56.27 San Diego County: Olivenhain Lake and Elfin Forest Preserve, encompassing the flavor of East County...and a few photos from elsewhere in the county.

I see you.
A different ocean view, for some. 

Jen reaches the lake, our fifth of 5 hikes in dry San Diego.
  We've spent ten days thus far in San Diego during which time we have undertaken a number of hikes, all in the outer county, mostly on the east side. Surprisingly, we came across a preserve which we had only entered some years before from the west. The eastern entrance gave us a fresh perspective and a tough workout, too. In addition, the view of the mountains in the north, covered in snow, provided a surreal sight further enhanced by a mystical feeling of something appearing briefly in the distance as if an illusion. It seemed like a picture projected onto the sky. It was quite an experience and a wonderful sight. 

  In a number of hikes, views of housing were interesting. From height, most things look good, less blemished, while other objects are quite spectacular in their own right. One of the eye-catching features was of housing developments which are impressive looking, surprisingly, because of their uniformity and quantum. The real eye-catchers are the mansions, particularly those perched on mountain tops. Some even sit upon their own mountains. 

  While ocean views are obviously terrific, our preference is for those inland, some with a distant ocean view, others with visual lake access but above all, favoring isolation and privacy. While we question the need for a small family (or large one) to inhabit a mansion, we respect the right to choose to occupy 5 bedrooms or more, each. What do we know? I suppose it's because we are comfortable living in 1-room accommodation that we're a bit (lot) odd, maybe an odd lot. Perhaps, it's just plain envy. 

  Many years ago, we realized it's not what we have but rather, what we do that makes life (and with whom we share it) exciting and meaningful. It's an opinion, of course. 

We find the scene surreal. The city below and in the background, almost out of place, even a bit haunting, this white-capped mountain appears out of nowhere as if placed there as part of an artificial prop. It is clearly apparent but at times one questions whether it is real or an illusion.
For 1.3 miles, the path up the mountain varies from very steep to exceptionally steep. It's an ideal workout while providing some lovely views.
Over the last two months or so, we seen a number of dam walls. Can't see too many dams...they are special besides being essential.
A corner of Ramona Lake below the 'racetrack'.

Olivenhain Dam provides an added attraction, close to the high point of the preserve.
One helluva way to live.
Now they tell us: 'Beware of rock-slides'. We stand a little below Ramona Lake.
From above Ramona Lake, we look down toward Poway Lake, focusing on the dam wall, for a change.

Taking another look at Mount Baldy on the outskirts of Los Angeles, from San Diego.
Lose the wires, fella. I suppose that would take real influence...always a possibility.
Peak of Rancho Bernardo, viewing Lake Hodges.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey