Hike #31 of 2022 ✔️ Volcan Mountain to Five Oaks Trail ✔️

What a beautiful day. ☀️ There was a slight chill to the air in Julian and not a cloud in the sky, making this warm summer day perfect hiking weather.

Now I attempted this trail in November 2021 and didn’t quite summit. 🫣 My hiking shoes were new and I had blisters the size of quarters, my outfit was more cute than functional and my backpack could barely hold my single water bottle. I’ve come such a long way in understanding my gear and limits!!

Like a lot of this portion of San Diego back country, this hike was a steady climb up pine and oak forests and led to a final push to summit surrounded by tall, billowing grass and trees sprouting yellow flowers that smelled like cinnamon. 🌾

I think the most breathtaking portion of this climb is being sandwiched between the rolling, bare hills of Anzo Borrego and the shrub-covered ranges of Cleveland National Forest. It feels like you’re straddling a desert divide and passing through a peaceful purgatory of contemplation. 🧘‍♀️

I also had a wonderful hiking partner that matched my zest for deep conversation. We stomped wildly after seeing snakes, played the lunch game, and really explored our depressing wants and desired in tandem with the whispers of swaying wild sage. 🌱

We also tried making wishes on sticky dandelion pappus (which has a notorious BIG pun just waiting to happen…) and as always, I walk on narrow trails in haste and with arms up to avoid tick anxiety and sensory shock from dry grass.

The universe is so beautiful and perfect, crossing paths when they need to and inviting energy that can heal, if you let it.

#allnewhikes

#sixpackpeaks