Last Saturday (June 7th) we met at the PAC parking lot in Poway & carpooled up for the drive up to LakeDixon in Escondido.
Bobby G. stopped off to pick up another member in Escondido on the way & we rendezvoused in the parking lot for the Daley Ranch trail head.
As we headed up the hill it became clear to me that this group was gonna be scattered into smaller groups based on endurance on this first hill.
There is approximately 500 foot of elevation climb at a 15% grade getting up to where the real hiking area is to be found. I wish Id quit smoking 30 years ago.
At the top of the hill the trail (still a road at this point) broke over into a beautiful high valley lined with Englemann oaks & spotted with other trees near the ranch house.
Daley Ranch House
Outbuildings for the ranch dot the area.
Picnic tables & benches placed under the canopy of Live oaks.
Just past the ranch house the trail forks into several different areas. We headed to the east for a view loop.
There are over a half dozen stock ponds on the property.
We shared the trail with other hikers, mountain bikers & several groups on horseback.
Here are two new friends we met that morning, Devon & Christie out for a Saturday ride & exercising a pair of youngsters too.
This gives some perspective as to the size.
Some of the views were spectacular.
We eventually rendezvoused back at the parking lot for the ride back to the club.
We missed the noon meeting but the outing was worth it (and I was ready for my nap.)
