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| OHCC LIVING | JANUARY 2026 | 43 Walkers and Hikers OHCC Walkers and Hikers closed out in 2025 with several wonderful hikes. The first weekend of December brought us unseasonably delightful weather and Rich Halkyard led hikers at Elfin Forest in Escondido. The adventure continued when the hikers tried a restaurant for the first time called San Elijo Vine and Tap. We scheduled two different hikes in nearby Calavera, on two different trails. We are fortunate to have Calavera so close to us because trails are abundant within the preserve and various hills where you have a choice of which path you want to take. There is even an ancient volcano across the street from us! One of the access points into Calavera is within walking distance of OHCC! Yes, we can access Calavera by walking out the front gate, crossing Cannon Road and walking through the church parking lot to Calavera Preserve. However, in December we drove to Lake Blvd and turned on Sky Haven to access Calavera for a short, 1.8-mile loop hike, with great views. After the hike, the group had lunch at Connie's on Melrose. Then a week later, the group went to Cerro de la Calavera, which is Spanish for Skull Hill, named for its distinctive shape. This Lake Calavera hiking trail is located near Tamarack and Carlsbad Village Drive. Despite some warm sunny days in December, the nights turned bitterly cold. On one of those cold nights in mid-December, we celebrated our 3rd annual walk around OHCC to view the beautiful holiday lights on the houses of our friends and neighbors. This holiday hike turned out to be one for the ages. About 30 walkers met in the Clubhouse to imbibe some warm beverages, such as hot toddy and hot chocolate to warm up their singing voices and to practice a few Christmas carols and Chanukah songs. Our festive group then bundled up and headed out for an entertaining evening none of us will forget. We got our steps in while viewing holiday lights and beautiful decorations. However, the most fun part of this walk was going to many homes within the community and singing carols to our appreciative neighbors. Who knew that the OHCC Walkers/Hikers had such good voices?! We hope that we have started a tradition in OHCC, and the good news is that you only have to wait one year for the OHCC walkers and hikers to come to your home and sing Christmas or Chanukah carols. Until next holiday season… The OHCC Walkers/Hikers hope you will join us on Do Dues Day on Jan. 10. Please stop by our booth and we will show you our list of fabulous hikes and walks we have planned throughout 2026. Submitted by Marla Reiter