Photo: Miner’s Ridge Loop – Black Mountain

Hello Hikers!

There was a small fire in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area on Saturday morning, just northwest of Penny Pines. A 911 caller reported the fire around 3 am, and it was contained at approximately 1.5 acres. Investigators have not yet determined the cause. Please note that within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area camping outside of established campgrounds is NOT ALLOWED, and campfires are not allowed outside of approved fire rings in campgrounds and picnic areas.

A new Nature Center has opened at the Batiquitos Lagoon. The new modular building replaces the old construction trailer that housed the old Nature Center. It also sounds like other changes are coming to the Lagoon as part of a transportation improvement project, which will include widening I-5 with a new bridge that will include a separate span for pedestrians and cyclists, and a trail underneath the bridge that will connect existing trails along the lagoon that currently end on either side of the freeway.

The invasive Shot Hole Borer Beetle has been found in the Elfin Forest area, prompting the Escondido Creek Conservancy to close some trails to hopefully prevent it from spreading further. I’m trying to get more details on exactly where the closures are, but according the SDMBA Facebook page, its trails within the the Escondido Creek Conservancy, west of Elfin Forest Recreation Reserve. It sounds like the Reserve itself is still open. We’ll keep you posted with any updates, but please respect any closure notices you encounter – the effects of this creature can be absolutely devastating.

The Perseid meteor showers will be peaking this week on Thursday night through Friday morning. The best viewing will be after 1 a.m. once the moon has set.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

• Save on Mission Multi-Cool cooling buff and more
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• Vasque Hiking Shoes Under $100

Have a good week!

Photo: Knott Grove

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got out last night to view the eclipse! It’s been another hot weekend, and it looks like its going to stay fairly warm throughout the week. Remember you can always wake up super early for a nice sunrise hike to beat the heat.

Next Sunday you can head over to Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve to Walk With a Tracker. Join Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve docent, Mike Gibbs, as he leads a leisurely two to three hour walk discussing animal signs found along the trails and the animal behaviors associated with those signs. For more information, visit the Escondido Creek Conservancy page or check out our Events page for even more upcoming hikes and events.

South Bay hikers may be interested in attending a public workshop held by the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department on October 5, from 6pm – 8pm. The County of San Diego has launched a study to assess the feasibility of additional camping and recreational opportunities for Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, and this is your opportunity to provide your input! The meeting will be at the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Ranger Station at 2721 Monument Road, San Diego, CA 92154.

There’s not much exciting at Amazon this week, but if you’re looking for some new workout gear you might find some of these deals worthwhile:

• 25% or More Off Select New Balance Apparel for Men
• 25% or More Off Select New Balance Apparel for Women
• Up to 30% Off Select Women’s Running Jackets
• Up to 30% Off Select Men’s Running Jackets

REI members: next Saturday, October 3 is the members-only Garage Sale where you can get some fantastic deals on used items. Sale is in-store only, so if there’s some gear you’ve had on your list for awhile, don’t miss it!

Have a good week!

Hello Hikers!

I think I’m having weather deja vu – it’s been another hot weekend, and we have the possibility of rain to look forward to early this week as well. Personally, I am ready for fall.

If you heard about the creeper who was stalking female hikers in the San Bernadino area, we are happy to share that a suspect was arrested last Thursday.

Also in recent news is this story about more poor judgement when dealing with a rattlesnake. A man walking at Chollas Lake on Wednesday attempted to move a rattlesnake off the trail with his bare hands and was bitten in the process. He was transported to the hospital for treatment and his injuries did not appear life-threatening. The best thing to do if you encounter a rattlesnake is to give it wide berth and leave it alone. If you do feel the need to get it off the trail for your own safety or the safety of other trail users, you can toss small rocks or sticks in its general direction (do not attempt to HIT the snake) to encourage it off the trail. Don’t ever try to grab a rattlesnake with your bare hands, I don’t care how many episodes of Crocodile Hunter you’ve watched.

Next Sunday, September 27, we will have a Supermoon Lunar Eclipse! In San Diego, the moon will rise partially eclipsed at 6:36 pm. The total eclipse beings at 7:11 pm, maximum eclipse is at 7:47 pm, and it ends at 8:23 pm (check out www.timeanddate.com for more). There are plenty of activities scheduled if you’re looking for a group:

• The Friends of Rose Canyon are hosting an eclipse viewing hike from 6:30 – 8:00.
• The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy will be having a Full Moon Hike at San Dieguito Lagoon from 7:00 – 9:00. Register here: http://form.jotform.us/form/51706110881146.
• There will be eclipse viewing at the Anza Borrego State Park Visitor’s Center from 6:30 – 8:30.

Of course you can also head out on your own for an eclipse-viewing night hike. Some of our favorite night spots are Iron Mountain, Cowles Mountain, and Garnet Peak. Make sure you bring your headlamps and extra batteries, since it will obviously be particularly dark with no moonlight!

Here’s the latest outdoor deals from Amazon:

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Have a good week!