My Adventures: Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

This New Year's Eve was going to be different. While in the past, I would explore what options I had for celebrating the beginning of new year ahead of time, this year there was no planning involved at all. Avoiding any gatherings seemed to be the right way to meet the new year in the comfort of my apartment.

I decided to start the day productively by taking a hike near Escondido, surprisingly a hike that I have not yet done. Together with a small Meetup group, we met in a parking lot and started the 7 mile hike. It's been a while since I hiked with a group of people, and I can't say I missed it much, especially on a heavily trafficked hikes like Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail. I guess it's a bit distracting being among other 11 females who loudly chat about their mundane lives or maybe I just needed some peace and quiet that day.

The hike started on a paved bicycle path along the side road off the highway. Soon it transitioned to a pedestrian bridge as it proceeded deeper into the preserve (or so I think). A small lake showing signs of drought "housed" a dozen birds far in the distance. Mountain bikers flew by on their fancy shock-absorbing equipment. I saw a little slug crossing the path. I thought to myself that it would be most certainly killed by one of those bikers. Heck, with their speed it is not out of question that I might be the victim on this road. I'm exaggerating now... I felt bad not having picked it up and relocated to a safer place.

The view of the lake changed with light. It seemed rather cheery in sunlight, but pretty gloomy with sun hidden behind the clouds.

The hike continued pretty flat, but soon we reached a small purple bridge, although from this picture the bridge looks quite ordinary.

We took the wrong turn at the intersection and ended by hiking by the lake for a while. After realizing AllTrails was desperately trying to say something sending "Off Route?" messages, we turned around and regrouped at the intersection taking the right path this time.

The trail started to gain elevation, first very slowly, but closer to the summit rapidly. Several of us reached the peak as the sun emerged from the clouds illuminating Lake Hodges. This was a much better view of the lake than I've seen from Way Up Trail that I hiked back in October.

I wanted to return back for Belarusian New Year's celebration, so I parted with the group and hiked downhill. Closer to the end of the hike, I took this picture that seemed to sum up 2020 - gloomy but with signs of hope.