61-Week Hiking Challenge (Week 8) – Bob Jones Trail
As we have yet to experience any winter weather (I promise I’m not trying to rub it in), I am using every opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Bear with me as I am trying to catch up on my posts from the last few weeks (I have one more to write for this week’s hike).
Objective: Hike at least once a week. Whether the hikes are big or small, long or short, with or without kids, I want to actively engage my body and enjoy this beautiful world we live in. There are so many places to go (free places to boot) that I want to explore them all.
I had two girlfriends set up this week to go with me on a hike, but both bailed, so I decided to blow off the dust off of my old school skates. I cannot remember the last time I skated or bladed outside. Last year we attended a birthday party at a roller rink, but I don’t think going in circles on a smooth surface for 30 minutes really counts. Hoping not to look like a complete idiot and praying that I didn’t fall I headed out on the Bob Jones Trail. There’s a new one – a hike on skates.
I’ve been bringing the kids to this trail since they were born. The mommy groups I belonged to would meet up for stroller walks several times a month when the kids were infants. What a great way to get out of the house and get your girlfriend time in. Then as the kids grew older we would all take walks together or we would pull them on our bikes. I now look forward to bringing their skates and bikes to join me once they have more motor skills and won’t run into anyone.
The BJT is fantastic for all age groups. It’s paved with little to no hills and is wide enough for 2 lanes of bike/stroller/skating/jogging/walking traffic for the majority of the way. The trail will take you along side the outskirts of the See Canyon apple fields, through peaceful oak groves, past a playground and residential area (including a lovely deli), beside a creek which then leads you through Avila’s golf course straight to beautiful Avila Beach. It’s about 5 miles round trip; however once you pass the residential area, you’re on a rougher road that you share with cars. The road isn’t bad and there’s not much car traffic, but passing the golf course there was a hill that as I started to climb and realized that going up it was one thing. Coming down it when I didn’t have any protective gear and still a little wobbly on stopping, I opted to cut my trip short and head back. I was out of breath at the end on my 3.22 skating adventure though.
Bob Jones Trail is named after a local environmental activist, as a sign at the start of the trail explains:
Bob Jones was an environmental pioneer. He had a lifelong interest in protecting natural habitat and the environment. He worked for the Department of Fish and Game for 23 years. Jones co-founded the environmental firm Jones and Stokes in 1970. In 1983 he retired to Avila Valley. Bob served as President of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County from 1987 – 1989. Bob was instrumental in the restoration and protection of the San Luis Obispo Creek until his death in 1994. The trail honors a man with a vision who listened to, encouraged, and inspired others.
I’m really looking forward to bringing the kids back out here. What do you guys do to get your kids interested in playing outside and exercising?
My thoughts:
Difficulty: 1 (out of 10)
Beauty: 7 (out of 10)
Distance: 3.22 Miles
Worth It? Nice leisurely walk for the kids and elderly and wonderful for anyone on wheels.
Rating: 3.5 Stars (out of 5)
Directions to the Trailhead: From San Luis Obispo, take the 101 Freeway south to exit 196, San Luis Bay Drive. Turn right (west) at the top of the ramp and make an immediate left onto Ontario Road. Drive 0.8 miles and turn left into the park & ride lot for Bob Jones Trail.
Trailhead address: 7001 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
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