A few days before Christmas, we picked up Angel Boy (my son– and yes, we still call him Angel Boy even though he’s thirty-two-years old!) from the John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
We drove RIGHT BY South Coast Plaza but my mind was too excited to see my baby to care about stopping at Chanel or Valentino or Cartier or Gucci or Harry Winston….HARRY WINSTON!!
Crap, did I just miss an opportunity to check out Chanel???
Sigh, a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a jewel of solitude and natural beauty in hectic Orange County.
It comprises approximately 4,500 acres of wilderness and natural open space land. Originally, part of the Juaneno or Acajchemem tribal land, it later was owned by Don Juan Avila, Louis Moulton, the Mission Viejo Company, and now is under the jurisdiction of OC Parks.
Within the park lands are mature oaks, sycamores, and elderberry trees, two year-round streams, and over thirty miles of official trails. Many rare and endangered plants and animals make this park their home. This park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary.
To get to the main trailhead for Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, exit the 5 freeway at Alicia Parkway and head towards the ocean.
Of course it was imperative that we feed the child. Whether they’re four or thirty-two, the first thing they think about is FOOD! I had prepared a huge amount of food for the hungry traveler and we ate it at a picnic table near the entrance to the trailhead, under a canopy of old shade trees. He ate a couple of his favorite sandwiches: tuna with celery, apples, nuts, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce — along with Lentil Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Veggie Chips, Persimmon Bread, and an apple and an orange. We never fail to marvel at the AMOUNT of food Angel Boy can pack away…and that doesn’t include the nuts and raisins for the hike.
What’s up with that kind of metabolism?
He eats so much and burns it all and needs to eat again every couple of hours or so. This is just his normal — I once took him to an endocrinologist to make sure his levels were OK, and we learned that he’s just an extremely efficient food user. All I can say is that he didn’t get that from me.
After almost eight miles, we drove home — exhausted –but in a good way, and restored by the fragrance of Southern California buckwheat and sage.
Of course it was time for dinner and another feast of epic proportions: the stuff of mom-joy, that’s for sure.
Great blue heron.
A hidden pocket of water.
More water, rushing over rocks.
A gorgeous meadow and hills, but look at the houses on the hill.
So close to civilization!
Fairy-like foot bridge.
Another cool cave.
Some leaves DO change color in SoCal!
A happy mom ‘cos my Angel Boy was home,
even if only for a few days.
Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud 
Very nice 🙂
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It was SO beautiful, but any day with my two guys is pretty awesome.
On Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 10:08 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Thanks for the hike. All I’m seeing is snow over here. Happy New Years. 🙂
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Well, you have a standing invitation to come and enjoy the year-round summer in SoCal! Got all the door and windows open even with my chicken pox? or whatever it is.
On Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 10:56 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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I’ve had Chicken pox twice. And T had that other thing – Scarlet Fever – and I didn’t get it. I think I’d be OK. 🙂
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OK, I’ll put fresh linen in the guest room!
On Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 1:04 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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🙂
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The park looks awesome. and it sounds like the hike with your son was a lot of fun. We also enjoyed having our children home over the holidays.
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There’s nothing like having our babies come home, is there?
On Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 7:34 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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It’s definitely special when our babies come home. 🙂
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Nothing sure beats those happy moments you spend with your loved ones! Wish you a Happy 2014!
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And a very happy and healthy 2014 to you!
On Mon, Dec 30, 2013 at 1:29 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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I’m awarding you The Blog of the Year Award! No obligation to accept, I understand if you don’t. For details, you can view my post http://wp.me/p41c99-qj Happy New Year! Peace, Sage
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You are so sweet, SageDoyle,, and thank you so much!
On Mon, Dec 30, 2013 at 7:37 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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You’re welcome, and thank you 🙂
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Looks like a perfect day!
Mmm…snickerdoodles…
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It was, always is, when Angel Boy is home!
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 11:11 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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The first time I went there, I was amazed that there was any open space at all in Orange County!
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Wow, you’ve been there? Cool. Anytime I can spend time with my son is special, that’s all I can say. It was beautiful, but he just lights up my world.
On Mon, Feb 3, 2014 at 8:49 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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exciting
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