Miramar Lake Path to Reopen
Somebody send that man a fruit basket. This from the San Diego Union this morning:
The path across Miramar Dam will reopen to the public once again this summer after years of being closed as a security precaution, Councilmember Brian Maienschein said yesterday. Maienschein said the goal is to open the path across the dam by July 1.
For local residents who enjoy this five-mile recreational amenity, it’s a great day to be an American! Our daughter wrote about the absurdity of the closure here, a barrier at the four-mile mark which has been in place since the 9/11 attacks and presumably for security purposes.
To outsiders looking in, this has been much ado about nothing. To area residents, the fence has been a major irritant. And, for Steve and I, the reopening is a double-edged sword.
Since the closure of the loop in 2001, joggers, walkers, bikers, and rollerbladers starting their trek at the lake entrance have had to, at some point, abort and reverse course. Where the five mile once-around was quite manageable for most, only the die-hards have had the right stuff to make the eight mile round trip to the fence and back. Steve and I, on the other hand, have been coming in from the other direction.
Those in the know are familiar with the nifty little dirt path which leads from Scripps Ranch Boulevard (between Miro/Ravel and Overlook Park) directly down to the four-mile fence. Entering at this point, you find yourself running backwards (okay, counterflow), and it has become the Quiet Side of the lake. We have gotten to know the regulars, if not by name, then by moniker. There are the Speed Walkers (they leave me in the dust), Blue Helmet Guy, Funny Hat Lady, Lady Who is Hates Our Dog, etc. And, some mornings, we find ourselves completely alone on our Quiet Side, save the bunnies, hawks, ducks and the occasional snake.
It was after 30-some years of leading a blissfully sedentary lifestyle that Steve finally convinced me to start running. I resisted, questioning the fun-potential of any activity that required movement (in my case, very little) and resulted in sweat (not my best look). He remains more consistent and devoted to the “sport” than I, but I have had to reluctantly admit that the physical and mental benefits are many. In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I am not what one would consider a Serious Runner. Each time I take that first step off the driveway apron armed with an IPod full of questionable song selections (Yo, I’ll Tell You What I Want, What I Really Really Want), my singular goal is to accomplish some forward motion without getting flattened by the double stroller which is gaining on me. And, we don’t run together. To achieve the forward motion state requires that I devote all of my energy toward the inhale-exhale process. Talking is absolutely out of the question.
Our quiet little side of the lake is about to become Grand Central Station again, but that’s fine with us. Thanks, Brian. You rock!
May 4th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Kris - Lake Murray hasn’t allowed runners to go over the dam since the ’80’s - and still doesn’t. As far as security being relaxed, what invites bad guys is a feeling of invulnerability by their targets. Water supply is a very inviting bullseye.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Better go armed, that is an illegal’s campground. My friend’s fruit trees get robbed over they all the time.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Well, aren’t you guys just th Upbeat Brothers this morning! I’ll be sure to watch where I run and what I drink.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
And… I am DEFINITELY not going to be running carrying my fruit trees!
May 5th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Just speaking the truth with out any sugar on it. I’d carry mace if I was a woman and not a black belt.
May 5th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Int he spirit of the discussion, Happy Cinco de Mayo! Overwhelmed, not overpowered.
May 5th, 2007 at 10:06 am
[…] this remark, presto! Intrigued by this, I did a quick Google experiment of my own. Yesterday, I wrote on my home blog about the opening of the gates at our local Miramar Lake. Lo and behold, a search […]
May 5th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Eric -Please confirm that there is, indeed, an “illegal’s campground” at or near the land surrounding Miramar Lake and where it is. I have been running the trails through the back canyons there for about 9 years and have never spotted one. Unless you have absolute proof of their existence and location, you should refrain from posting it.
Kris - You stole my thunder re: the gates at Miramar Lake while my computer was down. Bad girl. But you cannot overstate the value of this community amenity. Whether you are sitting, walking or rolling, this is an oasis and a jewel.
May 5th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Does this mean I can call you Speedy Spice?
May 6th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
May 7th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Steve’O - they used to be working during the day, not sure now with no building going on. Next time you run, pretend like you are on an easter egg hunt and get off the main path. What would you pay for a photo? Time is $$$$, unless you are in real estate these days.
May 7th, 2007 at 9:37 am
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/09/news/top_stories/1_05_712_8_07.txt
May 7th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Link
May 7th, 2007 at 11:22 am
EriK - I’m not saying it isn’t possible to have a migrant camp around Miramar Lake, it’s just that this community is pretty proactive about things and I think we would all know it if one was there. Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised of the existence of a camp somewhere in the open space canyons in or around Scripps.
