Hike up Denk Tank Mountain in La Costa

Batiquitos Lagoon next to the ocean (Scene of last week's ground level hike)

Dark cloud protrudes before sun retires

Looking north-east to lightly snow-capped Palomar Mountain

The first thing we noticed when we looked through the dining room window on our arrival at the condo in Carlsbad was the mountain. It stands prominently in the distance, lights at the base glittering, giving off a charming effect. It is often difficult to gauge distances, particularly because a trail might be on the other side of the mountain. When we mentioned the sight to our editor, she gave us a smile and of course, the rolling of eyes. "You can't climb every mountain you see," she said. We wanted to answer : 'Says who'. Of course, we would not be that rude, not since we've begun sensitivity training.

Sunset closes in on the horizon as ocean darkens

We enjoyed a short hike of about 4 miles although some say it’s more, reaching an altitude of 1,050 feet. The views, 360 degrees, are really terrific. We waited until just before sunset to hike to the top, for obvious reasons. Mountains behind and to the sides reflecting the soft dusk light, while the great Pacific shining in the rays of the dying sun is as always, remarkable. A person's wish is that such beauty is never taken for granted.

Plenty of blue sky remaining

A little later, a palette of colors

Last week on a short hike at Batiquitos Lagoon, (previous blog) we gained the grand total of 15 feet. Today, we looked down on that body of water from 1,050 feet. While that’s not particularly high, it gave us a different perspective. We’ll take that.

We met Eric S from Kansas at the top; he rode his mountain bike up the trail. We are fortunate to meet some wonderful people these days, each enhancing the experience for us. Thank you.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Pastel shades in early evening

Never fails to raise the spirits

Never fails to raise the spirits, take two