San Bernardino National Forest
For example, Rick had spotted a Snow Plant, a vibrant red bloom in a sea of soil and plant remnants. I first thought it to be a piece of trash or plastic toy forgotten by a recent camper’s child. It turned out to be a parasitic and non-photosynthetic plant – without chlorophyll – that sprouts in the late spring under conifers of the Pacific-Southwestern states. However, caught in between, I also saw the results of what certain infestations have wrought: tree carcasses in their last rest after years of being upright to extend and catch the rays of light above the rest. I’m not sure if this is just a natural occurrence in the whole scheme of things. Maybe this is how nature thins out and replaces its mountainous landscape.
Hello there, familiar friend. It has been a year since we last had the pleasure and we are another year older. To some, that does not make much of a difference to their personal physical amplitude. I look around and see how the climate has rendered our vision of your ethereal flora, draping the ridges and valleys.
Sherie and baby
Nonetheless, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to get out with great friends and hike through our local natural treasures. This past Sunday, we strolled in perfect weather from the Foresee Trail head to John’s Meadow. We were a unique bunch: one in our party had four-feet, Moriah, Ralph’s pet “labra-doodle” and the youngest was a two-month old baby! Cushioned in a comfortable front harness/carrier, Sherie’s daughter was lulled to sleep by her mom’s rhythmic strides, up and back from our mountain meadow. We were all impressed with Sherie’s athleticism as were other hikers who smiled with admiration as they passed by a mother with a baby on the trail. What a workout!
Yes, it is time again to train for our next goal: to summit San Gorgonio Peak. Last year, we topped San Jacinto. It was fun, especially since we went via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. This year will be a new challenge as compared to last year. Even though we have scaled these peaks numerous times, the conditions can be slightly different -- like our bodies. (I’m referring to myself, of course.) Hence, the training hikes. We plan to hike the Wild Horse, Slushy Meadow and Manzanita Flat trails through this next month.
Feel free to join us. Hike on!
2018 Training Hike 1 Forsee Creek - John's Meadow
