Hello Summer 2009 part 2 of 11
Also located close enough to catch a hint of sea in the breeze and snug up against the Buena Vista Lagoon is the winding and climbing Hosp Grove Trail. Early in 1908 F.P. Hosp and Partners planted 40,000 Eucalyptus seedlings over 219 acres with the intention of harvesting the wood for railroad ties. Lucky for us, they later learned that the wood was too brittle and was unable to be used. In 1986, the city purchased what remained of the grove and today 53 acres are part of the city’s park and trail system.
The Hosp path slithers through many tall Eucalyptus trees along the lagoon shore. Dark green Ice Plant pushes to the edge of the trail like a hungry tide. The sun drips through empty patches of overhead leaves and scatters the sandy trail like the first drops of an early Spring shower. The trail curves sharp and climbs over 100 ft. above sea level, allowing a view of the neighboring lagoon. In November, large Monarch butterflies can be seen floating and gathering in overhead branches after Summer migrations from Northern California and Colorado. A steady climb carries you up and through thick passages where the Eucalyptus trees dominate. There leaf litter covers the ground and poisons almost all other plant life. A Summertime breeze dances through tall branches of the Australian native Eucalyptus and its overwhelming scent tingles even the most impassive nose. What was once a failed business plan is now one of carlsbadcrawl’s favorite Summertime spots… pack a lunch and bring the kids; there is a park too!
Who remembers the rope swing? Any urban legends?
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I lost a few brain cells in that grove. Fry hill!