Following in the Steps of my Grandparents
My grandparents played an important role in my life. They were a tremendous example of living a meaningful, thoughtful life. They stayed active throughout the years. And they were always there with advice, or to listen, or to share the most valuable thing of all — time.
Last December, my grandmother passed away at the age of 95. Up to the end, she walked several times a week, lived in a regular neighborhood home which she kept up herself.
As we were going through the books, artwork, photos and other memories at her place, I came across a well-worn 1986 copy of Jerry Schad’s Afoot and Afield in San Diego County (the first edition). Being an avid hiker, this struck a sentimental chord with me, but what I really liked were the faded strips of paper used to bookmark their favorite hikes.
In honor of their memory, I’m hiking my grandma and grandpa’s favorite trails in San Diego County.
In contrast to many of the LA area mountain hikes, these are easier and more family-friendly, which manageable distance and elevation gains.
Which hiking trails in San Diego County were their favorites?
Here’s the list:
- La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines Beach – 5 miles
- Lake Poway Loop – 2.5 miles
- Lopez Canyon – 4 miles
- Doane Valley Nature Trail
- Cedar Creek Falls – 4.5 miles
- Azalea Glen Trail – 3 miles
- Rock Tanks Loop – 7.5 miles
- Bow Willow Canyon – 7.5 miles
This mixture of trails provides a great tour of San Diego hiking, from the stunning coastline to the serenity of the desert. There are waterfalls, views and forest. And as I hike along these trails, I’ll be walking with the memory of my grandparents close to my heart.
This is a really cool way to remember your grandparents. I lived in San Diego for two years, but the only hike I did down there was in East County–Iron Mountain. It was a bit of a doozy due to the heat, but well worth it!
I’m looking forward to seeing your posts about these trails 🙂
Thanks, Kam! There are some trails best hiked in season; avoiding the desert during the summer, hitting the waterfalls in the spring, etc.
Just like the local mountains here in Orange County heat up during the summer, I’m sure San Diego’s inland areas can get toasty.
I’ve just started my research on the hikes, but I’ll keep the weather and season in mind. I’m looking forward to exploring my grandparents’ “backyard” a bit more. Living just a few miles from the San Diego county line, it’d be a shame not to.
Hmmm, I see the suspicious lack of Whale Peak on that list. Great remembrances though! I did the same thing hiking the trails my dad did in the ADKs.
Hah! I’ve figured out how to tell the story of our Whale Peak adventure. Now I just need to finish writing it down. That was a great hike though. We’ve got to put another on the calendar!
What a cool find (the well-marked book)! I’m a genealogist as well as a hiker, so I think that is such a touching gesture. My grandmother died when I was just in my early 20s, so how fortunate you are to have had yours in your life for so long.
Thanks, Colleen. Yes, I was very lucky to have her in my life for such a long time.
My uncle is interested in hiking some of these as well, so it’s turning into a real family affair! It will be a fitting tribute; both she and my grandfather were active all their lives.
I’m sorry for your loss, but what a great way to commemorate your grandparents! I’m just getting into hiking and I’m going to use your grandparent’s list of favorite trails as a beginners guide to hiking in SD! Thanks.
Awesome! If you sign up for email updates, you’ll get notified whenever a new trail guide goes live. I’m going to sit down this Friday and chart out a schedule on the calendar.
Jeff,
I love your site! I wish I had the time to organize my own blog this way! Pretty much, I am just going out everyday scrambling to find my next hike! I have had your blog attached to my site for many months, I love reading it and I appreciate your great insite and details of hikes that I look forward to achieve some day. I notice however that my blog isn’t listed on your “worth clicking”. I am the guy hiking 1000 Trails in 1000 Days. You can find me at http://www.CALIHIKE.blogspot.com
I would be honored if you added me to your follow list.
Thanks,
Jeremy 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Jeremy. I’ve added “1000 Hikes” to my blog roll, and look forward to following you on your ambitious goal. Good luck!
Very well writen blog post, I enjoy reading about
hiking or outdoor activities. We travel,camp hunt &
fish wile always searching for new hiking trails to
write aboout in our blog too. perhaps your
readers might like to read what we write on this also.
http://wildernessoutdoors.net/category/outydoor-hiking
OMG! I love your site Jeff! You have some amazing info on here. I love to hike so I’ll be visiting more often.
Thanks, Sukhraj! The great thing about hiking? You can eat more!
Great post! Your grandparents sound awesome! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your travels. +1
Thanks, Joanne! They were awesome. You can follow my updates here via RSS, Twitter or Facebook.
I’m not a hiker, but I might try some of these!
Sorry for your loss Jeff. What a great post. I hope you have wonderful hiking adventures on each trail!
Thanks, Shannon. I’ll enjoy hiking in their memory.
Jeff,
I noticed that Jerry Schad also followed your grandmother’s footstep on a trail to the heaven.
http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/scimedemail/la-me-jerry-schad-20110925,0,3474648.story
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