adventure seeking

Ahoy,

Our friend J suggested the Rustic Canyon Loop Trail while A's sister was here for a visit. We started from Will Rogers State Park. The trail goes into another park at some point and ends back in Will Rogers. The last time J and I went to this park, we went on a very short walk up to a view. It was incredibly non-rigorous. This time we were on a 5 mile trail that proved to be rigorous and diverse.


We began by walking down into a canyon to meet a brook. And spent a good deal of time following this brook and hopping to and from either side of it. The crossings weren't too bad, but there were many crossings. We eventually noticed orange flags tied to trees to mark the "trail." Also be warned, there is a lot of poison oak and ticks are common (but our team didn't encounter any ticks). At one point we heard loud buzzing and noticed on the side of the canyon was a large beehive. Quick and cautious steps were taken here. Although they aren't in your way, it is unnerving to hear such loud buzzing so close. The flags marked the trail up until just about the waterfall, and the path clears up and becomes a bit more obvious.

Shortly after, we came upon a  cluster of shacks/shanties/houses that once housed nazi sympathizers. Interestingly enough, even the ranch we parked at was first built by nazi sympathizers in anticipation of America falling to the Germans. The shacks deeper into the property provides more eerie evidence of its former residents. The buildings were also used for artist communes after the war. They are now abandoned and covered in graffiti.

To get back on course, we scrambled up a trail that looked questionable. We crossed the canyon onto the Backbone Trail, a shaded, dirt path going up the side of the mountain. This trail was super steep and looked like it could be a mountain biking trail. As we climbed higher and higher up and the trail became increasingly steeper, we balked at the thought of someone riding a bike down the narrow and bumpy path. At the top, we were awarded with spectacular views flanking us on either side. We followed the ridge back towards the ranch and thanked our lucky stars for getting us to the end and back to civilization.

unwaveringly doubtful,
jt