tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952540109235402942024-03-04T23:31:09.083-08:00No Hurry, No WorriesA year of unplanned fun away from 'home'...and then some race reportsLeslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-19390035995686342622022-09-27T18:58:00.000-07:002022-09-27T18:58:52.039-07:00Marji Gesick 2022 100-mile run<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">WARNING: Lots of words, few pictures</p><p class="MsoNormal">Ten days ago, I achieved my seventh 100-mile ‘run’ finish at
the Marji Gesick in Ishpeming, Michigan. This is predominantly a mountain bike
event that lets runners get on the course the day before the bike start. Rudy
biked (and finished!) the 2019 event, and I signed up along with him for the run since I would
be there anyhow. I didn’t finish that year, convincing myself my hip was
breaking at mile 70. I was able to run within a week after that and this is my
only DNF that I’m truly disappointed with. I had to come back.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I signed up for the 2022 race, I had high hopes for a
smarter and stronger race. The spring and summer were just a little plagued
with nagging injuries and intense work trips, though. My running miles were
nearly half of what I’d like to get in building up to a 100 miler, but I did manage
more strength and mobility work with re- and prehab, and the human can do
surprisingly great things people! So, I had to give it a shot, especially
seeing all the inspirational stories the Marji Gesick group shares of those
whose lives were really turned upside down or even lost and now couldn’t even
start.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The weather forecast in the week leading up was showing a
good chance of rain for the weekend. With a significant portion of the course
on technical, rooty, rocky trails, this makes a finish even less likely – about
half of the 100-mile starters don’t make it to the end in even a good weather
year. Luckily there wasn’t <i>as</i> much rain as forecast Thursday night, or
for the start on Friday at noon. The run starts with a ‘LeBike’ loop in which we
bike a half mile course before starting down the trail. This was admittedly
fun, though silly, and just a few minutes on the bike started me off with a
little heavier feeling in my legs the first mile or so…but that is such a tiny
portion of the day!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just take it easy the first half and be tough the second
half – sounds simple enough. I kept tabs on heartrate and tried to keep a
comfortable pace, not getting caught up with other runners going by. The course
starts on a pretty runnable 18-ish mile loop that includes Harlow Lake Trails and 'Top of the World', and
it is easy to go just a little too fast when everyone has fresh legs and is
feeling excited. Kinda wanna to go while the going is good though – I like to
think I did a decent job of pacing through here. My right foot and ankle were
getting weird twinges that I didn’t expect – a little alarming only 10 miles
in! This kept me moving carefully, particularly on any rocky stretches. The
last few miles of the section I shared with a local – Kari – embarking on her
first 100 mile. I do a lot of solo running but do enjoy getting in some nice
chat sessions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Back by the start line and seeing my Dad and Rudy! I took
advantage of the porta potties, restocked snacks and hydration, and started down the next section of flowy singletrack, solo again. My feet were
already feeling tender, that could be a problem…pretty good otherwise, just
kept moving forward. A few more people out hiking and biking on the North
Trails, on a fairly pleasant Friday afternoon. Less traffic on the goat-tracky 'Lowe's Trail' and stretches of powerline though!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Around 30 miles the course runs behind a mall area and
another good spot for crew. More food and a bottle refill
before heading under the highway and on a mile of paved path toward
neighborhood trails and ultimately the South Trails. I got to spend a chunk of
the pavement time talking to Nick from Superior (across the bridge from my home
in Duluth), then later got in a few miles with Ellen, who I met in 2019 when
she crewed and paced that year’s super-star 100 mile run winner Andrea.
Darkness fell and the rain began. It was not steady all night, but more than
enough to make the more technical trails coming up even sketchier. Some early
fog patches challenged visibility even more – luckily that wasn’t constant
through the night either!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 40 miles I see Dad and Rudy again, take a sit break,
refill my water pack along with the bottle, grab more snacks (so far so good on the eating!), get
the spare headlamp, and off into the rain to the Marquette Mountain trails. A
lot more black diamond trials, and a surprise muddy spot amongst some rocks
gave me my only knee scrape for the whole run (most of the soil had been sandy
and not so slick to that point!). Adam from Grand Rapids, Michigan slowed down
and joined me for ‘Scary Trail’ – he got to witness the little crash, getting
the first checkpoint (all the checkpoints were after my drop in 2019) and my
phone dialing Rudy on its own….after my phone dialed my mother at midnight, I
finally put it in airplane mode! Adam eventually continued on at his own
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall being on ‘Upper Zeugs
Trail’ and being convinced that a biker could very well meet their demise on
these slick, pointy rocks 12 hours later. My mouth was getting dry and it was a
struggle to get the second Clif bar down. Only 12 hours in, I was hoping to handle
solid food a bit longer than that, but oh well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">50-ish miles and another crew spot! Filled my bottle and packed
some blocks for calories. The next section was a bit more single track, then a
whole lot of dirt and paved path. My feet hurting a bit more, getting tired,
but I was gratefully still able to trot along – it would be a much longer haul
to have to hike something so runnable! Should have filled the water pack again
though, I ran out less than an hour later. Kept sipping on my bottle and took
advantage of another crew’s hospitality to top it off, enough to get me
to Jackson Park.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson Park is about 70 miles in, and so quiet at
5-something a.m. I took the time here to put down some mashed potatoes, refill
fluids, replenish blocks, reapply anti-chafe stuff, and luckily my main
headlamp started flashing its low battery warning so I switched out while
already stopped. It was getting hard to start moving again. Within a mile I
come across my bail out point from three years ago and keep moving forward. Phew.
The RAMBA trails are twisty and turning and have some interesting artifacts of
formerly ‘in town’ – random sections of sidewalk, fence, building foundations.
I experienced a lot of de ja vu through here after sunrise, feeling like I had
already been on this section of trail or at this intersection. I became
terrified of running circles out here forever. I think I stayed on course the
whole time. Before long, the 50-mile bike racers began passing – it was fun
watching the first fast people take on some of the technical climbs. The
section concluded on Last Bluff trails. It felt like forever winding around on
top of the bluff while I could see town below. I just wanted to get down there,
but the course just wouldn’t drop down!!! Yeah, my feet hurt, I was tired, but
otherwise physically fine – I was mentally wanting to be done, just not be out
there anymore, and I don’t know why but my headspace was so negative.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually came down from the bluff and into Ishpeming. Next
stop with Dad and Rudy ~85 miles, a block from the finish line and over a
marathon to go. More mashed potatoes, handed off the main headlamp to recharge
and switch my watch that was entering low battery mode. The day was getting
warm and sunny verses Friday’s cooler and damp. More fluids, more fuel, then
off again. My attitude never improved. I kept on mechanically sucking on blocks
(my teeth now hurt too much to chew sugar) and sipping water and electrolytes,
hiking ups, trying to ‘run’ downs, but the pace kept slowing more and more. I
realized I wouldn’t make it before sundown, I’d have to go into the dark again.
