Day 330: Sundown Trail

 Unexpected Grassland along the trail

DAY 330: Monday October 10, 2011

Sundown Trailhead off Rancho Rd.

Miles: 3.25
Elevation Gain:  450 Feet
Where?: Thousand Oaks, CA

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty (1-10): 2

Reward (1-10): 2
Description: Found a new shaded trail in T.O. 

Directions: From the 101 freeway in Thousand Oaks, exit on Rancho Rd and turn right (if you're coming from the North).  If you're coming from the South, exit at Hampshire, turn right on Hampshire, left on T.O. Blvd and left on Rancho.  Drive past the stop sign and down the windy hill.  Turn left on the second street, Sundown.  Park at the end.

 Trailhead (watch out for horse manure)

Shaded lower trail

 Climb a few mild hills

 Overlooking Conejo Valley

The trail would continue up toward a water tank.  The grassland is only about a mile from the trailhead.  Only about a quarter of a mile into this hike, an alternative switchback trail climbed to the right.  I bypassed this to continue straight and when I reached the grassy level, I looped the field in search for an alternative way back.  This only lead me back to where I came from, so looks like I will revisit again, possibly two more times, to complete this trail.

Before I reached the trailhead today, I explored the area on my bike.  I initially turned left on the first road off Rancho.  I think it was called Saddle something.  There was a trail at the end of the road so I parked my bike and hiked down 100 feet of elevation over a quarter mile stretch.  This eventually lead out to a road (Sundown).  These trails are kinda marked on the Los Robles Trail map but because they are not main trails, it's hard to know exactly where you are...

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**I still have pics on my phone to update this blog, for some reason they didn't save to my memory card so as soon as i figure that out, I will update the gaps....

DAYS 323 - 328

Another way of looking at Boney Mountain

I took Sky Hiker's advice to toy around with the color, contrast, brightness, etc...  I'm not sure that this is what he had in mind, but I think it turned out good :)

Day 328: Saturday October 8, 2011

Dos Vientos Community Park - Newbury Park

Avocado Festival - Carpenteria, California

Miles 3.5  +50 feet

***I'm dragging on these "hikes".  I've lost the vigor to push above and beyond mountains.  Yet, I feel like I haven't even begun.  Life has caught up, too fast, too much to do.  I've though about just hiking one legit trail a week and then I said no, I must accomplish this.  It would be too easy to slip back into a routine and do the same thing, in the same place every day.  Yes, I am essentially doing the same thing daily but at least I am doing it some place new, even if it is not all that exciting.

We were up at Dos Vientos this morning for Alyssa's soccer game.  Her Vipors won 4-2.  I marched through the park before the game and reflected on the surrounding rocky hills, mountains, where I once conquered.  It's awesome really; yeah, "I came from up there", a quote that I recited in one of the videos that I made.  That portion came from the hills beyond the park.

Later that day, we walked the closed off streets of Carp and enjoyed the Avocado Festival.  In doing so, I ran into a non-profit organization that is taking in donations to complete the "Franklin Trail".  This trail system will start at Carp High School and push up nearly 2000 feet into the mountains where it will meet up with another trail.  When I'm not too busy, I will forward some info to this blog...

Day 327: Friday October 7, 2011

Trail between Wendy & Reino - Newbury Park

Avocado Festival - Carpenteria, California

Miles 3.0  +450 feet

I know this trail has a name but I was too lazy to look it up

This was the first legit trail that I hiked in a while.  It felt great and at the top near the water tower is an alternative way to loop around and explore.  I purposely did not take this so I can come back for another visit.

Views from of Newbury Park from the trail

Day 326: Thursday October 6, 2011

Camarillo High School 3-Mile Run

Miles 4.0  +50 feet

 

It's a hike to reach the track from the far lot off Adolfo.  I've been running, but I've been eating and unlike my usual motivation, I am not pushing myself; hence the splits that I recorded:

 

1-Mile: 10.22.18

2-Mile: 10.31.65  (20.53.83)

3-Mile:   9.45.24  (30.38.07)

--My final quarter was rounded in 1.54.82  --I'm just not in the mood.  Never in the past have I raced myself to not better my previous time.  I didn't know how to run unless it was a race.  Well, looks like I just did and as you will see, I've been like this for a week+ now; mild depression I suppose.  I don't even really want to update the blog anymore.  Here I am editing Alyssa's Soccer video and this hiking thing has really become a drag....

