San Diego: The "Lake District", the reservoirs and their relationship to the mountains, particularly, Mount Woodson.

 Hiking toward mountain tops allows a person to enjoy the topography first-hand. Water always makes a wonderful impression, more so in an arid region. Although in the past few months, the rains have turned the land greener than witnessed in many years, we'll have to wait to determine whether this is a semi-permanent change. Some years ago, we met a man who informed us that up until 30 years ago, San Diego was quite a lush area. It seems since then, there's been a lot less drinking locally. 

 To residents, this may be informative from a perspective point of view, while at worst, to outsiders it might be aesthetically pleasing...not necessarily the few shots of Jeffrey but definitely of Jenni. 

  The photographs cover a small part of the county but should provide an indication of its depth, variation so to speak, (and height) of this region.

Poway Lake sits below Mount Woodson. This is viewed on the way down, close to the surface.
Ramona Lake, viewed from the peak of Mount Woodson. The color prominent is the picture is green. We mention this as San Diegans don't often see much of green on the mountains. After we hiked to the position above Ramona last week (picture), we tried to convince ourselves that from that position to Woodson peak would not be that long and steep. What kidders!
Woodson viewed from Ramona Lake, the latter already at about 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
A short distance above Ramona Lake.
From Ramona Lake, a view of Poway Lake, the latter some 2,400 feet below Woodson.
Jen closes in on the peak of Woodson with some refraction, a few years ago.
Lake Hodges from Mount Woodson peak.
Lake Hodges viewed from Bernardo Mountain.
Lake Hodges, a few years ago...a more colorful time. (I-15 Freeway behind)
Lake Murray from Cowles Peak.
El Capitan Mountain, arguably, San Diego's toughest hike: El Capitan reservoir.
Olivenhain Lake, Elfin Forest Preserve, across the way from Bernardo Mountain.
Close to Woodson is Iron Mountain, usually has wonderful cloud formations and sun displays. Here we stand above the clouds.
and sunrises.
Another reservoir viewed from Iron Mountain at sunrise.
On San Miguel, Jenni seeks her ball after a vicious hook. (Not from me). 

  East Lake Reservoir, San Miguel, with downtown San Diego in the distance.
The area between and surrounding Mount Woodson and Iron Mountain is unique...there's always something refreshing to absorb.

From Denk Tank in an evening, one of San Diego's bigger reservoirs. We think they call it the 'Pacific something'.
Mount Woodson Peak from Bernardo Mountain top.
On Double Peak, San Marcos.
Lake San Marcos Reservoir.
Mount Woodson Peak above the clouds, Ramona Lake bathing below.

From Fortuna Peak (north), Mission Trails Regional Park, we look toward El Cajon (El Capitan) Peak.
As in the above, but visual adjustment toward the west (left) to view Mount Woodson. The distances are many miles.
Cuyamaca Peak...a view of the county...well, part of it.
Lake Cuyamaca with Jenni boulder hopping.
Garnett Peak, Cleveland National Forest...Salton Sea in the distance.
This is San Diego's major 'body of water' and one its biggest drips.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey