Travels and Adventures

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Valencia Peak Trail - 7/27/13

IMG_7576, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The view from the summit of Valencia Peak - soooo beautiful on this sunshiney day.

Morro Bay - Sea Otter - 7/22/13

cr_otters2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Yoga - otter style

Morro Bay - Sea Otters - 7/22/13

cr_otters3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Mama and her baby :)

Morro Bay - Sea Otter - 7/22/13

cr_otters13, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

open up and say ahhhhh

Monday, August 05, 2013

Morro Bay - Sea Otters - 7/22/13

cr_otters4, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Morro Bay - Sea Otters - 7/22/13

cr_otters8, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Morro Bay - Sea Otters - 7/22/13

cr_otters10, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Morro Bay - Sea Otters - 7/22/13

cr_otters11, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Otters = CUTE!

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail - parking lot view of valencia peak(1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Hazard Peak is located in Montana de Oro State Park in Los Osos, CA. There is no fee to get into this park.

From the Hazard Peak parking lot, you can see Valencia Peak in the background. You don't really get a good view of Hazard Peak until after you make your way out of the eucalyptus grove.

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Hazard Peak Trail is a 3-mile hike to the summit. Over the 3 miles, you climb about 1025 feet in elevation, so the trail is not overly steep, but rather, a gradual climb. Not too many level areas on the trail. On sunny days it can get rather warm, and there is very little shade. The narrow trail is open to hikers and bikes. No dogs are allowed on the trail. And if you ride a bike on the trail, bike bells are encouraged.

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (5), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Shade is a rare commodity on Hazard Peak Trail. Aside from the shade of this eucalyptus grove, there is no shade at all on the trail. Bring your hat, sunscreen and plenty of water on this trail.

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (11), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

View from the Hazard Peak Trail.

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (14), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This gopher snake was using the trail to warm itself up. I got close to the snake, but it didn't even move. I took a few pics, then walked away, leaving the snake in peace :)

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (30), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Hazard Peak is a popular mountain biking trail, but I hiked it on foot.

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (25), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The view from the summit is pretty awesome. You can see Morro Bay far below. It was even better since it was a sunny day :)

Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13

hazard peak trail (22), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

For some reason, I had thought this was a 2 mile one-way hike to the summit, but, it turned out it was a 3-mile hike.

Hazard Peak Trail - Lizard - 7/22/13

cr_lizard_hazard peak trail, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The lizards in this area are rather colorful, like this guy.

Hazard Peak Trail - Baby Rattlesnake - 7/22/13

cr_baby rattler_hazard peak trail, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

About a quarter of a mile from the trail head on the way back to my car, I found this little guy on the side of the trail. I almost didn't see him. And I wouldn't have, if a lizard sitting near him hadn't jumped and run and caught my attention. Cool!