Participants: Bruce Corning (leader), Bruce Hamilton. Bruce H. arrived early at the meeting point and did a little exploring on his own. I arrived a few minutes late after driving from the TRW swap meet, not really knowing if anyone else would show up. Not seeing anybody else at first, I decided to wait for a few minutes to see if Bruce H. would show up, with a plan to explore on my own if not. After about 10 minutes his motorcycle appeared.
We strayed from the advertised route. We went through a gap in the chain link fence alongside Paseo Del Mar and followed a trail to the edge of the cliff. One trail followed the cliff for a while, passing some sort of coastal sage preserve area and a construction shack before ending at somebody's back yard. We then backtracked and took another trail which leads down to the beach.
We scrambled through some rocks and picked our way along the tidepools until the beach widened considerably and the walking became easier. Several other people and dogs were enjoying the nice day. We went for a mile or so before entering the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. The club's facilities include shaded picnic tables, fire rings, paddleball and volleyball courts, a swimming pool, and Lord knows what else. After reading a few signs and watching paddleball players for a bit, we turned around and walked back to the other end of the beach, then scrambled up the cliff to our vehicles. It was about 11:45. Lunch was at Subway on Western Ave.
It is my understanding that some of this area will be developed, with luxury condos being built. Construction is supposed to start this summer. We should get out and enjoy this area before it is lost.
Trip report by Bruce Corning.