Wyld About Books: BookDaily Genre Sampler: Sports and Recreation

Heller's Bend Preserve Trail

Immediately through the white fence that runs alongside Heller's Bend Road, the sounds of city life recede behind the croaky refrain of frogs and toads making their homes around Ostrich Farms Creek. The year-round creek runs east-to-west, and is visible just a few yards down the hill from the entrance with its easterly path that quickly bends south. A bench on the right is nestled in the shade of oaks near some boulders. If you care to pause awhile and let the preserve's serenity calm you, this provides a convenient respite.

Once over the cement bridge, the path begins ascending, bending east then south again through a jungle of oak forest tangled in wild grapes and guarded by a variety of spiky-leafed thistle. Sunlight filters in through the stretching branches of the mature live oaks as you make your way upward. At approximately.3 miles, the oak forest thins, letting in sunlight. The passage levels some, delivering you through the remnants of old orange and avocado groves full of mostly non-producing trees. In early spring, the orange trees bloom, releasing a gentle, tangy scent.

At approximately .4 miles, a short offshoot on the left takes you to an eastern lookout point, which is only about 50 yards off the path. The main trail continues uphill, more steeply for a short distance, then levels abruptly. Here at the top, which is half a mile from the gate, benches overlook the rolling hills of Fallbrook in a northeastern view. This is the end of the trail, offering an eagle's nest view.

Descending is quicker than the half-mile climb, but take time to enjoy the scenery. Laurel sumac with its red-tinged leaves, and a variety of sage bushes giving off a tangy scent both grow all along the route.

On the way back, if you're up for a little more exploring, look for trails stretching east on either side of the creek. The first is a sandy, single-track offshoot reached just prior to the creek crossing. It leads east to the water's edge after less than .1 miles.

Or, if you prefer, sit for a few moments on the cement bridge. On the western side, the water enters large corrugated pipes, the low, rushing sound similar to a train's rhythmic trek along its tracks. On the eastern side, the water gushes from the pipes, spilling out into the creek, which slows, rippling its way into to the trees.

Linger quietly, and frogs and toads hidden in the vegetation will serenade you. Triggered by one leading call, their music rises to a symphony of mingling croaks. Then, just as suddenly as the chorus began, the song ends so suddenly you can almost imagine an amphibious bandleader, demanding silence with a sweep of his baton.

Past the creek, another, longer, offshoot trail stretches east for approximately.2 miles. Walk this sandy path beneath towering sycamores. From its treetop perch, a red tailed hawk may utter its displeasure at your presence--especially at dusk, when he's looking for a rodent meal that may be hiding, disturbed by your footsteps.

When you amble back up the asphalt path to your car, take the calm of the preserve with you.

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Source: http://wyld-about-books.blogspot.com/2012/02/bookdaily-genre-sampler-sports-and_07.html

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