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November is the time of seasonal change at Four Seasons. The morning of the 12th was gloomy with a low marine layer and 50 degree temperatures greeting the Hearty Hikers. A few were still attired in summer dress gambling on warmer weather as we headed east. By Morongo we had passed the cloud shoreline and blue sunlit skies promised a great day for hiking at Whitewater fish hatchery. This traditional cool season hike follows the trickling stream up a wide boulder strewn valley for several miles. The absence of any meaningful rainfall for many months meant the trail was well marked with basketball size rocks that would be bowled away when heavy rains mounted a formidable flood. The hike starts in the river bed and serpentines across the muddy silt-filled water course, eroding evidence of San Gorgonio's eventual demise. There were 18 hikers shedding outerwear as we climbed 400 feet toward the red dome about one hour above the hatchery. Here, water bottles and snack bags were pulled from fanny packs and belt holsters while the important discussion of lunch options ensued. The group then hopped across a narrow stream branch and trekked a hundred yards to the main water flow. Faced with the prospect of wading into the chilly stream, a decision to reverse course was made. Hiking speed increased on the downhill return trip but was abruptly halted when a ferocious tarantula was found astride the trail. Cameras were brought out to record this encounter with native desert wildlife that would be fodder for tales during future hikes. The tarantula, moving at the pace of a speeding glacier, finally allowed the group to escape to the parking lot. Engines were started and the caravan headed for In-and-Out in Morongo to plot our December Christmas night walk at Four Seasons. To find out where else we are hiking, call or email Lynette at (951) 377-0392 or lynette.simonson@gmail.com. ~ Leonard Tavernetti 44 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2015 | SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Hearty Hikers 3rd Generation Painter Contracting For Over 30 Years Minor Repairs: Exterior Wood & Stucco, Interior Drywall, Wood Trim thank you in advance for the opportunity to give you a free estimate! 909-208-6142 Lic. #423807 Bonded hiGh QuAlity hiGh stAnDArDs intErior & ExtErior four SeaSonS Winter SpeCial 10% off interior painting ! Offer good with ad until Jan. 1, 2015 Back row L-R: Susan and Geoff Wilson, Fred Hofer, Barry Morgan, David Kershaw, and Robert Gundermann. Middle row L-R: Frieda Hofer, Larry Anderson, Bev and Walt Webster, Lana Gundermann, Jim Sein, and Jerome Liebenberg. Front row L-R: Sue and Bob Cooper, Mary Liebenberg and Lynette Simonson. Bev and Barry on the trail. 5% Military Discount (former & current members) Ask for the Jarhead! 909-965-8404 Since 1985 Licensed & Insured DON'S TREE SERVICE • Ornamental Beautification of Trees • Preventative Maintenance from Wind Destruction • Correct Pruning, Trimming Skills • Tree Removals, Stump Grinding • Tree Planting/Transplanting

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