ERNIE COWAN Union Tribune Outdoors HIKE IN ANZA-BORREGO A GREAT WAY TO START OFF YEAR Taking a hike on New Year’s Day has become an annual tradition for me. This year, after an evening of fun with friends to usher in the New Year, my hike would be in the peaceful quiet of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While only 65 miles from my home in Escondido, this arid oasis is in another universe when it comes to peace and quiet, unusual scenery and the chance to connect with the natural world. I’m not sure anyone would ever need anxiety medication if they made frequent visits to this crown jewel of California’s state parks. As you fall into the valley coming down the spectacular Montezuma Grade on Highway S-22, you can just feel the tension release, cares vanish and the mind slipping into neutral. It didn’t hurt that daytime temperatureswere inthe mid-70s, with a gentle breeze and fresh air untainted by the additions of urban crowding. This was not a dawn hike, bu...