Mount Woodson beginning from Big Sky, an extra 2 miles and an additional 500 feet more than usual. Linking Poway and Ramona Lakes, another new trail.

We finally tried a new approach to reach Mount Woodson's summit, on Christmas day. We left after sunrise, for a change, a pity, and dealt with the additional 2 miles distance and extra 500 feet elevation gain in a reasonable manner. Obviously, the importance of the day to many reduced the traffic on the trails but there were still a number of people who were probably creating space in their stomachs for the festivities by undertaking the hike or getting closer to nature at this auspicious time. Poway Lake is closed for the occasion but certain hikers have discovered other routes, albeit longer, to reach Woodson.

The path winds through the wilderness of Poway between two bodies of water, Poway Lake and Ramona Lake. The first mile-and-half is below the dam surfaces and probably, 'bottoms', so should the dam/s burst, we would get seriously wet or would be swimming upstream rather than hiking. On another day, we also hiked to-and-from the lakes, another maiden hike.


Mount Woodson's pal and neighbor, Iron Mountain, juts out while the haze provides the beauty.





A couple of weeks ago we were treated to a pelican bonanza (see earlier blog). On this occasion we witnessed some precision flying which occurred suddenly, causing us to miss some photographic shots. The squadron rises...Up, up and away.




The haze creates some wonderful scenes...something I find most attractive.




The commander and his deputy come swooping down. At this stage, the editor, standing under the squadron, exclaims, "I hope they've not had breakfast yet!"




Facing west, we notice the cloud on the horizon above the ocean, making for an attractive background.




Unfortunately, they re-group while we are fiddling with lenses and make off for bluer pastures in the Pacific, always maintaining disciplined formations.




...leaving us to gaze at the autumn colors in winter. We began in temperatures below 40 degrees and finished in the high 60's...another brutal San Diego winter.




Always something interesting from the sun.




'Don't you just hate it when they make us sit and salute the 'big cheese' showing off.'



In the middle of the lake, a happy scene.





Please don't jump...on second thoughts, it's tempting.



They often look like they're grinning when in flight...I suppose if I could fly I'd be very excited, too.




Later that day, a walk on the beach at sunset.




Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey