It was a dark and stormy night...

Actually, it was only slightly stormy. Most areas got a little bit of rain the night before the hike, and I got a few drops as I waited at the trailhead.

Mostly, it was partly cloudy and cool, but rather WINDY, especially at the summit. We tarried at the summit just long enough to enjoy the views and snap a picture. Then we headed back down.

There were four people and two dogs in our group, although we saw about a dozen other people on the trail.

A few flowers were in bloom, most notably some lupines near the bottom.

We looked down on Scissors Crossing, but we didn't see any fire. I guess they'd already extinguished it.

We returned to the trailhead about 12:30 PM.

 

We'll be hiking up Volcan Mountain in Julian, partly along an unpaved access road and partly along a scenic trail. The total distance is about seven miles. The views from the summit are well worth the climb. A tower at the summit once held a beacon light, which was used by pilots to find their way at night before the advent of GPS (Global Positioning Systems).

Volcan Mountain was considered for the Hale Telescope, which was eventually built on Mt. Palomar.

Leashed dogs are permitted.

More information about Volcan Mountain can be found on the County website at www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/openspace/Volcan_Mountain_Wilderness.html

We'll meet at entrance to Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve at 1209 Farmer Rd. in Julian, just north of Wynola Road (Thomas 1136 B3, N 33^o 6.31' W 116^o 36.15').

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take I-8 east and Highway 67 north through Ramona. Continue on Highway 78 to Julian. At the all-way stop in downtown Julian, turn left on Farmer Rd. Turn right on Wynola Rd., go a short distance (about 500 feet) and turn left into another part of Farmer Rd. The preserve entrance is on the right. Park on either side of Farmer Rd.

The nominal starting time is 10:00 AM. The hike leader will be at the parking area by 9:30, and at 10:15 we will hit the trail.

Wear good hiking shoes and suitable layered clothing and take water, lunch, and sun protection. Take a camera if you wish. You may want to call 858-675-8706 for the latest weather information.

Heavy rain will close the preserve and cancel the hike.