"Potato Chip Rock" aka Mt. Woodson Trail at Lake Poway, CA

We finally made it to "Potato Chip Rock" this afternoon.  After a late start, we made our way up the steep climb speckled with beautiful views along the way despite the clouds.

Upon finally reaching the top we wondered how to actually get up on top of the rock to have our pictures taken. As we pondered a guy near by showed us how it was done (jumping from one rock to the next or scrambling up the rock).  Sam went first as I was very timid about jumping over the gap between the two rocks.  Sam assisted me over when it was my turn.  I wasn't too nervous while up on the rock itself, however almost had a panic attack on the way back down.  I didn't feel I had the upper body strength to push/pull myself back up onto the other rock so I opted for what looked like the easier route: scrambling down the rock.  I managed to get 1/3 of the way down before lodging my knee between the two rocks.  Sam noticed I was taking a while and came down to inspect.  At this point I was starting to panic because my knee was really stuck and I envisioned my bones having to break in order to get dislodged from between the rocks.  With Sam's help I was eventually able to wriggle loose.

Needless to say, if I do this hike again I will not be doing the photo opt on top of the Potato Chip Rock.

Tips for this hike:  I suggest bringing plenty of water, a snack or two, a jacket (it was cold up top in the wind!), a camera. I also suggest leaving in the morning.  We started out around 1:30 and got back to the parking lot around 5:15 PM.  The park closes at sunset, which is still early this time of year.  I was nervous that we wouldn't make it back down in time.

Hiking Torrey Pines, California

Torrey Pines State Park is located north of La Jolla and south of Del Mar, California.  I was impressed with the views from the hiking in this park.  The park is on the coast and many of the trails hug the coast line or even dip down to the beach.

There are numerous short trails that connect and can be done back to back.  We saw a variety of hikers from families with kids in strollers or in their arms to runners to elderly outdoor enthusiasts.

We started from The Ranger Station and took the Razor Point Trail, followed by the Yucca Point Trail to the Beach Trail. Next we saw the Flat Rock from above before beginning the Broken Hill Trail.  Finally, we made our way to the North Fork Trail which lead to a road which was closed to vehicles and lead us back to The Ranger Station. We really enjoyed our trip and can't wait to explore more of this beautiful park.

San Diego adventure, food and drink advice from a former co-worker

Baby cakes – Cupcakes and cocktails

Snooze – good brunch- get there early because it gets crowded

Georges on the cove – in la Jolla- eat on the roof level a little before sunset, nice beaches there too- they also do brunch

II Fornaio – Good Italian restaurant on Coronado island right by the water. It’s pretty at night looking
across the water to see downtown all lit up

Old Town – Lots of Mexican food

The waterfront bar and grill- the best fries with yummy toppings! Small little laid back bar

Places to run: sunset cliffs, Miramar lake, Silver strand (good for bike ride) on Coronado island, pacific
beach board walk, Mission bay, ocean beach, mission trails, there are so many places to run just ask
around

Sea world, Zoo, and Safari Park of course are a must do attractions

Hiking: TORREY PINES!!!, iron mountain, there are others that are harder. Nicknames are
devils punch bowl, 3 sisters, potato chip.

Look up paddle boarding places to rent a board and go try it out on mission bay!

Temecula wineries- worth the drive!

Altitude rooftop bar is a cool dance/lounge bar on top of a hotel downtown