Hummingbirds: Not the Brightest

Think this hummingbird's pretty bright, huh? Read on.

Sunday outdoor adventure day this week coincided with a small reunion of some of my best friends, who date all the way back to 7th grade in the Eureka redwood forest. Benson was in town for his big bro's wedding reception at this sweet mansion in Malibu, so we all crashed the place and went for a little hike along the Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail in nearby Trancas Canyon.

The trailhead was not immediately easy to locate. We came across this place first, which wasn't exactly inviting (though apparently also a fire station):

Not the trailhead

Speaking of dudes in orange jumpsuits, we found out along the way that Benson's mom once had a coffee-date with the Unabomber. We're all glad that one didn't work out, because Benson's a righteously good dude. It was a bad match from the start, anyway. She paints pretty pictures and speaks seven languages; he's a maniacal psychopath.

Actually the trailhead

We eventually found the trailhead, and went along our way. It was pretty hot and dusty enroute, but I thought this sign was a little melodramatic:


Finding a shady spot, we settled in and had some Bay City sandwiches for lunch. They were prego.

Lunch break along the trail

At one point along the way, I stopped to water some poison oak. I was midstream when a curious hummingbird flew up and...went in for a sip. Bad call, hummingbird. Quickly discovering this wasn't the kind of nectar it was looking for, the hummer buzzed off and hopefully found some P.O. to spit it out on. This was one of the more curious and disgusting things I've seen in nature in a while.

After about 2.5mi/420' we reached the top of a little ridge, and took in the surrounding mountain view. There was a sweet view of Sandstone Peak, which I visited a couple months ago. Off in the distance we also saw the mansion, and decided the pool looked pretty good, so we cruised back, went for a dip, and spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening lounging in luxury, playing pool, and chowing on some tri tip and Bien Padre chips. Not a bad day, eh?!

Here's a google map and earth file of the day's trip. Aloha!


View Encinal Hike Sep 12 2010 in a larger map