This got me even lower and I was fighting tears as more and more bikers came
along, further slowing progress.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Second stop in Jackson Park, 90-ish miles. It is the middle
of the day and the park is bustling full of bikers, and crews. I get a quick sit-down, restock, and head out again. At some point through the next section of singletrack, Adam flew on by –
he must have taken a nap!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 5 pm – 95 miles? My final crew stop on Cliff Drive. I
went ahead and broke down into a few minutes of pity party. More mashed
potatoes, replenish stuff, extra 5 minutes sitting in the van as a rain shower
flashed through. Got my headlamp, figured 5 hours for the last 15 miles. I
trudged back out. I did feel a little better after getting rid of some built up
agitation – despair did keep creeping up, but I was mostly able to give it a
back seat…at least for a few more hours! The first four 50-mile runners went by
me in this final stretch (three of them female!). It was fun to see them sail
along the singletrack, despite being jealous of their freshness. I hate to
admit that my greatest frustration was all the bikers. This <i>is</i> a bike
event, and I really wasn’t mad at them, just at having to stop hundreds of
times to let them go by. I had a hard time biting my tongue in the final hour
in particular, when it seemed every single one encouraged me with ‘Almost
there!’ and all I could think was ‘I would <i>be</i> there by now if I hadn’t
been stopping every 90 seconds’. Every start felt stiffer and slower. It all
adds to the inexplicable challenge that is Marji Gesick – it is not the most
technical, the most climbing, the slowest hundred I’ve experienced, but for
some reason it was just the hardest. My less-than-ideal training maybe added
some hours, but I think it would have been tough no matter what. Yet I kept
putting one foot in front of the other, telling everyone that went by me ‘Good
job!’, taking in the bare minimum of calories and water, trying to will
positivity. The aptly named ‘Cry Baby’ trail nearly crushed me – just a few
miles from the finish, but weaving up and down and around forever, so many
bikers going by. It seemed to be turning off the ridge, then back up we would
go. A blister was forming on my heel, my left calf was getting angry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It didn’t go on forever, and eventually I hit the road and
made the final climb up to Jasper Knob, the final checkpoint, the ‘finisher’
token, about one mile to the end. I thought I was running, but Rudy joined me
with a quarter mile to go, easily walking alongside me. I have nothing to
prove, walking was no slower and it didn’t feel like something in my calf would
rip. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The finish line had so much energy, so much enthusiastic
cheering, but I was content to walk it in. 33 hours and 54 minutes after
hopping on the bike for a silly little loop, then on my feet for somewhere
between 106 and 113 miles with 12,000 to 15,000 feet of climbing – there’s a
lot of GPS discrepancy with that much distance, time, twists, turns, up and
down. I had hoped experience and holding back early would be enough to get me to
the finish line, and apparently it was. There are so many things I could have
done better, but I made it.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8H_npdOP0VnkNMahtMJiOPaVMggOSxxtQJlMuvFT2eRH58AhV3fvBH2-bS1CHB0lSs_3tNOGx7Sq31g656ecPwSLBQOotR8mEj8ngJN7za6Dgf-IsfqSuMhtU3_g90Qk3noc_7PKQ_1RKjL7PHB-_RbYFW_obR1ehgK6HvIPgc6QJ2WYhYag2pfKRA/s2048/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8H_npdOP0VnkNMahtMJiOPaVMggOSxxtQJlMuvFT2eRH58AhV3fvBH2-bS1CHB0lSs_3tNOGx7Sq31g656ecPwSLBQOotR8mEj8ngJN7za6Dgf-IsfqSuMhtU3_g90Qk3noc_7PKQ_1RKjL7PHB-_RbYFW_obR1ehgK6HvIPgc6QJ2WYhYag2pfKRA/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Digging out the all important tokens</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The finish isn’t complete without turning in the tokens from
checkpoints along the course that racers don’t know the location, or quantity
of, beforehand. I dug four out of my pocket, the correct number this year.
Funny I dropped one on the ground here – I was so worried about dropping one on
the course whenever I took my phone from that pocket – but it only happened
when Rudy was right there to pick it up for me! Bonus, first female to finish
(only 2 others did this year). 8<sup>th</sup> of 18 finishers – 39 started and
67 were signed up. One. Hard. Race.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG2NVfy9rtHMiOrhWbq_TN6HOEpZdrnhijXv6yOwxMjcShTSVvw1J_osD1LG7L3CRSlJwaOJvr60LHFnxxmaOeLVecJGh7Yr-mymkPwrnXSrd4pisrGf3V5SbsZdXjcmpK1MOI9JG559tEyH0bijf8v8Qpab2lFdOMOZh6k-sbQYSJeUmI4e96-xTjw/s1008/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG2NVfy9rtHMiOrhWbq_TN6HOEpZdrnhijXv6yOwxMjcShTSVvw1J_osD1LG7L3CRSlJwaOJvr60LHFnxxmaOeLVecJGh7Yr-mymkPwrnXSrd4pisrGf3V5SbsZdXjcmpK1MOI9JG559tEyH0bijf8v8Qpab2lFdOMOZh6k-sbQYSJeUmI4e96-xTjw/s320/IMG_2317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-44106013909617502502019-07-18T05:13:00.000-07:002019-07-18T05:13:11.429-07:00Western States Endurance Run 2019
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
After 6 years and the accumulation of 32 tickets in the lottery, I finally got in to Western States - which I relate to non-ultra runners as the Boston Marathon of 100-miles. As usual, I did not train like I wanted do - opting to work a lot in the spring so I could take a big chunk of summer off for this epic journey. A good number of miles were covered, but only a few good hill sessions (better than nothing!) and no tune up races. WSER actually hosts a training weekend where the final 70 miles of course are covered over Memorial Day Weekend and I made it to that - super glad I did! So, my June trip west was pretty great - not a fantastic run, but overall good and I completed a fifth 100-mile run and scratched this one off the bucket list!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Before the
Race</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
On June 11, I
started the road trip west with my dad. We got in some good hiking,
with stops in the Black Hills, Big Horns, and Boise, but failed on
the heat training! Seemed that most of the country was cold for most of June.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
We picked up Rudy in
Portland June 20 and headed south through Oregon and Northern
California, meeting up and biking with friends.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
A few days before the race we met my college
buddy Erik in Truckee, then finally Squaw
Valley on Thursday for all the pre-race talks and registration, but
mostly chilling out at the suite in the village.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA0nUjjU0zwsTB3RGttlI-Blbmza2vjySm3tMHnntKBEezbUJ5JSF2KZKIaMyXy3XOrLrQCoDJw_FLeq9wIH96Tip6yPYjnSyjEy0OENwO1NHcHS-h607LGoE3_1H2ckMLZqcIVDoahpP/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="816" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA0nUjjU0zwsTB3RGttlI-Blbmza2vjySm3tMHnntKBEezbUJ5JSF2KZKIaMyXy3XOrLrQCoDJw_FLeq9wIH96Tip6yPYjnSyjEy0OENwO1NHcHS-h607LGoE3_1H2ckMLZqcIVDoahpP/s320/IMG_8406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy's photo of me getting the official pre-race photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Basic pasta for
an early dinner on Friday, followed by not much sleeping, and feeling
anxious and sluggish, as to be expected! Awake and nervous with my
first alarm. I had some oatmeal, though I was not remotely hungry,
and buried my phone in my pack so I wouldn’t be debating if I
should take a picture – all the race photos are by Facchino
Photography.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
<u>Climb to Emigrant Pass</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
I started out
well in the back of the pack for the first climb up to Emigrant Pass.
Happened to meet Greg from Minnesota and chat out some of the jitters
with him for about a mile. Kept it nice and steady – not in a
hurry, there was long day ahead. Still, made good progress with ~70
minutes for the 3.5 mile, 2,000 foot elevation gain to the
escarpment.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
I got a hug from
Karen (who was part of the Trail Sisters panel discussion Thursday!)
at the top. Lots of spectators and commotion helped fuel the sense of
accomplishment and eagerness for the trail ahead.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Snow! Snow!
Snow!</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Nice little
descent through wild flowers before getting into the trees and
existing snow base. Theme for the next couple hours: Preservation –
I didn’t know Minnesota winter running was training me for this!
The snow was fairly firm but slippery with steep ups, downs, and side
banks – witnessed a lot of intentional and accidental falls and
butt sliding, though I managed to stay upright and not work myself
too hard to keep moving. This stretch would have been pretty
discouraging if we didn’t know most of it would be behind us by the
first aid station.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
As we came down
in elevation, stretches of trail became streams of chilly snow melt –
didn’t worry about keeping feet dry since a water crossing was
promised in Duncan Canyon – so this was ‘refreshing' to run
through!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Lyon Ridge to
Red Star Ridge</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
3 hours for the
first 10 miles – snow sections were even slower going than the
climb!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Patience was top
of mind through the finally runnable course! Big expansive views
from the wide open ridges, and feeling the sunshine were easy
distractions from trying to make up time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE3k4O-7xkLmfYKXDuygu0EMWO7AT54WPFzJfmWRuWvtIqIH_-hrp3bBeXL0x91ztuTiklZ04vtp3LcAUZOrezALpPOLzI6lMvMBf5jQnmbN9eFpILYGhclTbmoDo7ccRf2lzh9KU89tq/s1600/4067-03-371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE3k4O-7xkLmfYKXDuygu0EMWO7AT54WPFzJfmWRuWvtIqIH_-hrp3bBeXL0x91ztuTiklZ04vtp3LcAUZOrezALpPOLzI6lMvMBf5jQnmbN9eFpILYGhclTbmoDo7ccRf2lzh9KU89tq/s320/4067-03-371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
I did manage to
hit a rock at the base of my big toe, and while not immediately
debilitating, the soreness seemed to persist enough to get me worried
it may become an issue later…</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Duncan Canyon</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
The first big
down, then up, getting warmer, and start taking on ice!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Happily I did not fall on the foot tingling
Duncan Creek crossing that I took gingerly just before the next big
climb to Robinson Flat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr3O77cUoe7cBM6jKlTHdEfPL5tGbHPphjQ6Zva7NT2RlSy612eycZ2cDVcPRrdgj2GDoa-VgNf1IvPGV-yccTocmm1iwTzktFfyKx3dEyEmrBOjspBdUwBh9nAlMaq3IfXF4OGyL8buR/s1600/4067-04-643-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr3O77cUoe7cBM6jKlTHdEfPL5tGbHPphjQ6Zva7NT2RlSy612eycZ2cDVcPRrdgj2GDoa-VgNf1IvPGV-yccTocmm1iwTzktFfyKx3dEyEmrBOjspBdUwBh9nAlMaq3IfXF4OGyL8buR/s320/4067-04-643-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Couldn’t decide
if arm sleeves were actually better for keeping sun off or keeping
arms warm. After the ice I stuffed in them quickly melted, they were removed.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Robinson Flat</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Caught a glimpse
of Maria and crew of another Minnesotan – Troy – apparently we
were pretty close for the entire race, but never actually saw each
other!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Here I filled my
water and after some debate, made my first race shoe change ever!