 

 

Day 325: Wednesday October 5, 2011

Calle La Guerra - Camarillo

Miles 1.5  +25 feet

It had rained earlier today and I actually brought my rain gear looking forward to hiking a muddy trail during a downpour.  Unfortunately, this is California and the rain had subsided by the late afternoon.  Actually, the sun was out so I began my journal today at the small community center at the end of Calle La Guerra.  I ran through the small park and around the neighborhood.  I didn't bring a camera because I wasn't even about to go there, due to the forecast.  --I became bored, my jog took to the streets and ended with a walk.  Hoping to train for 5 miles, I ran about half and then just walked one...

Day 324: Tuesday October 4, 2011

Valle Lindo Park - Camarillo

Miles 1.5  +25 feet



I only brought the camera on this one because Alyssa was having a secret soccer practice here.  It's so secret that I cannot talk about it; but the park was nice :)



Day 323: Monday October 3, 2011

2.5 Mile Run at Buena High shool - Ventura

Miles 2.5  +0 feet

This was suppose to be a 5-Mile run.  I started the first lap at 1.56.18, then ran the next in 1.52.49.  I realized quickly that my pace was too fast and I didn't pose the muster or the might to carry on.  Sure, I could of, but I just stopped!  After a 4+ minute walk lap, I jogged the next in 2.02.35.  My mile was over 10 minutes and then I began walking again.  --After 10 laps (2.5 miles) I quit in a time that I refuse to mention on this blog...

 

***I will rewind to last weekend another time.  I have some pictures on my cell phone so I would like to include those :)...

Day 318: Liberty Canyon (South)

DAY 318: Wednesday September 28, 2011

Liberty Canyon (South)

Miles: 4.5
Elevation Gain:  1150 Feet
Where?: Agoura Hills, CA

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty (1-10): 7

Reward (1-10): 3
Description: Steep inclines, not good for young children.  No shade but a nice challenging climb for the locals! 
Directions: From the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills exit on Liberty Canyon and turn South.  Turn right on Agoura and look for the small dirt parking area on the left.

**MY 318 DAY SUMMARY:   Miles  + Feet**

 Legit Trailhead

 Just warming up...

 Looking back at the roller coaster trail

 Alone on the ridge

 Looking back after another gnarly climb!

 Las Virgenes area in the distance

 I wasn't sure where this trail was going to lead me but after awhile it began to make sense.  After a couple of miles I had to stop and turn back but I imagine that if I kept going, the trail would lead out to the corner of Mulholland Hwy and Las Virgenes.  I know there is a trailhead there but I haven't attempted it yet.  I suppose I will have to try that one soon to test my theory.

This was a strenuous climb!  No shade and the scratchy thistles were a bit bothersome at first on the narrow trail but the route became more clear the further I hiked into it.  There were a couple of alternate choices to the right but I kept hiking back and to the left on what I considered the main route.  There are no signs and I am really curious to see where the right trail goes.  Not long ago, I tried making my own trail just a couple miles down the road from here and I ended up torchering myself just to get out of here.  I bet the right path overlooks my mistakes from that day...

Day 319: Thursday September 29, 2011

Liberty Canyon Area

2.5 miles  +50 feet

Across the street from where I was yesterday is another Santa Monica Mountain Recreational Sign.  I figured that I would explore this region today but was met with disappointment.  There is no trail.  I should have figured this because the freeway was just on the otherside.  I poked around in the bruch a bit and then snapped this picture from the street.  I then began to jog along the road up to Cheeseboro and back.  Ok, I walked a bit because I haven't really been in the mood much to run but I am contimplating running another half marathon and 10k soon so I better figure it out!

Day 317: Tuesday September 27, 2011

Lake Lindero

2.5 miles +25 feet

Until now, I'd never been to the Lake Lindero area.  I glanced at Google while I was at work and decided to explore.  Well, not even a park!  Just a residential track hoarding their own lake.  I walked/jogged around with my shirt off to grab some sun.  I looked out over the water thought it would be nice living on a lake.  That said, I prolly wouldnt want someone like me with their shirt off standing on my side lawn. 

