Misled by the Word "Loop"

Brain cancer is...

 ...definitely done hiking for the day.

After our first breakfast of the year with Gordon (above; we'll let him explain the beverage shenanigans), we headed for the nearby Bonelli Park Trail.  Even though Darrell and I both swam in the lake as kids, we had never hiked the park. 

The sources we read in preparation (like this one) said that the loop was 6.3 miles.  Perfect for a pre-lunch hike!

A few miles in, those 6.3 miles became 9.4 miles on the trail-side map. 

 Given the lack of markers on the trail, those 9.4 miles became:

• 11.3 miles
• 66 flights
• 4 hours

Confused by the two contrasting uses of the word "loop," we studied the maps again at home and decided to stick closer to the lake next time...next time faaarrr into our time travel future...when we try the "loop" again.

The good news?  We saw Southern California at its best.  Here are some pics, in order:

The first roadrunner we've ever seen in California.  (Yes, later we did see a coyote too.)

Lakeside, before one loop became something much larger.

Still hugging that lake.

And now we begin the bigger loop.  Check out the views!

All's well that ends well.  We made it to Islands for a burger and fries before 5:00 p.m.

Regarding the Word of the Year, we learned a lesson:  Be careful what you wish for.

Happy Friday, Team D!