ndMy January 2023 Photo of the Month is MTRP214, taken in San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park.
MTRP214 Background
Not a lot going on this month, but we did get a good deal of rain. I suppose what we think is a lot of rain, is what it is supposed to do, and the amount of precipitation that used to be normal.
With no travel, and not too many outings, I did manage to stop at a couple favorite spots in Mission Trails Regional Park. After the rains, a few spots retain water, from the creeks on the East Side to the vernal pools on the West.
This is one of my favored spots along the San Diego Rim Trail. The pool is fenced off to keep people out of it and disturbing the very sensitive environment. Over 90% of these naturally occurring pools have been lost to development, and biologists have needed to create some artificial vernal pools to keep some of the rare flora species that depend on them.
With a decent but not overwhelming rain season (at least for Southern California, those up North may disagree), I don’t know if our flowering places are going to be overrun this Spring. The early season is a nice respite from the crowds to come, and we will see how Spring treats us.
I would also note the continuing presence of bells – my ears are always ringing on this hike. It’s understandable why the mountain bikers do it, but I am not sure I would love a sport done outdoors with all that artificial noise.
I do sometimes hike with music, so I understand how sound can transport you to another place. Other times, I just want peace, quiet, and the chirping of our local birds.
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T.M. Schultze is a San Diego-based photographer, traveller, and writer. He writes, photographs, and draws things of the outdoors that have inspired humans for thousands of years. He co-authored the Photographer’s Guide to Joshua Tree Park which can be purchased here.