Jesse and I both did the Spooner’s Cove Trail Run but he did not have the opportunity to run up Valencia Peak since his 5 mile course did not include it while my 8 mile course did. It was a hard climb but so worth the views when you made it to the top. We finally had a day off together and decided to make the hourish trip up to this wonderful park so that he could have the chance to make it to the top of Valencia Peak.
It was a much better weather day. If you remember from the Spooner’s Cove post, the day of the run it was wet and cold and very rainy. This time it was a beautiful, cool but not cold day. Plus I had bought a new running hydration pack and I was dying to try it out. It is a Mountain Hard wear one that has two big pockets in the front, one small zipper pocket, one small Velcro pocket and two pouches in the back. One of them holds my water bladder and the other holds things like my phone, map and a light jacket. I love it! It worked perfect for this trek of about 4 miles or so.
When we got to Spooner’s Cove we could see that the ocean was angry, huge waves and very frothy. The sea foam was blowing up over the bluffs the wind and waves were so strong. It was quite the sight to see and a reason why I have a healthy respect for the power of the ocean.
After gazing at the waves for a bit we started our hike up to the peak. We followed a different route than what the race took us that first time and it was a little bit more straight up. As we kept climbing and it got steeper there were a lot more switchbacks. I have noticed that is something they do a lot here in CA on the trails leading up to peaks; lots of switchbacks with alternating views of the mountains and ocean. You could even see Morro Bay in the distance. I love this park since there are just miles and miles of trails to explore and you can see then weaving through the hills as you climb up to the peak.
We finally made it to the top and took in the views; the mountains to one side and the ocean to the other. It was a good climb of over 1,000 feet in about 2ish miles. We sat at the top and had some snacks that I carried in my new pack and took in the surroundings. After some pictures and basking in the sun we headed back down to the Jeep. This time we ran most of the way down, it was exhilarating. I used to be nervous about running downhill but here at this park it doesn’t seem so scary. We made it down fairly quickly and stopped at the Jeep to unload and grab our PB&J sandwiches that we made. Since we weren’t quite ready to leave yet we walked along the bluff trail and ate our sandwich while looking at the ocean.
It really is amazing out here in CA and I love this park. I am so glad we found it. Another discovery from the Spooner’s Cove run was that we met up with Melissa from Raleigh. We met her again today after our Valencia Peak hike. Los Osos is a cute town that she lives in and she took us to a little brewery there that looks like it used to be someone’s home. The beer and food were great and so was the company. We had a fun time chatting and catching up.
It was another great day out here on the West coast. I am still often amazed that we are out here. I guess I never thought I would live in CA. I am glad we are here though, enjoying our surroundings and meeting new friends and old ones. Can’t wait for the next fun adventure!
(73)
