Between the suburban sprawl of homes built high on the mountain tops lies the unassuming canyon of Los Penasquitos, just outside the city limits of San Diego.
I had an afternoon to kill, and felt that a quick 6.2 mile hike down the leisurely canyon would fit into my schedule. No water, wearing converse flat top shoes, and a stomach full of cheap fast food, yeah I was ready….
The diversity is what grabs my attention as I go. Lizards basking on rocks in the warm sun, cacti flowers blooming, tree branches twisting and turning as if making their way through an invisible labyrinth.
A couple miles in and the tiny brook becomes a babbling stream. My trail intersects with others, no signs to point one the right way. I wander different paths, keep my heading due West, following the setting sun.
Finally, a sign in an open field lets me know that in .08 of a mile is the waterfall. I quicken my pace. Large rocks and boulders appear from no where. I climb the highest one to survey the surroundings….
The recent California rains haven’t had much impact on the long drought that preceded. After resting for spell in the quiet, I start my climb back.
After a few steps, a sharp twinge of pain in my left foot begins.
Curse you damn converse! The return was no where near as pleasant as the beginning.
