We live at the northeastern edge of Irvine. Beyond us is wilderness. Some of it, supposedly, is spectacular.
For instance, the sinks in nearby Limestone Regional Wilderness Park has been called a “Miniature Grand Canyon of Orange County.” Probably a little bit of hyperbole, but worth seeing, right?
I drove Portola Parkway to its end and turned onto Limestone Canyon Road. There were locked gates in either direction. Frustrating. Google Maps doesn’t show this as limited access.
My next attempt was on Jeffrey Road. Once again it looks fine on the map. The reality was different.
Though the gates were open there were signs everywhere reminding me not to be there!
One open gate featured at least ten locks, each sharing a chain link with the next. It’s not great security, but it allows any of ten groups to control access to the road without sharing a key. Pretty clever.
I called my Cousin Melissa, an Irvine native. She promises to take me out early Sunday for a little introduction to the wilderness.
Today I’m just disappointed.