Bear Canyon Trail

Last Monday, Gail and I wanted a long, unspoiled hike somewhere new.  We decided on trying a hike in the Cleveland National Forest, about 40 miles to the northeast from here.

What!?  This is the trail head?  Every trail head should have its own candy store!  This is out in the middle of nowhere!

The candy store also operates as sort of a hiking information office, where the kind ladies gave us maps and answered our questions.  In return, we bought delicious gourmet treats - chocolate covered caramel with sea salt, and gourmet peanut brittle.

 The 9 mile hike was pure chaparral, a plant community that is being wiped out in Southern California.

Here I am burning off empty calories.  We didn't see another person on the whole hike.  The weather has begun to cool, so the heat was no problem.

 The scenery was subtle, but natural and clean.  A pleasant day.