Loading ...The official slogan for this hike is “More Walk Less Talk.” Just a guess…but I’m thinking that a guy came up with this one. The “less talk” thing doesn’t really work for me and from a PR standpoint I think it absolutely stinks. I suppose it means that Mr. Ranger isn’t going to point out and give a detailed narrative of every bush, flower, tree, bird and historical event related to the hike.
What it sounds like to me is that I’m going to be giving up a relaxing Saturday morning in exchange for a grueling, silent hike through Southern California’s outback. What woman is going to want to do that? Not me! If I’m headed out early on a Saturday morning, I’m going to bring a friend. The social objective comes first. Everything else is secondary.
Most of us could afford to shed a pound or two with summer just around the corner. Springtime is the best time to get back into shape. Orange County’s mild temperatures and typically sunny days make exercising outdoors a nice diversion. So you can hit the gym again (boring!), exercise in the privacy of your own home (which excuse can I use this time?) or you can try something that feels more like an adventure than a workout. (Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!)
On Saturday mornings from (9:00 am - 10:00 am) you can hike with Ranger Scott Fegley up the Edna Spalding Trail at O’Neill Regional Park. The hike is open to all ages and is a mild grade hike that is just short of one mile. Dogs should be left at home as they are not allowed to accompany you on the hike. While the hike is free there is a $5.00 parking fee.
O’Neill Regional Park is at it’s best in springtime. Even with this year’s drought conditions the white sage, chaparral, wildflowers and grasses are breathtaking. Local wildlife flourishes in spring as well. Be aware that this is prime rattlesnake territory. All precautions should be exercised.
Grab a friend or family member next Saturday and make the trek down the hill and across the creek. Hikers should plan on meeting at 8:50 am in front of the nature center. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the scenic beauty at the vista point at the top of the trail.
Check out this site for some amazing colorful photos of the Edna Spalding Trail. Speaking of amazing photos, I’d love to post photos of one of these hikes to share with the Rancho Santa Margarita community. If you happen to get some phenomenal shots and would like to have them featured, please send me and email, along with your photo(s) and any attribution instructions.
For more information on Saturday morning hikes at O’Neill Regional Park, please contact Scott Fegley at (949)923-2260 or (949)923-2256.
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Ines // May 26, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Kelly - that sounds like so much fun! There are no hiking trails here in Miami, but some killer bootcamp workouts…..I think I rather go explore the nature trails, if you ask me.
2 outside.in - hiking in Portola Hills CA // Aug 6, 2008 at 11:17 am
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