While hiking up the east side of Mt. Woodson (San Diego County), we came across this very interesting spider web on the side of the trail. It was very foggy that day which probably helped it stand out a bit more.
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If you hike the Desert View Trail that begins behind the upper Palm Springs Tramway terminal you will pass by this beautiful mountain meadow filled with singing birds.
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This redwood barn at Daley Ranch in Escondido dates from the late 1800’s and was used in the filming of the Renegade tv episodes (starring Lorenzo Lamas).
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This hummingbird nest was found on one of the trails in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, near the Nature Center, and shows a female Anna’s hard at work ensuring the survival of her species. Fourteen different hummingbird species have been recorded in the state of California.
This pic was taken from the Idyllwild Nature Center viewpoint and features both Lily Rock (8,000 feet) and Tahquitz Peak (8,828 feet). Lily Rock (also known as Tahquitz Rock) was named in 1898, either for its “lily-white” appearance or in honor of Lily Eastman, and has been a popular free-climbing destination since the 1930’s. Tahquitz gets its name from a demon in Soboda Indian legend.
Links: legend of Tahquitz
This pic of the Coachella Valley was taken at around 8,500 feet up Mt. San Jacinto, from the outdoor observation deck of the Palm Springs Tramway station.
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A popular hike in San Diego County is to summit Mount Woodson (elevation 2881 ft) by either the eastern route which starts from Hwy 67 or the western route that starts at Lake Poway. Once on top, you enter a “forest” of communications towers. A great landmark just west of the summit is Potato Chip Rock, pictured above. Normally you see visitors standing on the edge having their picture taken but we were there very early this foggy morning!
The Daley Ranch house was part of the 3,058 acre conservation area acquired in 1996 by the City of Escondido. This building was built in 1925 as a summer cottage for the Daley family who entertained here until the 1980’s. Ranger-led tours are offered on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 11am-2pm.
Lake Fulmor is a beautiful oasis on Highway 243 between Banning and Idyllwild. It looks like a great spot for some hiking, fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing. An Adventure Pass is required to park in the lot across the road.
Links: Forest Service
A beautiful place for primitive camping is Hawk Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The sandstone cliffs are salmon colored and an unusual shade of green, and were once part of a ancient marine environment. Not far to the west is The Slot, an interesting slot canyon, and subject of an earlier post.
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