Swapped the newer Altra Timps for my old pair, which carried me to
the end. Forgot about the rock impact, could see a little bruise but
not acting up, so that was a relief!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
In general,
feeling fine – taking in gels, fruit, potatoes so far – Pay Days
and Oreo the closest thing to real food</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>The Canyons!</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Pushed up hills,
careful down hills, lots of back and forth allowed a little getting
to know people – quiet Japanes dude, Will from Basalt, Colorado,
Brandon who was constantly messing around with his gear, Italian guy
wearing shorts past their respectful life.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Devils Thumb
Popsicle and the crew accessible aid stations of Michigan Bluff and
Foresthill served for motivation on the bigger climbs. And it was
warm – much cooler than average for a typical Western States – I
think we hit some low 80s – I would have suffered much more if it
was normal weather!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Forest Hill</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
I inexplicably
started losing time through the canyons, so not much dallying in the
mayhem of Forest Hill, I did seek out some real food though – a
custom made for me bacon avocado wrap hit the spot!
</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Headlamp and
pacer time –Erik joined me trotting down the ½ mile of paved road
as I slowly downed my snack.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>California
Street</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Lots of
descending – more technical sections than I remember – had to
push to go even a moderate pace, even downhill – Erik was patient
and encouraging. We kept it moving but I kept slowing – I think we
didn’t spend any time at Cal-1, but the remaining aid stations
seemed to suck up more and more time as I was increasingly hungry,
thirsty, and sleepy. My pathetic pace was highlighted by another
Minnesota friend – Steve – repeatedly passing me, then throwing
up and even sleeping at a few aid stations just to recuperate and run
by me again! I did not envy his sour stomach though…</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>River Crossing</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Quick and quite
the production, but surprisingly a nice opportunity to take some
calming breaths and soak in the experience.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hwTfsVLAC5A_o77-SIU7PuqFFgq6F7aDdhA3gvrBWi-3SG9J3rpchEXR_xqFwTbkAZl4Z77XtDRQud8CLVcVud6VDJbjkihgW75Et1tvACXvCzhx1s38g0hA6ofbX2SFKbYsBPzvNZ8U/s1600/4067-06-206-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hwTfsVLAC5A_o77-SIU7PuqFFgq6F7aDdhA3gvrBWi-3SG9J3rpchEXR_xqFwTbkAZl4Z77XtDRQud8CLVcVud6VDJbjkihgW75Et1tvACXvCzhx1s38g0hA6ofbX2SFKbYsBPzvNZ8U/s320/4067-06-206-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik tried to convince the rower going downstream sounded funner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIvS5tJfi0_NidEY9ZUmDijeJ-hnwqAGaBPN23LfkMaAF3P3tHn3KHbV_kKFbkf6acZgSmWkv7Gpn-tQeVGL9Ca1POtEFl7GNUUCmqC0CwuD9o-4_VJs2q3nYvT-4E5srot1lcBrdudCu/s1600/4067-06-208-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIvS5tJfi0_NidEY9ZUmDijeJ-hnwqAGaBPN23LfkMaAF3P3tHn3KHbV_kKFbkf6acZgSmWkv7Gpn-tQeVGL9Ca1POtEFl7GNUUCmqC0CwuD9o-4_VJs2q3nYvT-4E5srot1lcBrdudCu/s320/4067-06-208-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-009.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little teetering getting in and out of the raft!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Next a big climb
to Green Gate followed by more steepish/loosish downs that I was
babying my unsteady legs on.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Runnable
Trails?</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Not as smooth and
cruisy as I remembered – At the Memorial Weekend training camp I
was strongly running the Auburn Lake Trails! So many stops to pee - I’m sure
it was at least once an hour. Also kept pulling over to let others
run by. The wee hours of the morning were certainly my low point,
beings so frustrated that I would never make it to the finish,
especially since it seemed I was constantly stopping for one reason
or another.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Legs were pretty
sore and blisters were threatening to develop on my inner heels, but
my right outer knee getting very tender was my greatest excuse for
continuing to slow down, stiffen up, and slow even more. In
hindsight, I think a few minutes of stretching the IT band may have
improve that situation! To Erik’s credit, he asked if I needed a
stretch more than once, but I didn’t want any more stop time – I
was blindly plugging along to the finish, no matter how slow.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Getting sleepy,
didn’t dawdle at aid stations, but got some Coke or coffee at most,
and some calories at each – managed some grilled cheese or
quesadillas – even a couple tater tots!! But mostly the sugary
stuff and my teeth were hurting by the time dawn arrived, which came
on quickly in the sparse woods.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Finishing up</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Erik traded off
with Rudy for the final 6 miles. We just kept moving forward. I was
glad to know about the final climbing! I had long ago convinced myself I couldn’t
go any faster – I didn’t think of it as pain at the time, but
must be the pain I failed to push through to run like everyone else
going by me – how were they all making it look so easy?</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
I wanted to walk
backwards on the paved downhill, but managed to ‘jog’ after
Erik joined us at Robie point for the final mile to the high school.
I even picked it up a tiny amount on the track into the finish line,
mostly to hold off the guy behind me – despite my recent slowdown,
there is still a flicker of competition in me – which stains my
sense of accomplishment with disappointment that I should have been
able to push harder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuXOa7PLhAyB5z0OCiJ4PiHdxEAM29ayC4KPebbTJF2lCFRDPzdyYgOcXvbfiEyWzdHAeuklj0RSGnguHYmMnvxyncPLq0VquU0S2NYN28wZq9ARpE0zC2n8muRrt5kCgsVe9z-KVRUMd/s1600/4067-08-721-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuXOa7PLhAyB5z0OCiJ4PiHdxEAM29ayC4KPebbTJF2lCFRDPzdyYgOcXvbfiEyWzdHAeuklj0RSGnguHYmMnvxyncPLq0VquU0S2NYN28wZq9ARpE0zC2n8muRrt5kCgsVe9z-KVRUMd/s320/4067-08-721-ZF-7331-18775-1-001-016.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Hugs, tears,
disappointment, relief</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Post-Race</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
First priority
was rinsing off arms and legs. It wasn’t a perfect job since poison
oak reaction started showing up a few days later – but I’m pretty
sure it improved the severity! I had it a bit worse after the training weekend.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
My stomach was
fine so I actually enjoyed the hash browns, scrambled eggs, and
pancakes served – sadly no bacon when I went through the line.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
A couple hours
spent lounging around the track infield, then barely kept eyes open
through the awards ceremony. Gathered a buckle and skedaddled to the
hotel to get feet up and have a real shower followed by a 3 hour nap.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<u>Recovery</u></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Nothing special
Sunday evening – feet up, a few modest meals, walking around always
started terrible but tended to loosen up after a couple minutes.
