Wildwood Canyon Autumn

Earlier this week, my husband and I went for a hike at a nearby canyon with nice and easy walking trails. It is only a half hour away from home and we plan to go back and check out the other trails. We walked the Oak Tree Loop at Wildwood Canyon (Map). 

It is a California State Park. I borrowed a pass from the public library, so there was no cost involved. It has plenty of parking (we were there at 6 AM on a Tuesday, September 30th). We were the only hikers on the trail until the very end when we encountered two ladies heading in and asking us about the trails and mountain lions. (There was a sign posted at the trailhead, warning about mountain lions and rattlesnakes.)

It was a beautiful experience. The morning light enhanced the autumn colors. Here are some favorite moments on the trail. Clicking on the image will enlarge it. 

6:25 AM Sunrise giving the clouds a bit of color

What happened here? 

A huge stone fireplace stands in a field, inside old ranchstyle fence posts. There is no sign of a recent fire, no charred trees or ground. No sign of demolition. What happened to the building that was here? What was it? We ventured in to investigate. Very photogenic! 

Tiny yellow buds and puffs of a weed

The stone fireplace up close and towering

This begs for a revival. I envision building something around it, preserving this magnificent stone fireplace. 

Dark rust-colored dry weeds and tiny white blooms

Empty concrete square, graffiti, corner broken open

Half buried smashed metal washtub full of dead leaves

What is the story of this object, buried for how long? What smashed it? Horse? Deer? Teenagers? Something used to be happening in this place. There are concrete foundations, no signage, just curiously scattered on the landscape. Stubborn occupants. Deaths insist on preserving their stories. 

Deer! Really tall ears! 

I looked up ahead and saw the silhouette below the trees. A single doe standing tall, staring at us. She was not too skittish. She did not run away. As we slowly neared the top of the slope where she stood, she moseyed off the trail into the shrubs and showed us how fast and high she could jump when she feels a need to distance herself from people.

Doe forages on foliage near trail, keeps an eye on us

Doe continues to eat and watch us as we slowly approach

And then she darted away ever so gracefully.

Subtle autumn colors in the field against backdrop of green oak trees

Oli and I selfie with autumn field background

The sun was still not over the crest of these mountains. It was slightly chilly, but comfortable. 

Bright blue sky emerges from white clouds, green hills, autumn field of native plants

Tall oak, layers of scenery, blue and white sky

Blue and white sky, red dirt trail between native shrubs, various colors

Fluffy white thingy, some kind of blossom turned to seed, dry brown oak leaves on grounds

Abandoned house, boarded up nicely, big pinion pine tree

Steps and walkway to the abandoned house

Again, I was fascinated that this property is just sitting here like this. It's a fantastic view. Who owns this? Why aren't they renovating it? Is it state-owned? What's the history of this somewhat preserved dilapidated structure? 

It had electricity (light socket in broken walkway post)

Woodpeckers have gone to town on the porch beam, and the holes are filled with acorns or pine nuts

Rusted remains of a porch lamp, two wires dangling

View of the back of the house, colorful bricks

Lower level entrance, fantastic stone work on this property

Manzanita tree

At last, the sun is over the peak and radiates warmth through the oak grove

This oak grove goes on and on

Gorgeous autumn rust, sage, ambers and greens

Windmill - and a young deer!

Young deer runs to mama!

The Oak Trail Loop is definitely a satisfying morning hike!

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