Last Sunday my husband and I went for a hike at Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. It’s been almost five years since the last we were there for an unplanned hike. During that time, we originally planned on boogie boarding but it was overcast and really cold so we decided to go for a hike instead. That was my second time hiking in my life and again I was wearing flip-flops! 😀 My first hiking experience was at Diamond Head in Oahu several years ago in my flip-flops and bathing suit. Of course I was wearing a cover-up :D.

Anyway, I’m glad that it was an easy hike because I’m still a newbie at it. My hubby and I enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the sunset. It’s a family friendly trail and there were families with their little children having a great time. There were also group of teenagers as well as college students and it’s no surprise to see couples spending some quality time together as it is such a romantic place.

We first went to the Guy Fleming Trail then decided to hike down to the beach instead of going back to where we originally started from. I was a little worried at first because it was already dusk when we still had half a mile to go before we reach the beach then we have to walk another 3/4 mile to get to the parking lot. I couldn’t stop thinking about the unstable cliffs at Torrey Pines. When we finally reached the beach, I felt relieved to see other people and some even taking photographs just like me :). I think it took about 30-40 minutes walk along the shore before we got to our car. We didn’t know that both beach access stairs were being repaired so we had to walk farther until we found a better access to the parking lot because I did not feel safe climbing the rocks just to get to our car.

As I was looking through the photographs that I’ve taken while hiking, I couldn’t help but feel proud of myself because I’ve always wanted to hike that trail but was too afraid to do it because of my fear of heights and that it might be too difficult for me. But I realized that when I was actually there hiking, the only thing that I kept thinking about was reaching the beach. I was so focused on accomplishing that goal and I didn’t care what else was in the way, I just need to get there! So that got me thinking about my goals in life right now. There are things that I’ve been wanting to do but I was more worried about the “buts”, “ifs” and “maybes” that I end up constantly thinking about the steps I need to do instead of actually doing it. I became my worst enemy because I kept finding reasons to discourage myself from pushing forward. I let my fear and doubt took over before I even took the first step but that Sunday hike opened my eyes to many things (also a bucket list check :D). I found the courage that I’ve been looking for and it made me believe in myself again and the possibilities that I should be looking forward to. It’s funny because I always encouraged others to believe in themselves but for this particular goal that I’ve been wanting to pursue, I always doubted myself and yet it’s been sitting in the back of my head for so many years. I could not shake it off. I’m an optimistic person for the most part but that’s the one thing that makes me question myself. But I am putting a stop to that! I am going to push forward and make that dream a reality. No more “buts”, “ifs” or “maybes”. I’m replacing all that with I WILL and I CAN. I am tired of wondering what could happen. I am going to make it happen and if it doesn’t turn out the way I imagined that it would, at least I know I did my best and I won’t be left wondering of what might have been.

Here are some images I snapped with my ever trusted SGS3 while hiking. 😀

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 2,000 acres of coastal state park located in the community of La Jolla, in San Diego, California, off North Torrey Pines Road. Although it is located within San Diego city limits,[1] it remains one of the wildest stretches of land (8 km²) on the Southern California coast. It is bordered immediately on the south by Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course and on the north by the city of Del Mar. The reserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1977.[2] The reserve consists of a plateau with cliffs that overlook Torrey Pines State Beach, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. Many different kinds of wildlife and flora are found within the reserve, including bobcats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, cacti, coastal chaparral, and the rare Torrey pine. The eight miles of trails within the park offer an attraction for hikers and beach-goers and a small museum sits at the top, as well as the Torrey Pines Lodge, a hotel and tour station. From the cliffs or many places along the beach, it is possible to see La Jolla to the south and Del Mar to the north. During whale migrations, it is sometimes possible to see whales from the cliffs. At the southern end of the beach is a large rock that projects into the ocean, called Flat Rock. South of the rock is San Diego’s unofficial nude beach, Black’s Beach. (Wikipedia)

Guy Fleming Trail – 0.7 mile loop. Easiest, relatively level, forested, nature markers. Diverse scenery, ocean vistas, sandstone formations, spring wildflowers, drinking water, parking. In winter you may see Gray Whales, and with luck, you may see bottlenose dolphins any time. (http://www.torreypine.org)

Beach Trail- 3/4 mile to Flat Rock and beach. Popular beach access. Least scenic trail. few trees, steep. Trailhead at restroom. If you plan to hike down and then walk back to the lower parking lot along the beach, remember to check the tides. Also, winter storms may remove much of the beach sand and walking can be difficult over cobbles and rocks for the 3/4 mile to the parking lot. (http://www.torreypine.org)

Yay! I can finally see the flat rock! 🙂

I still can’t believe we were up there!

To Broken Hill Trail

Getting closer to the beach! 😀

Wohoo! A few more steps!

Touchdown! 😀

Yay! I did it! Finally! After thinking about it for almost 9 years! Hahahaha!

I still can’t believe we were somewhere up there! 🙂