October Hike- Diamond Valley Lake- #4

Hi Everyone:

On Wed. Oct. 28, we had planned to hike Idyllwild, but the winds were not cooperating. Linda called me to let me know that the wind gusts were up to 40MPH on the mountain. Not fun with that much dirt and debris flying around our faces. We were disappointed as now Idyllwild trails are closed until June.  Linda decided to stay home for this one, but Jan and Carrie and I decided to brave a local hike close to Temecula (I had all that salmon marinating). We hiked over Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet. It turned out to be a pretty nice day even
though the winds were kicking it. The mountain lion warning signs did not deter us, and we noticed a huge jack rabbit jumping through the terrain, so we figured we were off the hook. We walked mainly on the blacktop edge over the lake to keep the dirt away from our faces. We walked about 2 miles over and 2 miles back. The 2 miles back turned out to be a difficult walk as the winds pushed at us in that direction, but we did it! The view of the lake and the mountains was spectacular.  We were the only hikers we could see probably due to the high winds, so it was really quiet and serene. We felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

Dinner was great. My salmon marinated with T.J's chile sauce, Jan's mixed fruit and foccacio bread, Carrie's Mediterranean vegetables, and my raspberry tart for dessert made it a great meal. Oh yes, great Gewurztraminer wine.

Torrey Pines- #3

Grouping up for the hike. We started with the beach first

Part of the bluff

Start of the long climb from the beach

Half way to the top

Cooling our feet at the end of the hike

It was a fabulous hike. We started around 2:40 and finished around 4:15. Torrey Pines has the most beautiful ocean views. The walk is not difficult. We started on the sand and continued up the steps to the trails, and ended near Torrey Pines Golf Course on the old highway 101 built around 1920.

Steve has more of the exact details about this road as he and Jack enjoyed the history side posts. I was too mesmerized by the views, beautiful foliage and chit-chat with great company. There were 8 of us: Vicki, Ginny, Carrie, Steve, Jan, Jack and Kathleen (friends of Jan's) from Colorado Springs and myself. Jan, it was so nice to connect with Jack and Kathleen. Both are retired teachers so we had a lot in common.

Dinner was great; Carrie made lasagna (I have to admit it was as good as my mom's.) Thanks Carrie for hosting. All was perfect. Sorry we missed you at dinner Ginny, but I am sure you and your hubby had a great romantic dinner together (Happy Anniversary). Next hike will be on October 28, Wed. in Idyllwild. Check out the web site for list of trails: www.idyllwild.com/hikes.html. The fall trees should be in full color so bring the cameras. I am going to try to scout out trails before then. I'll forward more info after I do this. I will host at my house after hike. We are meeting a little earlier as it is about one hour from Temecula. Plan to meet at my house around 12 noon. Happy Trails. MJ

Walking on water..........#2

Hi Everyone:
Beach Hike was a great time. There were 5 of us: Vicki, Ginny, Mark, Steve and me. Perfect for us Temeculans (104 degrees in Tem.). We were happy to be at the beach. Ginny parked her car in Oceanside; great parking lot; only $3 until midnight! We carpooled from Temecula in Steve's car and met her there, then proceeded to Carlsbad in Steve's car. Steve parked right near the restaurant. We started in Carlsbad at 2:30, and made it all the way to the Oceanside Pier by 4:00pm. Our guess about 3.5-4 miles. Some of the journey was treacherous!. (We love adventure). We had to pass by huge rocks with the waves coming at us! however, we did it! We were a bit soaked, but it felt so good on such a hot day. The lagoon (which was shown on map) was not a problem at all (maybe due to drought ?) now, there is nothing left but a small pond up a few yards from the beach. The water temp. was very warm; beautiful day; great company, and the Margaritas hit the spot back in Carlsbad at the end of the hike!
Thanks, MJ

"Are we there yet??!!

That's Steve in the background looking for cell service..........

Good old #1

Hi everyone: We did our first hike; it was great. There were four of us Carrie, Vickie, Ginny and myself, oh, yes, and Dante (Ginny's dog). Mark's daughter came into town early a.m. so he could not join us. We missed you Mark, but hopefully you will be able to join us next hike. It was a bit hot, but that cold stream was heaven! Dante was the only one able to completely get wet, but our feet felt great in that cold water! Many shaded areas, and we did stop for water breaks. We hiked 3 miles in and then 3 miles out! started at around 2:30 (right on time) and returned about 5:45 just in time for dinner. Dinner was perfect and a great way to end hike day. A big thanks to Ginny J. and Gary (hubby) for hosting their home. The food, wine, socializing hit the spot!
Happy Hiking, MJ