A GREAT HIKE AND A GREAT MEAL

We hiked on the Upper Bug Springs trail. The weather was perfect; sun warm but the breeze was cool. The last time we did this trail, we scouted out a great area of boulders in a wash/canyon to explore so this is what we did. As we approached the end of that approximately mile long section by the creek (very mysterious and so un-desert like; lots of trees and no fire damage) we cross country'd on our left and soon came to the wash.

It was very steep in places but we never felt unsafe. At our age, we don't take climbing/scrambling risks anymore just to catch that superb view. After winding our way around stupendous rock formations (lots of hidey-holes's and great lunch and break spots) and walking up up up; we finally got to the top of the ridge and it was perfect. Not all our explorations end so well. There were several flat large areas, fantastic view, no bugs and both dappled and sunny spots.

After the hike, we stopped at Beyond Bread. They were having their Octoberfest special: a bratwurst on a pretzel bun with German potato salad for only $7. They only had a little over one serving of potato salad left so asked if we wanted a substitute, so we picked a small garden salad with their fantastic thousand island dressing. Well, the portion was huge. There was more than enough potato salad for bill and i to share; we didnt' even need the green salad and the bratwurst was a foot long  (i'm not kidding). There was some sauerkraut on it and spicy dijon mustard and the bun was absolutely delicious. crusty and crunchy on the outside (and luckily not too crusty because of my continuing pain when biting down hard in my newly placed crown area) and the inside was soft and pillowy. the sausage was excellent; mild and flavorful.

They are having this special for the whole month so we'll be sure to come back before 10/31.