I love my country and I love getting outside. So what better than a hike and a trail run from Camino De Los Ramblas onto the flagpole on Patriot Trail.
I would trek along the trail less traveled, the winter single tracks, and on to Elyse and Roy Barnes Trail.
The winter rains have begun, and new growth has just begun to emerge. The area is cool and misty during this time of year, which makes for perfect trail running weather.
An Uphill Climb
I hiked uphill for a bit, for my warmup, and eventually jogged along toward Patriot Trail. I decided to defer from the traditional route along Harbor View, and make a left down another unnamed single-track, through the canyon.
Everything was so green off in the distance, throughout the rolling hills.
Four Seasons
California has its own set of four seasons. How the seasons appear, depends on where you are in this vast wide open state. In coastal San Clemente, and Dana Point, winter means new green growth contrasting with a dry brown layer from past year. The hills perpetually change color here, growing and shedding layers, through winter, spring, summer, and fall, everchanging. So yes, there is a season for everything.
For everything there is a season,
– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
Cactus are a native that stays evergreen through all seasons. What can we learn from cactus? To stick it out.
The fog filled morning gave way to optimistic blue skies.
I continued down a single track that appears only in winter with no name. It lies between Patriot Trail, and Harbor View Trail. You can see the harbor, and nice views, all along the way.
It was just me out here on this trail, since the whole area was very empty. I ran on down this desolate trail, with plans to link up with Delgado Trail, and take it up to Patriot Trail, and the flag.
Delgado Trail
I could see Delgado Trail along the hillside, adjacent to mine. I was able to easily link both trails, but not before prodding through a very steep section, which appeared to be home to a nest of snakes, due to all the imprints criss crossing the trail in the dust. I used caution crossing this nest, and decided I would not take this route again. In the canyon I felt I was being watched, and that there may have been other wildlife there too. Going on trail alone is as much about nice views, and exercise, as conquering fear.
This was my first time connecting with Patriot Trail, from this small singletrack extension.
The Flagpole
Made it to the flag! This was erected by the Boy Scouts, and has been graciously maintained by them over the years. Reminds me how grateful I am for my freedom, and to the people who made that possible, with their sacrifice. Freedom is never free. Many paid a price for us to live in this beautiful country of ours, and roam freely as we are permitted to do. God bless the USA!
A 6 Mile Run
This concluded my run, and exploring for the day. I ran on back down Cerro Rebal Trail, all the way to Camino Dos Mares, along what is referred to as the Rollercoaster. Another day, another trail. The best trails sometimes are the ones right in my backyard!
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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