I did four hikes while in San Diego, all varying degrees of interest, scenic beauty, and difficulty. The breweries, on the other hand, were all consistently good.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
I had the pleasure to hike this Reserve twice — Once with Jim, Gayle, and Kim for a total of 8 miles (we hiked every trail in the Reserve) and again with my long-time friend Margie, my first friend and colleague I met when I moved to Manhattan, who later relocated to San Diego. Margie and I had hiked this same trail together 15 years ago, so it was fun reminiscing about old times during our hike.
That “Peterman Panache” transcends state lines.
South toward La Jolla
North toward the parked car, and onward toward Del Mar.
Thank goodness someone had the forethought to protect this 2,000 acres of land along this beautiful pristine coastline before it was developed.
The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine tree in the USA, found only here in the reserve, and on Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands. It is endangered, with only approx 3,000 trees remaining.
The result of erosion is one stunning sandstone canyon.
There are many short loop hikes to overlooks. If you loop them all into one hike it is 8 miles of trails.
Note the mountain biker on the point, making his way in between Flat Rock, no doubt on his way to the nudie Black’s Beach.
Windswept and in danger of erosion.
Also windswept, and in danger of erosion! L to R: Kim, me, Jim, Gayle
Potato Chip Rock
This was a gorgeous hike albeit a bit grueling, as the “up” never let up. We hiked to the summit of Mt Woodson, with a slight detour to test our individual appetites for the Potato Chip. It was a 7.6 mile hike with a total of 2,300 feet in elevation gain.
Beautiful Lake Poway
The lake is stocked with trout, supposedly a fisherman’s haven, but we see no boats on the lake all day.
Mountain lions and rattlesnakes call this area home, but we see none of those either.
This is a gorgeous hike, even without the lure of the Potato Chip.
Beneath the Hats: L to R, Gayle, Jim C., Allison, Jim D.
Gayle giving size perspective to the giant rocks. (Note, Gayle is tall!)
Jim grabs a photo in the rare moment when no one is out on the Potato Chip.
Allison takes off to the end of the chip before she has time to think about it.
“Maybe it won’t be so scary if I ‘sckooch.”
A fine view fitting of the hikers preferred lunch, PB&J.
The Mount Woodson Trail to the summit is consistently, yet gradually steep.
The trail has an elevation gain of 2,300 ft, but the views are worth it.
Tecolate Canyon
Although this was an excellent workout with a lot of ups and downs, I must not have found it particularly photogenic, as the camera never came out…except for the bees.
Today’s post is paired with a selection from Karl Strauss Brewery, established in 1989, now San Diego’s third largest brewery. Karl Strauss has several locations, most of them in combination with a restaurant, serving delicious $5 appetizers and unbelievably cheap $4 flights during Happy Hour. The Sorrento Mesa location is particularly beautiful, with an outdoor patio overlooking a Japanese Garden.
Karl Strauss has $4 flights at Happy Hour. This is quite a bargain for four 5oz pours. Though I fear our glassware is contributing to California’s water shortage!
In addition to $4 flights, they also had $5 appetizers. This, the vegan offering of Spicy Hummus with almonds, kalamata olives, red peppers, and onion.
Karl Strauss was eclipsed by only one other brewery, in my opinion, and that was AleSmith. According to alesmith.com, in 2014 they were rated #1 Best Brewery in the World and Rated #1 Brewery in California based on consumer reviews at RateBeer.com
Our flight selection included Horny Devil, Grand Cru, Wee Heavy, and Imperial Speedway Stout. This is a brewery that takes tasting to a whole new level, with descriptions like “This Scottish-inspired deep mahogany-colored ale showcases a rich, malty flavor profile of caramel and toffee offset by hints of roast and subtle smoke. The complex malty sweetness includes notes of dark fruit balanced by a subdued hop bitterness. Wee Heavy is incredibly nuanced and in a class of its own in terms of balance and sophistication. It ages very well and will keep improving for years to come.” Napa Valley ain’t got nothin’ on these guys!
L to R: AleSmith’s Speedway Stout Nitro, Wee Heavy, Grand Cru Belian Ale, Horny Devil.
I feel certain had the brewery been just a wee bit closer, or if time had not run out, we would have surely been the “Norm’s” to AleSmith’s Cheers!
Next up…Part 4 of 5, “The Parks…and the Beer!”
“Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!”
~Martin Luther
Really good quote at the end!
Beautiful hike, beautiful beer…..prettier than my fav….PBR! 🙂
However you do it, scrooching or walking, you get to claim it if you get out on the Chip. That is a great hike. I’m already dreaming about Karl Strauss and AleSmith when we return to So Cal in the fall. Great quote at the end.
Color, contrast, composition, clarity… superb 24 karat photos. Light is everything…
Box Canyon Mark
Love the quote. And so agree on AleSmith, by far my #1 brewery in Dan Diego.
Nina
By the way that Alesmith Imperial Speedway Stout was on Nitro another plus. Also, this.
“There are more old drunks than there are old doctors.”
― Willie Nelson
So true that San Diego is fortunate Torrey Pines was “saved” from development. There is another piece to Torrey Pines Preserve just North (ans completely separate) from where you hiked.
It’s too bad Hans and I weren’t there during your stay. We have a number of loops around the city that combine canyons and neighborhoods, but would have been difficult to describe if you don’t know the area!
Lake Poway is packed with fishermen on the weekend, you must have hiked mid week.
Now I gotta try Alesmith, sounds delish!
Love the hikes! Potato Chip Rock is a very cool hike with beautiful scenery. It does give on a feeling of satisfaction. Glad you got to go out on the chip without the thousands we had with us over Christmas vacation!
Love the quote at the end:)
Great pictures! Loved all of them. The bees on the flowers were awesome.
What can be said of the beers which are said to be the world’s best?
I must judge for myself. How far is it from Tucson to San Diego? I shall have to set my odometer.