Henninger Flats via Eaton Canyon Trail
Time at Start: 6:20 PM
Time at Destination: 7:50 PM
Time at Return: 9:30 PM
AllTrails Route: Henninger Flats via Eaton Canyon Trail
Total Distance: 6.7 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,650 ft
Generic Scenery Photos:
Sooo…
Someone thought it was a good idea to go hiking after work…?
Wanted to be faithful to my Saturday hikes, but had work (expecting to work on the weekends for the rest of this month 
), so going in the morning was out of the question.
And worried about muscles atrophying if I deviated from a regular schedule.
Mm, well I thought I’d start the hike just before sundown, but erm.
Clearly I showed up late to that date. 
Thankfully brought a flashlight with me. I do have my phone, but it was down to 50% battery by the time I finished work, and I needed it for real-time navigation. Wanted to save the phone’s flashlight as a last resort.
The hike uphill was… an experience. 
Pitch black silhouettes all around, a wobbly cone of sterile white light dancing over shadows, and – always in the distance – the hazy light pollution of the townscape below. Skin is cold, but it’s a welcome kinda chill. There’s constant music in my ear, to distract myself from the eerie environment; at random intervals, I hear a sudden fluttering (startled bird), or an out-of-place crackling (a falling rock). Closer to Henninger Flats, the trees become denser and there’s a familiar buzzing that I think comes from cicadas.
And amidst all of that, my brain’s trying to juggle physical exhaustion with zoning out just enough to avoid being spooked by my imagination, but focusing just enough to also not be spooked by actual occurences.
Being familiar with the Henninger Flats Trail was a giant boon. I knew where the rest stops / benches were, where the steep inclines and trenched-in paths were, and that certainty made it easier to pace myself and watch my footing. Landmarks were a comforting sight too, even if they were silhouetted.
I think I made decent time. Got up to the Flats in 1 hr and 30 min.
Found a bench to indulge in some onigiri dinner.
Switched off the lights for a sec.
Oddly, sitting in complete darkness, alone, with this view in front of me, alleviated all the uphill hike anxiety from my system.
Downhill was significantly easier. 
Erm. I really wouldn’t recommend hiking after dark, unless:
- A friendo is tagging along.
- The route is familiar.
- The trail is well lit and wide.
- Other friendos know what’s happening and are receiving periodic updates.
- Bring a flashlight, and a spare flashlight.
…
[Insert I’ll Fuckin’ Do It Again Meme.]
Do as I say, not as I do. 
: [Staring at board in confusion, about to leave.]
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