At The Backroads

Sea Dahlia, Torrey Pines State Reserve

I am sorry if I had been posting here about spring flowers one after another, I guess, all these wildflowers are giving me a spring fever . And to think spring is not really my favorite season, summer is. However, I see the unique beauty distinct to each season, and I actually make the most of each season’s surprises. Even though this is a hiking blog, but reality is, I love both hiking and ocean. I love hiking, because in hiking I get to see nature’s surprises and unfolding beauty which differs each day.

Mix of Spring Wildlfowers, @ Torrey Pines State Reserve

 However, I can forget about hiking once I am in the ocean and feeling the power of the waves. And to think I am not even a surfer! I just boogie board, like a child, I find tremendous joy in being pushed hard by the waves. Also, I get unequalled joy whenever I see fishes swimming by me. However, I do not like getting into the water when the water temperature is in the 50s. I prefer warmer water, which explains why my favorite season is summer . And summer is when the water temperature gets into the 60s, for some still frigid, but for me, good enough. And summer is when I get to do two things I enjoy the most, hiking and boogie boarding. Actually, add to that two, taking pictures of nature. The priceless bonus in hiking is the wonderful set of take home pictures that capture the memories I wanted to preserve. Though boogie boarding does not give me pictures, but nevertheless, I guess, it is always that child in me that will always seek for being with the waves.

One amazing and unique thing that I love about Torrey Pines State Reserve is that this is where I can combine all my simple pleasures, hiking and boogie boarding at the ocean. I usually start my day here hiking, enjoying the scenery at the top of the bluffs.

Carpeting Wildflowers at Guy Fleming Trail

We usually do not drive to the trailheads, instead, we park outside of the park. There are free parking on North Torrey Pines Road and on Carmel Valley Road. The East portion of the Reserve protects the grove of the rare Torrey Pine trees.

The Torrey Pines @ Guy Fleming Trail

Then, as you walk westward, the trail opens towards the ocean, with the North Torrey Pines State Beach below.

North Overlook @ Guy Fleming Trail

The west slopes are exposed to the sun, and the dots of pink in the above picture are ground pinks. Yes, they are so tiny wildflowers, but if you get a closer look, they look dainty, and beautiful too.

Ground Pinks

It is the west portion of the park that is carpeted with spring wildflowers right now. The shaded portion, where the groves of Torrey Pines could be found also have spots of wildflowers, but not in a lush carpet like in the exposed slopes.

Carpet of Wildlfowers

Mix of Wildflowers and the Ocean Below

After enjoying the scenery above, we would then hike down below, taking the Beach Trail or the Broken Hill Trail, both have access to the beach.

View of Flat Rock from the Beach Trail

Badlands and Carpet of Wildlfowers, from the Beach Trail

There are several overlooks such as the Red Butte, Razor Point (closed for renovation at present) and the Yucca Overlook at the Beach Trail. All of them have nice view of the ocean.

 At the Broken Hill Trail, there are coastal poppies that line some portion of the trail.

Coastal Poppies @ Broken Hill Trail

Sea of Gold by the Sea, @ Broken Hill Trail towards the Beach

Both trails at present are lined with sea dahlias and bush sunflowers.

Sea Dahlias

 Once at the beach, after being warmed enough exploring the top of the bluffs, it is time to enjoy the ocean and be with the waves.

Lonely Ocean, North Torrey Pines State Beach

Okay, I am just dreaming right now of boogie boarding, in fact, I haven’t boogie boarded yet. I am still waiting for summer, at present, there are more people just walking on shore than really getting into the water. I am just enjoying the wonderful sights of spring.

North Torrey Pines State Beach

Happy Spring again, everyone.

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