ocean views

Harmony Headlands State Park

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Many times when you hear about hikers being stranded or injured, it’s likely they did something wrong.  Well this beautiful hike could have easily turned bad for us because we took a lot of risks.  It’s a 4.5 mile easy to moderate hike but we went unprepared.  It was a spur of the moment decision at 4 PM to go check it out and then once we parked we decided to go in.  No water, no hiking shoes, no plan, no communication with anyone, no cell signal, no trail map…I could just keep going.  We were really just supposed to have scoped it out but it was so beautiful that we just kept going.  I definitely recommend this place and I will be going back to spend more time.

On our hike we encountered a lot of folks heading back.  How much longer to the water I would ask, just 20 minutes they would say.  This happened a few times and I know they were all just saying 20 minutes when in reality it was a lot longer than that.

Well worth it though.  Great hike! Lots of opportunities for photography and the views are just amazing especially when you get to the ocean.  Can’t wait to introduce it to our friends that visit us up here.

Temescal Canyon Loop Hike

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January 1, 2011 – We (Jackie, Sandi and Edna) met friends Bernadette and David in Los Angeles to hike the Temescal Canyon loop.  We discovered just how popular of a hiking spot this is.  The trail was very busy with hikers making the loop from both directions.  It was a clear and cool New Year’s day and I think others had the same idea we did.  Once we reached the top of the loop, we had 360 degree views of Los Angeles.  We could see Catalina at a distance in the Pacific, Downtown LA, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.  On the way to the top of the canyon, we could hear a creek running below in the heavily wooded canyon and as you follow the trail up, we got to the waterfall that was feeding the creek. 

Trailhead: We parked in the paid parking lot instead of the Presbyterian conference center (free) and walked past the ranger station to the trailhead.  You can make the loop clockwise or counter-clockwise.  We hiked it counter-clockwise which is slightly easier (it sure didn’t feel easier).   The hike had us climbing almost 1,000 feet and covered a little over 4 miles.  

We managed to finish just before sunset and we were all hungry.  So we drove about 10 miles up PCH to Malibu.  We ate at the Malibu Seafood Market where you can get good seafood for a great price and take home seafood items to cook at a later.  Not only did we get some great fresh seafood but we got a beautiful sunset with spectacular colors. 

It was a great way to spend New Year’s day –  a hike with a creek and waterfall, great views of the Pacific/Catalina and Downtown Los Angeles – capped with a spectacular sunset and a delicious dinner but best of all it was the time we spent with our wonderful friends.