Lake Perris Hike, A Success

On Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, Lake Perris State Recreation Area joined parks all over the nation for the annual “First Day Hikes.” Over fifty visitors joined Ranger Garza, Ranger Huelsman, and State Park Interpreter Kimberly Seltmann for a hike to Russell Peak, the highest point at Lake Perris reaching 2,704 feet in elevation. Jan. 1 marked the fifth anniversary of America’s State Parks "First Day Hikes" and the beginning of the National Park Service’s centennial year. Visitors were surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature, experienced spectacular views and benefited from the company of knowledgeable state park guides. The hikers kicked off the New Year with a healthy start, with some choosing to hike to the peak, while others made it to the foothill, and several enjoyed the flat grasslands leading up to the mountain. Three hikers were interviewed and it was discovered that they shared somethings in common. All three were residents of Moreno Valley for over 10 years. Although each of them are long term Inland Empire residents, this was their first hike at Lake Perris. Each had heard about the hike on the Lake Perris Facebook event post and shared the common goal of upholding healthy lifestyles throughout the New Year. Lastly, each of them reached the summit of Mount Russell in spite of the difficult challenge. First Day Hiker, Rochelle Wright, is a Special Education teacher at Hendrick Ranch Elementary School in the Moreno Valley Unified School District. “It was very challenging. I cried. I faced it and forged forward. There were a lot of bumps in the road, literally.” For Wright, the hike was also a spiritual journey, “I had to pray and cry as I walked.” As a teacher, she tells her students “Never give up on yourself.” Wright took her own advice and shared, “It was very strenuous and rewarding in the end.” When asked if she would hike again, Wright responded “Absolutely.” In the future she plans to be more prepared, by purchasing hiking shoes and a trekking pole. “It is an amazing community connection for State Parks," Wright said. She hopes that Lake Perris will continue to reach out to the community and help motivate others to get up and move, to enjoy nature. Reflecting on her personal accomplishment Wright said, “This is something that I’m so proud of. I took back my life and ownership of my health and this 'First Day Hike' was the first step of the year.” In addition, she emphasized that her victory was only completed with the support of her “fit family” friends, State Park Interpreter Seltmann, and Ranger Huelsman. She is planning to return to the lake for the guided nature walks hosted every fourth Saturday of the month. First Day Hiker, Brigitte, is a retired resident of Moreno Valley. She originally moved to the area with her husband in 1983. “Wow,” she said while describing her hiking experience. She reflected on the Lake Perris Facebook post which described the difficulty of the trail as intermediate to strenuous. “It means strenuous and there are definitely strenuous portions.” Brigitte has a rare disease called PNH which forces her to take more breaks on tough hikes. Over the last few years she has been in the hospital during the holidays. By being proactive with her health this year, she was able to avoid getting sick and hiked to Russel Peak. Having a group to hike with gave her the confidence to face the challenge of the hike. Brigitte will probably not do the hike to Russell Peak again, however she plans to return to Lake Perris for easier walks and hikes. She felt prepared during the hike by dressing in layers, wearing a vest, wind breaker, hat, and gloves and walking shoes. She also brought water and tissues. “Definitely, the Lake Perris Staff need to teach people about carrying water and supplies. Novice hikers need more information.” First Day Hiker, Renetta (Rey) Kepler, is a Special Education teacher at Lasselle Elementary School in the Val Verde Unified School District and a Travel Representative for WorldVentures. Kepler shared she had a little apprehension at the onset of the trek, however, having the support of another person helped her finish the journey. “She gave me that strength,” Kepler declared in reference to her friend Wright. In the early part of 2015, Kepler started working on her health. She focused on fitness for her body, mind and soul. Over the year, she has exercised and lost weight. For the 2016 year, she has additional health goals, “I want to give up the sugar and junk food. When I look at junk food, I will reflect back on this hike to give me the willpower to not give in to the junk food.” When asked if she would hike at Lake Perris again Kepler said, “Yes. I want my passport full with stamps of experiences. I don’t need more stuff.” The hike was her first “passport experience” of 2016. “I met great people and I’m ready to do it again. So this won’t be my last hike!”