The end of August yielded two hikes for me. The first was just 2.5 miles, in Dana Point, along the hilly trails overlooking San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, along with some great mountain views.
Everything was very dry at this time, and there was a strange beauty in the dried thistles. I imagined making some brushes out of these.
I did stuff like this when my daughter was younger, and I have always been a fan of nature inspired learning, along with art.
I managed to spot a lone Coopers Hawk resting on a power line, amid the backdrop of suburban San Juan Capistrano.
On August 30th, I finally made it to Caspars Wilderness Park and told myself I was going to hike 4 miles, but in reality it would end up being 5.7 miles. I have been on a healing journey with my back, and not been able to drive real far. So this sprawling 8,000 acre park would be my furthest drive from home yet. I stopped battling the thoughts of whether I should drive, or not, or whether it would make my back pain worse. I decided to just go, spur of the moment.
I arrived in Caspars off Ortega Highway in the late morning around 10:45 am. It was not a particularly hot day in late August, so I would end up being fine with the late start. The temps would climb to the upper 70’s though. I had a sun hat, and water, so I was undeterred.
I drove down the canyon to the beginning of Bell Canyon Trail, a relatively flat while somewhat rolling trail, with slight gain to it. I was looking for an easy hike, so I opted to stick with the canyon.
At the trailhead I noticed two women just leaving, and there were no other cars. That meant I would likely be alone out there, and I was.
There is plenty of wildlife in Caspars, and big cats, with only a few documented attacks. Upon departing with my fanny pack and water, I realized I had none of the essentials. Right now, backpacks are not even an option with my back issue. So I was making do with a charged phone, a fruit bar snack, and water. I didn’t have my whistle, or anything else I usually bring. It was, “hope for the best” time.
As soon as I set foot on trail, I took a deep breath. I knew I right was where I needed to be, finally. I was so grateful I was able to get myself there too. I didn’t care how far I went, just that I was out there.
Of course, it did not take long before I was stopping every 10 minutes to take photos. It just feels therapeutic, to take a moment, to zero in on some aspect of nature, either a flower, a meadow, a tree branch, or perhaps a moth.
At one point, I started to see many paths intersecting the wide trail from snakes. I had seen a whole bunch of rattlers on almost every hike, and wondered if this hike would add to my encounters list.
I continued down the canyon past the dry meadows flecked with stoic oaks, some evergreen, others mere skeletons. I stopped many times to peer into the undergrowth, listen for sounds, and try to see what was out there. I heard many rustles in the brush, and every time I hoisted my arms high waving them, to look big as I walked, looking in the direction of the sound, as to lessen my chances of an attack. I have heard raise arms and look big seems to be the consensus for dealing with wildlife
I don’t want to see dangerous stuff when I am out there. I was all alone, and it was an opportunity to conquer those fears.
I can never imagine what early settlers of this area faced, wading through brush, past snakes, with no defined trails on horseback or even barefoot. Now they were brave. Being alone on this maintained path pales in comparison. It’s all perspective and all I needed to do was walk.
I came to the end of the Bell Canyon Trail where it dead ends at a “private area,” and made a right onto Oso Trail. It was very sunny along this section for most of it, and very open, so I could see clear all the way to the distant mountains.
There was some unexpected gain along this way too, which was a bit more than I had in mind and I had forgot about.
But before I knew it I was quickly descending back to meet up again with Bell Canyon Trail, to head back to my car.
It was a short hike in comparison to my past hikes, but my longest one all summer, and had me feeling optimistic about the road ahead.
I hope you get outside and go explore too today.
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 2024 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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