Pamo Road Trailhead to Bandy Canyon Road
One of the most exciting and challenging day of hiking so far! Today's hike began under bright sun in Pamo Valley, assisted by Ranger Bill from the San Dieguito River Valley Park. He was extremely knowledgeable about the trail, and showed us many things about plants and animals along the way. The day's weather was perfect for this, as everyone comfortably marched on.
Yet, today's hike was completely unique from the others. About 7 miles into the hike, our class began to descend into the untouched nature. This was because there was simply no more well-maintained trail to follow! We trekked through streams, boulders, plants of all types, bugs, some animals, and hills. When not focusing on my footing, I would look up at the beautiful scenery around me, full of green and blooming plants, peaceful streams, idling bugs, and monstrous boulders. The path was definitely gorgeous, but obviously not the safest. Humans are foreigners there, and my peers and I had to be very wary of dangerous plants, bugs, and rocks. If it weren't for the guidance of Ranger Bill, I doubt our class would have done as well as we did. This again lead me to the point of our hike: to create trails along the entire length of the San Dieguito park, so that everyone will have easier access to hike along it's beautiful scenery, and gain awareness of the nature within it needing to be protected and preserved. Having a true purpose behind this trip has kept me going throughout the struggles! As we reached the end of this wild stretch, our class applauded ourselves on our difficult trek.
I thoroughly enjoyed today's hike, for I felt the most adventurous and exploring yet this week. We only have 1 full day of hiking left before our completion at Dog Beach in Del Mar. I am so excited by my experiences so far, and ones to come!
- Erina Chavez
Student of the Adventure Team
Yet, today's hike was completely unique from the others. About 7 miles into the hike, our class began to descend into the untouched nature. This was because there was simply no more well-maintained trail to follow! We trekked through streams, boulders, plants of all types, bugs, some animals, and hills. When not focusing on my footing, I would look up at the beautiful scenery around me, full of green and blooming plants, peaceful streams, idling bugs, and monstrous boulders. The path was definitely gorgeous, but obviously not the safest. Humans are foreigners there, and my peers and I had to be very wary of dangerous plants, bugs, and rocks. If it weren't for the guidance of Ranger Bill, I doubt our class would have done as well as we did. This again lead me to the point of our hike: to create trails along the entire length of the San Dieguito park, so that everyone will have easier access to hike along it's beautiful scenery, and gain awareness of the nature within it needing to be protected and preserved. Having a true purpose behind this trip has kept me going throughout the struggles! As we reached the end of this wild stretch, our class applauded ourselves on our difficult trek.
I thoroughly enjoyed today's hike, for I felt the most adventurous and exploring yet this week. We only have 1 full day of hiking left before our completion at Dog Beach in Del Mar. I am so excited by my experiences so far, and ones to come!
- Erina Chavez
Student of the Adventure Team