The GeekHiker

(Many, many pictures from this one.  Be sure to click on the Flickr link at the end!)

Located just south of the county line between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is an example of the kinds of wetlands that used to be all up and down the West Coast.  Largely destroyed by development (only about 9% of natural wetlands remain in California), Bolsa Chica is an example of what was and a key to keeping what remains.

About five miles of trails loop through the Reserve, all relatively flat.  The path I’ve described below covers most of the distance, but you can shorten it and change the route to suit your needs.  A map of the trail system can be picked up at the interpretive center (see directions below).

Be sure to bring a camera, as the whole area teems with life.

Read More…

I’ll admit it, trail running just has no appeal for me.

Everything I enjoy about hiking, the sights, smells, taking photographs, wildlife, drinking in the views, all of it, would be missed if I were trail running.  Heck, most trail runners spend their time, at least from what I can tell, looking down at the trail so they don’t hit a rock or root and fall on their face.  Nah, not for me.

But that’s me.  If trail running is a person’s thing, well, that’s their thing, and I’d never presume to tell someone that how they choose to enjoy the outdoors is right or wrong.

Read More…