Today's Burn

On my hike today, a young woman caught and passed me. I told her she was the first hiker to pass me going downhill or uphill in some time. She laughed. On the hike back up the hill, we met again. She said she would probably beat me to the top because she was taking a shorter, but extremely steep route. I once started on this trail and bailed due the the steepness but more for the loose scree. I decided to hike with her, and as a result, developed a good burn. I had to stop and catch my breath a few times, and so did she. The footing was very loose, and I would never take this trail down hill. She arrived at the top and waited, not long I might add, for me. I waved to her and she waved back, and hiked back to her car. I sat on the stone bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This was one of my best hikes ever in Palos Verdes. I estimate the elevation gain to be 500 ft in less than a quarter mile. The trail I usually take, which ends at the top of this steep climb, is at least one mile long with the same gain. My knee is getting stronger and this trail will be put on my regular hike sked, thanks to the woman with the UCLA sweat shirt. I need a good burn once week.