One of my favorite trails, South Ridge, is a 4 mile hike up to Tahquitz Peak where the Fire Lookout tower stands overlooking Idyllwild.
Memorable geographical landmarks along the way are a constant. The first is "window rock". The precariously balanced boulders embody its name. This was my destination when I first acclimatized to hiking in Idyllwild.
Further up the trail, the inspiring views from the overlook are always worth pausing to appreciate.
According to my count, the final stretch to the peak involves 15 switchbacks some of which seem endless. Focusing on the astounding scenery instead of my exhausted body motivates me to the peak every time. Chocolate and icy cold water help, too!
On a recent hike, I realized the shifting of seasons had begun. It is subtle but recognizable by the new plants and flowers that grow alongside the trail as well as by the absence of the familiar colorful birds of summer.
The colors on the ground are changing as well. Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, Scarlet Bugler, and many others are being replaced.
Rabbitbrush and the spiky covered nuts of the Chinquapin now line the trail.
The Sugar Pine cones are dripping with a sugary sap. It must taste good to the hummingbirds. I saw one hovering from one cone to another at the top of the trail.
The insect eating Violet-green Swallows that regularly swooped around resting hikers at the peak are no longer entertaining us with their high speed flights. Migration has begun. Time to search the trees for the birds that are on their journey south.
Summer is shifting into Autumn. Enjoy the changes.
