SLO Women Hike Lopez Lake

| 04 March 2009

The Lopez Lake hike was particularly beautiful due to the recent rains and the wild flowers that were starting to bloom. Young blades of grass were pushing their way though the moist soil. Ancient oaks, strong and gnarled, greeted us as we wound our way up the trail at a vigorous brisk pace; the sun on our backs beginning to warm the day. The flat trail leading through the oaks repeatedly turned into a steep climb and would fortunately level off just as I was getting winded, making it easier for me to press on.

About halfway through the hike, we came to a beautiful picnic area with benches where we took time to catch our breath, rest, talk and eat our snacks before heading back.

The stronger hikers in the group took the longer loop trail back; we all met up at our initial starting point. With the lake glistening below as we descended, the hike back was breathtaking. The God rays filtering through the gracious oaks with the magnificent view of the lake below in the distance were just the spiritual boost I needed as my soul reconnected with nature. What a wonderful way to nurture body, mind and spirit, have fun, make new friends, and do it all in only two to three hours mid-week.

One of the ladies from the group, Petra Wolf, is hiking with her partner Mike Petras from Paso Robles to Jerusalem – that’s right, Jerusalem – I thought Lopez was a long hike! They left in January and plan to arrive in November of 2010. You can follow their trip at walkingeast.com.

To join the SLO County hikes for women Wednesday group, email  HYPERLINK "mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask to be put on the list. I highly recommend it.

Ashala Tylor is a travel writer and photographer. To view her photos, visit her website at centralcoasttravelchick.com.