Anza Borrego March '11

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park


March 24, 2011



March is certainly the time to visit the desert and spot the beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring.

We were not disappointed, and the day proved to be perfect as the weather was sunny around 70 degrees.



Three of us, M.J., Enza, and Carol left from Temecula around 9:30 and met Carrie and Karen who left

from Poway area to meet up with us around 11:00. We connected at the visitor center in the park.



We started out on the Hellhole Canyon Trail which is about 6 miles round trip. We hiked until around 12:45 or so

and then returned around 2:30. It is a moderately difficult trail with slight incline upward, but we were all up to it.

Close to the end of the trail, we reached an area of boulders with some running water forming "mini- waterfalls".

Karen, M.J. and Carrie stopped at this point as the rocks were pretty daunting. We ate some fruits and nuts and

waited for Enza and Carol to explore just a little further beyond the boulders. They trekked out a bit more,

pretty much the same with more boulders and running streams.



Awesome views of the desert flowers along the trail. Karen took some great pics with her camera.

There were a variety of plants and flowers to see; an abundance of ocotillo plants were tall and very much in bloom along

with a large variety of cactii. We also got to see a huge jackrabbit running through the desert floor. On the way to and

from the desert a carpet of yellow and purple flowers could be seen from the car window. It sure feels like spring is here!



Great day! Karen and Carrie headed back to San Diego and M.J., Carol and Enza headed toward Temecula.

We Temeculans finished the day with happy hour at Harry's in Temecula.

Dripping Springs- Feb. 2011

Hike: Dripping Springs, Feb. 11, 2011


This is a fabulous trail! It is only about 4 miles east of Temecula going eastward on 79 South.

We parked in the campground parking lot. A $5 Forest Adventure pass is needed. These can be

purchased ahead of time at any sport store or can be purchased at the parking lot.


It was a very quiet peaceful day as not too many others on the trail; we basically had it all to ourselves.

There were 11 of us: M.J., Enza, Sandi, Melinda, Annette, Mark, Carol, Steve, Ray, Kyle and their daughter, Alixis.


Trail is a moderate incline so not too hard at all. We crossed over a small stream to begin the trail.

Trail is very easy to follow and heads upward toward beautiful vistas of the Temecula Valley. We could

see several of the snow capped mountains toward the north and the east, orange groves and Vail Lake.

Beautiful views that reminded some of us of southern Italy. It was a picture perfect day with the sun

shining brightly and the temp around 75 degrees.


The scrub oaks were blooming small white flowers and there were many of them lining our trail.

The trail is real easy to follow and according to the map, leads all the way to Palomar Mt.


We started around 1:00 and returned at 3:45. Our day concluded with Happy Hour at P.F. Changs

in Temecula. Great day and Great company.


Next Hike: March, Desert Flowers Watch for emails.
M.J.


A great day...........

                                   

San Jacento and San Gorgonio in the background.............

 Vail Lake

 Temecula in the distance........

more water to cross!!..................

January 14, 2011- Tenaja Falls Hike

January 14, 2011 Tenaja Waterfall Hike, Murrieta, CA; Cleveland National Forest.

Absolutely terrific hike! There were eleven of us: MJ. Enza, Melinda, Annette, Sandi, Carrie,

Jan, Carol, Mark, Ray, and Chelle. We started at M.J.'s at 12:30 and took Clinton Keith Rd.

going westward beyond the Santa Rosa Plateau. We took a right on Tenaja Road and followed

it for several miles, and then took a right at Cleveland National Forest Road. We followed this all the

way to the trailhead. The road becomes a single lane and very curvy for about 4 miles, but we stayed the

course to the trailhead. We started hiking around 1:45 and returned just before dark around 4:15. The trail

does extend quite a ways toward the Ortega Highway, but we did want to get back before dark.



It was a perfect day with temps around 78 degrees and a cool breeze coming from the west.

We set out on the trail heading toward the falls. We could hear the sound of running water in the

distance. It was necessary for us to cross a wide stream over rocks and boulders! Balance was a real challenge,

but a rope and stick poles helped and when that did not, oh, well, stepping right into the water was just fine for

some of us. Water was nice and warm, so wet feet did not present a problem. We really enjoyed the

challenge of crossing the streams.



The trail was absolutely beautiful as it was covered with a variety of trees, bushes and plants. We were

very lucky to have Chelle with us on this hike. She is a docent for the Santa Rosa Plateau and really knows her

wild foliage. We saw beautiful Red Berry Trees, Mountain Berry Trees and White Sage bushes.

Chelle shared with us how the Indians put to use many of the herbs and bushes found out here in the

Cleveland National Forest. She said the Indians used White Sage to gain endurance for fighting, working, etc

It was perhaps their way of using steroids, but sounded much healthier. Anyway, we continued on and made it

to the top of the falls. They were really flowing as we have had quite a lot of rain. We looked downward

and could see teenagers playing on the boulders located within the falls. They are really a brave group. Most of us felt we liked

it nice and safe on the top landing, although Enza said she wants to come back and try climbing on the waterfall boulders.

She is daring!



We absolutely loved this hike. Dinner was also terrific as we returned to M.J.'s We shared sushi, shrimp and

scallop kabobs, rice, spinich bean casserole, green tossed salad, brownies for dessert and lots of good wine.

It's so great to have such a nice group of people to share the beautiful outdoors, great food and wonderful company!