I went for a hike in el chorro regional park today. Signs at the entrance warned of mountain lions, rattlesnakes, cattle, and poison oak. Of the first three I found none but the last - there was so much poison oak I think I'll award this hike the first prize. First prize for having so much you can't possibly avoid it. Other than that, it was a terrific hike. I didn't mind the heat much, loved hiking up to Eagle Rock and the oak forest provided what it usually does, the beauty and the shade...and of course the poison oak.

I stopped at New Frontiers market on the way home because I figured I'd be too stiff and tired after getting home to want to go out again. So much good stuff at that market, it's like a little heaven. I managed to stay away from the bins of nuts and mixes and heaven knows what else, but did stop at the salad bar, put together a little one.

When I got home I took everything off, got the washer started, then took shower, using dish detergent as well as shampoo. I did what I could to avoid getting a rash, but of course I won't know for a few days.