Hikers Rewarded with Friends, Fun and a View

Saturday morning, May 24th found many Moreno Valley residents half way up Olive Mountain. The lively group was lead by Gilbert Brooks, Trail Leader, and member of Moreno Valley Recreational Trails Board. The well organized hike included Sweep Team leaders, Margie and Fred Breitkreuz. Margie explained to the group that in the event that anyone needed to go back down before the hike was over, she and husband Fred would be there to make sure they made it down safely. The day was perfect for a hike, slightly overcast and cool. The views were spectacular. The Moreno Valley Recreational Trails Board awards a green baseball cap to hikers completing their third hike. Several of the hikers were earning their hats on the hike. Moreno Valley organized the Trails Board, according to Gilbert Brooks, to encourage people to come and learn about the wonder in "their own backyard." And there was wonder, Sierra Club member and Olive Mountain hiker, Christina Torres told stories of Ogres, trail blocking rattlesnakes, and the mysterious man who used to maintain the Olive Mountain Trail. She also shared in how to hike and preserve the environment at the same time. Erosion is a big concern in the local hills of Southern California and understanding how to hike without harm goes a long way. One small group of people took a wrong turn, but were lead quickly back to the main group by sure-footed ten-year-old, Sarah Gonzalez. They came alone, they came in pairs, they came with dogs and they came in fun-loving groups. They all arrived safely back to the parking lot of Palm Middle School around 11 a.m. and most agreed to be there for the next hike to Hidden Springs. The Hidden Springs hikers will meet again on July 26th at Hidden Springs Elementary School (9801 Hidden Springs Dr., Moreno Valley) at 7:30 a.m. If you are looking for friends, fun, and exercise, plan to join them. More information can be found by calling 951-413-3703.