Linda Vista Loop Trail+

Still biding my time and hiking short, safe hikes while I wait for my hiking partner's return. In addition to my training walks 3-4 times a week, which don't have any rock scrambles or much in the way of elevation gain, there are short hikes in the area like this one that provide better hiking fitness training. If I have an hour to kill, the Linda Vista Loop is 5 minutes from the house and has some beautiful views looking east to the Santa Catalinas. This postage stamp of a hike is also quite rocky in spots, so I also get a little practice in ankle twist avoidance, not an insignificant skill to hone. This short hike is listed at 2.6 miles. I added another half mile more to maximize the hour I allotted myself. 

Another hot day—over 80º—but the sun was lower in the sky late in the afternoon, so that cut the intensity of the heat. Saw two young hikers descending from Pusch Peak, which they hiked toward but didn't ascend. I hiked that bear once previously, in December, 2018 with my Canadian pal, Jack (Jacques) and some folks from the University of Arizona. That hike is a genuine challenge in its very steep grade (2,000+ feet of gain over 1.5 miles), and also a great way to cover oneself with Teddy Bear Cholla spines.

Pusch Peak center-right, like a corporate Dem.

Still pretty green from last month's rains.