October 5, 2013
This post features a family-friendly local San Diego hike, and where to find it.
In August of 2013 we went on a tracking hike in Mission Trails led by docents who were expert in identifying animal tracks. Here you see them showing us how you can draw an “X” in the middle of a coyote track without the lines crossing the toe pads, which apparently you cannot do with a dog print. Who knew?
What you can’t see by the photos was the phenomenal story told to us by the docents. Something about how a road runner ran across the trail here scaring up a cotton-tailed rabbit there, which was then caught dramatically by a red-tailed hawk for dinner.
No! I can’t remember the story word-for-word or even vaguely, but that’s the kind of story the docents tell you based on the faintest lines in the sand.
If this reminds you of the time you and your friends went to a psychic’s house where she read your future in tea leaves and you left $10 lighter but not feeling any more certain about your future, remember that these docent-led hikes are FREE and always a good time!
Check the Park’s “Events” page regularly to find a hike that works for you: Mission Trails Regional Park EVENTS.
In addition to the chicanery described above, you will also get the opportunity to see homes like those which local Native Americans – known as the Kumeyaay – built. Below you see a typical home built by them – a dome-shaped hut called a e’waa (pronounce “ee-wah.”)
This is the lot of us when we broke free from the docents for snacks and complaining.
This is some of the beauty which you will observe while hiking Mission Trails. Remember that you will likely get lost if you wander too far off the trails, with only the circling turkey vultures alerting search parties to your whereabouts.
Thanks for looking, and happy hiking! xo
