The campground is about 2.5 miles east of the Mission Trails Visitor Center on Father Junipero Serra Trail.
Although the campground is only available to guests on weekends, the day use parking is always available and it is just a short walk to the lake. The entire Mission Trails Park is part of the former Camp Elliott for munitions training during WWII.
The last munitions found here were in the early 80’s, with sweeps every 5 years since that have not found any additional ordinance. Still it is wise to know the history and be aware to the possibility of additional finds.
The trails are wide, safe and well marked. Views of the lake and waterfowl are common from the campground.
Although we saw numerous birds, the lone Jackalope is the only land creature we saw despite the perfect habitat.
Not sure what this sign meant so a bit of investigation was required.
I’m going with idea the trail is closed ‘ahead’. Still this trail to the amphitheater offers some of the best views of the lake.
Although our neighbors look a bit like modern Gypsies they were all very nice as they make their way as full time travelers in a converted school bus. They do not document their stays and suggested they might want to consider doing so.
There are 5 named peaks within Mission Trails. Bag all 5 and the park will provide a certificate. I’ll have to start over since I have not done any selfies at each summit to prove the accomplishment. Well starting over from 1 is not that big of a deal
The reason for selecting this destination was the monthly Star Party. The San Diego Astronomical Association had 3 telescopes and 2 sets of Celstron celestial binoculars available for use. Uranus was visible as a blue smudge but did not turn out in my lame camera nor did Andromeda. Here’s a picture of Mars (a bit blurred) and a decent shot of the Orion Nebula, both taken with my little point-n-shoot Canon G16.
Orion without the benefit of magnification.
The Grand-girls came down Saturday for a bit of exploring. Kg is our documentarian, and is as at home behind the camera as anybody. I did not see what Kg was looking at as I was impressed with the reflections in the water
A lone dead coastal oak marks the entrance to the trails on the north side of the lake and the grasslands I’ve hiked before. Seeing so much green is beautiful, but I cannot help but think of the tinder for the next fire season.
We intend to hike into Oak Canyon and follow it to the Old Mission Dam. This is my 4th time into the canyon, but there was not a drop of water the last two times. It’s indeed flowing big time this trip.
The Mission Dam has been rebuilt several times. The original brick tiles can be seen in this photo, overlayed with concrete and then rocks and more concrete. The dam was built in the early 1800s to offer a reliable water supply the the growing San Diego Mission.
After a 3+ mile loop we’re back at the campsite playing a card game called Hike. And ready for an early dinner of carnitas tacos – YUM! and a challenge of Trivial Pursuit National Parks.
A few of the wildflowers seen along the way.
Single use plastic bags are no longer provided and reusable bags are required. Daughter, Kami made several from the rainfly of their old tent. Clever, strong and unique. She knows what I want for Christmas!
