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.

I got home and looked at my recorded stats on AllTrails. I have recorded all new trails, but some local trails I hiked multiple times.

And this was something I could plan for 2021 - most popular trails on AllTrails.

So to another better hiking and traveling year!

Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop

I can't believe I haven't hiked this trail before... I don't know how I could have missed it. Located only an hour and a half from where I live, Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop is a gem, especially on a weekend when the construction was not active. 

What's a better way to start a Thanksgiving Day weekend than to hike somewhere you've never been before? This hike was amazing just because on Thanksgiving Day very few people actually hiked. On the way up (I took the longer way - 5 miles up instead of hiking in and out), I did not encounter a single person. Just trees and peace and quiet. 

It was frosty and pretty cold at 8 AM

The initial mile and a half was pretty flat, but soon the trail started to go uphill. This is where the views emerged out of nowhere! And the silence... I can't describe the silence I heard (or didn't hear). Even birds seemed to still be sleeping in (there were not).

Some views showed scars of previous fires with shrubs just recovering. There was some work being down on my way downhill cutting burnt out trees, repaving the fire road, but on Thanksgiving all work was stopped allowing the hikers to enjoy the peace of nature.

I soon reached the top, and it did not disappoint. Besides the geocashing spot that offered a hand sanitizer and a napkin, I found a wonderful view.

I sat on a rock staring out onto the landscape in front of me, truly breathing in the silence. It was almost surreal how quiet it was. No people, no barking dogs - just silence. I was starting to get cold, and decided to start my decent. It was a shorter 3 mile paved fire road leading to the parking lot through some camping. I still don't understand the pleasure of group camping where there are so many people right next to you. I guess there is no other way nearby, or is there? Regardless, camping is just not my thing. Although I should try it. At least once...

Potato Chip Rock - Mt. Woodson Hike

I don't usually like popular hikes. True, they are often popular for a reason, but the amount of people hiking those trails really spoil the whole experience. There is one pro though, you never hike by yourself.

Today I was crossing another item off my bucket list. This time is was Potato Chip Rock (via Mt. Woodson Trail). It's named that way because it reminds a potato chip (duh!), but really it's just a sharp overhanging piece of rock eroded by wind and weather over the years. It's right on the trailhead to the top of Mt. Woodson, so I guess that's how it was discovered and became popular.

And by popular, I mean there are lines of people waiting to climb on top of it to take a picture. I chose not to do that and just went all the way to the top. I did take a picture...

It looks empty, but only because a lady was stuck between two rocks trying to climb up. I took advantage of this opportunity...

But let's backtrack a little bit... This is how it all started.

The hike itself is rather picturesque. It was worth hiking 4-4.5 miles to the top (the total distance is only 7.6 miles, but I decided I did not want to pay $10 for parking and parked down the street adding an extra mile and a half).

Lake Poway is the first vista of the hike right at the beginning of the trail as it starts ascending. The weather was absolutely beautiful today, but it was getting hot quickly.

I look a bit lopsided today. My allergies are pretty bad right now, so in the mornings my eyes look really swollen.

The jacket quickly came off as I gained more elevation. The total elevation gained was just under 2,400 ft. As always, I feel the most tired in the first half an hour to an hour. My brain during that time still plays with the idea whether it needs to deploy extra resources or just keep me miserable. Eventually, it gives in, and soon enough I have a decent amount of energy. The views continue to get better and better.

On top of Mt. Woodson, there was this gigantic structure of antennae and transmitters with a sign that this is a zone with high electromagnetic radiation (apparently, behind the wired fence only). It looked pretty amazing, I really wanted to explore it further, but you know, people are around...

After the summit, I sat on a rock away from people for a few minutes enjoying the sun. I realize it is a luxury for many other people in other parts of the country and the world that are freezing cold right now.

The whole hike took me 3 hours and 50 minutes with all the breaks. The round trip was 9 miles, a worthy start of the day!

North Carolina Trip: Day 5 - Asheville and Drive Back to Raleigh

I woke up a bit under the weather. The neighbors nearby were out late chatting, so I could not sleep for a while. I had a few eggs for breakfast, packed my bag and checked out. My first destination was Catawba Falls Trail. I didn't really think much about it as I planned the trip, but it exceeded my expectations. In fact, this probably was one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've seen.

The trail itself was just over 2 miles round trip. Very easy and accessible to hike for anyone. On a Monday morning, there were only 3 cars in the gigantic parking lot besides mine. The trail was fully shaded. It was chilly, so I had to wear my heavier jacket.

The trail was rather mysterious from the very beginning...

I soon approached the old building...

It used to be a power house...

In a little while, I reached the stream...

...and the lower level of the waterfall.

I was finally there, and the picture just can't show how incredible it was...

I snapped a picture of myself, spent a few more minutes just staring at the water and hiked back to the trail head.

