For the last several weekends, I've been going on short, local hikes
with some friends. I need the exercise, and it also gives me
opportunities to takes some photos. Our first hike was in Mission
Trails in El Cajon. Like most park areas in San Diego County, it is
best visited in the winter, after the rainy season, while it is green.

Mission Trails park features several trails of varying lengths and
difficulties. The friends I accompanied were more interested in
shorter, more scenic trails, so that's what we stuck to. We were
originally planning on following the road up and back, for a 5 mile
round trip, but early on we got bored with the road and took a side
trail into more natural areas.

After a short walk, you eventually are out of earshot of the nearby
freeway, and the quiet is very pleasant. I was surprised to find out
that there were such large, undeveloped areas within San Diego's
metropolitan area. This is a fairly scenic hike.

These trails also feature Mission Dam, which is a centuries old dam
built on the San Diego river by the local priests during the mission
days. It is in ruins now, but is still a fun place to visit.

All in all, it's an easy, scenic walk. I'd recommend avoiding the summer months due to the heat this far inland.


Down below the dam, the swirling eddies caused by the break in the dam caused interesting shapes to appear in the water's foam.

Plants, animals and bugs!
As you know, I like to photograph wildlife and flora. This hike didn't disappoint.