Day 315: Sunday September 25, 2011

Arroyo Verde Park
4.75 miles  +550 feet

Soccer/football at the park with the wife, kids and Sammi.  Before the barbeque, I jogged the trails with Sammi and searched for some of my old seal treasures.  Without reading the blogpost clue, I couldnt remember exactly but I did find one on the far hill toward the bridge.  On that day, I hiked back to the right to round back to the main trail.  So, today I hiked to the left.  Sure, I'd been there before too but rather than follow the road up to the radio towers, I cut across and ended up back by the ball fields.  I figured that I footed at least a mile of new terrain on this hill today...

 

Day 316: Ormond Beach Preserve

Hueneme Pier from Ormond Beach



DAY 316: Monday September 26, 2011

Ormond Beach Preserve

Miles: 2.25
Elevation Gain:  25 Feet
Where?: Port Hueneme, CA

Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty (1-10): 1

Reward (1-10): 2
Description: No Beach Access!  Hidden preserve - polluted!

Directions: From the 101 freeway in Oxnard, exit on Oxnard Blvd and head south.  Take this all the way through the city and stay straight as it turns into Saviers.  At the end, turn right on Hueneme Road and then turn left on Perkins.  Take Perkins to the end and turn right in the parking lot.  There are faster ways to get here but no matter what you do, you'll have to drive past some of the slummiest parts of Ventura County.

**MY 316 DAY SUMMARY:   Miles  + Feet**

 Take the bridge across the channel

 Polluted rainbow in the water

 Careful not to step in water

 There is no escape

 I surprised the homeless people living here

 Point Mugu is just beyond the Edison building

 aw, so cute...

This could be a nice area if it wasn't in the poorest part of the county.  I was afraid for my car when I parked it because there were cronies smoking up and hoodlums drinking beer while blaring their music.  As I turned down Perkins from Hueneme, I nearly ran into two bikers that rounded a corner real fast.  Crazy enough, I later saw these two clowns by their tent.  They said I scared them; likewise...

I suppose my mission today was to reach the beach and connect the dots but it's not happening from here.  Unless I was going to swim through it, it's impossible to reach the beach.  I walked as far as I could go to each corner.  There is a larger channel blocking you from the nicer Surfside Condo area.  You are better off parking at the Bubbling Springs, feed some ducks and then walk to the pier from there if you choose to hang out in this area.

Rewind:

DAY 312: Thursday September 22, 2011

Glenwood Park

Miles: 2.25
Elevation Gain:  50 Feet
Where?: Moorpark, CA

Time: 1 Hour

Difficulty (1-10): 3

Reward (1-10): 2
Description: Cut through the fence and run along the ravine

Directions: Off Tierra Rejada In Moorpark

Next to this little park is the Moorpark River.  From the park, I found a cut through in the fence and ran to the left.  I saw some homies walking along the channel drinking a 40 out of a brown paper bag.  It reminded me of Cleveland.  They prolly wondered what kind of guy I was for wearing spandex and running, but I really didn't care.  I made it to a bridge and across the way was a large soccer park.  Surprised Alyssa hasn't played here yet.  I turned around and went back thinking that I will job the other side tomorrow.

DAY 313: Friday September 23, 2011

Arroyo Vista Community Park

Miles: 2
Elevation Gain:  50 Feet

This is the park that I saw yesterday, adjacent to Moorpark Highschool.  I drove to the back by the soccer fields but decided to hop the fence near the entrance and hike along the other side of the river.  I made it to a bridge turned around and came back.  Nothing to glamorous about it but I spent a good sweaty hour to work off most of the food that I ate during the week.

DAY 314: PACIFIC CREST TRAIL (PCT): Bouquet Reservoir

 My first steps ever on the PCT!

DAY 314: Saturday September 14, 2011
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL (PCT): Bouquet Reservoir

Miles: 2.50
Elevation Gain:  500 Feet
Where?: Palmdale, CA

Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty (1-10): 2

Reward (1-10): ***10
Description: Easy trail for all!  However, this area is known to be insanely hot in the summer months and there is no shade to escape. 

