A Wander Through Temescal Canyon

In May'24, on a crisp overcast day on the Pacific Coast, my girl and I decided it was time for some exercise. We chose a hike through Temescal Canyon for its convenient location and ample free parking. Little did we know that this hike would become an adventure, offering breathtaking views, serenade from gentle waterfalls, and an array of bird life.

As we started into the park, we were confronted by several paths. Of course we opted for the most challenging trail by accident. Being out of shape, this would be an adventure we would feel for days. The path twisted and turned, leading us higher into the Santa Monica Mountains. As we climbed, the air grew fresher, and the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the gentle hum of bees dancing among the flowers.

We plodded forward. The whole time, I was constantly being distracted by birds chirping and flying by. The first bird along the was a California scrub jay. With its azure plumage, this blue bird flitted from tree to tree, tree to ground, ground to tree... always just out of reach of me catching critical focus.

As we wandered, we encountered a delightful orange hummingbird, whose iridescent feathers sparkled in the sunlight. The elegant rufous hummingbird perched on a branch without a care that I was taking dozens of photo's, hoping for luck to strike. Fortunately, it give me a bunch of poses that came out crystal clear.

The birds, it seemed, knew the path less traveled by. We also spotted a peculiar bird with a grey-spotted chest and vibrant orange/red wings. This curious creature stared us down with its demonic eyes. The whole hike, I called this a Bizarro Robin as it's colors looked to be the inverse of an American Robin. I later identified Bizarro Robin as a Spotted Towhee.

The highlight of our trek was undoubtedly the waterfall. As we approached, the sound of rushing water filled our ears, and we knew the journey up to this point was worth it. For sure, this waterfall would be gone in weeks, as the Southern California heat kicks in. We sat by the stream, briefly, taking in the tranquility of our surroundings, making way for the throng of tourists who took the easy way up. Slightly down stream, and away from the crowds, this quiet grotto lay as a hidden gem. If we weren't so tired, it would have been selfy heaven.

Towards the end of our hike, the most elusive bird of the day gave me one last chance at a photo. Despite my best efforts, this was the best image I could get of the California scrub jay. To compound my failure, just seconds before, it was holding this flower in it's mouth, and made an epic entrance. I could be considered lucky to have three sightings, but it remains a fleeting glimpse, begging me to seek it out again.

As we reached the end of our journey, it was obvious we needed the excursion. It was a moment of profound connection with nature, a reminder of the beauty and serenity that lies just beyond the familiar. Our hike through Temescal Canyon was not only a physical challenge but also a journey of discovery and wonder. It taught us that sometimes, the path less traveled reveals the most breathtaking sights, and that nature's beauty is always worth exploring, even when it demands a little extra effort.