As mentioned in an earlier post, this year’s annual Black Friday Family Hike had to be more like a walk due to injury. For something both short ‘n’ pretty, I decided on a trek to walk over the new David Kreitzer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge at Lake Hodges.
The pathway/trail to the bridge is easy to reach from a concrete entrance at the end of Sunset Ave. in southern Escondido. I’d run numerous times along the nearby Mule Hill Trail and another used in the old San Dieguito River 10k Trail Run, but this was my first on this path. We were close to the chaos at the North County Faire mall but miles away in terms of scenery and seclusion.
The path initially parallels the 15 freeway, then goes under it. The bridge is within easy sight on the other side.
There are signs – and signs – that this area was hit hard by the 2007 wildfires.
Another natural disaster also was in plain sight: long-term drought. While on the bridge I recognized part of a 10k trail race route on the Rancho Bernardo side that I’d last run a few years back. Then, the trail was surrounded by water on the lakefront side. Today, there are only spiny, desiccated stalks and cracked earth where part of the lake used to be.
When the bridge was dedicated in May, it became the longest stressed ribbon bridge in the world, according to Wikipedia. Learn more and see photos of its construction and note that throughout, the bridge is above water.
From the bridge, you can run, walk or cycle for many miles on soft earthen trails that hug the reservoir, or what’s left of it. Everyone we passed that morning seemed in good spirits, and I noted that not one runner or walker had on earbuds. Smart people. The trails aren’t always wide, and the best way to avoid a collision is to stay alert. I’ll definitely be back, perhaps with my bike or maybe just a water bottle and walking shoes.
My fellow hikers at the end of our brief but beautiful journey. (Once again, our older daughter couldn't come home for Thanksgiving, but I promise to make it up to her at Christmas.)
The pathway/trail to the bridge is easy to reach from a concrete entrance at the end of Sunset Ave. in southern Escondido. I’d run numerous times along the nearby Mule Hill Trail and another used in the old San Dieguito River 10k Trail Run, but this was my first on this path. We were close to the chaos at the North County Faire mall but miles away in terms of scenery and seclusion.
The path initially parallels the 15 freeway, then goes under it. The bridge is within easy sight on the other side.
There are signs – and signs – that this area was hit hard by the 2007 wildfires.
Another natural disaster also was in plain sight: long-term drought. While on the bridge I recognized part of a 10k trail race route on the Rancho Bernardo side that I’d last run a few years back. Then, the trail was surrounded by water on the lakefront side. Today, there are only spiny, desiccated stalks and cracked earth where part of the lake used to be.
When the bridge was dedicated in May, it became the longest stressed ribbon bridge in the world, according to Wikipedia. Learn more and see photos of its construction and note that throughout, the bridge is above water.
From the bridge, you can run, walk or cycle for many miles on soft earthen trails that hug the reservoir, or what’s left of it. Everyone we passed that morning seemed in good spirits, and I noted that not one runner or walker had on earbuds. Smart people. The trails aren’t always wide, and the best way to avoid a collision is to stay alert. I’ll definitely be back, perhaps with my bike or maybe just a water bottle and walking shoes.
My fellow hikers at the end of our brief but beautiful journey. (Once again, our older daughter couldn't come home for Thanksgiving, but I promise to make it up to her at Christmas.)
10 comments:
Very interesting bridge path story. Looks like a great place to ride a bike.
PS.
You guys could use some of the rain we are languishing in...
It sure was a beautiful day and it looks like you find a nice way to enjoy it.
Looks like a beautiful area! And what a cool bridge! I'm sorry you couldn't "hike or run" it but at least you were out with your family!!
I hope you had a great thanksgiving!
That was such a nice place to run this summer but it really looks even drier in your pictures. That was interesting about the bridge, I didn't know it was famous. So happy you enjoyed BF and stayed away from the malls, me too!
Nice pictures. Thanks for sharing!
It's been a few years since I've been on the 15 over by Lake Hodges, but the last time I was there I remember seeing water! The lack of rain is pretty distressing these days. It's supposedto be raining now, but as I look outside I see nothing but blue sky above!
Great pictures! We both wrote blogs about the same general are and how dry it is.
I haven't been on that side of the San Dieguito River park in a while... I can't believe how little water is left in our beautiful lake!! That makes me sad.
I was going to run out there today but the rain (yay... wonderful rain) kept me from it.
I really hope we get another El Nino winter. Remember the last one we had? Lake Hodges was overflowing!
Next time you go hiking or walking out here, let me know! I love hiking out there. Daley Ranch is a cool place to hike, too. Have you ever been there? It's also in Escondido. :)
Just when I think I've run/rode just about EVERYWHERE in San Diego County, you go and show me yet another place that I haven't been to yet.
You, Sara, and Irene should write about us needing rain more often :-)
any family outing is always good especially on Black Friday. thanks for sharing the pictures.
looks terrific. too bad about the drought though.
i love thanksgiving hikes. missed ours this year cuz we were too busy SHOPPING. ugh. :)
Beautiful pictures, Anne! And that's so sad about that area that's totally become drough-ridden! Wow! You said it was just a few years ago that it had water? Too bad we can't send you some of the snow we've already gotten, or will get this winter!
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