July 22nd - Wednesday San Diego County

We woke up to the early part of sunrise peeking in our sliding glass door.  We both hopped out of the bed and grabbed our cameras as the sun began to slip above the lower mountain below us.  Then we went back to bed with the light shining on us like a spotlight. We finally pulled a curtain to get a little more sleep.

We ate a nice breakfast and packed up for a hike up Stonewall Peak as well as packing a nice picnic lunch.  Then, down through the maze of roads using a little different route. We were again back in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, but this time we were ready to hike.  We parked in the parking lot near the trail head for Stonewall Peak (5730 feet, 1747 m).  It gained that name from a granite outcropping at its summit.  The trail to the top was 2 miles (3.2 km) and of course the same back down. We were looking at a gain of elevation of 1,020 feet (311 m). 

We joined individuals, couples, families and small groups on the journey up the mountain.  Must of the time, we were by ourselves.  But, when we met or passed others, nearly everybody was using a mask, a bandana or just would pull their t-shirt up over their faces.  Hiking in the COVID era is different. People also kept pretty good social distance.

The hike was hot in places, but also had some very nice shady stretches.  Dick noted that the terrible wildfire about 12 years ago burned basically everything on this mountain, so it was interesting to see the recovery.  The switchbacks were mostly gentle, so it was a pleasant hike, but we still could feel the elevation.

We are used to living close to sea level so nearly 6,000 feet up is high for our bodies.  The last climb up the granite rocks at the top was helped by cut steps and a railing.  A slip here could mean a long fall to the rocks hundreds of feet below. 

The view from the top is lovely.  It was only slightly marred by the swarm of flying ants that had settled in at the very top of the peak.  We took lots of fun photos, and then started the long walk down.  This was easier than going up.

Whenever we hike, we are always on the look out for wildlife. We hoped to see deer.  We know there are many in the area.  But, no luck on that.  On this mountain, the most abundant animals were Western Fence Lizards.  We saw so many of them as they scurried across the path.

We ate our lunch at a picnic table right by our car.  It was shady and lovely. A highlight of lunch was a visit from a ground squirrel who was hoping for a handout.  Disappointed, he went off to find another prospect at a nearby table.

After a bit of rest over lunch, we made the 15-mile drive back to Julian. We wanted to see the new visitor center for The California Wolf Center.  We had planned to see the International Wolf Center in Ely MN this summer.  We were happy to get connected with the California Center.  Tours of seeing the actual wolves only happen on weekends, but we had the chance to learn more about Mexican Wolves and decided to buy a membership in support of the center. We will come back to see the wolves another time. 

The town has some tourists roaming the shops, but we were less interested in shopping, so it was time to return to our little home.  We went yet another route back up the mountain and enjoyed the views while we drove.

The afternoon gave a chance for another nap, watching a little TV and then another nice dinner.

We spent quite a bit of time the past couple of days reflecting on all of the many grand adventures that we have been on these past 27 years.  There have been so many wonderful opportunities that we have had to see things near and far. And we look forward to doing more in the future.