Harding Truck Trail

I am so behind. So, here goes another: Sunday, February 28, in an effort to ward off some anger, I changed my original coastal hills plans, and headed for the mountains at around 11 in the morning. I chose Harding Truck Trail because the drive into Modjeska Canyon is easy. There is no off-roading.

The day was warm, as I headed out of my seaside town. As I approached the freeway, a seagull took off from the asphalt in front of my truck and flew into my windshield. I kid you not! I nearly swerved into traffic to avoid the bird. And the only reason I I think that he didn’t crack my window was because the radio antenna slowed his crash some. That got my attention. With all the traffic, I couldn’t see if the bird survived.

The parking lot was full at Tucker Wildlife, which is at the bottom of Harding Truck Trail. I had to turn around and find a place back toward the mouth of the canyon. I had a little walk therefore to the trailhead. I was fine with that, just happy to be out there. When I’m out in the wilderness, I don’t have to feel. I just have to be. Of course, I can feel, if I struggle to hold onto anger or sadness, or whatever. But I find that the mountains is the easiest place for me to just exist and stay in the moment.

Anyway, it was a lovely day trudging up Harding Truck Trail. At 7.25 miles, where the road makes a giant you-turn, I turned back and ran back down to my truck. I found myself so totally zoned out, that I seemed to forget that I was running, though so very fatigued I was. At one point, I looked down and saw a that I was stepping right over a snake. That gave me a start, but in an instant I noticed that it was a harmless gopher snake. Such a cute thing. so dainty.

I love Harding Truck Trail. But it’s hard as hell.

14.55 miles,  3,086’ gained