Monday morning was similar. Paid farewell to Erik, sent Dad home from
the Sacramento airport, Rudy got in another ride around Truckee, then
we headed home in a not entirely direct route to visit friends in
Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E7VytgPgAXf-TPSue9CfbBIFqhGMR-dkk4K_odSG9d2AKGATj6evaL26afmRoHHMxtfYV_dKTmJS79v8JpMIzxqGqpfqn07A-tc-Ne1BsXtcQiu6cytBBfRZjr0KoMKpnooW4_wK_Y_2/s1600/IMG_7574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E7VytgPgAXf-TPSue9CfbBIFqhGMR-dkk4K_odSG9d2AKGATj6evaL26afmRoHHMxtfYV_dKTmJS79v8JpMIzxqGqpfqn07A-tc-Ne1BsXtcQiu6cytBBfRZjr0KoMKpnooW4_wK_Y_2/s320/IMG_7574.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I managed to complete a pair of socks on the way home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
The legs came
around quickly, lending more regret at not pushing hard enough!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Home a week later
to settle back in to a routine, already motivated to better myself
for the next one!</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
While my Western
States run wasn’t perfect – the experience was worthy of the trip
and I am thankful to have had so much support and excitement from
friends and family – and to have no disasters!</div>
Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-74739478424458349922018-10-01T13:44:00.001-07:002018-10-01T13:44:06.595-07:00IMTUF 2018The 2018 Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival (IMTUF) 100 was a pretty challenging event for me. I got in OK training over the summer, but really, not enough to have a good showing at a mountain 100 mile run. I have to say I'm happy with how it went, despite preparations being a little on the inadequate side - I finished! Officially! And can jump in those lotteries for Western States and Hardrock once again!<br />
<br />
I currently don't have the motivation to complete a big narrative on this one, and I've convinced myself people likely don't want to take the time to read every little detail, so pretty much just putting down notes of the highlights:<br />
<br />
<b>September 15, 2018</b><br />
Weather is supposed to be 30s in the morning, partly sunny and warming to 70F during the day - 30s again overnight. Debated shorts v. tights - went with shorts. No debate for top clothes - short sleeve t-shirt, sleeves, and knit gloves - also a buff while I had the headlamp on.<br />
<br />
<b>Start 6 am</b><br />
Mellow start with a mix of gravel road and easy rolling trail<br />
Skunk smell a couple miles in - did the leaders cause that?!?!<br />
About an hour of dark<br />
My layers were too light - hands and arms cold for a few hours<br />
Light jacket in the pack, but didn't want to stop and foolishly kept thinking I'd be warming up quickly - not the first time I've made that mistake!<br />
Some chatting with fellow runners, but that died off quickly - only 175 starters<br />
Focused on not tripping and not freezing<br />
<br />
<b>Willow Basket ~10 miles ~8am</b><br />
Warm up hands by the lovely fire a few minutes, did not take the opportunity to dig my jacket out, then continued on<br />
Sipped some maple syrup - honey - decaf coffee (to take the sweet edge off) concoction<br />
Fun out and back to Loon Lake - got to see a couple familiar faces - Steve Sorenson and John Taylor being a couple of the other Minnesotans out there<br />
Sharpie at the lake to mark your bib as proof of actually taking this extra little excursion - luckily it was an easy X that my numb hands could readily handle<br />
Already pee'd three times in three hours - guess I did a good job starting out hydrated!<br />
Rolling gradual ascent along the Sechesh River<br />
<br />
<b>Chinook Campground ~17 miles ~9:30 am</b><br />
First crew stop!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMix7IpSO8T0QPslUG1eqvi7SL8AVe9LhfFs_hWyPdZdUEHzc_gsr0vs_WS_dqRA6G1jIZAR9eYCVfa4rjRf9bld4Sj2buSe05oRhyA6QWutVgmwGkgE5YMbWbUxcss5uJxQVgVEk3fwQ/s1600/chilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMix7IpSO8T0QPslUG1eqvi7SL8AVe9LhfFs_hWyPdZdUEHzc_gsr0vs_WS_dqRA6G1jIZAR9eYCVfa4rjRf9bld4Sj2buSe05oRhyA6QWutVgmwGkgE5YMbWbUxcss5uJxQVgVEk3fwQ/s320/chilly.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy packing away the headlamp while I warm up my digits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enjoyed hot broth, hands thawed enough to eat, so grabbed a snack pack and continued on.<br />
More rolling cruisiness to another Willow Basket stop - glanced at the snacks, but not compelled to grab anything new<br />
Finished up the course's easy-ish miles to the marathon mark, then tackled the first big climb to Diamond Ridge ~1000' up in a mile<br />
Lots of cool white boulders scattered about (quartzite I think)<br />
Short stretch along the ridge with eerie wind whistling through the leafless trees<br />
Long and dusty descent to drop the couple thousand feet of altitude gained over the first quarter of the course<br />
Couple miles on (mostly) gravel road and random trails<br />
<br />
<b>Upper Payette Lake ~33 miles ~1:30 pm</b><br />
Crew again!<br />
More broth<br />
Assembled a snack pack of potato chips, gummy bears, swedish fish, and peanut M&Ms<br />
Got to see Chris Scotch, and hear his wife Helen was doing well!<br />
Left the aid station with Steve - nursing a nagging injury and happy to hike some miles with me and get caught up on summer fun.<br />
Back on smoother trails and fell in with another little train of runners - a couple guys from Buffalo NY area and a lady from San Diego<br />
Weather actually cloudy, cool, and windy<br />
Went ahead and stopped to put on my jacket<br />
Almost too warm, debated another stop to put my jacket over my pack to get more ventilation Eventually light rain started up, so finally stopped to get the jacket over the pack to keep things a little drier - pulled the gloves back on too<br />
Maybe 50F, light rain, but steady and soaking - a little too much for the wind breaker, now wet and sticking to my rapidly cooling arms<br />
Went by Duck Lake, some encouragement from backpackers and campers already set up for the evening<br />
<br />
<b>Duck Lake ~43 miles ~5 pm</b><br />
Rain intensified - 5% chance of precipitation for the day came through!<br />
Plenty of runners huddling under the little tents - very few with rain gear<br />
Kept it simple with the eating to that point, but was wanting some fuel since I didn't have clothes to add to the situation yet - broth, hummus wrap, quesadilla.<br />
Started to leave<br />
Steve yelled my name and asked if I wanted hand warmers. YES PLEASE!! <br />
So Lucky<br />
Five miles of road (not very heat generating)<br />
Rain dissipated, but still wet and cold and the hand warmers kept me out of absolute misery<br />
<br />
<b>Snowslide ~48 miles ~6:30 pm</b><br />
Crew!<br />
Spent ~20 minutes by the fire, eating (more broth and quesadilla), getting fresh batteries in the head lamp, and preparing for the big climb we were warned of at the pre-race meeting<br />
Rain was done and jacket dried quickly, so off I went without additional layers, except mittens<br />
1000' for a mile to Snowslide Lake, and another 1000' for the next mile above the lake<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyWfU8187RYO7ncqzc1r_SnrJSwpq6jj4u0QfaNelCXp7fzAJNkxHqFGJ642-9VPqs0z5rTksENBOdWdJtu5YqsPLIhoUo2s81z74qTIu6uO3Rldj8DWev-t9twOUrJZiVmUEGnkFZklY/s1600/snowslide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyWfU8187RYO7ncqzc1r_SnrJSwpq6jj4u0QfaNelCXp7fzAJNkxHqFGJ642-9VPqs0z5rTksENBOdWdJtu5YqsPLIhoUo2s81z74qTIu6uO3Rldj8DWev-t9twOUrJZiVmUEGnkFZklY/s320/snowslide.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway up the big climb!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Slow and steady<br />
Made it to the pass and amazing views in the light!<br />
Short stop to put on my headlamp, then started down the other side with Steve, and Tony from Boise, here with Emily (who I had been around since Duck Lake).<br />
Got to hear some details on the sections to come from Tony - good to start thinking about the long night ahead!<br />
Soon dark enough for the head lamp - which seemed dim! I saw new batteries go into it, just getting old, or a bad connection?<br />
Back up hand held, much better, but only for about an hour<br />
Luckily not too technical - some stream crossings, rocks, and roots, but fairly runnable<br />
Back to the headlamp, which lasted well enough to the next aid station<br />
Enjoyed a lovely half moon too - set fairly early though<br />
<br />
