Spring Break with Julia

April 23, 2014
Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park, Madera County
Total distance walked: 2.9 miles

This year Julia came home for her final college spring break, and we made the most of our time together. Over several days we ran errands, volunteered, watched movies, dined out, and even went shopping for her graduation dress. 

Originally, we planned to hike in Yosemite to see the dogwoods in bloom, but instead, we brought Ginger along and explored the scenic trails of Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park in Madera County.

This area is steeped in history dating back to the 1800s. What I do know about the park is that it features five miles of scenic trails and once served as a tuberculosis sanatorium form the early 1900s until the late 1960s. Later it became a boys’ home which remained in operation until the mid-1980s. As we hiked, I reflected on the many individuals who came here seeking healing. I can only hope that the tranquility of nature offered them the solace they needed. 

The afternoon was cool, and the walk was easy taking us over rolling hills adorned with wildflowers. As we warmed up, we shed our sweatshirts and embraced the refreshing shade of the towering oak and pine trees. Along the soft trail blooming buck brush added bursts of white to the landscape, completing the serene scene.

We stepped aside to let a jogger pass, who gave us a heads-up about a snake on the trail 50 yards ahead. Julia took the lead to ensure Ginger didn’t encounter it first, but by the time we reached the spot, it had already slithered away.

Continuing our hike, we veered onto a spur trail leading to a lookout, where we spotted a lake nestled below—a peaceful surprise amidst the rolling hills.

As we walked through a shaded stretch of the trail, we spotted the skull and jawbones of an unknown wild animal resting in the dirt—a quiet reminder of nature’s cycle.

As we wandered through the lush green meadow, Julia remarked that it would be the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding—a serene and picturesque backdrop for a special celebration.

 

Eventually, we reached the lake we had spotted from the hilltop. While Julia led Ginger down to the water’s edge, I lingered on the trail above, taking in the peaceful scene.

A pair of Canada geese glided across the water, their movements smooth and effortless. Near the shore, a couple of fish leapt briefly into the air before disappearing beneath the surface. Ginger stepped in, letting the cool water soothe her paws.

From the lake, the narrow hiking trail merged with a wider, rocky walking path where we encountered several people with dogs.

Ginger handled it well ignoring the passing canines with ease, which made me proud of her.

Though she and I typically walk three miles a day, this hike left her exhausted—by the time we reached the car, she was more than ready to settle in for the ride home.

Spending the week with my daughter was a rare and cherished treat. In May, she’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree before returning home for the summer to work once again as a Ranger in Yosemite National Park. I can’t wait to have her back—and hopefully, we’ll squeeze in a few hikes together along the way.

WILDFLOWERS ON THE TRAIL

Besides fiddleneck, popcorn, and blue dick, here are other wildflowers that we saw on the trail.  Many of these I have growing wild in my own yard: