GET OUTSIDE!!!!

Well, with the usual mad rush of the holidays and the passing of 2015 WELL behind us, 2016 is already shaping up to be an interesting year!! California is FINALLY seeing rain and snow, helping to ease California’s historic drought.  But before I go on, I must ask: were you one of the many people who partook in REI’s “OptOutside” campaign on Black Friday??

If you’re wondering what it’s all about, I’ll try to shed some light on the subject.  It was started by REI CEO Jerry Stritzke, who decided to have all of REI’s stores closed on Black Friday, and instead encourage their employees and members to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.  Be it hiking, biking, kayaking, even walking, people were encouraged to get outside and enjoy the outdoors! I, like many others, took advantage of “OptOutside” on Black Friday.  While visiting my brother and his family down in Orange County for Thanksgiving, I discovered they only live 20-25 minutes west of a segment of the Cleveland National Forest.  Well, I found that out BEFORE I l went down to Orange County, so I made sure to pack my hiking gear.

The segment of the forest I was in is supervised by the Trabuco Ranger District, and straddles Orange and Riverside Counties.  The trail I hiked was the first trail I found right off Highway 74……the San Juan Loop Trail, which is an easy 2.1 loop trail.

The sign for the loop trail I was on.

A view of the mountains and canyon.

Looking down into the canyon

Despite the stormy-looking clouds, the weather was actually quite decent that day, and there was no rain!!

The trail alongside a dry creek bed.

Fall colors along the trail!

A view from the trail.

A view of Lake Elsinore in Riverside County.  Well, this shot was taken after the hike, and outside the forest boundaries.

It turned out to be a nice and pleasant hike that day.  I do have a feeling that when I visit my brother and his family again, I will be visiting Cleveland National Forest again in the future!

And of course, I had to take time for a selfie while on the trail!

I hope you enjoyed the small tour of my hike in the Cleveland National Forest.  If you ever find yourself in Orange County, be sure to check out the Cleveland National Forest.  As always, I welcome your comments and questions!

Until next time…..

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