from people.
When we took up whitewater, we could do 2 day trips, cover 25 miles of river and never see another soul. Now outfitters haul people down by the dozens per day. It is odd to think my grandkids may never know SOLITUDE in the wilderness.
Yo Fishy! You know, growing up in Southern Cal, a lot of things have gone away. It leaves an empty feeling inside knowing my kids and theirs won't have the hills, boulders and trees and solitude to wander in. I rationalize it's okay because that's what already happened for me. ..I didn't have to hunt rabbit for my meals. Never-the-less it is all disquieting.
It is true - it is very hard to be out and about and be by yourself. It still happens at times at the harder trails. On the other hand, if more people appreciate the wilderness, maybe more will speak up for keeping the national forests from becoming housing developments....
Looks like a wonderful trail to hike and so col it is right inthe city, its frustrating when people cannot care for their pets both the welfare with bringing water and cleaning up after them
Have a great day
Thank you!!
😎👍😎
I know this trail, Marianne! One of my best friends lives in San Diego and she hikes the trail every single day. I went with her when I was there. I remember a lot of dogs so I wonder if it was before the no dog rule?
There was a split rail fence with a "to kill for overlook" and it was a wonderful way to spend some time.
Thank you for posting this, it is so nice to see you take a break from your hectic schedule! I love your hiking hat and the cute picture at the end! XOXO
Oh, you can take dogs - but they should be on a leash and you should have water for them. And on a hot day, it is better not to take them. Really, I have seen dogs die on the trail and people needed to be Helicoptered out (not on this one, but another close one). People are totally out of shape and they go and act like there is a Starbucks every few meter and they don't need to take anything. Well, and then, they get a heat stroke or something...
So cool that you were on that hill!! If you come and visit again, I want to see you!!!
Such a great place to unwind, except for the dorky dog owners maybe. I can imagine, just by the photos, how hot and dry it must get. Love the 'proof of hike' photo too. Happy hiking and doggy minefield avoidance stepping.
hahaha - the special martial art of doggy mine avoidance lol
It takes a Ninja!!
Ninja like O : Just none of those black slippers, could be bad on the mis-step
Thanks for this post.
I grew up in the L.A. area, and did the same thing, escaping to the nearby wilderness whenever possible, which in my case usually meant Will Rogers Beach (because my dog was allowed), and areas in and around Topanga and Old Topanga Highways, Mulholland Highway, and the various canyons along the route. Not certain why, but I tended to avoid the established trailheads at the time.
I particularly loved hiking in Corral Canyon, but it was more rigorous, and hard to do with my dog, since it was more rock climbing than actual hiking. My Newfy loved to hike, but rock climbing was another matter altogether.
I've never understood people who don't provide the necessities for their animals when they travel, especially in the desert Southwest! I always carry water for my dog, when he's not carrying it himself (yay doggie backpacks!).
In any case, very nice to make your acquaintance, as I've been writing about sustainable living for years, am gradually incorporating permaculture practices on our mini farm in Tennessee, and earned a couple of certificates in aquaponics prior to leaving Florida.
Thank you for stopping by!! It sounds like we have a lot of the same interests.Going to check your blog out :)
Thanks - I've followed yours, so I'll be checking out more of your posts.
I'm curious - have you ever tried Nordic walking? It was developed in Scandinavia as a way for skiiers to stay in top shape during the summer months, and it not only burns 40% more calories than walking alone, but also gives you a great upper body workout at the same time.
I dropped about forty pounds following my divorce, using Nordic walking and yoga, and your post reminded me of how much I enjoyed it. So your blog inspired my next post - thanks again!
You mean with hiking sticks? Yes, I usually have them but not for this hike - I couldn't find them. Already got me a new pair. So much better to walk that way - and on uneven ground safer too.
I totally agree. I love mine.
Just being outside and surrounded by nature is so therapeutic. I love to hike.
Me too!! And it is high on my list to do very regularly again.
Thank you for reminding me to get out and hike today @mariannewest It has to be early morning or early evening for me which are the cooler times of the day. You're such an inspiration, 'pink cheeks' .......love that healthy glow!
Yes, Trudy!! Go and enjoy a nice walk outside.
And if you do - I just found this app the other day which pays you for walking :) I haven't too deeply looked into it, but it looks like you can "earn" items or gift vouchers. If you follow the link, I get a benefit - just so you know. https://sweatco.in/m/marianne827343
How did you know I needed a bit more motivation @mariannewest . I didn’t end up going for a walk as it’s way too hot for me. Hopefully tomorrow may be a little cooler. That app sounds interesting and as I am on a benefit too . I will definitely take a look and I thank you for your thoughtfulness.
You are welcome. I only used it for 3 days now and kind of like the idea to see how much you move and to possibly get a little reward for it. One negative I am seeing is that my battery runs low quicker because it uses the GPS function. I will see how that goes in the long run...
Awesome! I’ve supplied my email address so I will look forward to finding out more about this app and how to use it. Many thanks for your thoughtfulness.🌺
It seems pretty easy - let me know if it inspires you to go out and walk :)
Thanks for sharing. Nice that there is the possibility to go hiking close to the city :)
I know!! I love that!
You are an inspiration! I walk along a beach. Nothing as strenuous as this. Kudos to you!
I love walking on the beach! I usually get a good workout because I pick up trash as I go and to get it to the trashcans you have to walk through the loose sand lol
I just left this link for Trudee as well and since we are all into crypto, I figure you might like this. It is an app where you earn coins for walking outside.... if you use my link, I get a benefit for full disclosure :)
https://sweatco.in/m/marianne827343
I would love to have the app, but unfortunately, I have a stupid phone! No bells or whistles, just a keypad for calling...