Jazzi and I recently returned from a wonderful week at the group horse camp in Cuyamaca State Park in eastern San Diego County. The weather was cool by summer standards and the breeze continually refreshed us. The trails were in very good shape and horse water was available in several locations (top of Azalea, Cold Springs, etc.).
Ernie and Robin from the Cuyamaca Equestrian Association stopped by to give an update on the continued fight to re open the Las Caballos horse camp. For more details, http://cuyamacaequestrian.org/ .
Prior to leaving I was able to have more leaf springs installed in my RV. Yes, it was not cheep. but what a difference! No more getting blown into the other lane from large trucks, no more floating sterning and so much easier to drive! I wish I had done this years ago. If you are in southern California and could use some suspension/leaf spring work go see Ben at E and C Spring in Escondido (760-747-5050). Please let them you heard about him from me.
Now back to the trails. The under story has come back with a vengeance in may places after the massive fires of "03 and '07. The Azalea trail is narrowed by sweet smelling bushes as are several other main trails (Harvey Moore and West Mesa). The trees are a different story. Thousands and thousands are standing skeletons, especially on Middle Peak. The oaks in the drainages have made a better come back than the pines. However, I did see some new pine seedlings which gave me hope that some day Cuyamaca will again have the tall pines shading the trails and scenting the air. I hope I will live long enough to see it.
On the weird and wild side of life, I heard that they are trying to capture a mountain lion or two off of Milk Ranch Road. Not sure as why, but suggest if you do ride in that part of the Park you may not want to ride alone. Jazzi was very "alert " along several sections of Milk Ranch were I later learned the cats have been causing trouble. Of course I did not know about the cat trouble until after I rode it!
A newer staging area has opened at the foot of Milk Ranch Road opposite the lake. You park in the old Boy Scout camp which makes for an easy turn around. I believe you need to bring horse and human water. The Sweetwater staging is also open in the middle of the Park as is the smaller lot in the southern end near McClintock's. Happy trails!
