Proctor Valley and Pioneer

In Jamul on Proctor Valley Rd just a smidge east of Pioneer Way is a place to park a vehicle and enter into the Daley Ranch nature preserve. About a mile or so down the main trail there starts random forks in the trails so the hikes range from about 5 miles to much longer and path can range from flat, rolling hills, to small mountains. The view down from our first hill:

I have come to learn that hiking w/ Maria means spending some time off of the trail and creating our own way. Certainly not a bad thing, but it does mean wear pants (to prevent poison oak or scratches on legs) and to prepare to get sticky plant stuck in shoes. These shimmery guys (foxtail?) stuck to everything from the ankle down. We had to stop several times to disengage them from their free acupuncture treatments.

I have another friend w/ a dog named Copper. Copper did a fantastic job of keeping up, running ahead, running back, and patiently waiting for us at the forks in the trail. Great hiking buddy. And Copper loved the creek that ran through part of the trail as you can see from his damp muzzle.

The goal of the hike was the old brick foundry located in the middle of a field. I used to enjoy seeing the old ruins of WWII military facilities along the ocean during my Bay Area hikes, so it was a treat to see this crumbling façade among the golden grains. The creek barred us at first from making our way to it.

But another path lead around to the building. There was a little fence around w/ no trespassing signs, but we concluded they were for decorative purposes only. I adore all the succulents that are some how growing out of the top rim of the roof.

The view up one of the smoke towers.

The view up the second hole inside. As you can possibly tell, the birds are rather found of this structure (though none were seen or heard while we were there.)

The walk back was very relaxing; it was low-mid 70's w/ a warmish breeze. And we got to see a tarantula scurry into it's hole along the path. My hiking buddy Maria, who can hike 12 miles like no body's business. And again, the wonderful Copper.

I swear I slathered sun screen on quite liberally before hiking, but here is yet another picture of me w/ a stupid looking sunburn. Some day I'll remember that if I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt, when I take it off most of the sun screen will be coming off w/ it & I need to put more on. Sigh. Excellent hike, though.