Castle Rock

Let's jump into my handy time machine, which looks oddly like a large Kenmore refrigerator box with the words David's Time Machine scribbled on the side, and travel back to last Friday. While you get your helmet and goggles on, I'll just set the dials to the proper day and time. I know, dials aren't the most modern controls, but I like the whole retro look. Plus, I blew the budget on the rear spoiler and blue racing stripes.

To ensure we don't disturb the whole time continuum thingamajig, we'll watch events unfold from up here, where we won't be seen. Okay, seatbelt fastened? Here we go.

Ah, so see that tan sedan attempting to park on the side of Highway 35, outside the main entrance of Castle Rock State Park? That's my car. And, okay, you didn't just see it pull too far forward into that ditch and have to back up. Let's skip ahead.

The weather forecasters said it would be mostly cloudy and in the low fifties. Notice how wrong they were? It's cool and sunny and there isn't a cloud in the sky. You'll also notice a group of sixteen people hiking along Castle Rock Trail. We followed that to Castle Rock Falls, which was merely a trickle.

Let's fast forward through me tripping there and there and oh, okay, so we just took the short Interconnector Trail over to Ridge Trail. Hear that? That's the sound of gunfire coming from a nearby firing range. You can also hear each shot echo through the valley. That grew annoying fast and you can tell by the expression on my face that I wish somebody would run out of ammunition. Moving on.

Here we are at Russell Point, which offers a beautiful view of the park and Saddleback Ridge. Unfortunately, we weren't supposed to be there. We were somewhat lost. Instead of continuing through Castle Rock Trail Camp to Frog Flat Trail as planned, we accidentally looped back along Saratoga Gap Trail and ended up at the Interconnector Trail again. That was fun. Skipping ahead.

Ah, there I am running along the trail to catch up with the seven people who decided to continue hiking. The other eight thought it best to call it a day. Why? I don't know. This time machine isn't equipped with mind reading capabilities. Maybe in the future. Oh, that's me taking a photo of the ground.

Okay, time for some product placement. Here I am smiling as I drink hot Starbucks Espresso Roast coffee from the cap of my red Coleman thermos. I thought that would be important to share. Seeing me drink a liter of water wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

Oops, you probably want to get back to your day, so let's zoom through the rest of this hike. There we are eating, walking along Loghry Woods Trail, crossing Highway 35 to Skyline Trail and returning to the main entrance. Just so you know, we only hiked nine miles or so.

Ready for the return trip? To help you out, I'll set the dials to the exact moment we left. No time lost! Watch your step as you exit the box, I mean, time machine and please leave the helmet and goggles in the seat for the next person. Thanks and come again soon.