Exploring Torrey Pines

We decided to get out for a hike today, and since it was hot out, we wanted to head near the coast where it would be cooler.  So we ended up checking out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.  It was absolutely gorgeous!  We drove up to the top to get started.

Dom and the girls on the Guy Fleming Trail 

We took the first trail, that was an easy loop with some amazing views.  We could see all the hang-gliders down the coast at the Glider Port, some boats in the water, and people on the beach below.

Eliza and Audrey with the Torrey Pines - they only grow here and in one other place on Earth.

Checking out some of the sandstone along the trail.

Daddy and the girls with a big sandstone formation behind them.

Up at the High Point, we could see for miles all around.  We checked out the Lodge next and enjoyed some of the views around there.

Dominic had to run back to the office, and since Eliza fell and skinned her knee, he took her with him.  Audrey and I stayed to explore some more.

 

My heart was so full!  Audrey was just talking and climbing, leading the way along the trails...  She kept saying things like, "I'm great at this huh Mommy?"  And, "I don't need any help, I am an awesome climber!"

We hiked out to Yucca Point, on the south side of the Big Basin.  Then we backtracked and took the Beach Trail, descending 300 feet down to the beach.  Audrey didn't complain once.  I could tell she was getting tired after the Yucca Point when she decided to hold my hand and walk with me, rather than charging ahead.

The view from Yucca Point 

She did this cute little bridge by herself though - twice actually, just for the fun of it.

The final descent to the beach.

We had to go check out Flat Rock, which Audrey had pointed out from above.  We didn't go out on it, but this cool little passageway was fun to explore.  We hiked north up the beach until we both needed to take a break.

Audrey got her second wind when we put our backpacks and shoes on a nearby rock, and wet our feet in the water.  Of course, she didn't get her feet wet, but she let me hold her while I stood in the waves.  She had fun throwing rocks into the water, and running when they got too close.

Dominic and Eliza met us there on the beach and brought the sand toys.  The girls dug for sand crabs, which were everywhere, and had fun using their new shovels.

Audrey grabbed Daddy's hand, and fearlessly went into the water with him.  This is not the first time she has trusted him to take her in, but it was the biggest waves she's been in thus far.

She just smiled, held Daddy's hand, and splashed happily...

even bending down to get her hands in there.

When one of the larger waves came in, she got soaked to her shoulders, and even some in her face.  She laughed it off, and continued with the fun.  I was amazed!

The first viewpoint we had been to at the top.

As we walked back towards the parking lot, I was very happy we didn't have to climb back up to the top.  We were all tired after a long, but wonderful day together.