Ramona Lake, Poway: a hike into virgin territory although we saw very few...

One of many perspectives of Ramona lake, Poway.



On Christmas day, we went walking in what could easily have been mistaken for the southern hemisphere. After a wet week, the sun shone brightly in San Diego although the temperature at commencement of the hike was in the mid-forties. Thereafter, it got warmer, aided in large part because of the sharp rise to reach lake level, followed by a rock scramble and thereafter, a further climb to new ground.

We were taken aback as we explored some of the lower mountains around Mount Woodson. We came across both orange and avocado groves, very large houses tucked away in the mountains above Poway as well as both stirring and tranquil sights. When one goes a little off the beaten track while keeping eyes open, it is interesting what confronts one. From height, the views of the dam wall and Ramona lake were wonderful; reflections further assisted by some cloud and ideal light, for that time of the day, rounded off a memorable walk.

Perhaps the highlight, which was a first for us, occurred when we heard a rustle in the tall grass. While scrambling up to a minor peak, we scared off, unfortunately, a couple of mule deer. To watch the animals spring and bounce up and down the slopes was nothing short of 'poetry-in-motion'. The grace of antelope and deer is fascinating. It looked like they were disconnected from the ground, almost as though they were flying with the occasional light tread on the earth.


"Preen". (This is a pond above Ramona Lake.)



"Shake". (This shot taken an hour later on our return.)




"Rock".




and "Roll".




A new vantage point of the dam wall and reflections.




Superfluous pointing to Lake Poway, somewhat below Ramona lake.




An exquisite position in the country, viewed through the telephoto.




Two positions examined in this and the next photograph.
'Living on the rocks.'




'Living in a palace.'




A couple of 'prickly pears' including an orange picker. Not often have we seen a cactus of this size
in the region, if at all.



Dense forest and deforestation. The former unusual in this region.




Standing above and on the other side of Ramona lake, a nice perspective.




The poor hiker's guide to rich living in secluded areas.




Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey