There is a soft pattering around me, like thousands of tiny feet dancing to the beat of a soothing lullaby. Breathing deeply, I inhale the intoxicating scent of utter relaxation; it is a scent that each individual perceives differently.

I curl up tightly into the perfectly molded lounge chair beneath me, tucking my legs and feet delicately underneath me. My eyes drift closed as I savor the mournfully melodic rhythm of nature’s cleansing tears as they fall to the ground. Letting my imagination roam, I see myself as the little droplets, saturating the poisoned, parched soil and plant life with a gentle, healing touch; each splash nurturing them back to vitality. Another droplet merges swiftly, and without hesitation, into a small rivulet of collected adventurers.

My subconscious curiosity follows this rivulet along its dedicated journey. As it flows, the rivulet grows into a vast stream and the current becomes stronger. It weaves purposefully down concrete paths and winds recklessly along endless storm drains. A lucky few droplets find purchase in the surrounding soil or end their journey peacefully in a quiet pool. These droplets wait patiently, hopeful to quench a passing creature’s aching thirst. Much of the restorative stream sorrowfully finds itself destined to repeat the journey again and again until it finds a fulfilling end to its healing path.

A sudden chill jolts me to the present.

I gaze up gratefully towards the rain pouring from the sky, appreciating the glorious gift that nature bestows upon us as it sees fit. I can almost feel the healing qualities coursing vigorously through my veins.

Sensing an itch of urgency, I feel as if I should crawl hastily from my seat and run headlong, and without abandon, into the pouring rain. I yearn to feel its cool, energizing touch as I gleefully spin around until I fall, reminiscent of my childhood years. I anticipate the tickling along my scalp of droplets saturating my hair. Then the shock, as they dash quickly across my shoulders, pooling briefly along my collarbones before they continue down my body.

My skin prickles with goose bumps as I get up out of my chair. I walk hesitantly to the edge of the patio, peering hopefully out into the falling rain. Reacting to the thick energy flowing through the breeze around me, I lean over, out from under the awning, with my eyes close. Extending my arms, I anxiously anticipate the dance of wet droplets sprinkling across my bare skin. But, something is amiss…the droplets lurch into reverse and ascend skyward away from my skin. The moisture evaporates mercilessly back into the atmosphere.

Reality sets in. I find myself curled half-contentedly on the couch, basking in the serenity of no obligations. You would believe that, at this moment, I am in the depths of relaxation. The only telltale sign of discontent is my outstretched hand, searching desperately for falling rain. My glossy eyes gaze wistfully out of the grimy living room window. It feels as if it hasn’t rained in months.

For a while I have known about this beautiful waterfall known as the “Devil’s Punch Bowl” here in the San Diego area. It is an attraction for hikers, swimmers, and the rough & rowdy with their drugs and alcohol. The latter was the crowd I actively planned to avoid while in pursuit of this surreal and peaceful rural area. I strive to enjoy nature, not destroy it. The easiest part of the hike is a little over 2 miles downhill, heading towards the waterfall. A relaxing swim in the water is a great way to prepare you for the difficult hike back up. I was ready for this challenging experience!

Friday morning a couple of adventurers and I planned for an early hike around 930am to avoid the wild stampede of ignorant humanity. After studying up on the many dangers of this hike, we came prepared with; as much water & Gatorade as we could carry, no pets to torture, an abundance of sunscreen and of course our swimsuits to enjoy the refreshing swim at the bottom of the trail.

As we arrived at the parking area it appeared that we just may have been in luck. Judging by the few cars parked at the trail head, we would be allowed to enjoy the scenery in it’s natural peacefulness. We started to prepare for our hike and made sure we had everything with us. Of course I had to poke and prod at the guys to put on their sunscreen before the hike, and after much grumbling and groaning I succeeded in doing so. I’m not too keen on hanging out around whining lobsters, so I was merely thinking of myself!

We began our hike at 940am. I’ll admit I was the reason we were running a teensy bit behind because someone’s alarm never went off when it was supposed to! The head of the trail was already so breathtaking and serene. Pure, natural silence was among us and I felt so energized as I took a breath of unpolluted air. I felt a small pang of jealousy for the small line of houses overlooking the gorgeous desert hills and valleys. If my mother lived in Southern California, this is exactly where she would be. The ledges along the hike were alarmingly steep and one wrong step could send a hiker tumbling hundreds of painful feet to the valley floor. Monstrous rocks were scattered along the entire trail for precocious hikers to climb upon and admire. We were on a time limit so I regretfully had to leave this part of the adventure for a future visit.

Along the steep hike down we saw countless lizards ranging from bitty babies to full grown beauties. Like natural daredevils, they enjoyed tempting their fate as they zigzagged across the trail underneath our moving feet. Many of them were missing tails thanks to the birds who failed to catch a scrumptious meal for their famished baby chicks.  The trail was littered with winding snake trails leaving a warning for hikers of what sized snakes were looming in their vicinity. Many of these trails were alarming thick, so we kept a very close eye out for rattlers in our midst.

Within 20 minutes of the waterfall we began encountering the streams of water riddled with stones to hop across as with my previous hike. This is my favorite part of hiking. I love the challenge of making it across the chilly water without slipping off a rock. There were numerous times were I precariously teetering on a stone catching my balance and even once, defeated, I splashed one of my feet into the stream. As we proceeded along the hike I continued to slather sunscreen across my already burnt shoulders, hoping that I could keep them safe despite their menacing, pink glow.

