Looking for a Hike

After doing so much touring by car, we were ready to get out and hike.  I found Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park which seemed to have what we wanted.  Well, it was a pretty remarkable place situated in congested Orange County, but it would have been perfect if we had brought our bicycles instead of our hiking sticks.

For the first mile and a half, we traveled along a paved road.

These homeowners on the ridge must water partway down the hill.  I'm wondering if that's for aesthetic reasons or fire prevention.  Or perhaps to hold the cliff in place.

Coincidentally, we spotted some California poppies in California.

Even when the trail left the paved road, it was still perfect for bikes.  Here Ron poses next to the largest Elderberry bush (tree) I've ever seen.

We went another 9/10 of a mile to Dripping Cave, which was reportedly used in the 1870s as a hideout for stagecoach robbers.

(I know, terrible picture.)

Although the trail was getting more interesting, we turned around there for a round-trip of 4.8 miles. It felt good.

Oh, and I have a picture that I forgot to post from Old Town San Diego.

Is it just me or is this hysterically funny?