Training Day 1

Cowles Mountain- January 16, 2011

Scott at the starting point of the trail at Big Rock Park.

This 1,591' mountain is located in Mission Trails Regional Park.  This out and back route gains 1,400' of elevation in 2.4 miles.  We approached the trail from the northeast and head south up the winding route until we reached a dirt service road that wrapped around the east.  From here we had a fairly steep gradient up the rest of the trail to the summit.

This first hike was really a test of my new Asolo hiking boots.  Overall they worked out fairly well.  A little loose but that was more operator error then the fit of the boot.

Summary- Good cardio workout, trail is a bit crowded, beautiful scenery.  Total hiking time (with snack break at the top) 3 hours.

Scott and I atop Cowles Mountain

View to the Southwest

View to the Northwest