Cloudy Thanksgiving Day Hike

Thanksgiving dinner not until 5pm so what to do, what to do.....to Sabino Canyon to do the Blackett's Ridge fitness hike.  Crowded parking lot this partly cloudy morning with thick clouds drifting among the peaks.

Sand deposited on the bridge is evidence of heavy rain the day before.  I was glad to discover the water had receded so I didn't have to remove my shoes.  I kept a good pace to this point and decided rather than a stroll pace, I'd see how fast I could make it to the top.

As I entered the clouds, mist began.  Heavy rain was due to arrive later but I chanced what I was feeling was simply part of the lingering clouds rather than an early arrival of the front coming in from CA.  

The trail became slippery, especially on the sections of slick rock.  I prefer walking on this but today, it was kind of treacherous.

I reach the top and had an unusual view of Thimble Peak which is normally awash in sunshine.  At times the Peak was completely obscured.  I was soaked from the cocktail of mist and perspiration so did not linger very long.  Later.....

…..I discovered I had set a good time but 5 minutes off my best time.  I've been hiking frequently and was pleased that the soreness around my legs and feet that I would usually experience after a hike of this type, was absent.  Good, the weather is perfect, other than this rare rain event, for longer hikes and I intend to do plenty of those in the next couple of months before I ramp up cycling.

So odd to look down at Sabino Canyon Road and see clouds below me.  The shuttle service was closed for today and entry into the park was free.

The clouds made for such a dramatic look in the surrounding mountains.

Turning to retrace my route, I could see the sky was clearing and the forecast rain would hold off until much later in the day.

I had the ridge to myself but as I descend, a guy dressing in black can barely be seen coming up trail.  The view to the northwest was fantastic.

More great views as I finish today's 6 mile hike.  As forecast, rain came in and then on Friday.....

….whoa.  Several trees were downed by 50mph wind gusts.  Well over 1" of rain was received in Oro Valley while much more to the south and east.  More images of the storm's damage coming soon.