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sharing my love for philanthropy, cooking, and adventure

Sunrise illuminating the summit glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro, with ice formations in the foreground and a sea of clouds in the background.

Tag: Escondido

Lake Hodges Dam viewed from above, showing the concrete arches and green reservoir water below

Lake Hodges | Escondido | CA

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On January 30, 2025

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

A Hike Through Time, Art, and Mystery

Some hikes impress you with views.
Others surprise you with stories.

Hiking Lake Hodges did both — quietly and unexpectedly. What began as a straightforward out-and-back turned into a walk through early water engineering, subtle trail art, wildfire reminders, and one lingering mystery that stuck with me long after I left the trail.

I parked across from Hernandez Hideaway, crossed the road, and headed south toward the dam. From the first steps, this hike felt like more than just mileage.

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Narrow dirt trail winding uphill toward an old rusted water tank at Daley Ranch in Escondido, surrounded by chaparral and rolling hills.

Daley Ranch | Escondido | CA

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On January 29, 2025

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

Rattlesnakes, Regulations, and Ridiculously Good Views

Catching up on some hikes from 2024, I found myself at Daley Ranch Park, a 3,201-acre conservation area in Escondido, California. I really didn’t know what to expect. I figured I’d get some miles in, gain a little elevation, and—hopefully—avoid the kind of crowded trails that tend to attract hikers lacking any semblance of trail etiquette. Normally, when I pull into a packed parking lot, my first instinct is to turn around and head somewhere quieter. But I stuck with my plan, and outside of a close encounter with a rattlesnake, Daley Ranch exceeded my expectations.

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Olivenhain Reservoir viewed from Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido, California

Elfin Forest | Escondido | CA

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On May 26, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

Hiking the Elfin Forest: A Day of Adventure and Nature Wonders

If you’re craving an adventure that blends nature’s beauty with a solid workout, hiking at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a must. On my most recent hike, I made my way up the Botanical Trail, transitioned to the Way Up Trail, looped toward the Lake Hodges Overlook, and then descended back down the Way Up Trail. Altogether, it’s a route that delivers steady elevation, wide-open views, and just enough challenge to feel earned.

Trust me—it’s a journey you’ll want to take.

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