Month: April 2021

Hiking Annie’s Canyon Trail-San Diego

April 22, 2021 / clarenwanders

One of San Diego’s best kept hidden spots is situated in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological preserve. Once closed to the public for restoration as it was full of vandals, is now restored to almost it’s original form. Annie’s Canyon Trail, also know as the “mushroom caves trail”, is a short easy-moderate hike through a narrow sandstone canyon.

It was closed for sometime due to the pandemic, but it was open when we went on the 1st week of April this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLtW3DaHKc8 – virtual video from San Diego County Comunications Office.

How to ge to the trailhead

There are several trails that you can take to the canyons, but the most popular ones are from N Rios Ave and Solana Hills. We opted to hike from N Rios Ave Trail in Solana Beach. Set your GPS to N Rios Ave, a residential area. Park on the side street and walk to the end of the cul-de-sac. The trail head will be on you right. When you come during spring time, look up to appreciate the white cherry tree blooms lining the street.

Hike on right next to the lagoon for about a half a mile. This short beautiful trail has benches facing the lagoon and the hi way from a distance. Each bench has an inscription dedicated to a loved one., which makes this preserve walk charmingly personal.

After walking through pretty wild flowers bloom and trees, you’ll get to a fork. To your right will be the signage to the trail and not far from it is the gate to the actual canyon trail. An information board right in the middle of the fork, shows maps trails, distance and difficulty. Also notable sites and facts about the San Elijo Preserve.

The hike to the canyon

Going through the gate, you’ll get to the sign that points to either taking the left for a switchback moderate climb or to the left towards the narrow, rated difficult, way. If you can handle squeezing through the cracks of a sandstone canyon, then left is for you. However, if you are fearful of tight spaces or height, this may be a little disconcerting for you. Otherwise, I definitely recommend taking the right.

The fork

It was as short .25 miles from that point. The first hundred feet of this trail is easy and can be done by any age. The challenge starts when you get to the uphill narrow cracks between the canyon. There is no turning back at this junction as this is a one way trail and with some steep steps that you may need a push from behind to make it through. At the end of the slot are a couple of metal ladders, that opens up to an amazing view of sandstone hills and the freeway, overlooking the lagoon.

Climbing the steep tight slot canyon

Short clip

After taking in and had our fill of the awesome panorama presented on top, we walked down through the switchbacks for about 10 minutes reaching the gates again. Then another half a mile back to the trail head. You can detour to the right towards the lagoon for a bird watching platform, before continuing back to N Rios Ave. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT57wkPnhY0 – link to our hike in my you tube channel.

After the fun and epic hike that took us about a hour or so, we drove to Cardiff by the Sea. A quaint beach town 20 minute away. Opted to have lunch with an ocean view at Pacific Coast Grill, 2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007 . I had the yummiest fresh oysters ever, paired with my margarita, overlooking the pacific ocean. Annie’s canyon Trail, a definite must do when you’re in San Diego. Whataweekend!

Spring in Descanso Botanical Gardens – March 27, 2021

April 10, 2021 / clarenwanders

Last week March of this Pandemic Year, we visited Descanco Botanical Gardens for the first time. It was one colorful, refreshing, gentle respite, right in the midst of busy Los Angeles County. Bring a book, read under the cherry blossoms next to a brook, or come in your hiking gear and work up a sweat with the trails around the 15-acre botanical land. Whatever spring mood you are in, Descanso Botanical Gardens is well worth checking out.

Descanso Botanical Garden has a cafe, but I advise to bring your own snack as it a huge property and you would rather have your snack under the tree, rather than a sandwich a mile away from where you already are. Also always bring drinks, and hat and sunscreen.

Address, fees, regulations

Located at 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. It’s about 40-50 minutes away from Los Angeles Airport. Opens 9am-7pm weekdays, 9-5 on weekends. Some of the featured gallery, boddy house and the railway was closed due to the pandemic. The gift shop is open though. There is an entrance fee and reservations are needed ahead. Link to their website https://www.descansogardens.org/

Springing Happy

Tickets prices:

$15 adults
$11 seniors (65 and older)
$11 students with ID
$5 children (5–12 years old)
Free for children 4 years and younger

Visiting during pandemic carries certain rules we’ve gotten used to:

Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more with staff and other visitors
Wear a face covering
Bring water (All drinking fountains are closed). Drinks can be consumed inside the garden.
Enjoy any food at the picnic tables outside of the Visitor Center
Get a ticket in advance if you are NOT a member
Note that we will be a cashless establishment

What to see and do in the garden

With nine botanical gardens Descanso Botanical Gardens offer, you will have enough in your hands. You roam the place however you fell like it. We chose to just circle around and make our way inwards, depending on where our visual delight pull us to.

Ask for a map from the informations desk as this is a huge area. You will need a bit of perspective so make use of your visit the way you planned it to. We took photos from the wisteria blooms by the entrance. Don’t forget to smell them. They are fragrant. https://www.descansogardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/New-map.pdf

Center Circle, The Railway, The Promenade

From there, we continued to go in and came upon the center circle that has multi colored tulips and other plants. Took the right towards the Promenade where you will pass through a railway. They do have a functioning mini train. Unfortunately, due to pandemic, it was not operating at that time.

