Last night I woke Mike because I heard shuffling noises outside and thought someone might be stealing our bikes again. When he opened the door, the javelinas scrambled. but returned a couple of hours later. It was quite a sight with him chasing them in his Jockeys and a flashlight.
In the morning, since the sky was overcast, it seemed like a good day to tackle Tumamoc Hill. This is a great hike up a well paved very steep hill with fantastic city views. This hike is on university property . Tumamoc Hill is a research station that has been studied since 1906. Travel is permitted all the way to the top but on pavement only.
The Hill got its name from its resemblance to a giant horned lizard basking in the desert. Sunday morning looked like a pilgrimage was taking place with many people on the 1.5 mile trail each way that gets pretty steep the higher you get. Just when you are breathing hard and heart pumping, the views suck you in.
The top of the hill is home to many radio, television, and public safety transmitters, as well as a research and education facility.
The U of A maintains a small astronomical observatory with a 20-inch (510 mm) telescope on the hill.
Doubting Mariposa Lily
The early morning crowds thinned out as we were on our way back down since we got a late start. I would like to do that one again.
