New Year's hike

During the holiday break I took several hikes. The first one was around the tip of Point Loma on one of the lowest tides of the year (12/22). I was the only person out there. Hanging from the cliffs was a stranded fishing boat. As I rounded the point, the cold winds died. In the distance I could see the skyline of downtown. To the south, Mexico and its islands spread out before me. It was magical; it was mine. I did some yoga and meditated and then picked my way back across the tide rocks to the parking lot. A ranger stopped me and told me that this area had been closed to the public since the early 90s.

The second hike I took, pictured above, was to Hollenbeck Canyon out the 94 towards Deerhorn Valley. I drove through Deerhorn Valley first and was amazed at the twisted and burnt landscape. Hollenbeck Canyon had burnt but mostly on the north side as I walked east. The south side where the creek runs was unscathed.

Above from top to bottom: Hollenbeck Canyon tree, charred earth, and a view of Lyons Peak from the trail that rises above Hollenbeck Canyon.

Walking back at dusk I was amazed at the silence. Where were the insects? Where were the small animals? The cougars had survived, I read, were they seeking a meal? I hurried my steps.