Sunrise on Iron Mountain - YK eve (dawn?)

As we wait impatiently for hike-about 10 to commence, we enjoy beautiful times while following the sun, from cliffs and mountain peaks. The Chinese have a greeting: 'May you live in interesting times'. Perhaps not that interesting, but certainly delightful, the early hours of the morning are invigorating and much more.

First shot of the day 

6.05am on the peak

6.18am—the breeze rises with the sun—couldn't get a picture of the wind

Peeking over mountain top 6:32am

Things became a little interesting after jogging down Iron Mountain this morning. By the way, we are now 2 for 2—a fall on each of the last hikes. We like the fact we are consistent although you can have the cuts and bruises. Back to the story. Upon entering the parking lot, we noticed 4 or 5 police officers from the Drug Enforcement Agency. Within a second, we had our cigarette hidden behind the back, allowing it to drop and then crushed it into the gravel. After a glance at those fellows—large, tough-looking and not the friendliest—we decided not to take any chances. We refrained tactfully from making a little joke to break the ice. Our friendly greeting was returned with a grunt. We decided against asking what he meant by that harsh sound emanating from his belly. Man, those guys looked ferocious, even without the sidearms they carried. We're thinking of giving up caffeine after today's encounter.

Facing the marine layer to the west

Well known sun-bush, filters the bright light

'Sun' Diego's Blue Mountains

There's something very liberating, being enmeshed in open spaces, particularly mountaintops. The feeling does not leave one upon returning to 'civilization'. In fact, it seems thoughts and ideas become more intense, crystallize and bring on feelings that everyday life should not be constraining, limiting or routine but exciting, adventurous and uplifting. Dangerous stuff! Hmm! We should probably sign off.

Sun block, the old fashioned style

That's what we came for—thank you

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

'Passing shot', approaching peak before sunrise

How did this get here? Where's the editor when you need her?

'I've looked at clouds from both sides now'

Clouds fill the mountain gaps—the sun does the rest .

Wisps of clouds—bowled over when spotted at first light

Shadow of mountain rests on the clouds, facing west

As we were leaving at 4:15am for a hike this morning, our editor whispered from her cozy bed, “Watch out for snakes.” Well, at least her heart is in the right place although not her boots. She is either taking the rest before hike-about-10 very seriously, rebelling against early morning hikes or has injured herself. We must give her the benefit of the doubt and are sad to acknowledge that it’s the latter.

Clouds never get in our way

Here comes the sun—just creeping above the mountain top

Following a call from ‘City Hall’ yesterday, we decided we had to arrive at the peak of Iron Mountain before sunrise. Over the last few days, the sun has disappeared from San Diego. We like it that way but the majority seem to be effected adversely by dull weather. So when the mayor asked for our help, we were eager and ready. High ground must be the answer, we decided. Hence, off we went to discover the mystery of sub-standard summer weather in this city.

Sun shines on the clouds for the first time this morning

Clouds, above it all

We commenced the hike at 5:02am in the dark. While we were busy looking out for snakes, we missed spotting a protruding rock. After picking oneself up from the rough surface, we decided the snakes could look for us instead—we are through with looking for them. Truth be told, it was completely dark but for the flashlight beams. If we thought about it deeply, perhaps a little spooky, too. At times, it’s better not to see what is lurking in the bushes, particularly the flock of birds that flew from a tree, sounding like squawking missiles.

Sun performs its magic

At first light, we saw something that was unique—it looked like the tail of a comet. Thereafter, one could easily be overcome with emotion as the sights were unbelievable. To view the mountains waking in a sea of clouds, clouds so thick that one could almost imagine standing on them. Before the sun exposed itself, the rays lit up the mountain tops which reflected onto the clouds. Wherever one turned, peaks protruded through the cumulus, creating a wonderland. Thereafter, things only got better. The sun is definitely operating normally, we are pleased to announce. Let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Sunrays fill the gaps preceding the source

Cloudy colors 'hit the button'

We made our way back quickly as we are beginning to run down the mountains these days or at least, part of this one. The worst aspect of the morning was sitting on the 52 freeway in peak traffic on our return. Why don’t people walk (hike) to work?

Lesson learned today: Sometimes it's not the place but rather, the time.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Waiting for this moment

Cloud blanketed towards the west, the Pacific Ocean

Too much sun, time to leave

Sunset at the La Jolla Cliffs

Our circular beach hike commences near La Jolla Scenic Road, winds down towards and wends along, the beach. Depending on the tides, we cross over the rocks and approach the nudist beach in trepidation, heading up the steep La Jolla cliffs to arrive at the glider port, wet with perspiration. We observe the beauty of a sunset, enjoy our editor's always delicious picnic and then head back to the car, in twilight.

The sequence below gives a taste of the late afternoon but without the delicious dinner.

A hint of impending sunset (click to enlarge)

The original 'ball of fire'

Dusk approaches as we face north

Farewell

Sun 'sinks' into the ocean

An inflamed ocean

Some additional photographs, a different day:

Action in the late sky

A different big red, Secretariat

Someone needed a closer look

By the time we reached the car, the moon topped the sun, a twenty-four show


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey