First day was spectacular

I finally hit the hill yesterday. It was slow climbing as Christina (my climbing buddy) and I had a lot to catch up on. We did, however, pick up the pace somewhere after the passing of the gate. I am disappointed I didn't see any javelinas or other crawly creatures, but seeing as I have nine more runs to complete, there is plenty of time.

A torn meniscus has always prevented my going too far up the hill, but I'm grateful I was able to stay upright and walking yesterday. It was a lovely view from up there. Much more expansive than I would have imagined from on top of a hill. It's amazing how our worlds seem so small until we elevate the view even just a little bit...

Is that ridge just east of the hill part of Sentinel Peak? I wish my camera could pick up more detail, but this is still pretty awesome. The smell of creosote in the predawn dew is delicious. I think of other desert cities this could be, as I descend from the top where you can see Baboquivori, and am glad, at the end of my imagining that this is where I am: Tucson. 

Day 3, climb #4

Moon up and deer on the trail, 7am. Shaved 13 minutes off my hill time by jogging the flats at the end and a low hill early on, making that last steep climb *really* hard! thank you lungs!

Ocotillos are leafing out like crazy. A thin line of haze is hanging above the city.

Photos: Lisa's Hike, Day 1

Walking Schedule