Dawn Jogger 2011

The light was still too dim this morning for the Dawn Jogger to get a crisp photo of this couple sitting on a tree stump about half way to the top of Big Dish – in the rain. But it seemed like a real Valentine’s Day moment. Could he be popping the question?

The DJ and friend Christine had gotten an early start, undaunted by the light precipitation, doing the loop from Stanford Ave., the conclusion of three good days of visiting and walks/hikes. Been great having an outdoor companion…

There were many goodies at dinner last night, so even before they went to bed the Dawn Jogger and weekend guest Christine were resolved to do a good hike today. The closest and obvious choice is the Windy Hill loop that goes up the sunny spine and looks back down Hamm’s Gulch, a route of between 6 and 7 miles. The key is the steep climb up, a great workout. The pleasure is the route down, through beautiful Redwood forests and oak trees covered with moss. The surprise was that foggy as it was in Menlo this morning – dense and drippy – it was sunny and clear out in Portola Valley. Great to have fit friends along on the journey…

The Dawn Jogger picked her UCLA classmate Christine up at the airport this morning and headed straight to Byxbee/Baylands park in Palo Alto to do the five plus mile loop at a brisk walk. This had been a long time favorite outing enjoyed y the DJs and their dog, Cassie, something they’d do at least once a month. She can’t remember when she was there last, probably sometime in 2009 when the male DJ was at his walking peak and she’d jog the loop while he did an up and back stroll. There were lots of shorebirds to see and a brand new sculpture, reminding every one about “a moment of bliss.” Not hard on another balmy winter day…

The long period of dry weather and sunny, warm days is about to end, according to the weather forecasters. And while it’s really chilly in the hollows just after dawn, it’s near shirt sleeve temp up on top of the Big Dish hill. The Dawn Jogger thinks the barren oaks are terrific against the blue sky. Perfect way to start what’s going to be a busy weekend…

Jog the suburban streets of Menlo Park and you see lots of Valentine’s Day flags – and even hearts in trees. While this one was a bit “cute” in the Dawn Jogger’s mind, it also said it all. It brought back fun memories of son John painstakingly picking out each Valentine for each classmate in first/second/third grade. And then he grew up…

If it’s Wednesday, it’s “full Dish run” for the female Dawn Jogger. While she still sets out in the semi-dark, the earlier sunrise means real sunshine for more of her washboard, up and down circuit. While coming down to the hill about halfway through, she realized that it’s rare she takes a shot looking northeast. The clear sky made it an easy pick today. How many people can get two icons – Hoover Tower and Mt. Diablo – in one shot…

When the Dawn Jogger is doing one of her Dish runs, she’s never alone. Even when the gates open at 6:30 am, as they do this time of year, there are always a couple of dozen folks ready to tackle its ups and downs. But this is the first time she’s seen another person as intent as she is at capturing the sunrise. This man was off trail and had a tripod, so serious business. She admits to liking the shot she got…