Poway Alano Club

Lake Hodges North Shore

Article by Fred F.

           Pics by Jeff Q. & Fred F.

We had discussed whether to hike at Lake Hodges or at Torre Pines State Park & decided to hike the inland before it got too hot. Inland temperatures here often make it near triple digits during the day from late May thru the fall. This can create hazards not only from the heat but with the rattle snakes that inhabit the beautiful areas we enjoy.

Friday morning, April 18^th at 8:30, 6 of us met at the Poway Alano Club to convoy up to the parking area on the east side of the I-15 & Bear Valley Pkwy exit, south Escondido. There we met up with 4 others from the club & headed down the trail.

It turned out to be a beautiful clear day. Insects buzzing (including a swarm of bees we had to dodge) Ospreys, Egrets, song birds, a low flying vulture buzzed by down the hill below us. A rattlesnake scurried across the trail trying to avoid contact.

We took a break in route where a stream crossed the trail under some big shady trees. Good photo op for sure.

We walked as far as the boat ramp area where we kicked back to enjoy a bit of shade, some snacks we’d packed in & several bottles of water. We learned that “Meka the Wonder Dog” loved dried pineapple.

After the break it was back on the trail & headed for the parking lot. The total distance per to the GPS was right about 7 miles round trip. We made it back to the cars & were back down to the Poway Alano Club in time for the last 5 minutes of the noon meeting.

Next week we might meet on a Saturday to give more people a chance to join us.

If you want to join in on any of these outings just pop me an email at fredfear1@hotmail.com & Ill keep you posted on our next outing.