Daniel J.
Yelp
As have been millions of other hard-working federal employees in this country, I've been incredibly frustrated, working non-stop for more than a month, while NOT GETTING PAID a single penny. (For anyone unaware, this was the longest government shutdown in American history.) In the meantime, my mortgage, utility bills and all other bills just kept rolling in, demanding my attention. I am certainly not a rich man, so I kept finding myself asking the question: "how long can I survive without any income whatsoever?" Also during this time, daily, I had been watching our country's leaders act like children, blaming each other while being completely incapable of doing the one job we have asked them to do...lead our country. Needless to say, I was in dire need of a distraction.
That was it; I was literally going to "take a hike." I needed to clear my mind by physically demanding more from my body, hoping to remove some of the toxic chemicals and negative thoughts in my brain while increasing my endorphins. I did a quick search on some nearby hikes that weren't too demanding while being visually rewarding as well. I then decided to hike through the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area (Agua Dulce, California). I told my daughter about my plan and she was excited to hike along with me.
Hiking at the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area is as easy or as hard as you want it to be. On the easy end of the spectrum, you can literally drive directly to "The Famous Rocks" and see beautiful scenery right next to you without ever leaving your car. My daughter and I chose a hike that was more demanding and rewarding, hiking what some call the "Vasquez Rocks Trail," which consisted mostly of "The Apwinga Loop Trail" and other smaller trails. At the end of our hike, we then hiked up one side of "The Famous Rocks" and then down the opposite side.
Parking here was free, which was good for someone like me, with ZERO income. This hike was just what I needed to clear my mind too. Not only was it beneficial for me personally, but I also loved having this adventure, spending quality time with someone I love.
I highly encourage you to check this place out for your next hike, especially if you want to see some beautiful and famous desert scenery. If you'd like more details on my personal journey, check out my pictures, the map/image of the path we took, and my videos, some of which are attached to this review.
Finally, for my PSA: Whenever I go on a hike I always bring (at the very least): lots of water, a hat, sunscreen (yes, even in November), appropriate attire, a walking stick, ID, and a fully charged cellphone. I would also advise that you use a hiking cellphone app, two good ones of which are the "Trails LA County" app, and the "AllTrails" app (which is my favorite). I also always bring a companion and/or tell other folks where I am going.