New Year's Hike (Wish You Were Here)

I had to get out of the house today for some peace and quiet. Mostly, quiet, as these kids are very peaceful. Not so quiet. I kept seeing all the snow that has recently fallen on the San Bernardino Mountains and thought that I'd head that way so that I could get a good picture of those mountains. I headed east on the 60 and then went north on the Redlands exit to San Timoteo Canyon. I didn't have a destination in mind, just closer to the mountains where I could get a good picture. After just 10 minutes on that road, I found that spot as I looked over and saw four or five people walking among the foothills off to the left. I wondered how they got access to it until I looked ahead and saw a small parking lot with three cars. It must be a local park! I pulled into the parking lot and saw signs for Herngt ‘Aki’ Preserve. The read board was full of interesting information about the trails there and a warning to beware of rattlesnakes. What was so interesting was that you and I have passed by this place many times as we made our way to Angelus Oaks.

I got out and started walking. I was anxious to walk the deep canyon that could sometimes be seen from the road and it was no disappointment. It was easy to access and as i walked, I kept commenting how awesome it would be to photograph you nude in this canyon, which was a thought I'd had every time we've driven by this spot. One day, maybe. I've attached the pictures (and one video) from today herein for you to see and imagine that you were there with me. Here's some information from the official website:

Situated at the southeast corner of Redlands, Herngt ‘Aki’ (“Rattlesnake’s House”) Preserve (sometimes formerly referred to as Live Oak Canyon Open Space) was acquired by City of Redlands between 2012 and 2015. More than 340 acres have been set aside for permanent conservation. Riparian habitat, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub-covered ridges and slopes dominate this property, which is home to the only wild oak grove in Redlands.

Through a 2015 management agreement with the City of Redlands and the 2019 Conservation Easement, Redlands Conservancy is tasked with protecting those values, the property’s natural resource assets. Tasks include wee abatement and fuel load reduction, determining and maintaining ssafe and interesting trrails, maintaining existing fencing, enhancing native vegetation and removing invasive plants, and providing public outreach and education about the property.

Herngt ‘Aki’ Preserve boasts nine miles of natural surface multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, birding, photography, and horseback riding. All the trails are open to the public between dawn and dusk, and all are well-maintained by the Conservancy’s volunteer Trail Care Crew. Trail qualities are available on this web site; click on Maps in the menu bar.