The Dale Ball trail system is an intricate network of trails that cover the lower foothills east of Santa Fe. They’re nice little trails, well signed, wending through the backyards of the posh hillside neighborhoods of Santa Fe. There are nearly endless variations possible. My hike today hits 24 separate trail junctions, out of 41 total in the system. Once again the day is sunny and warm, like I’ve been transported through time to early summer.

There’s no improvement in my knee today, but I didn’t really expect it yet. Instead I pay close attention to it, where it starts, related sensations in my hip and back, and its response to stretching. It’s a documentary outing for the knee, but probably a little too long, as I’m walking unevenly when I return.