Mt. Woodson Peak via Poway Lake

Ed and I went to Poway Lake to do a short 2 mile hike.  Along the way, we saw a turn off for Mt. Woodson peak.  Mt. Woodson is an 8 mile RT hike famous for this odd shaped boulder at the top nicknamed 'potato chip rock'.  We've been discussing this hike with Sue and Jessica since we got here.  The trail had been described as moderately strenuous; gaining 2300 feet in 3.5 miles.  We all wanted to do it together, but decided it was probably best not to do it because none of us are the hikers Ed is.  But when Ed & I passed the sign that said 3 miles...well 3 miles just isn't that far!!  So I said, lets just do it, we're here right??
THE-MOST-GRUELING-HIKE-EVER.  There is only two very small sections of the trail that level out enough to renew strength.  We had to stop OFTEN (on incline.)  For several minutes every time.  We persevered and after several hours reached the top.  Never again.

At the horizon is San Diego, Point Loma and Coronado Islands

Balboa Park

Cold and wet day at Balboa Park...doesn't matter, always so picture perfect.

Stonewall Peak

An absolute perfect 4 mile RT hike on Stonewall Peak.  Although very chilly with 60 mph winds (which pushed an 18 wheeler off the road and onto its side on our exit!)  At it's peak was a 360 degree view.  Beautiful.
Still many remnants of a devastating fire in '03, the shell of the old visitor's center remains.  An old homestead donated along with all the land for the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, with no funds to restore.