SundayHikers: XTerra Reopened

With the approach of XTerra Race, many of the overgrown trails have been cleared, ready for the race. This is good news for hikers, as the bike trails are also great hiking trails. A few weeks ago, we hike down XTerra trail, having to fight through the tall growths of sword grass and fallen branches. It's fun, but we get some scratches on the legs and arms. This Sunday, the trail has been cleared, so we decide to take advantage of it and take another hike to the Hidden Beach. We also welcome Thor and Sparky back from their long absence. At 6:15 a.m. when the sky is still barely light enough, we wait for a few more minutes to start down the shaded trail.

At the crest of the steep drop-off, coastal sight of KingFisher Golf Course comes into view. CB, Scout, Sparky, and Thor have to decide whether to take the plunge down the steep drop short-cut on the left, or take the more gentle longer-cut on the right.

CB and Scout carefully negotiate this slippery detour slope. We are surprised that the slope is not as muddy as we have expected from all the recent rainfalls.

Rexplorer stops to adjust Thor's hiking pole.

Rexplorer and Thor walking down the trail. It is obvious that the cane grass that have been cut can grow back very easily during rainy season.

A cry of warning from Aaron telling everyone to be careful with the slippery moss covered rocks. Making sure that we heed his warning, Aaron stands guard and watches us. The trail has been washed out even more with the recent rain, so we have to tread carefully.