Hiking in the New Year

Two days ago, I finally got on the road bike, having been off for awhile due to illness and cold weather.  I had to bundle up. Like the weenie I am.  I knew this would be the first time in a long time that I would not bike Mt Hamilton on New Year's Day.  Just too cold for me.  The BF, sick with the flu, has been out of the picture, too.

What to do, what to do.  Well, Miss P. suggested while on our club bike ride the other day that we consider a hike.  Perfect!  I can handle that.  But we had to select a park free of any aliens especially if I am going to get out of my pajamas, and make the effort to return to exercising.  I don't want any close encounters....

We agreed upon Rancho Canada del Oro, a hike I did a year ago.  Good choice.   On the drive into the park, I had to brake for, wait, wait for it, no not aliens but several turkeys!  We did encounter a lot of funny looking mushrooms; I tried not to think they might be incubating tiny aliens.  We met some people who thought we might be bird watchers.  No, more like alien watchers.  They were out to burn off the bubbly.

This is a beautiful park to hike with gradual climbs that take you way up towards the sky, along with a lot of photo ops.  Like the one above.  My first impression was, "It's a toilet seat for the outdoors."  I don't know why I have the thoughts I have.  We also saw signs about restoration in progress for areas affected by one of the fires from last year.

We came across several trees whose limbs had split; possibly signs of alien invasion ... anyway, good to get out and enjoy our open space.  We did just about 5 miles and plan to return to do a different hike, plus, we hope to explore other parks in the coming months.  I've never hiked in Mt. Hamilton for instance. Happy New Year.