OC Hike #1

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Sun Dec 15, 2013 7:50 pm

Took my first semi-real hike since moving to the OC two weeks ago. Went to Silverado Canyon. There's a visitor center there (pretty small but nice volunteer) and a fire road that goes up the canyon. Didn't know it, but the fire road is open to the public. So, we played "dodge car" through out the hike. Uh, this route not recommended. But there was some cool stuff. And I had a really rad hiking partner.

I was actually fairly impressed with the number of Douglas Firs down in the canyon.

The vegetation and terrain reminded me of some kind of a cross between the Sta Monica Mountains and the front range of the San Gabriels.

There was even some fall color.

There were some good views off to the north once we got up higher.

More on those views under separate cover.

HJ

scottawr · Post by **scottawr** » Mon Dec 16, 2013 1:32 pm

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=33.74728,-11 ... tains%20CA

Silverado motorway goes up the hill and meets the main divide road near bedford peak. maple springs road is the partially paved road in the canyon bottom.

cant quite figure out where you went.

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Mon Dec 16, 2013 2:36 pm

We went up Silverado Canyon on Maple Springs Road. The road follows the canyon at first, then climbs out of the canyon. We drove up the road a ways, but it was a bit too rough for my Honda Accord, so I pulled over in a large turn out, and we walked from there.

Interesting hiking, but I wouldn't recommend it on weekends where the road is open to motor vehicles. Some guys were getting pretty crazy back in there. A little uncomfortable a couple of times.

We only hiked about 4 miles round trip, but Joyce did it entirely under her own steam, which daddy appreciates very much.

HJ

scottawr · Post by **scottawr** » Wed Dec 18, 2013 1:12 pm

I run on the maple spring road on weekdays from time to time.

RichardK · Post by **RichardK** » Wed Dec 18, 2013 6:06 pm

Next time, turn up the old Silverado Motorway. There will be no vehicular traffic. The remains of the road are much too rough for that. Just watch out for mountain bikes on the blind curves. Welcome to the O.C.

Post by **tekewin** » Sat Jan 04, 2014 2:52 pm

Nice photos, HJ.

Shortly after Maple Springs turns to dirt, maybe half a mile up, there is a use trail on the right that leads to Modjeska. It crosses the road a few more times and turns into a fire break just before the junction with Main Divide.

Nice to see your daughter is self powered. I can't believe some of the places you carried her.

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Sat Jan 04, 2014 4:20 pm

Yeah, I saw that firebreak/trail on a satellite photo -- after the hike. Maybe next time.

I've carried Joycie above 10,000' in the Sierra in the snow. That was interesting.

HJ

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Sat Jan 04, 2014 8:10 pm

Very nice, HJ. Joyce gets taller every time you show a picture of her!

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:06 pm

She's getting big all right. She pooped out on a recent hike, and I carried her up hill for three miles. Ouch.

Of course now that she's older, she can prepare my favorite (ahem) "gourmet" lunch.

HJ

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:42 pm

Very nice! Has she mastered white gas stoves yet?

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Sun Jan 05, 2014 9:17 am

Why do you think I call her "my little Svea?"

HJ