Directions: Where do I begin :)...  From the 5 Freeway, take the 14 North to Palmdale.  Exit on West Palmdale Blvd and head West.  This becomes Elizabeth Lake Road, keep driving west.  ~Roughly 10 miles up, turn left on Bouquet Caynon Road (This is just past Godde Hill Road which you will pass on the right).  Several miles down once you enter the Los Angeles National Forest, the PCT trail crosses the road.  There is no sign visible from the roadway, but shortly after a "corral" on the right, if you look to the right, about a quarter mile up you may notice a small trail sign on the right.  There is a turn out on the left, park there.  If you pass this area and reach Spunky Canyon Road, turn around and drive back exactly 2.0 miles.  *A faster way to reach this trailhead from Ventura is to take Bouquet Canyon Road out of Santa Clarita, pass the Bouquet Reservoir and Spunky Caynon Road... 

**MY 324 DAY SUMMARY:   Miles  + Feet**

PCT Trailhead North of Bouqet Canyon Road

 

Water container for the PCT Warrior

There are a gazillion readings about the PCT trail.  Most novice hikers and all avid hikers are familiar with the 2650 mile foot route from Mexico to Canada.  It's common for people to leave gallons of water for those who hike through it.  Looks like someone has already refillled from this one because the container was empty.

From here, just 464.9 miles to Mexico...

 

Looking back at the first half mile that I hiked...

 

Marble tones on the trail for my kids

 

A silhouette of me

 

Views of Bouquet Reservoir in the distance

About a mile and half into my hike/jog I turned around and ran back down.  The wife and kids were in the car waiting as I introduced myself to the trail; my destiny and passion.  Earlier that day, we drove up to Quartz Hill, near Palmdale, for Alyssa's soccer game.  The undefeated 4-0 Ventura Mighty Vipers were challenging the 3-0 Quartz Hill Club.  This is a team that they lost to in the Palmdale Tourney and it appears they met their match again by losing 4-1.  A rare defeat for Ventura but hopefully it will be a building experience come playoff time.

Bouquet Reservoir from street level (after the hike) 

 

Views of the valley from Godde Hill Road (Quartz Hill)

 

Views of Quartz Hill

Including an additional 1.25 of wandering at J. Walker Middle School in Quartz Hill, my mileage today was 3.75 miles.

Rewind:

DAY 308: Sunday September 18, 2011

Shell Park & Sespe River Overflow

Miles: 2.00
Elevation Gain:  100 Feet
Where?: Fillmore, CA

Just a day after our half marathon run, Jess and I relaxed to Ayden's diving at Kimball Park.  Rather than head home, we took a 20 minute trip down the 126 to Filmore.  At Shell Park off Old Telegraph Road, we explored the Sespe River Overflow.  It is possible to hike this river all the way to the Los Padres where it will take you to the back country.  I've read blogs and articles of the crazies hiking the off route section.  I believe they call the hardest part, "the narrows".  In fact, it would be impassible without having to swim for a portion of the trip and be prepared to climb waterfalls.  --Our legs were not as burnt out as you would think after the hard 13-mile run.  In fact, on the very next day, my son and I hiked the Cozy Dell and my legs felt strong enough to climb another thousand or so feet without issue...

DAY 310: Tuesday September 20, 2011

Miller Park

Miles: 3.50
Elevation Gain:  250 Feet
Where?: Moorpark, CA

Off Miller Parkway in Moorpark is Miller Park.  Cool spot for a full court basket ball game or hang out with the dudes to play stick ball.  For me, walk across the open grass to the open space.  There is a trail leading into a wooded section and then back out toward the 23 freeway.  There was more space back here than I anticipated so I will likely come back to shoot pictures and hike behind the houses.

DAY 311: Wednesday September 21, 2011

Dixie Canyon, Longridge Park & Dodger Stadium

Miles: 3.75
Elevation Gain:  350 Feet
Where?: Sherman Oaks, CA

 Matt Kemp hit a 3-run Home Run!

The new spot today was Longridge Park (not really a park).  I won tickets for a Dodger game, third time this year and Ayden was done to go.  He remembered last time that we went and he knows I hike every day so he wanted to visit Dixie Canyon, the cool spot we hiked last time.  So, with plenty of time to spare, we hiked the first portion of the trail.  The coolest part about it was the street leading up to the trail.

Then, basically one road over is Longridge Ave.  We drove down there in search for another spot to hike.  We turned right on Longridge Terrace and the street ended at a fence with a dirt road behind it.  --Open Space and we hiked for a few moments but we had to cut it short.  The first pitch would be in 45 minutes and depending on traffic, we were about that far away still...

It was nearly a 4 hour game on a school night and the Dodgers lost, again...

Pictures on Day 313: 

 

***To be continued...