We live on the side of Terrace Hill, a 'minor morro' in the chain of morros (rocky peaks that spring rather abruptly from the landscape) running from Islay Hill (on the way from Arroyo Grande) out to Morro Rock, jutting out of the seashore at Morro Bay. There is a submerged member of this chain, Davidson Seamount, but you can't see it unless you're underwater northwest of Morro Rock.
Terrace Hill is a minor morro because it isn't as tall as the most dramatic in the chain. Plus, back in the 1920s, somebody bulldozed the top of the peak, so it's rather blunted, and very flat on top. Since Terrace Hill is one of the public open spaces owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, we get foot traffic up our steep side of the hill (there's a pathway, paved at first, but then dirt). We often see little figures at the top of the hill: Looking out over the city and the other morros, walking around for exercise, flying kites, etc). The Terrace Hill map doesn't show the path from our side, only the main access route from the opposite side of the hill.
This morning, anyone on the top of Terrace Hill would be looking out at the foggy marine layer that helps keep us cool in SLO. I can see the city, but only the base of Cerro San Luis (the next morro - a major one - in the chain).
It's a foggy morning on the hill.
The City of San Luis Obispo has 4,000 acres of public open space. Plus regular city and regional parks. The difference between the open space and the parks is that the parks are rather manicured, while the open spaces merely have access points and trails. The edge of Terrace Hill is mowed by the city, not entirely, but just by the homes that sit on the edge of the hill. Fire protection.
Step over the wall on our back patio, and you're on the hillside, and away.
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