The Promenade is where you will be delighted with colorful tulip blooms. There are different varieties but mostly huge flowers of vivid rainbow. To the left is a man-made stream with benches for you to sit and talk a while. To the right is the rose garden, which we chose to check out next.

Rose Garden

Daffodils line the way before the entrance to the the rose garden. You will cross a little stone bridge and start to hear birds upon entry. There was not much roses blooming that time but there will still other flowers in display. The mountain backdrop on its south side, the pavilion in the middle, an arch walkway that’s great for photo ops, a stream with blooming cherry, or maybe peach, a fountain, and another stone bridge, makes this garden a good start to explore.

Oak Grove

At the northland of the rose garden where you exit, comes the Oak Forrest. You will not mistake it for anything else as the tree that resembles “Lord of the Rings” ancient “Ents”, stand tall and encompassing. The Oaks surround a man made lake with turtles and probably lots of fish on them. There is a cottage and patio with seats for you to rest you feet.

California Natives

Half way circling the lake, we started to see trees of pinks and yellow flowers. Around the bend, we saw a huge nest. I had to have picture with it, of course. We passed by a few people hanging in the canyon view cottage. We continued walking through the greens of trees and grass. It was calming and somewhat spiritual. About half a mile, we headed south and crossed the oak grove to the camella forrest.

Camella Forrest

There were pink, white and red Camella lining the area. A stream passes through the middle, and the railroad next to it. Kids have fun playing in the water, curious of everything around them. There was a photo shoot ongoing, which I did not realize until I had to disturb them to pass through. We sat on one of the bench, looking at a distant white cherry tree in bloom. When our feet are ready to go, we checked out the white flowered tree. Not sure if it was white magnolia, but it was gorgeous.

Japanese Garden

We passed through the amphitheater to the Japanese Garden. This tranquil aura of a garden seem to just present itself unapologetically. Cross an arched bridge and walk on shaded paths along a koi-filled stream to the teahouse. The sharp yet melancholic shade of blue roof of the teahouse is one of the most visible, in contrast to the subtle pinks surrounding it. The ball light hanging inside the teahouse made a good prop for a snap.

At this time, we were thirsty and hungry. After all, we have been walking for 2 1/2 hours already. The line from the cafe was long, so decided to just drive out for a filipino cuisine, which was only a 15- minute drive. The taste of my native delicacy trumps over exploring the Lilac garden, Hilltop Forrest and Ancient Garden. I, anyway, will not have been enjoying the visit if my stomach grumbles. So, off to the restaurant. Thank you Descanso Gardens. You are beautiful! Link to a video in my you tube https://youtu.be/npqRkHsN5QI.

Visiting Lake Tahoe-July 2020

April 2, 2021 / clarenwanders

Drive to Lake tahoe

We are one impromptu enthusiasts, for instance, we drove to South Lake Tahoe, and continued to DL Bliss campgrounds (total of 10 hrs), in such a short notice. Daughter informed us that she got a night to a campsite 3 days prior, thus, off to Hi way 395 we go.

Indeed, it was a beautiful drive! Scenery, landscape, trees, snow-capped mountains, bodies of water, you got it! If you need to get to South Lake Tahoe from LA or San Diego, take 395, no questions about it.

Driving next to Emerald bay

However, the drive is through a mountainous area. Be prepared to get intimidated with high altitude, narrow road, sharp switch backs with steep drop both sides. But also get to see gorgeous views, breathtaking vistas and other-wordly landscapes.

Emerald Bay @ Lake Tahoe from Rubicon Trail

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. Additionally, the clear, cobalt blue lake tucked into the snowy Sierra Nevada mountain, invites thousands of visitors each year. Lake Tahoe is the nation’s second deepest lake.

The area is divided into North and South Lake. The South Shore is more bustling when it comes to nightlife while the North Shore is quieter and more shrouded in wilderness.

How to get to Lake tahoe

By plane- From Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco airports has 3.5 hrs drive to Lake Tahoe. If you arrive from Reno-Tahoe Airports, it is less than an hour drive to North Lake Tahoe.

By Car- the mode we chose coming from Los Angeles area= drive 8.5 hrs to South Lake Tahoe. https://youtu.be/zYvXOP4f6Ss -drive to Lake Tahoe video link.

We stopped in the town of Bishop for food and gas half way though the journey. Be sure you have hard copies of maps, permits, reservations and any other important docs you may need. Because Wi-Fi and even mobile signal during the drive is fleeting.

Bishop, California

Day 1- Arrival to South Lake Tahoe and DL Bliss Campgrounds

Arrived at the campground around 3pm. Print or screen shot your reservations. Limited signal inside the park. You will need to reserve as early as 6 months ahead to get a spot or be lucky enough to get it if someone cancels theirs.

Entrnace of the campground to our campsite

DL Bliss is a bear habitat campground. We were given tips and leaflets on how to deal with, if we spotted a bear. The campground was well staffed, clean and has communal flush toilet and hot showers. You need to exchange or buy tokens from the camp host trailer near the entrance, for the showers to work. I advise to bring cash.

