Frustrations of a working college student

Viewer discretion advised: This is an angry college student (me) about to unleash four years of frustrations in about a two minute segment.  Please be advised that college experiences differ student to student.  Unfortunately for the working student, you might whole-heartedly agree with my points, in which case,  I feel almost as bad for you as I do for myself.  Caution for those who are employed by Cal State Fullerton: You might not like what you hear.  Truth be told, I can't apologize for the truth! This video can also be found on youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lOu3vcR6yQ

Hikin the BIG city.

TEMESCAL CANYON- SANTA MONICA, CA

The picture above was taken at the very top, known as Skull Rock. I hiked this trail last May with my best friend and a few other willing participants. Without a doubt, this hike is my favorite and the one which really opened my eyes to how blessed we are to live in Southern California, where we can view our snow-capped mountains from the top of a hill, then face south and see sand and wave breaks on along our coast.

This trail is located right off PCH and includes breath-taking views of downtown L.A., the ocean and the gorgeous green tops of the valley. It begins at Temescal Canyon Trail (off PCH about 2.5 miles from Santa Monica) and ends at Skull Rock, the highest point (if you're brave). The picture of the coast line below was taken by me at the half-way point.

(Hiking through the narrow ridge)

(View from the half way point)

As with any seemingly perfect situation, there MUST be one negative asset. In this case, its the L.A. smog, which prevents the picture above from being crystal clear. Still, anyone can appreciate the beauty of this setting.

There are two options when choosing to hike this trail. You can either hike the decline which leads deep into the canyon and rewards you with a waterfall. The alternative is to hike to the top which climbs 1000 feet in the first mile alone.

I would have to rate this hike as "easy" though there are a few tough points along the way. Unfortunately, this trail is usually crowded, especially on weekends. However, there is plenty of space on the trails and many turn-offs which help weed out the masses.

Word of advice to the eager: When preparing yourself for this hike, it is imperative to SKIP the scented lotions and deodorant. I learned this the hard way. It seemed my favorite Bath & Body Works scent, "sensual amber" was successful in seducing all the nats, fruit flies and any other annoying, flying insect you can think of. Needless to say, I spent half the hike swatting unwanted biters from my arms and legs. So, definitely go with the Jergens on this one.

HAPPY HIKING :)

diRTloVEr

Holy Jim Falls

HOLY JIM!! Your Falls are sad. And quite the opposite of "holy" if I can be honest.

Located in South Orange County, these waterfalls, which are part of Cleveland National Forest, are the most popular attraction to Trabuco Canyon.



I guess this is where you go when Disneyland is closed.

Unfortunately for the "challenging hike appreciator" like myself, this hike isn't exactly a spiritual experience. Instead, you are forced to share the trails with $2500 Maltese's and Blackberry Storms. Needless to say, we stuffy Orange Countyans don't know how to "rough it."

I say "we" but I mean "those." Those who I despise.

Nevertheless, this area of land has been preserved as a natural spot among the Forest and is known for its little bit of history. Though it is beautiful and does require a little bit of effort on the part of the hiker, I'd equate it to a PG movie of a family vacation: Artificial on the surface, but can be good entertainment.

I hiked Holy Jim Falls with my dad on Easter Sunday, 2006 (what other day did you expect?!). We dragged along our 9-year old chocolate lab, Zeke, who very quickly decided he wanted nothing to do with the spiritual experience my dad and I were eager to take part in.

He saw the spot for exactly what it was: Holy Jim's doggy toilet.

Try it out for an easy Sunday Funday stroll.

For a detailed summary and review of this hiking spot, visit: http://www.localhikes.com/hikes/holyjimfalls_4472.asp

Allow me to introduce myself

Top of the Tuesday to ya!  Well, considering it is 6:15pm as I write this, its more like the bottom of the gruesomely long Tuesday hill for which I can't wait to kick off my incredibly loyal (and now rubbing) running shoes.

Speaking of hills, did anyone see the most recent episode of "The Hills" on MTV?  

HA HA.  I kid.

I would rather fall off the empire state building and hope to land in Tom Leykis' mouth than watch an episode of that mind-numbing waste of air space.

Instead, I speak of hills, as in, "the hills are alive with the sound of music."  Yes, I am referring to those glorious lumps of land that surround the greater LA area and most of Orange County. (Eww..I hate name dropping, forgive me).

Why am I speaking about lumps, Fergie might ask?  (No, not lady lumps....or humps?) I speak about them because I am in love with them.  Hills, mountains, parks, beach trails, rocks, ALL OF IT.  I am a tree-hugging, nature lover.  

Therefore, rather than name dropping and blabbing about pointless nonsense that unfortunately makes the majority of our headlines, I will be sharing with you my knowledge and experiences about hiking.  For it is sincerely my joy, my passion and could even fill in as my boyfriend.  (I am aware that my keyboard has a "delete" button, but I confidently decline its offer....even after that last statement).

I'm weathered and beaten, insightful and motivated.  

I'm Kristin, and I'm guiltless.