Exploring the Back Roads' Beach Front

(via http://www.terranea.com)
Sometimes it's just more fun to go outside and explore randomly. A few Sundays ago, my boy and I decided to get a little exercise and wandering time by the Trump National Golf Course in Palos Verdes, even though the June gloom was pretty all-encompassing. We were rewarded though, because that meant that not that many people were in the mood to go outside (and parking was easy).
We found out that there are hiking trails in this area via yelp, and after parking we found ourselves on a friendly cement/asphalt path weaving between the greens of the golf course. I guess June gloom means it was a slow day for golf too because we only ran into one pair of golfers on our way.

(via www.palosverdes.com)
After a short walk, the path reached the coast, one direction continuing the friendly asphalt, the other with a more dirt/rock clearing like in the photo above. The asphalt looked like it was going to lead to more paths along the way, going along the side of the golf course, so we went that way first. 



Along the way we ran into this prickly pear plant and we couldn't help but think that it looks like a bunch of prickly green hands! ^_^ 



Eventually we got to a trail that led down to the beach below, and we decided to take it on. It was downhill anyway! But flashbacks to the difficult time going down Mt. Fuji made me fear falling down and rolling onto the prickly plants and rocks, so I was extra careful. It really wasn't so bad though, and when we got to the bottom we found some fun oddities! 







After skipping a few rocks, we climbed back to the top (which was definitely more strenuous than the way down) and walked along the friendly path for a while longer until we came upon a wide dirt path that led around the cliff with a sign saying "Beach Access". By this time, the June gloom had quickly evaporated and the summer sun was beating down on us, but we were curious so we decided to walk down and see. 







Everything was so scenic and pretty, it was definitely worth the walking and sweaty icky-ness that resulted from our exploring hike. Hopefully I'll come back again with friends (with my potentially awesome camera) and just snap pictures for a fun photoshoot, or walk even further down the trail (apparently a dog beach is somewhere here?). It was super nice to take the time to look over a "hidden gem" just in my local area. Since it looks like I'll be staying in the South Bay for a little while longer, it's probably a good idea for my wandering spirit to keep seeking out fun places like this one. :)

Comments

Anonymous said…
I really want to go on these famous PV hiking trails!!

Also, I wouldn't look nearly as put together when I'm hiking! You are both just so fab.
July 16, 2013 at 4:43 PM
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