<b>Lake Fork ~59 miles ~10:30 pm</b><br />
Time for Rudy to join!<br />
Swapped headlamp for Marcus's<br />
Put on rain jacket and pants for a night of hiking in the cold<br />
Fueled up with rice and broth, and a last minute slice of veggie pizza.<br />
Grabbed a couple bars for the road<br />
Started on the march up a couple miles of road.<br />
Fall Creek Trail - mostly just as steep as Snowslide, but so much longer!<br />
Pizza slice may have been too much, felt icky - even tried to throw up but couldn't<br />
Tired in general, lots of breathers, star gazing breaks, laid on the side of the trail a couple minutes<br />
An hour of climbing later, tummy OK enough to put a caffeinated gel down - totally helped<br />
Lost a lot of time through this section and the next, just wasn't moving fast or getting through aid stations efficiently - not dawdling, just taking the time I felt like was needed<br />
<br />
<b>South Crestline ~mile 67 ~very middle of the night</b><br />
Shared a little ramen with Rudy (I mostly took the broth) and choked down another gel<br />
More Crestline climbing<br />
Managed to eat both 'backup' bars from Lake Fork aid station, concoction, gels? and plenty of hard candies (during the whole event I consumed about a million root beer barrels)<br />
Eventually descending, descending, and descending forever to hit the next aid<br />
<br />
<b>Box Creek ~mile 74 ~6 am</b><br />
Beloved as being packed in by goats, which nearly everyone get selfies with<br />
Not feeling fun and didn't manage to get my picture with a goat<br />
Sipped more broth, a couple bites of Rudy's quesadilla, a little handful of gummy bears<br />
Departed into the final hour of night<br />
Side note: happy that my newish Coros Pace watch lasted 24 hours in GPS mode, and kept the time of day for me the rest of Sunday!<br />
After sunrise, Rudy expressed a little concern about cutoffs and encouraged running the easier stuff Short ups and downs made for a good mix of hiking the climbs and running the rest<br />
First minute of each run segment hurt, but typically loosened up<br />
Little worried about sabotaging my legs for the bigger descents ahead<br />
<br />
<b>North Crestline ~mile 80 ~8:30 am</b><br />
~2 hours before that aid station cutoff<br />
Not a lot of people around<br />
More broth, candy? Rudy had a big fluffy pancake<br />
Refilled water, ditched the rain gear<br />
Five miles down a rocky road - probably only ran half of it, like most others around us<br />
An older guy paused and wondered why we didn't seem worried about cutoffs<br />
Feeling confident at that point we would have time to spare, even with a lot of walking<br />
Muscle soreness was was expected, but a little worried about deeper achiness in left foot and right shin - hard down hill was not helping that!<br />
Terrible Terrence - essentially a former logging road that now resembles more of a goat trail - worked on over the years by the race, and really not that terrible!<br />
Water crossing at Upper Payette Lake Dam, couple inches, not a problem<br />
Few more miles dirt road jogging<br />
<br />
<b>Upper Payette Lake ~mile 89 ~noon</b><br />
Gloves off and puffy hands!<br />
End of Rudy's pacing duties and time for Marcus to take over<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGBLQSPxEnN7XrZCY4_rUpqmrLT4nkRz-zR16hRJsjAP3iGIIx_jBYxkHMZ-KHKcSdq1Iu8g7lquwwiSOXcDpNjRVaD-h6NmEXKnU-j-MA5_hJ_Iwf_k9LCQ8QVYPzN1d9SWkCNeJWBG4/s1600/UPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGBLQSPxEnN7XrZCY4_rUpqmrLT4nkRz-zR16hRJsjAP3iGIIx_jBYxkHMZ-KHKcSdq1Iu8g7lquwwiSOXcDpNjRVaD-h6NmEXKnU-j-MA5_hJ_Iwf_k9LCQ8QVYPzN1d9SWkCNeJWBG4/s320/UPL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus was at the aid station early! In case a was a couple hours ahead of schedule instead of the couple hours behind I was...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Put down some pickles, fruit, and one yummy pierogie<br />
Maple concoction empty - opted not to refill<br />
Back to the road<br />
Mostly easy up or level for a bit, but still walked<br />
Eventually hit some trail and a much steeper than I hoped, but not horribly long climb to Cloochman Saddle<br />
Required one breather - good for Marcus to catch a few photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHM9xEjYEL8NGbDnR3wwsOP4KR3HA9Gdm7IBWUjHDdtAX8ZW6UE-S6_4dTQZYHa7kBhPlJklqy4yFtBCtHXXUonXASsL7yQLCpS-QNTkqJwXBkqYYwztZVd1vvVd8_0rDp9alvWby_xf6/s1600/scenic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHM9xEjYEL8NGbDnR3wwsOP4KR3HA9Gdm7IBWUjHDdtAX8ZW6UE-S6_4dTQZYHa7kBhPlJklqy4yFtBCtHXXUonXASsL7yQLCpS-QNTkqJwXBkqYYwztZVd1vvVd8_0rDp9alvWby_xf6/s320/scenic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might actually be from Bear Pete Ridge, but all amazing scenery on Sunday afternoon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Cloochman Saddle ~mile 94 ~2 pm</b><br />
Just spent<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMprts-z3aOPWCZ7H0BOS_iBX50hhNmKwUi9YJK9HGz0x23as3wOGMQl0EQa4GvfNEzc0fYVFos-cIZeBn8DHlvd4GxOEhXY72SDufgAryP2XM0BUbVB3Dx0oq04pUItwoeFzRa0WwRtU/s1600/Cloochman+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMprts-z3aOPWCZ7H0BOS_iBX50hhNmKwUi9YJK9HGz0x23as3wOGMQl0EQa4GvfNEzc0fYVFos-cIZeBn8DHlvd4GxOEhXY72SDufgAryP2XM0BUbVB3Dx0oq04pUItwoeFzRa0WwRtU/s320/Cloochman+in.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not actually trying to match Marcus's jig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Caffeinated gel and a little piece of banana bread, put more chips and M&Ms in a bag<br />
Final 4 mile climb to the course high point of Bear Pete ~8,400'<br />
Looong climb, then along the ridge for a loooong time, wondering when would we ever be to the top! Actually just went up to a saddle<br />
<br />
<b>Bear Pete ~mile 98 ~4 pm </b><br />
Just filled my flask with water<br />
Nearly devastated that it was 5.5 miles to the finish and not the 5 miles we were promised at Cloochman!<br />
Less than 2 hours to make it - had to do some running!<br />
But morelittle climbs - no! Just means steeper down hill later!<br />
Soon the descent started and we maintained a decent jog for the final miles of trail<br />
Singing poorly about how much I love running<br />
'Enjoyed' a few more root beer barrels<br />
Hit the gravel road where Rudy was waiting to join for the final 1.2 miles to finish<br />
Kept the 'run' up - tired and slow and so ready to be done!<br />
Another forever stretch<br />
Sparse cheers from a few passers by that I didn't really respond to<br />
<br />
<b>Finished! ~mile 103 ~5 pm</b><br />
35 hours, 7 minutes, 59 seconds - 104 of 125 finishers - 18 of 23 women<br />
Spit out the last root beer barrel<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l0vEZGONA2B1zt5dn8t1z2CnxnKEMlcSQhBeVOJsiZlFr92CvdAK_dN90-1N4lKsfu-YlazsW8bYdp2kml4OajcnLTU9tuHXPJEFe5R2YK4LKg3oGtGHV2JR2sibuPbpujYh-GTmHs2n/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l0vEZGONA2B1zt5dn8t1z2CnxnKEMlcSQhBeVOJsiZlFr92CvdAK_dN90-1N4lKsfu-YlazsW8bYdp2kml4OajcnLTU9tuHXPJEFe5R2YK4LKg3oGtGHV2JR2sibuPbpujYh-GTmHs2n/s320/finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet relief</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now the smiles, and hugs, and a chair. Got to chat with Helen (finished just over 28 hours!) and Steve (finished!) and that lady from San Diego (she didn't make the whole run) who was ridiculously hospitable and provided extra layers and chips and salsa while Rudy fetched some chili and cornbread. Real food!<br />
<br />
Another bowl of chili, then the slow process of changing into a swimsuit and getting in the hot springs - didn't know if that would be appealing post-100-mile, but it very much was wonderful!<br />
<br />
Already late afternoon - gathered up our stuff, found John Taylor (finished, but after the official cut off - good showing by Minnesota!), and headed back to McCall for shower, more food, and probably the best post-ultra sleep I've managed. Sore and stiff, but nothing truly painful.<br />
<br />
Thoughts for having a better mountain ultra in the future:<br />
More course study!<br />
More layers!<br />
More hiking!<br />
Trekking Poles?<br />
More gear/clothing/rainwear options in pack and drop bags<br />
<br />
So grateful for:<br />
Rudy! and Marcus!<br />
All the other runners and volunteers - everyone was above and beyond kind!<br />
Very few stomach issues - tolerated quesadillas well!<br />
Lots of minor issues to learn from, but really, no disasters<br />
