Up early, and on the road to this hike near Escondido. Chilly in the morning, and 30 minutes later set off with fleece and jacket on, up the hill. Looking back the view with low mist on lake Hodges was amazing. Several other walkers, went pretty fast up the hill that got Steeper and Steeper. Spoke to D and her family on a particularly steep part, then took pictures from the beautiful view up top.

Continued along the hike down rocky path, turning right and going down, and around the hill. Long zigzagging Walk down and then back up the hill, with a lovely overlook at the top. Then down again towards the reservoir where there was a monument and beautiful overlook. Now at 6 miles, continued plodding along, happy I took the big bottle of water, panettone, and nuts.

More people on the path, as I headed back to the top of the hill. Many mountain bikers coming up the very steep hill looking very tired! As I walk down, I realized just how steep the path was! Eventually made it down to the car with my battery nearly dead. Met a couple of other hikers, Nathaniel and Jane who struck up a conversation, and lived in Golden Hill. We suggested coordinating on future hikes, and turns out they were heading to the lost Abbey brewery, which was also on my list!

Stopped by Felicita park which was very pretty but cost money to park. Then drove on to the lost Abbey which was a very hipster place. Turns out they were going to have some foxes come along! Eventually both a new guinea singing dog, and three foxes were brought in! Very nice and soft fur on the foxes. They were apparently part of the Russian breeding experiment that made them much tamer than regular foxes. The new guinea singing dog was quite cute, but sounded just like a dog howling!

Tried a couple of the lost Abbey and Hopster pot beers, but was not impressed by any of them. Then drove back, parked and raced to the library for the Dave Bergo jazz quartet, which was OK. Headed back to the apartment and into the hot tub for a good soak