I’m still laying low because of my leg (but that’s really an excuse because there’s other things stopping me from progressing, mainly myself!). Anyway, my calf is still rather tight and I’m a little (I mean a lot) fearful of doing any significant stretches. I will put it on my “To-Do List” today.

This past Sunday I was able to get in a pain free short hike – less than a week after my last hike. Progress! In search of short distances to let the calf heal, I headed to the hills in Laguna Niguel (just up Golden Lantern, about a five minute drive from my house). Though I’ve lived in this area for decades now, I’ve done very little exploring of Laguna Niguel’s trails. Why? Because I don’t need to with so many wonderful trails in OC. Being on the mend though, it was a perfect opportunity to do a little exploring. I miss exploring.

I mapped out my route to end up in Long View Park, a park within the prestigious gated community called Bear Brand. I parked near the dog park along Salt Creek Trail, which is a paved bike path out of Salt Creek Beach. From there, I took Colinas Bluff Trail for just a bit until the turnoff for Long View Park Trail (not marked!). Long View Park Trail is a single track with minimal climbing and  long views for sure. Unfortunately, the weather quickly turned overcast and the sky became the same color as the ocean. So my long ocean views were gray. On a good note, the weather was pleasantly cool.

Long View Trail is a lovely urban trail in and amongst multi-million dollar homes that frankly, I’d be embarrassed to live (talk about gluttony! Something I know all too much about). Now, I’m not one to promote class envy, in fact, I despise class envy. It really infuriates me – but I just have to say that I found these homes somewhat vulgar – like public masturbation. That may not make sense to some but being that I know a lot about gluttony (I’m an expert!) I couldn’t help but be repelled by the neighborhood. Here’s one of the homes for sale: a cool $25 mil. Fortunately, the trail wound in and out of the neighborhoods and was mostly serene and lonely (the best!) so I did not have to look gluttony right in the face for my entire hike.  I took the trail as planned, all the way to Long View Park in Bear Brand. But I arrived to find the gate locked! Later, I read online that you can only enter that park via Del Avion which is much closer to my home. . So, there will be a part 2 to Long View Trail.

This hike was about 3.5 miles for the round trip.

From Salt Creek Trail, the tunnel beneath Golden Lantern to Colinas Bluffs Trail:

Colinas Bluff Trail

The Gate to Long View Trail:

View of San Juan Capistrano  & Mission from Long View Trail:
Long View Trail:

Gate locked at Long View Park:

Heading back (Long View Trail):