Hiking at Malibu Creek State Park (Part 1).

After settling into our site for the night at Malibu Creek State Park, we woke up bright and early to prepare for a hike into the hills. Our goal was to visit the M*A*S*H site. Even though we weren’t fans of the show, it was nice to have a final destination. No need to pick a random spot to call the end of the hike. So off we went. To one side, we had some gray clouds. Hmmm.

And to the other side, we had some white clouds and blue sky. Not too shabby.

Can’t we go anywhere in this place without a million signs? Good thing we left our fire making skills and martinis back in the Airstream.

And we are off! Dan sported his Back to the Future vest (1.21 gigawatts? Great Scott!). Ava sat in her comfy stroller (lucky!). Our friend Nicole, took pictures of us while wearing pants that could be unzipped at the knee to transform into shorts (dork!). And me, in my bright pink t-shirt and 6 month pregnant belly (what was I thinking?). If you were there on that day, I am sure you couldn’t miss us. And if you were there on that day and even thought of uttering one teeny weeny complaint, the words would have evaporated from your lips like my Grandpa’s moonshine… because look at my belly… on a hike! Great Scott!!

The trip from the campsite to the M*A*S*H site is about 6 miles round trip. It’s a 0.7 mile walk from the campground to the start of the dirt hiking path. Another 0.7 miles to the Visitor Center. And a final 1.5 miles to the M*A*S*H site.

The Visitor Center breaks up the hike, nice and even. Just about half way there. It is only open from 12 to 4 on weekends. So keep that in mind. We were a little early and had to sit on the porch swing set while we waited for it to open. No complaints here.

This unsafe structure was located next to the Visitor Center. Thanks goodness for its useful sign! I was <this> close to letting Ava play on it.

Once the Visitor Center opened its doors, we got to check out lots of info about the local flora, fauna and history. And not to mention some stuffed coyotes…

… stuffed birds…

… and some amazing ancient artifacts! Hehe.

Slowly but surely, we made it to our next rest stop. The bridge.

Oh, the sound of a babbling brook. Or is it a stream? I don’t know. Who really cares! It’s water and it made a pretty sound.

Just as we were about to take off for the last 0.5 miles of our hike, a couple stopped us and warned us about the path ahead. What? You don’t think we should take the stroller? What! It’s narrow and rocky and muddy. Oh my. Let’s give it a try anyway. We’re not turning back now! We are soooo close.

What? The couple’s prediction came true? Imagine that.

So, Dan was promoted to Super Daddy…

… and our friend Nicole was promoted to Super Woman!

After lots of huffing and puffing, we sat down for a much needed break. Snack time! Little did we know that we were just around the corner from the much anticipated M*A*S*H site.

Stay tuned to find out if we actually ever made it to the M*A*S*H site or not…

the end,
marlene