Once we reached the waterfall entrance we had to maneuver through and over a series of huge boulders but we made it through unscathed. Around the water were mainly huge rocks for people to lounge on like the many lizards along the hike. The waterfall was breathtaking. It was nearly 100 ft tall and flowing vigorously. The air around us was refreshingly cool and breezy and I immediately began feeling rejuvenated for the hike back up.

Once we were stripped down to our swimsuits, the boys immediately scrambled up the cliff overlooking the water. They were ready to bravely leap off into the water below. What they didn’t know was how cold the water would be when they hit. It took their breath away, but it they looked exhilarated as they surfaced and were full of smiles. Being the wimp I am I gently eased into the water off of the side of a rock and tortured myself as more of my body became shocked by the cold water. Once I began swimming around it felt amazing. Jason and I decided to swim over to the rope swing and indulge in a couple jumps before we had to make the hike back uphill. Jason went first and didn’t get nearly enough momentum. As he struggled through a second swing towards the water I found great amusement in his ungraceful sideways flop into the water below. When my turn came, I confidently outshone him with a graceful push off the cliff and a kick off the flat rock and I arched brilliantly into the water, coming up with a defiantly victorious grin on my face. I had won.

Once we swam back over, we all dried ourselves off and prepared for our long hike back up the hills. We had already gone through most of our fluids and I was worried me may run out before we reached the end. Once again, I badgered the boys to put more sunscreen on. Jason’s glaringly white skin was already looking a little pink. I thoroughly enjoyed giggling at his sourpuss face as I rubbed the lotion into his face and shoulders, and then we were off!

As we proceeded on our hike up a wonderful light breeze helped to keep us cool as we braved the climb that has been said to claim pets’ lives, peoples’ health and even a few unfit trekkers who had to be airlifted out. Despite the claims I wasn’t intimidated. I knew I was tough, in shape and well hydrated. As we climbed upward we encountered swarms of people heading down towards the water, very few of which looked like your typical nature-appreciating hikers. We were thankful that we just missed the rowdy crowds of teens and college kids. Impressively, after just an hour we had finished the trek back up, despite it being more difficult then the hike down. We were thirsty and hungry but we felt accomplished.

The next day as I awoke and stood up, my entire legs screamed at me in protest. It appears that I had successfully used every muscle in my legs and my glutes which I unknowingly neglect during my typical workout. Walking was a difficult task that day but now I am determined to continue with these uphill/downhill treks to not only enjoy nature, but to keep myself fit and healthy!

-Phoenix

Idk, ask Magneto :)

To the bird outside our window every single night, chirping away with his 20+ different songs:

You’re supposed to sing when the sun rises, not after the sun sets! If I didn’t love animals so much I would knock that bird out of the tree with a pellet gun or at least throw some shoes at him. He is such a persistent little shit singing from the beginning of the night, straight through to the next morning. I guess he aspires to be an owl?

Who knows!

-Phoenix

Onyxia, Destroyer of Bugs

I believe it is “weak” to you because it takes a person with creativity, inspiration & knowledge of CSS/HTML to thoroughly understand and enjoy this rapidly emerging website :) Thank goodness something new and thought-provoking came along to eventually destroy the mind-numbing void called Facebook!

Today I finally got to enjoy my first hike in San Diego.

Jason and I decided to go to the easy hiking trail right near our house called Los Penasquitos Canyon. I have to say that I haven’t seen such a naturally beautiful area of San Diego since I first moved here in 2008. We started at the east end of the trail and once we passed all of the ritzy houses at the beginning of the trail, the hike became so peaceful and beautiful.

Along the way there was an abundance what I lovingly called “vermin”, which seemed to be a type of ground squirrel. They were cute little buggers and I enjoyed watching them run around us. I also saw so many pretty dragonflies, moths and butterflies drifting lazily in the air around us; along with some other bugs I was a bit wary of. Watching them fly around gave the hike such a peaceful quality.

While searching for the creek, we stumbled upon a little “forest” that quickly became a bit unsettling. We had to dodge countless spiderwebs holding little spiders that were just waiting to catch us, along with the bugs, in their traps. I have to admit that I am guilty of letting out a few girly shrieks as I found a couple spiders crawling on my arms. Thankfully Jason started walking ahead of me in order to keep me safe from the deadly little things….it was probably just to shut me up but I’d prefer to commend his bravery instead. ;)

After escaping the spider-filled trees, we finally found our way to the relaxing creek area which I found so adorable. The creek had a little dock in the middle of it and there were protruding rocks along each side, in the water, which allowed the hikers to hop across to get to the dock. Oddly enough, my accident-prone self was able to gracefully hop across the rocks and we sat on the dock for awhile to take in the sound of the water flowing around us. I loved it.

The hike was very easy and I plan to try something a bit more difficult next time. But, for being within minutes of our house I will enjoy visiting this area for impromptu hiking cravings. It was so refreshing to be able to spend time with Jason outdoors without any electronic distractions. We had some great bonding time and I can’t wait to enjoy many more hikes with him over the summer :)

-Phoenix

(Source: yelp.com)