PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: HIKING AT MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK

By Greg Dunne

March 6, 2013 -  Last week I did back to back hikes in Missions Trails Regional Park. I was treated with three Mule Deer on the trail—a great sight!  I have only seen deer at Mission Trails once before and that was after the Cedar fires of 2003.

It was on my way back from North Mt. Fortuna that I spotted the trio of deer. They were not as skittish as I thought they might be and I was able to watch them and take photos for at least three or four minutes.

On Thursday after work, I started my hike from the Clairemont Mesa Blvd entrance and hike up to the top of North Mt. Fortuna. It is a five-mile round trip and can be done in two to two and a half hours in good hiking shape. Make sure you always bring water.

On Friday after work, I hiked up South Mt. Fortuna starting from the Visitors Center. This is a strenuous 6-mile round trip hike and recommend you give yourself 3 hours. The South Fortuna steps are long and steep. Very strenuous and bring water. On the way back from South Fortuna, I came across this Rattlesnake. They are out now so keep your eyes open. Great fun, great hikes.