I walk up Tumamoc Hill regularly. It's like a cross between a church and gym for me, so yeah, I take it a bit seriously and I can testify it's gotten me through a few interesting times in my life. Which is why, Tucson, we need to have a heart to heart.

I am not one for rules. People can usually figure stuff out on their own and don't always need to be told what to do — but man, lately, I keep thinking that a few rules for walking/running up Tuma might be in order.

Don't take it the wrong way. This isn't personal. And this isn't a top-10 list, just two items. Only two. I could talk about how the runners bug the crap out of me or the folks with the poles, but really, it's OK. We get along. When I have more you'll be the first to know:

1) I understand why some people need flashlights when they go up at night. But frankly, when the moon is out, flashlights aren't needed. Your eyes get acclimated. But if you insist, could you do me just one big favor, could you not shine them in my face. I'm not stalking you. There are no bears up in Tuma. Keep them on the ground. It's the snakes and tarantula's that worry you most, not me. Please.

2) If you're carrying some tunes up with you or a radio to listen to a game, I think that's cool. Sometimes I listen to music on the way up, too. But sometimes I just want to listen to the birds I hear along the path. At night there are some interesting sounds and even birds doing their best to serenade those palo verde and saguaros. Have you also paid attention to that pack of coyote who seem pretty close, but probably live in that area between Tuma and A Mountain. They love to yip and sing too. There have been frogs and of course, the cicadas during monsoon. When you play your stuff without using earbuds or headphones, I can't hear what's going on up there. And that sucks. Buy a pair of earbuds. Thanks.