At The Backroads

Lake Hodges, Before the October 2007 Witchcreek Fire

Lake Hodges is one of my local outdoor escapes here in San Diego. Living in the Northernmost part of the city of San Diego affords me easy access to the many nature trails around the area. From the blue ocean, to the rugged coastal cliffs, canyons and mesas, to the boulder-strewn and chaparral-littered foothills, to the oak and pine clad mountains and up to the geological surprises of a desert. How can I afford to miss the beautiful world that surrounds me? My local gym is the great outdoors.

Lake Hodges, Before the October 2007 Witchcreek Fire

Lake Hodges, Before the October 2007 Witchcreek Fire

When the October 2007 Witchcreek Fire had made us seek temporary shelter outside of our homes, I felt so sad for the affected community and for our wilderness. But at the same time, I was so inspired by the positive spirit of the people around us. The spirit to rebuild was strong. Positively, I looked back on the burned trees on the trail at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park ( http://betchaitluc.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/through-the-fire/ ), some trees looked like charcoal already on the outside, yet leaves are starting to come out from them again, showing a trace of life fighting to come out. Inspiring its seers, that no matter how devastated we are sometimes from the challenges of life, still, there is always a ray of hope, for a beautiful life. There is always a time to rebuild, and nature shows us the way.

Burned Bushes and Wildflowers, Lake Hodges Spring 2008

For a while, many of the trails affected by the wildfire were closed to hikers. I was just passing the scorched hills, looking so black and charred. My heart sank as I passed those scorched hills, waiting for the time the hills will burst with colors of life. I know they will, in a matter of time.

Lake Hodges Foothills, Spring 2008

By February of 2008, I saw not only green on most foothills, but mostly orange. It looked like the hills were ablaze again, the only difference was that there was no sign of fire up on the sky. No soot, no flying ambers. The hills were ablaze, yet bursting with life!

Mix of Burnt Bushes and Wildflowers, Slope near Lake Hodges

Nature showed its full glory through the mix of wildflowers on the hills. What helped these wildflowers show off their wonderful display? Fire and water. The fire scorched the weeds which had invaded the area, it was harder for native plants to grow. Also, the heat of the fire opened up some dormant seeds, helping them in their germination. And the ashes helped fertilize the soil. That is why, in a lot of natural parks, they have prescribed fire. This is to promote the growth of the protected habitat, and also, to prevent the rapid spread of a future wildfire.

Hiking Amongst the Wildflowers

For the two months, February – March, we had been enjoying the overwhelming response of nature to the wildfire that scorched its hills and to the rainwater that soaked its slopes. Because of the scattered rain that soaked the soil, even places that did not get burned also showed their wonderful wildflower display. Probably, it was just the right amount of rain. We did not get heavy rain to cause flooding and loosing the native seeds that were just waiting to be awakened. Our rain was in fact still little, but they were good enough to soak the dry soil. Fire and Water, the result?

California Poppies, Spring 2008

A beautiful sight to behold and a fragrance that lingers in our dreams. No, we are not definitely asking for another wildfire, the prescribed and controlled fires are what we need not only to bring out the natural beauty but also to prevent future wildfires.

Best Place to Hike Around Lake Hodges: North Shore Lake Hodges

Hiking Distance: Depends on how far you want to go, but to I-15 from trailhead is 6 miles round trip

Change in Elevation: Around the lake, change in elevation is only up to 150 ft, but climbing up the hills could be higher.

Best Season to Hike: Spring (late February to March), if you want to catch some wildflowers. Otherwise, for a great outdoor exercise, all-year!

Wildlfowers and Lake Hodges

How to go here: From I-15, take Via Rancho Parkway Exit, head West, and before hitting Del Dios Parkway, there is a well marked sign to Lake Hodges. Park on the boat launch concessionaire area which is about 1 mile from the entrance. Parking is free, one of the wonderful joys of living in San Diego Even if there are paid parking, you can always find free parking spaces, as long as you are not in Downtown

PS. If you hike this summer 2008, please do not expect to see the same wildflower display above, for the wildflowers had long been gone, hopefully, next spring season. I will post updates here.

Women Rowing in Lake Hodges

But even without the wildflowers, the mountains and water around it make it a peaceful hike. Hiking opens to us a positive perspective to life, for in nature, we are reminded that what adds depth and beauty to our characters are the challenges and tests of time that we have passed very well.

Happy hiking!

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