100 mile finish #4 - still so much room for improvement<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-28132690066455533582017-07-07T12:01:00.000-07:002017-07-07T12:01:32.561-07:00Friends and Family Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Most of June was spent visiting people, and a few places, near home that we really don't see enough of during 'regular life'. Since a lot of time was spent just hanging out, chatting, etc. this is going to be another extra generic post!<br /><br />June 4-5<br />Just a little post race hanging out, which included talking with another van guy biking the trails, and a quick stop at the General Store that graciously supports local events for cold drinks and treats for later, before a couple hours of driving to get just outside Chicago and start the friends and family tour. We had a few days with Rudy's childhood neighbor and friend Shawn, his wife Lucy, and their 15 month old twins Vera and Elise - oh, a couple cats too! We had some nice weather and plenty of time hanging out on the porch, eating, chilling, soaking feet and otherwise recovering. We also got to be introduced to some Rick and Mortie, and also wathced Batman vs. Superman<br /><br />June 6-7<br />Another big drive with five hours to Black River Falls, WI, where we happened upon a nice rest area with a 1/2 mile path to a scenic overlook (I neglected to take the phone along!) We ate bean burritos here and played a round of Hand and Foot - Rudy win, before heading to a nearby Casino for free parking the next couple nights. Destination for this area was Levis, where Rudy biked, and I got in some hiking. So nice and sunny, a little buggy, but not unbearable. I also managed to lay in the sun, get in some outside yoga, and start on the race report before we made barley and red sauce and played more Hand and Foot - Rudy wins again!<br /><br />June 8-10<br />Little bouts of rain early morning, but no storming. We next headed to Eau Claire and Lowes Creek County Park. We ended up biking with older couple on the relatively flat and fun trails - good for my recovery :) And then we finally get into Minnesota! First stop was Minneapolis to visit our friends Chester and April, and their little ones Olive and Oscar - also dog Hugo. We took some nice strolls, lots of grilled meals, and plenty of good conversation for a couple days! We also spent an evening with Rudy's brother Erin, and his daughter Kailey (wife Kjirsten was on a work trip :/). Hot weather was good for more grilling and hanging out on the deck!<br /><br />June 11-14<br /> Before we departed Erin's, there was a nasty hail storm at 8:30 am - I haven't seen too many green sky crazy storms, and this was intense!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw-jBphvWUPSahlzB4R8yKc06tzWCZuiFvF6Z5Ch6I2TJ6mYL5ZuZe3_qiCDENJosvhUqJmlqK7FhP9VxiMvWzwldpa4chpaGwdkY_xEjlqVo4VMoOn46MtCQyvMKx3PnTeRP-T9WS4F_/s1600/IMG_4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw-jBphvWUPSahlzB4R8yKc06tzWCZuiFvF6Z5Ch6I2TJ6mYL5ZuZe3_qiCDENJosvhUqJmlqK7FhP9VxiMvWzwldpa4chpaGwdkY_xEjlqVo4VMoOn46MtCQyvMKx3PnTeRP-T9WS4F_/s200/IMG_4189.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hail is piling up!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No major damage at Erin's place, but him and Rudy did help clean up a tree that landed on a neighbor's car. We next stopped by Greenfield to visit Chicago-Shawn's brother Nate, his wife Krista, their toddler and newly home premie twins! Luckily things were pretty quiet for a couple hours for some catching up before we continued on to Hutchinson to visit past unicycling friends Andy and Irene, and their daughter Ani. They are now full time organic fruit farmers, pretty awesome to get a glimpse into some of the workings of the farm!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCDalYUPiBC3bPQYfjeiRSL3Dg4vJ99VOBAXbaGdwrXi7jewfyUek8Rf2Y3Hm_C6YYTdk9KzGtr5-JRCK9pf7rZRxHp0qQe-93DCvkLkhQYQdxGHAhnhyphenhyphenWfhkNDYPU4fKVFaRMgMNyLY9/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCDalYUPiBC3bPQYfjeiRSL3Dg4vJ99VOBAXbaGdwrXi7jewfyUek8Rf2Y3Hm_C6YYTdk9KzGtr5-JRCK9pf7rZRxHp0qQe-93DCvkLkhQYQdxGHAhnhyphenhyphenWfhkNDYPU4fKVFaRMgMNyLY9/s200/IMG_4190.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFNV6G-3YW5BytgjOT5nNBkMATbSydL3M0xa2RYStvcs_DKrSmdg8R9lpdm5yUWDBJpzziMKGpSXnjlYuLQNnHnYQ3zG_GQnx1Rm8b0LOLKX7HGAxKDGasLzVUvrN-iguH6qUF4otXfvH/s1600/IMG_4194.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFNV6G-3YW5BytgjOT5nNBkMATbSydL3M0xa2RYStvcs_DKrSmdg8R9lpdm5yUWDBJpzziMKGpSXnjlYuLQNnHnYQ3zG_GQnx1Rm8b0LOLKX7HGAxKDGasLzVUvrN-iguH6qUF4otXfvH/s200/IMG_4194.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Although our original plan was to hang out for a day, we ended up sticking around for a few, mostly helping out and not being in the way (at least I like to think so.) Rudy participated in cleaning up some of the minimal damage from the recent storminess, some simple welding, and lots of strawberry harvesting. I mostly chipped in with preparing meals (so much home grown and made from scratch goodness!), processing strawberries, and experimenting with some strawberry treats, including sauce, gelato, and pies. And Rudy made a cheesecake. Despite everyone being pretty busy, Andy and Irene were still great about showing us around and making us feel welcome - pretty inspiring!<br /><br />June 15<br />We contributed a little more help on the farm before moving on to Alexandria to visit Rudy's cousin Dick and his wife Heather, and their kids: Lilly, Layla, Ritchie, and Jackson. Plenty of catching up, and Rudy was good with helping with projects while I made myself useful by entertaining kids, mostly consisting of strolling around and pushing them on the swings - there were some games and watching The Nanny Diaries too. Heather made some fantastic roast chicken with roast veggies and mashed potatoes, and a coconut cream pie to go along with the leftover cheesecake we had - so much good food!<br /><br />June 16<br />An excellent breakfast of pannakakku and more more playing and helping until early afternoon when we head toward St. Cloud to visit past trials-riding friends Brian and Jenna, and their girls Camille and Lydia. Lots of visiting, a great dinner of gnocchi, chard, and white beans, and a blessedly earlier bed time!<br /><br />June 17<br />A little jog for me - slowly recovering from the 100-miler - and then waffles! Next destination was Cayuna - again, the relatively easy trails were nice for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yz9FP_upzqPrCPjVz1c2y5EVRo_S4m8m2AEfAb933029Lrh_KFBOPoYmlfhtE-Wjlk5o8HnBiE0GlwPCBd1_bgZa6wT8hwoZVm3PMur0sYTgGcSX15reD0p9AcA43_Wq5Jb59ToX92JR/s1600/IMG_4199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yz9FP_upzqPrCPjVz1c2y5EVRo_S4m8m2AEfAb933029Lrh_KFBOPoYmlfhtE-Wjlk5o8HnBiE0GlwPCBd1_bgZa6wT8hwoZVm3PMur0sYTgGcSX15reD0p9AcA43_Wq5Jb59ToX92JR/s320/IMG_4199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Miners Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We got in a couple hours on bike before afternoon storms started and we continued on to see Rudy's Aunt Jan, and her husband just outside Cross Lake. There were more visitors here and we were able to see Tom Jr., and Rudy's Uncle Larry and his wife Mary Kay. More grilling (including apparently hard to find Vienna hotdogs - good, so far as hotdogs go!) and great visiting. We also got to watch the Barkley Marathons documentary - craziness.<br /><br />June 18-20<br />Happy Father's Day! After breakfast and more chatting, we headed to Lake Winnibigoshish to see Rudy's Dad at their cabin for a couple days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DsGgObBvYf-ealCeAOWeqQK0AaVS7cUpjp9OfU66ces-bW2TO2eVAP5aFAEW78_vyVfu5YVtI8yrsDhTV7VwShZ26FXAekO_UE9ZKzgblLuLB1o6aiLn21oZG8sx2C1vD9fRtTxH_RlS/s1600/IMG_4203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DsGgObBvYf-ealCeAOWeqQK0AaVS7cUpjp9OfU66ces-bW2TO2eVAP5aFAEW78_vyVfu5YVtI8yrsDhTV7VwShZ26FXAekO_UE9ZKzgblLuLB1o6aiLn21oZG8sx2C1vD9fRtTxH_RlS/s320/IMG_4203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blustery day at Winni</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
His dad's really long time friend Duke was there too. We were treated to some fresh walleye, mellow days, and venturing around on surrounding forest roads. The weather was a lot of cool and windy, but eventually got better just in time for us to head toward Grand Rapids and visit Rudy's former coworker Mike and his wife Linda.<br />
