BREAKING TENNIS NEWS
It was a chipper 31 on the court as we
commenced play at 7:30 AM.
Tennis gloves and even leg wear were needed.
First time since moving from the mid west that
our play was "periled" by weather!
We prevailed however. :)
NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING-----
WASHBURN NEEDS CLEARING
The 3.3 mile Washburn hiking trail runs from
sea level up into the highlands of the Santa Lucia range
and encircles portions of the San Simeon Natural Preserve.
It crosses wetlands, riparian areas, passes through
several undisturbed native plant areas, Monterey
Pine forest, climbs, winds and descends into a canyon and
back up to scenic overlooks.
The tree above is typical of many of the old pines
along the 3.3 mile trail.
READER ALERT
This post is a 40 shot documentation of the trail
in the aftermath of the December Santa Ana windstorm that raked California. The trail is littered with
many fallen trees and not a casual walk.
As you will see the Cambria Walking Bunch
found the going a bit rough at spots.
Still, it is beautiful hike.
A glimpse of blue sky before going into the forest and beginning a climb.
Even some of the saplings were uprooted.
Limbs of some of the older pines were sheared.
A trail blockage and damaged bench.
Another blockage.
More damage.
A fallen tree makes for a low overhead.
Boughs make for a tangled path with difficult footing.
Yet more blocked trail and damage.
More tricky footing.
But the forest also held seasonal charm.
Fortunately none of the bridges or boardwalks were damaged.
The high-ground scenic overlooks were sun drenched.
After the climbing, squeezing under and crunching over the
Walking Bunch opted for the road from the campground
back to the parking lot.
Surviving pines stand sentry over looking the big blue.
Hopefully rangers and volunteers will clear some
of the trees that did not survive the Santa Annas.
See you down the trail.
