Up early to beat the heat, I set out on the hike to the hills overlooking the area. I’d done this trail on past visits, but it had been long enough that I’d forgotten how strenuous it was—basically straight up a wash. Much of the climb was over rocks, giving my ankles a workout. I pushed on, stopping only for the views and a quick photo. At the top of the first hill, after a final boulder scramble, I finally paused to catch my breath and take it all in.
Not ready to call it a day, I followed the ridgeline. That meant more down and up, more boulders, and eventually a different angle on El Burro/El Coyote. From there I continued to the last overlook, a drop‑off with views of Posada and Santispac. It was farther and tougher than I remembered, but worth it. I had spotted rattlesnakes have been spotted here before, so I kept my eyes peel, thankful that I didn’t see any-and hopeful that I wasn’t just lucky.
With the views captured and legs warmed up, I headed back down. Route finding was easier this time, sparing my knees and ankles a bit, though the final descent still took its toll. By the time I was back aboard Strikhedonia, I was sore. No rest though, anchor up and on to Santo Domingo. Just a short ten‑mile hop, and I was in before lunch at my own private anchorage with a beach.
The afternoon was hot, so I waited until near sunset to head ashore. I walked the beach end to end, explored the bluffs, but kept the pace slow with plenty of breaks, my body still feeling the morning hike. Even so, it felt good to get off the boat and soak in my own slice of paradise.
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