Hiking trails are hard to come by around San Diego but if you are willing to drive a few miles you will find places off the beaten path that allow you to imagine for just a little while that you are away from the big city. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, near Escondido, is one of those places and the Way Up Trail is the way to go, up that is.
Our friend Stan invited me to tag along with him on this adventure. He was batchin’ it, with wife Marilyn away visiting family, and I was anxious to escape the quarantine zone that has become our RV since hubby Terry picked up a nasty respiratory infection. This was to be Stan’s maiden uphill voyage since a hiking accident last July left him faced with some extensive rehab so I was honored to be along for the ride.
If you are looking for a nice little leg workout, the Way Up Trail fits the bill, 3.2 miles round trip, with switchbacks greeting hikers from the start. A lovely little reservoir awaits you at the top as well as a network of trails extending 10 miles if you are so inclined. We opted to hike another 1.5 miles, soaking up the sun, with Stan sharing stories of his Appalachian Trail hiking days. Since it has been a dream of ours to hike the AT, I was enthralled.
Once back down at the trailhead we pulled out phones and called our respective spouses to let them know we had a successful hike. Stan, being ever the southern gentleman, thanked my hubby for letting him borrow his lovely bride for a few hours. It is said that “it’s not the destination but the journey that counts” but I believe it’s also who you take along with you. Today I was fortunate to have a great friend along.
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Paint Your Landscape 
Glad you managed to get out and hike! I always start feeling antsy if I’m cooped up for too long – and so does the pup!
I have been going stir crazy! The hiking down here doesn’t compare to the Sierras or some we did in OR but it was good to get out on a trail. 🙂
What a journey Lu Ann, seems so exciting. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
mei
Thanks Mei. We love nature so always good to get out and breathe some fresh air. 🙂
I can relate to the cabin fever, our feet gets antsy and longs for some good work out. Hope Terry getting better.
This is the first time either of us has been sick since we moved into the RV. It begins to feel even smaller when one isn’t feeling well.
Glad you found a place to enjoy a hike. Hope Terry feels better soon!
Thanks Janie. Terry is beginning to feel better after the stubborn man finally went to the doctor. Hope all is well with the two of you. 🙂
Brilliant post , my friend Have nice day!
Thanks Stefan.
Be so careful for snakes my lovely! I am getting sick of the cold I’m coming down!
Will do and come on down! 🙂
Honey I am going to Lulu’s!
Yeah!!!
Stan is indeed a fine southern gentleman. In the hike looks lovely. But, I will tell you that my legs hurt just reading about how far you went. Glad you enjoyed your day.
Actually it wasn’t a bad hike at all. Stan and his wife Marilyn are a lovely couple we met since camphosting at San Elijo. We are so thankful for the great people we have encountered since we started this adventure.
Yes, it was time to get out of the RV and get some exercize. Good for you.
Cabin fever! 🙂
We have been SD a couple of times, but never thought about hiking there… Thank you for sharing, LuAnn!
There isn’t much hiking here that I can see, but I’ve learned of a couple places. Gotta have my hiking fix! 🙂
What sweet and gentle adventure for you and Stan. Hope Terry heals quickly. Love you.
Terry is finally on the mend. I have been trying to avoid him as best I can in this little tin can we live in but it hasn’t been easy! Love to you both. 🙂
(“It is said that “it’s not the destination but the journey that counts” but I believe it’s also who you take along with you.)
True that! ^
😀
Somewhere along the line we missed that Terry has not been feeling well. Now that we realize the situation, it is great to hear that he is on the mend. We can well imagine the cabin fever feeling you are having and know the two of you will be back hiking as before really soon. Take care and we look forward to your next post.
Roger & Gayl
He just had some of this crud that has been going around, thankfully not the flu. We will both be happy when he can get back outdoors, if you know what I mean! 🙂
Glad you managed to get in a nice hike with a friend. Al and I have been washing and rewashing our hands whenever we come back from a store. It’s always a bummer getting sick and hope Terry is out hiking with you soon. Happy trails 🙂
Thanks Ingrid. Although I know it has been cold there, we are looking forward to getting out into the desert and meeting the two of you. 🙂
Another fine day for you. I must admit i am jealous. You write about it so much better than I would though so keep the posts coming for your avid readers.
I have nominated you for an award on my site! You can see it here: http://hillsofherchastity.wordpress.com/awards-and-etc/liebster-blog-award//
Hi LuAnn, Glad to hear Terry’s on the mend and that you were able to do a small walkabout! Being confined in a tiny area can get pretty well “confining” lol! Love the shot of the reservoir. Hope your weekend is even better and the two of you get out and about a bit more (so I can be jealous again lol), much love and affection, Penny 🙂
That looks like a terrific hike. Can you please tell me whether dogs are allowed to run free there?
I checked it out. Dogs are allowed off leash only on the way up: huh??? But not on the weekends or on holidays. And not off leash in picnic areas. The phone number is 760-632-4212; ask the details.
Thanks for the info. I was just getting ready to check it out.
Oh this looks like a wonderful hike LuAnn ~ I am so happy you got to spend time with your friend Stan, and sending some healing wishes out to Terry… seems here many have these infections too — worst flu season in decades is what the reports say — So stay well my dear friend!
Much Love and Blessings to you both always ~ Robyn
He has finally mended, with me keeping my distance as best one can in such a confined space as an RV. Thanks for your good wishes Robyn.
Glad you were able to get out on what sounds like a wonderful hike with your friend. Hope Terry is feeling better.:-)
He’s much better. Thanks Madhu.