<br /><br />June 21-25<br />Happy Summer! We spent a good amount of time in the Grand Rapids/Hill/City/Bovey/Swan River area - got to check out the Grand Rapids farmers market - not a lot of produce yet, but good to see more folks than I expected selling locally produced goods - we just bought a bunch of baked goods, and biking the newish singletrack near the high school. I only got in 5 of the 6 miles there, and the trails were relatively flat, but I had fun! We managed to visit Larry and Mary Kay at their home on the golf course. Their daughters Jenny and Katie stopped by with two boys each as well, it was great for me to finally meet them! We also stopped by the Lillesvies and ogled their garden and solar panels. Then my dad, the Grays, my brother (grilled us some delicious shis-kabobs and entertained us with Dr. Strange and Deadpool), also Rudy's childhood neighbors, and mom and Aunt Mary, and finally my Grandparents (whom we actally got to see a few months ago in Florida!)<br /><br />June 26-27<br />Some final visiting with the Grandparents before we head out for a day being of tourists along the North Shore - this is essentially our back yard, yet we have not spent much time there during the past ten years! We stopped along the way at Lookout Mountain in Virginia - a pretty little area on the Laurentian Divide with lots of little trails! Sadly there were scattered showers and the trails were too wet for biking, but a couple hours of hiking was a nice alternative, the mud and mosquitoes were tolerable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3MZ1gVE1u8NxbQwOw6Av1BZi-hWNlgnWPRwooNvg9C0soA322ezGQnJ4qy23-AEUsIas9Lu6hWux9eh4lHXK-Sf4rmqvJxqCWqaItwMqZVulLLSG_oB5O3oXiexbqjuL3bGrs-1-z7X7/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3MZ1gVE1u8NxbQwOw6Av1BZi-hWNlgnWPRwooNvg9C0soA322ezGQnJ4qy23-AEUsIas9Lu6hWux9eh4lHXK-Sf4rmqvJxqCWqaItwMqZVulLLSG_oB5O3oXiexbqjuL3bGrs-1-z7X7/s320/IMG_4218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Lookout Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDinBwSfs9e4jwY4NbYnL-hEnRTUlYu0RSGmIriL2IeHcKWptlBumzvs7BsqPtjuPjDz5OsmZOcT77-GQUzDRUIIkr2VJRQfrxczpVMvSiD_w5puK1hhw4HX93Qt4rAVzpCnPd9s0pqgVH/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDinBwSfs9e4jwY4NbYnL-hEnRTUlYu0RSGmIriL2IeHcKWptlBumzvs7BsqPtjuPjDz5OsmZOcT77-GQUzDRUIIkr2VJRQfrxczpVMvSiD_w5puK1hhw4HX93Qt4rAVzpCnPd9s0pqgVH/s200/IMG_4219.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some familiar wild flowers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the evening we drove another hour to a State Trail lot, made bean burritos, and started season three of Gotham.<br /><br />It was a gorgeous morning to make our way to the Sugarbush Trails just outside Tofte - so nice to see the North Shore again! Here also the trails were too wet for biking, so we got on the Superior Hiking Trail and headed up Carlton Peak.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzQkB46eZOmVesqRFeWQ14NmCxL-x_2eaKjcNbF3M_MsZEpvwwR68sYHTZY5nHZ-4D3AiN_COlC9dp40cu-tKP3AcuvFx55iXg7VIzl9iGZTowDSlnGE86ArPbIz3aCwZ4RywxXZC1zOp/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzQkB46eZOmVesqRFeWQ14NmCxL-x_2eaKjcNbF3M_MsZEpvwwR68sYHTZY5nHZ-4D3AiN_COlC9dp40cu-tKP3AcuvFx55iXg7VIzl9iGZTowDSlnGE86ArPbIz3aCwZ4RywxXZC1zOp/s320/IMG_4223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views from Carlton Peak are well worth the extra climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0riricm5BHR-2xyuoJqM-g3INCEGI258QA7iJj5K_XKGAFDdz4CxkRriEBkQEXzPvr1MQleQWYJ7TaZJwY4LgCSK6aGNWMc1oFojaU0v3ulXbn8mGTJaUofe1nDawXQl4wD9ctl2yKVMT/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0riricm5BHR-2xyuoJqM-g3INCEGI258QA7iJj5K_XKGAFDdz4CxkRriEBkQEXzPvr1MQleQWYJ7TaZJwY4LgCSK6aGNWMc1oFojaU0v3ulXbn8mGTJaUofe1nDawXQl4wD9ctl2yKVMT/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We continued north, had lunch at the Onion River rest stop, then more hiking along the river there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr9JP44akzwj05cVdjk-oZH5E1N4q-bTMTWwm0zVgxdlz-s6fF7TboXQO1DYTgMR5m8BJZCEeg8TB-E8nMzdHMJmINQVCxlb9DFMQbWzDPcS5C8ndJcPq8egMhPI0n57R316b0MPAVsis/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr9JP44akzwj05cVdjk-oZH5E1N4q-bTMTWwm0zVgxdlz-s6fF7TboXQO1DYTgMR5m8BJZCEeg8TB-E8nMzdHMJmINQVCxlb9DFMQbWzDPcS5C8ndJcPq8egMhPI0n57R316b0MPAVsis/s320/IMG_4224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion River making its way to Lake Superior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We got in some wandering around Cutface Beach and Grand Marais, and made a stop at the Pincushion Trails, which we assumed would be wet, but the little stretched we walked was not terrible, maybe could have biked? Oh well.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUt9YIKPbbAOWWi9szaq0Sckl-HAU4TVIuVoKr4DLHK22QDOqOVM4F2RjZnBZvlhhJ64HV-t7qyfx-LpSajxz5eFY2DMU0llFHfHCCZ4xNFOtio1_lJ1Cp4aTjl7kboZwInQQRd_Wq4g_/s1600/IMG_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUt9YIKPbbAOWWi9szaq0Sckl-HAU4TVIuVoKr4DLHK22QDOqOVM4F2RjZnBZvlhhJ64HV-t7qyfx-LpSajxz5eFY2DMU0llFHfHCCZ4xNFOtio1_lJ1Cp4aTjl7kboZwInQQRd_Wq4g_/s200/IMG_4229.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thompsonite in basalt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZpjT0y9469ifm9WU9w97W6Lh5VWdShyphenhypheng2M_XOUi-nDjsa7jXtUmJAi07QA4KnAJZ2HtRcLIAMgc-9Vkj_buGKu6iENaoc9OP8LKIcZvaaAuBJsTmsBorOAOnf65vj0C9XeRd1QsIYQEI/s1600/IMG_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZpjT0y9469ifm9WU9w97W6Lh5VWdShyphenhypheng2M_XOUi-nDjsa7jXtUmJAi07QA4KnAJZ2HtRcLIAMgc-9Vkj_buGKu6iENaoc9OP8LKIcZvaaAuBJsTmsBorOAOnf65vj0C9XeRd1QsIYQEI/s320/IMG_4226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutface Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFldDXQzWx1966tRNwCs_I-noSv0VzssNgsgXfHqFTZpu-BaFkgQqAknHc7SSN4TaM6yawfb0b7nOWYxTCc2JmUjslv5dJGOJEQNSsFjeSN33Z-Y3mhxbbL8Pwcs1bE_37n99eO1ApS8tI/s1600/IMG_4234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFldDXQzWx1966tRNwCs_I-noSv0VzssNgsgXfHqFTZpu-BaFkgQqAknHc7SSN4TaM6yawfb0b7nOWYxTCc2JmUjslv5dJGOJEQNSsFjeSN33Z-Y3mhxbbL8Pwcs1bE_37n99eO1ApS8tI/s200/IMG_4234.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Superior - still cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzorX5eDA8dzxll-zjOTMcA6YqcctIYFJojOhYxDfSRwkOcS_w-ZFAx_0f6C614AJG1LAjrNtqUgODIycE-tpxVzjcuPhZ3DrRj7qZCwfFEqATee4D_p6_EHvmpeFWAg1b4g7iW5016PT/s1600/IMG_4231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzorX5eDA8dzxll-zjOTMcA6YqcctIYFJojOhYxDfSRwkOcS_w-ZFAx_0f6C614AJG1LAjrNtqUgODIycE-tpxVzjcuPhZ3DrRj7qZCwfFEqATee4D_p6_EHvmpeFWAg1b4g7iW5016PT/s320/IMG_4231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Marais is great for strolling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the end of the day we went back to Sugarbush for dinner - pasta - then decided to camp at the State Trail again - quite mosquito-y! Got in more Gotham.<br /><br />June 28 - July 1<br />We returned to Bovey for a few days with Rudy's mom. The weather forecast called for a good chance of rain, but there really wasn't too much precipitation. We got in some leisurely running and biking, along with some reading, financial planning, and progress on Gotham. Rudy also got in some productive tasks such as making a cheesecake! and removing some big stumps and getting some veggie plants in the ground<br /><br />July 2<br />We return to Duluth and the big road trip is officially over. Time to re-adjust to regular life and reflect on the past year - more to come!<br /><br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-47542714393311412832017-06-19T14:37:00.000-07:002017-06-19T14:37:34.306-07:00Kettle Moraine 100-mile Run<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">After
a failed </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">effort</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
at completing a 2018 Western States qualifier in February (DNF at
mile 80 of Rocky Raccoon), I thought I wanted more time for recovery
and training before making the next attempt. Recovery went better
than expected, however, and within a month, the idea of trying to run
Kettle 100-mile in June was actively bouncing around in my brain. In
another month, I had successfully strung together some 3-4 hour trail
runs and convinced myself to give Kettle a try. The course is
slightly more technical than </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">R</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">ocky,
but not so arduous to require special training, so as long as I could
run, I could adequate</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">ly</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">prepare, in theory</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">.