After a long drive, we settled down, breathe in the fresh pine scent, cool breeze of well oxygenated air in the midst of chirping birds and guzzling trees, and blissfully having snacks.

Late lunch after arriving to DL Bliss Campground

Late lunch & happy hour

Hiking Rubicon Trail from DL Bliss Campground

Me and daughter decided to hike Rubicon Point Lighthouse Trail, a 2.4 mile from the parking area inside DL Bliss Campground, which ends on the parking area down next to the lake.

Hiking Rubicon Trail

We did not continue down to the lake (Calawee Cove Beach) as the sun was beginning to set, and we needed to hike back to the campgrounds. Don’t want to take chances to a bear encounter in the dark.

Short walk from parking-end of the trail from DL Bliss

Arriving to the camping site with ample amount of sunlight, had grilled steak c/o son in law. Had some wine, called it a night.

Early Dinner after our Rubicon trail Hike

Day 2 – Hiked Eagle Falls, Emerald Bay Walk, Glen Alpine Falls

After a night of sweet sleep, woke up refreshed and with vigor. It was my first time camping, sleeping under the stars, amongst giant trees, and bears and probably other creatures that inhabit the woods. Yet, i slept like a baby, straight through the whole night. Not sure if it was the bottle of wine i gulp or the clean air or the amount of oxygen in forest air. Whatever it was, it was one of the bestest sleep i’ve had.

Needless to say, everyone had a good night sleep, including cosmo, our dog. Ate breakfast with the family and geared up for the day ahead. Or so we thought…

We went on doing our morning routine as a regular 2nd day in the woods. What do you know?, we had the most unexpected visitor- A BEAR! It was eyeing one of the cars parked, with my son in law ducked behind it!

The bear visitor

It crawled pass our tent. I had the surprise of my life, saw it and actually looked into its eyes. All of its huge, brown, 350 lbs of bearing. That was a pun! (wink!wink!).

With enough courage, my daughter slowly went out to get the keys from the table and whistled mightily to the heavens. I held on to our dog (literally covering his mouth entirely to prevent from barking, as he starts to get agitated feeling the bear’s presence nearby). I can’t contain myself enough, more so run after him if he decides to be stupid and run after the giant.

When everyone got a hold of themselves and their pee, probably, we got ready for the hike to the waterfalls. It was both pleasant and scary morning to begin with, a waterfalls hike will level the scare. Anyway, in case of a bear encounter, MAKE NOISE! Do Not Run.

Hiking Eagle Falls

Drove about 5 minutes from DL Bliss campgrounds to the trail head @ this address 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Ample parking. Be there early.

Eagle falls trail has Cascading waterfalls, large granite peaks, lush vegetation, and most of all, lots and lots of evergreens. A short hike that packs a lot of great scenery.

The path starts off easily as you slowly ascend from the parking lot. After about a ¼ mile, you’ll head up a path of lovely stone stairs cut right into the rock wall itself. After about another ¼ mile, you’ll come upon the bridge with the falls gushing underneath.

If you still have the energy, cross the bridge and walk up to the cascades above. We saw people having a great time with pets playing in the water. As the trail continues up, don’t forget to stop and gaze up for the abundant evergreens surrounding you.

When you’ve had your fill of the water, continue hiking up and veer left until the path ends at the fallen boulders. Once there, continue up, you’ll come to a spot that will take your breath away. Definitely worth the effort!

Take in the view, enjoy the scene, take lots of photos. Listen to the sound of the surroundings. This one was for the books!

We could not have enough of this view but we need to go forth to the next hike. Hence, on the Emerald Bay Lookout. When you get back to the parking area, drive further up and find a parking space roadside near the Emerald Bay Viewpoint, about half a mile or so.

Alpine Glen Falls Drive

Driving Map to Glen Alpine from Eagle Falls

For about 10 minutes, you’ll drive through the hi way, then turn left towards Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Continue straight past the firehouse and park for the lower falls along the right side of the road. Trail head address-1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

to Glen Alpine Falls

Watch for cyclist and hikers in this one -lane, narrow, unpaved road. A lakeside view accompanies you to the lower falls. Wild flowers such as lupines can also be spotted along the way. Once parked, you can actually see the falls already. A short walk down to the cold, cascading waters, finishes the trip.

Glen Eagle Falls- lower falls

We went down to the falls, took some pictures, afterwards headed back to have lunch in one of the dog friendly restaurants in the city.

After lunch, we drove to the other side of the lake towards the north. Lake Tahoe is such a huge inland body of water that will take you about three hours to complete the 72 miles without any stops . However, it would not be as enjoyable if you don’t stop at scenic viewpoints. So, plan your time accordingly.

Likewise, circumnavigating the lake by water transport also poses as good adventure. We could have done hiking again, but opted to get back to the camp to enjoy the woods. I couldn’t get enough of trees and nature and family, all in this one moment. The definition of content.

Lake Tahoe, a definite bucket list to check.