May 18th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I have been running over, around and through all of those canyons around Lake Miramar since 1980 and have not run across a migrant camp. The incident Eric sites is from Penasquitos Canyon which has been noted for years as housing migrant camps. I have also been through that canyon and have seen them myself, the the suds-filled wash water from the camps at what used to be some very scenic ponds in that canyon. One thing I will say about Lake Miramar is there have been a couple of incidents where women have been attempted to be grabbed on the far side of the Lake. The two incidents I know of the women fought off the attacker and I believe in both incidents the attackers were described as Hispanic. Whether a camsp exists in a particular place or not migrants use the canyons to move around. Not all migrants would be involved in this type of activity and certainly there are many other human predators that are not migrants so it always pays to be cautious. Opening the Lake again allows for more traffic to go through and most times there are enough people around to make for a safe place. There are obviously many places there to hide though and while I have never felt unsafe there the two incidents reported and another I know personnally of at the front gate after hours but was never reported would beg all to use good common sense. It is sad to say that women should try to have a partner or at least use the facility when there are numbers of people around. I have run that many a time in mid-afternoons during the week and sometimes I was the only person there, especially when the lake is closed for fishing. Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t have to worry about such things! I for one am glad to have this back open.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Don - I am glad as well. I was running “backwards” yesterday from my 4-mile gate when I encountered two women who stopped me to ask if the gate was open yet. You bring up an excellent point that more activity will make it a safer place in general. I admit that I spend my share of time looking over my shoulder on those quieter days you refer to, and, yes - It is sad it has to be so.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Kris & Steve, My compliments on this blog because as a Scripps Ranch resident myself this whole gate/security thing has been a mind boggle. Acces to the dam has always been easy from many directions so these types of “security” only seem to punish the regulay people that come to enjoy a valuable resource. My compliments to Maienschein for listening and acting on the input of what I am sure is many citizens that had mourned the loss of this very well used community resource. Thank you both again!
May 21st, 2007 at 7:57 am
[…] shares my enthusiasm for the subjects. One gentleman thanked us for the short article on the lake opening, saying that he only knew because he read it here. […]
June 20th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I’m SO glad to hear this. I had heard from a friend that it was opening, but no one knew when. This will push me to do 5 miles (instead of 3-4) Yea!
June 20th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Dianne - I’m a little nervous, actually. It is a mile down to the lake and another back up the hill from my house. That would put my round trip total at 7 miles - Eek! I’ll be the first to give it a go, though.
By the way, the fence looks done, so it should be any day. Unfortunately, they left the one fence and added another (and topped both with barbed wire), so it gives the feel of recess at the State Pen. Oh, well. I guess we can’t complain at this point.
June 30th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
So far I do not read here that the lake is officially opened as I am waiting for that time with eager anticipation! Does anyone know officially where the status is now? Please, PLEASE do post that here so those of us that have loved the 5-mile trek will have the chance to do that hopefully on our independence week! Ladies and all, make sure you are aware of your surroundings whereever you are! That is a lesson that I can never stress enough. It was my ex-wife that had the experience and the main gate when it was closed so I know from which I speak and the attemped perpetrator was not an illegal alien. As I have said before I have made the trek from my old house in Mira Mesa which was round trip 12.5 miles…it was wonderful and never had a bad experience with the mileage, just be very alert of your surroundings is my best advice! I AM SOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO AN ENTIRE TRIP AROUND THE LAKE! Good news will be that it is open and we can again enjoy our own natural resource…best to all that enjoy this beautiful place! donnie
June 30th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I was out there running this morning, and the gates are still buttoned up, but the fence looks complete. My guess is that they will open it on Wednesday for the 4th of July 10K, and it will remain open. I shot some pictures (so sad with all of the barbed wire) which I will post tomorrow. Stay tuned.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Hey, is it officially opened across the dam now? I read on scrippranch.org that the trail was officially to open on the 3rd of July. I have been so busy I haven’t been there yet but want to hear good news of this opening for sure. Let me know what’s up and how everyone likes the “New” “Old” Lake Miramar trail! Best to all! I am hoping to christen this myself this week, YEAH!!!
July 14th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Don- You can find photos and our account of the new fence here. And, yes, it did open on July 3rd at 10:00 am.
July 22nd, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Hi Kris & Steve, I enjoyed the article very much and am as much offended with the security that first and foremost does absolutely nothing to stop anyone from doing something to the dam if that was there desire! Secondly you hit it right on the mark that we give up entirely too much in the name of “homeland security”. From our airports where at times it appears that this department went through the homeless shelters to fill the positions to the heads of such that feel the empowerment of GOD has given them both the right and duty to abuse anyone and everyone they choose in the name of freedom! While I agree we have a real concern for security, if we give up our freedom then what security have they really given to us!!