Sunday, March 8, 2009

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park Hike

March 20092

I love wildflowers! I love how for a couple months out of the year, hillsides are shades of green sprinkled with yellow and violet instead of  the normal golden brown that we Southern Californians are so used to. New life is everywhere and I do my best to soak it all in. Whether its yellow mustard, California poppies, larkspur, or  heart-leaved keckiella, there is something special about each and every flower. I couldn't help but notice we were in peak season so we decided to take a hike and enjoy all the color nature had to offer.

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, located in Foothill Ranch, CA, is still recovering from the Santiago Fire of October, 2007 but amidst the blackened bark of oaks and sycamores is a world of green. The land is recovering wonderfully and now is the time to visit. We began our hike on the Borrego Trail which begins in a shopping center but quickly  transports you into another world.  The trail is shared by hikers, horses, and mountain bikers and is quite popular on the weekend. It is wide enough for a jogging stroller which comes in handy when the little ones need  a break. It is not, however, even terrain and does require some careful maneuvering. Non-jogging strollers are not advised.  After recent rains, there are some small streams that hikers must cross but they are nothing big enough to warrant any concern.  The trail is 1.3 miles long and then splits off into a variety of other trails such as the Red Rock Trail (which we wanted to take but somehow missed. It is very clearly marked. I swear we are blind. We saw it on our way back. It will be another hike for another time), the Mustard Trail, and the Billy Goat Trail. The 2.6 mile round trip is perfect for families with little ones and full of wonderful scenery.

March 20091

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March 2009

I encourage you to go out and look for signs of spring in your area. Enjoy all that color and new life and appreciate the little gifts God gives us.

15 comments:

Bre said...

The flowers look so pretty and everything so nice and warm. Can't wait for spring to come. Snowed here today....ugh

Jen said...

You take such awesome photos. How do you do that? I have the d40 now what lens do I need to do what you do?

debi9kids said...

BEAUTIFUL pictures Shar!!!!
I love paul, the tree hugger. LOL
Wait until you see the hiking trails in the neighborhood where I may be moving!!!!

Alisha said...

Beautiful Shar ... again, convincing me to head your way ... :)

Anonymous said...

I love all your fancy collages, chica! I'm jealous of your green-ness- it is -10F and snowing here today... Why dose Mari look a foot taller than Ben in on pic??

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photographs. This is a great post that makes me want to go out and hike around too.
:)

Tamara Mitchell said...

Love all the photos...and beautiful I might add. We always do the poppy fields...hoping they start blooming soon. Nature is a great reminder of the amazing gift we are indeed given!

The jones Family said...

beautiful pictures! that looks like the perfect family day!

Helene said...

Such beautiful pics!! Your kids are so lucky to have such an adventurous, nature-loving mom!! I'm hoping this summer we can take more road trips with our kids to expose them to all the beautiful things that nature has to offer!

Mustard trail and billy goat trail? Who comes up with these names?

Susie said...

What a gorgeous hike!! Great pictures:-)

Michelle said...

Looks like a beautiful place to hike. Thanks for coming by my blog and entering my giveaway. Good luck.

Just Spotted said...

one of our favorite spots! great pictures! thanks for sharing!
xoxo, K

Anonymous said...

This is my fav. time to go out hiking in California too, unfortunately a series of colds has kept us housebound. Can't wait to get out and hike those green hills, thanks for the inspiration!

mak'n Changes said...

I love all those pics! I love to hike and explore Gods green earth. thanks for posting such beautiful pictures!

Anonymous said...

Those flowers look amazing. Life was too busy to make it out to Anzo Borrego this year, but I'm hoping for next year. Loved your pictures. Looked like a wonderful hike.