Valentine's Day Recap

No time for a post yesterday, but today I will share what I did on Valentine's Day: a 1.5 mile trek up Cowles Mountain to photograph a proposal. I made it to the top in record time.



Since I beat the couple (and their dog) by almost an hour, I had plenty of time to hide in the bushes (she didn't know he was proposing) and look like a creeper all the while trying to keep myself and my camera dry from the rain. No, I haven't grown moobs...that's my camera under the coat.



Thanks to the miracle of text Artie notified me when they arrived and I was able to move into position, all the while praying that Sarah wouldn't hear my camera shutter. Yes...it's that loud.



She didn't hear me, and of course she said "yes."



Slipping the ring on:



Once the surprise was over, I came down to their location to snap a few sunset shots. Fortunately the rain had stopped and nature provided the perfect backdrop for this amazing couple.









On the hike down, I stopped to shoot a few more sunset photos. What a breathtaking view.





It had been almost 5 years since my last visit and hike to Cowles, when Willis (who was my Valentine this year) accompanied me. I am sure he was glad he didn't have to go this time!



See more Cowles Mountain photos at my main website.

Cowles Mountain

San Diego has a number of hiking trails that will give even the most in-shape person a hardy workout. During the summer, you also have to factor in the heat, which makes the hiking even more of a challenge. Cowles Mountain (pronounced 'kohls' and named after George A. Cowles, a prominent ranching pioneer) is located in the neighborhood of San Carlos, with an elevation change of approximately 950', providing a 1.5 mile hike to the top.



I can't say that it's one of my favorite spots for hiking; there's not a lot to see on the way up, and typically the paths are crowded with runners, dogs with muzzles, and people who probably should not be attempting such an adventurous endeavor.



This time of year didn't provide much in the way of plant life, either.



Once you get to the top, you can read this marker which gives an abbreviated background on Cowles.



It's great to get such an expansive view of San Diego, but the closest areas do not show much more than tract homes and man-made bodies of water.



If you're looking to "get away from it all," Cowles is probably not going to do it for you.



There are a few maps showing you exactly what you're seeing from the top:



Willis was worn out by the time we got to the top; he was much more excited about the hike back down!



See more San Diego Cowles Mountain photos on my San Diego web page.