Hello Hikers!
I hope everyone safely survived the hot weekend. According to the National Weather Service, the current high pressure system should be letting up a bit, leading to an expanded marine layer and somewhat cooler temperatures later this week.
As usual when the weather gets hot, there have been a number of incidents along the trails, especially near Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters Falls. Last Tuesday, a 24 year old was evacuated by helicopter and later died while hiking back from Cedar Creek Falls. On Thursday, a woman was evacuated from the Three Sisters Falls trail after suffering an asthma attack, and later that afternoon another hiker in the area had to be evacuated by helicopter after being overcome by the heat. Remember, no matter how good of shape you’re in or how much water you’re carrying, sometimes it is just TOO HOT! Check the weather forecast before you head out, and during these crazy heat waves, consider a coastal hike instead of venturing out to the sweltering inland areas.
The City of Chula Vista has announced they will be installing fences and “No Trespassing” signs to close off access to local use trails used to climb Mt. Miguel. The City says this is part of an effort to protect sensitive habitat and protected species that inhabit the area, however a number of people have speculated that the real motive behind the closure is to appease nearby homeowners who have complained about being disturbed by hikers. Trespassing in California can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor under the Penal Code with penalties of up to six (6) months in county jail and/or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000). South Bay hikers who wish to climb a mountain will now have to travel 20 miles or more to the closest peaks at Mission Trails or McGinty Mountain in Jamul. Let’s hope they all have electric cars!
If you’re looking for a South Bay hike without risk of being arrested, head to the Tijuana Estuary on Saturday for a Nature Walk! The Tijuana Estuary protects a variety of plant communities and wildlife. Come and discover the richness that unfolds around the Visitor Center, be it upland plant adaptations or the significance of our estuarine habitat. Walks begin at the Visitor Center. All ages welcome. Visit the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Calendar for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and activities.
This week Amazon has some nice deals on camping gear and outdoor/fitness clothing:
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- Save Up To 40% on Select Victorinox Knives
- Up to 25% Off Select Men’s Exercise & Fitness Tops
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- 40% off Columbia Outdoor Clothing
Have a good week!
