8 Mile

Hike, that is. Yesterday we went on an 8 mile hike up Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls. Had there actually been water flowing, I'm sure it would have been incredible- like this. But as it happened, it is not yet Monsoon season. It was a good hike, nonetheless. Right before we started, though, while at the Visitor's Center, I stepped off the sidewalk and twisted my ankle. I thought I had sprained it. I stood up to test it, and it seemed okay. We hiked up the 4 miles. On the way back down it started to ache a little after I took my shoe off to shake out some pebbles. Then Last night it was swollen and I couldn't walk on it. Yikes! I iced it and elevated it. This morning it feels almost normal, so I think I am okay. Phew!

Anyway, the hike was great. Not too difficult, but definately trying in a few areas. When we parked, they gave us a trail map and a green xerox that we didn't look at until we got up to Seven Falls. It was a flyer warning us of the dangers of Cougars in that area. There has evidently been a bunch of sightings. The flyer warned us, and I quote, "Some 'problem' mountain lions in Sabino Canyon have recently displayed aberrant behavior that is know to precede attacks on humans. This behavior includes:
* Active during daylight hours
* Unafraid of humans
* Stalking humans"

STALKING HUMANS! It also warned that you should NEVER hike at Dawn or Dusk. As it was approaching evening when we got to the top, after a quick respite we hauled ass down the mountain. It took us about 2hours and 40 minutes to get to the top, we made it down in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It always goes faster coming down, but we were in a canyon that was starting to get dark.





When there are only two of you, you get good at taking self-portraits.
We are definately going back when it is Monsoon.