On the way back, I debated whether I should go back to Hawksbill Mountain Trail that had no parking available last time or stick to my plan and do a more boring trail nearby Pisgah Point Lookout Trail. After some consideration, I decided to stick to my plan, but kept Hawksbill in the back of my mind.

I arrived at the trailhead which was more of a side-of-the-street parking lot. The trail was fully paved (I knew that ahead of time - research!), but something just didn't feel right about it. There were two other cars parked there. I started the hike. The trail descended gradually, and there were not much of a view in the beginning. As I finished the first mile, I came across two benches that just looked spectacular in front of beautiful scenery.

The trail continued to go downhill. There was not a soul on a Monday morning. Kind of eerie, actually.

Ahead of me I saw a strangely acting man. Already not feeling awfully comfortable there (I really can't explain why...), I decided to turn around and head back. That idea to go to Hawksbill Mountain now really felt like a missed opportunity. An opportunity that I was not going to miss.

I got back to my car, ate half of a Kind bar and drove an hour and a half to Hawksbill Mountain trail head. I was worried that parking situation would be the same, but as I arrived there, I found several cars only. I knew I made the right decision and now felt at ease.

In just a mile, the trail gained almost 700 ft. Steep, but certainly doable. I was excited to see what was waiting for me at the top. The view exceeded my expectations. This was one of the best views I've ever seen.

I stayed there for a while. It was just me and another couple, so I had the mountain pretty much to myself. This was a wonderful conclusion to the trip. I celebrated my decision to return to the trail and promised that I would be back soon in the future.

I liked Asheville with its crystal clear waterfalls, clean air, and affordable lifestyle. 

I got back to my car and drove about two and a half hours to my AirBnb in Raleigh. I stopped at Trader Joe's on the way to get dinner. The AirBnb was the cheapest I've booked during this trip, and I knew that it won't be roses and sunshine. It sort of met my expectations, but with pre-travel-day anxiety and Raleigh traffic right outside the window, I could hardly sleep. I got up after a petty attempt around 2 AM the next morning, took a shower and headed to the airport. It was sad to return my car, but I was ready to go home. The rest of the trip was uneventful, and by lunchtime on Tuesday I was home. 

Lessons learned:

1) the change in time zone kicks your butt;

2) don't schedule more than 10 miles a day hiking, especially if it's multiple trails;

3) do the most popular trails either on the weekdays or really early on weekends;

4) stop buying so much food!

North Carolina Trip: Day 4 - Asheville

I have heard that Asheville was a very desirable place to live, hence, I wanted to see it for myself. Desirable for me means access to the outdoor activities, and there were plenty of those there!

I started the day with Looking Glass Rock Trail about an hour from my Airbnb. The trail was very well rated, so I could not skip it. The small parking lot still had a few spots available this early in the morning. I put on my hiking shoes and, layered in clothes, started the hike. There were a few other people arriving at the same time. I knew it was going to be packed later in the morning.

The trail was only 6 miles round trip with about 1,700 ft elevation gain. With cooler temperatures this was rather pleasant. I quickly removed the extra layers of clothing as I gained elevation. The forest was like from a magazine.

The first overlook area was hidden off the trail, and I would not have known about it had I not followed the trail on AllTrails. I took a detour, and within a minute or so there was an incredible view of the mountains densely covered in trees just starting to change colors.

For a few minutes I was all alone there in the midst of wilderness, such an incredible feeling. Soon I was joined by another group and decided to proceed to the top. Another 20-30 minutes, and I was at the top. The views were similar, although not as widely open. 

After a short break, I descended and instead of doing a 9 mile hike an hour away that I planned ahead of time, I picked a different one nearby. I was getting a bit tired of driving.

John Rock Trail was just 5 minutes away with plentiful parking. It was a shorter trail, but ran along a steam. Water sounds were coming from everywhere. I forgot what water sounded in nature...

Mushroom heaven

Supposedly, this trail had a nice view at the top, but for some reason I never found that top. I must have missed a detour along the way, so for me it was a hike in the woods. A bit disappointed, I still very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the trail - not many people were hiking it at the same time.

I wanted more... Just 7 minutes away, I marked another hike - Moore Cove Falls. It was only a mile or so; I could not resist stopping by. Easy hikes like this are packed with people, and Moore Cove Falls was just like I expected - crowded. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the falls and took a few nice pictures.

It was around 2 PM, and on my agenda was a trip to the local winery. I often double book my trips in case something does not work out, sort of a plan B. I had the time and the energy today to go and check it out. About an hour and a half away, Addison Farms Vineyard reminded me of New York wineries. I could not do the tasting because reservations were required, but I did get a glass of wine and sat on the porch for a while.

It was definitely a worthy spot to relax.

Finally, as the day was wrapping up, I headed to Asheville. I found a nice lounge with a large outdoor area, got an expensive cocktail and sat by the firepit chatting with a few locals. It could not have been a better conclusion to the day.

As the sun went down, I finished my drink and got to the AirBnb. Tomorrow was my last full day in North Carolina and I wanted to get a good night of sleep.