Granted, my outfit wasn't really hiking-appropriate, but we went to the beach afterwards so I kind of got my priorities sorted.
The
first time I discovered to the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, my
boyfriend's mum took us there for a hike. I didn't take my camera
with me and just wanted to enjoy our little walk, but when I saw the
place I promptly asked that we come back again. A couple days later,
in the middle of a heatwave, apparently (didn't feel that hot
though, Paris in the heat feels far worse) we were there again to
walk one of the numerous trails and enjoy some beach time.
The
first thing you see when you arrive there is the beach, but don't
stay there. The more you walk, the better the views get and I highly
recommend you climb the paths leading to the hiking trails. It's a
bit of a steep walk, especially on warm days, but absolutely worth
it. And you don't need to be a hike afficionado to do it. A pair of
walking shoes and some water and you're ready to go.
From
there the views are already great, but it's when you reach the hiking
trails that it gets really exciting. They are very easy to follow and
the paths are delimited by rope so as to avoid dangerous routes. Walk
all the way to the top and you'll have an incredible view over the
whole Reserve.
The
bright blue of the sky clashes with the deep red of the rocks,
reminding you that yes, this is a desert. This landscape is unlike
any other I had ever seen before, and pictures fail to capture how
beautiful and colourful the whole place is.
Resuming
our walk, we took the path to the Yuca Viewpoint, which leads
directly onto an extensive view of the Pacific. That part was my
favourite, because walking along these trails allow you to see the
whole area. If you're lucky, there won't be many people around and
you'll have the place to yourself.
On
one side, the red, sandy rocks, on the other, the sparkling blue
ocean. Which one would be your favourite?
Still
deciding on which one to choose.
After
admiring the view, it's time to get up close to that deep blue ocean.
Just follow the sign...
A
few steps down, and you are rewarded for all the hiking by a
wonderful, almost empty part of the beach, hidden by the cliffs. We
put our towels down and enjoyed the light breeze, hoping in the water
and looking for sand crabs.
My
boyfriend got some pretty, colourful stones from the ocean that I am
going to bring back to my mum. He then proceeded, on my request, to
try and take photos of me in water, but that didn't turn out so well.
However there's one that sums up quite well my feeling and the
constant facial expression I had that day.
A
happy bunny.
Oh,
and I've finally made my choice between the sea and the rocks.
...
I pick his silly face over everything else.
Do you like hiking? Or do you prefer a lazy afternoon on the beach?
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