Although I still start</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">ed</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
the focus on this race closer to the event than ideal, I got a </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">goo</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">d
confidence boost from getting in some 75 mile weeks, including a
couple back to back 30-mile, 20-mile weekends. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">More
importantly, I put in some ‘mental’ training with reminding
myself I had to start easier, not be competitive, WALK HILLS! and do
everything I could to keep myself moving toward the finish.</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">T</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">he
day before the race </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">was
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">clear and cool </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">where
we were </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">camped along the
Menominee River on the northern border of Wisconsin with Michigan’s
Upper </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Peninsula.</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">We were </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">up
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">and out relatively</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
early to meet one of Rudy’s former work colleagues in Milwaukee for
lunch. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">It was s</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">uper
sunny and </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">hot in
Milwaukee </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">and </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">I
was more than a little worried about the heat after spending the
previous </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">two</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
weeks in northern Michigan, seeing more 40F days than 60F! </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">After
lunch, we m</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">ade our way
to Whitewater Lake Campground, ten miles from the race start and
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">secured</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
ourselves a spot. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">As
soon as 4 pm came around, we made </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">a
quick trip to packet pickup. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">I</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
glanced around for familiar faces, but not too many people </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">had
arrived </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">yet, </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">so
we went </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">back to camp,
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">expecting my dad to show
up soon. The rest of the afternoon was spent</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
review</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">ing</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
some logistics with Rudy and finish</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">ing
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">drop bag </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">assembly.
Just did basic </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">pasta for
dinner. Dad and </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">his
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">girlfriend </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">got
in</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"> as we finished </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">eating</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
– they were held up by a truck fire north of Madison! </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">O</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">nly
a little bit of </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">chatting</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
before turning in for the night by 10pm.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Race
Day was Saturday, June 3. I woke at 4:00 for the 6:00 start and had
my standard pre-race breakfast of coffee, banana, and oats with chia,
peanut butter, and honey – just cold soaked this morning, already
60F and I didn’t need to add heat to my body. The forecast I looked
at called for a clear morning, then heating up to the mid-80s with a
greater chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. I took care of
sunscreen, body glide, and double checks before the easy drive to the
Nordic Trailhead in Kettle Moraine State Forest that served for the
start/finish area. Parking was also easy, as was delivering drop bags, and
getting my ankle chip. I spotted Mary from Duluth – finally in
person! Then not much waiting for go time. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcLfgy29kaPfwrtke_xMbXVJYQC44nc95oM837XOjavWyATbH9-sWJUNQpG1icVv0shZw3wZK0l7GE7PUgDccQnGtXneoVpHrr0hm4oNeMfRvYLAg2aE74lgGBaSYwixWgtyrAdcGjUb_/s1600/IMG_6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcLfgy29kaPfwrtke_xMbXVJYQC44nc95oM837XOjavWyATbH9-sWJUNQpG1icVv0shZw3wZK0l7GE7PUgDccQnGtXneoVpHrr0hm4oNeMfRvYLAg2aE74lgGBaSYwixWgtyrAdcGjUb_/s320/IMG_6562.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duluthians ready to go - Mary in pink, Leslie in green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
start was pretty pleasant with the route beginning on rolling hills
on wide ski trail. I got to stick with Mary and get to know her a
little better. I kept going through Tamarack aid station, just a few
miles in. Mary stopped for water, but quickly caught back up, and we
joined up with ultra legend and Gnarly Bandit contender Angela
Barbera too. We hit Bluff Aid Station just over an hour in –
mileage of 5.6, I was expecting 7.6 miles! Rudy missed out, he was
planning to bike to the first leg aid stations, but I did get to see
my dad, let him know we were two miles short, then carry on. I had
lost Mary and Angela – I get a little overwhelmed and distracted at
aid stations, especially the early ones. Shortly after the aid
station, and an excessively marked intersection dubbed ‘Confusion
Point’, we were finally on the Ice Age Trail. A little hillier and
rootier, still quite runnable though. I fell in with other groups of
runners, mostly hanging back and eavesdropping on their
conversations, and enjoying the scenery. Eventually, I struck up some chatting with Gary from
Canada, going for his first 100, after only a few years of running
and one year since his first ultra!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-0BYaqYllQw8NhF-TkzeaG8cKub7EIu7Sg4x6pvAlYfZWs8hUuYo81bYHtJZ_j-celWuBjRu0TmAfF10zTnfNEE3n-xpbJS4GH8J7O2PT0JThjIRBAY-rVinoE_X-qWuAqlk0TYrHOpE/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-0BYaqYllQw8NhF-TkzeaG8cKub7EIu7Sg4x6pvAlYfZWs8hUuYo81bYHtJZ_j-celWuBjRu0TmAfF10zTnfNEE3n-xpbJS4GH8J7O2PT0JThjIRBAY-rVinoE_X-qWuAqlk0TYrHOpE/s320/IMG_4179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">The 'red
barn' with tons of phlox along the trail</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">When
we hit Emma Carlin aid station, my watch was two miles off still, but
I got to see Rudy this time. Then on to more rolling singletrack. In
general, the course had more slightly steep and slightly long hills
than expected, which I appreciated for being obvious walkers.
Definitely a pretty area and the bugs were not bad at all! Gary and I
continued pulling each other along, commenting on the train we were
approaching just as we noticed we would be crossing the tracks, but
the train was through by the time we reached it – though I don’t
think stopping a few minutes in the midst of 100-miles really hurts
anything.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">About
five miles of this section included wide open prairie, on mostly good
trail with nice boardwalks over the wet sections. Happily we didn’t
have the sun out through here, but there was lightning not too far
off, and we pushed the pace a little to get out. The thunderstorms
started up mid-morning, depositing an inch of rain over the next few
hours. The trail started getting muddy, but much of it seemed to have
a good sand base, and I just ran through puddles without issue. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEvIWROUOJ1viAfzqTv5wQESOZy6QQPQGPQ9GsOVAdHjbOcjK87MbrnoPeBjbIl85TZFWkRynouvwLrDZU7LFQ8AMxggj0bqP9DF0b5ndv9TSblTwUXHqoirkdKsyhlBzFp0wLxT37ZAs/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEvIWROUOJ1viAfzqTv5wQESOZy6QQPQGPQ9GsOVAdHjbOcjK87MbrnoPeBjbIl85TZFWkRynouvwLrDZU7LFQ8AMxggj0bqP9DF0b5ndv9TSblTwUXHqoirkdKsyhlBzFp0wLxT37ZAs/s320/IMG_4181.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting soggy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Hwy
67 was the next aid station, followed by two miles of more nice
rollers to the Hwy ZZ aid station. I think I just restocked gels and
fig bars, and took in some salty snacks before starting on the five
mile loop to Scuppernong aid station, just across the parking lot
from ZZ. The portion near ZZ was pretty hilly and pretty muddy, Gary
and I were encouraging each other on how ‘fun’ some of the
steeper descents would be on the return trip. Over half the loop was
nice gentle ski trail, though. I hit ~30 miles at Scuppernong just
under six hours, feeling fine, and the rain seemed to be done for
now. I think this is where I lost Gary (he ended up finishing about
an hour behind me – successful first try!), as I believe I was
alone, trying to enjoy the relatively dry and flat ski trail while it
lasted. As expected, the singletrack near ZZ was even more muddy with
some sketchy descents and challenging climbs, but not nearly as
death-defying as anticipated!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">More
mud in the section to Hwy 67 too, and the sun started coming out. As
feared, the sunshine was out in force for the prairie. Mercifully,
there was a breeze, but also more mud, much more mud, I was grateful
I had escaped much of it the first time through. Luckily it was not
sticky or super-deep, there was sliminess in spots though, and maybe
a little sucking, my gaiters do a good job of keeping my shoes on! I
worked on relaxing through the mud and keeping my effort easier with
the heat. I started getting ice at every aid station, but still
started to feel the effects of the hot sun setting in. The sno-cone
machine at Bluff aid station was a miraculous sight! I got a blue
one.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyClGKaNpffteWExN8dT8_BMoI1pwv92DylkSRDh-wFc1D44xpycT2Qz07VWJA98roFceIE7yscFN6jXiyGTi6ILbEfJQI4lAvLUPfAOdTGFPgCkkmBBO_iePvJMW6-m7B5gTsGRsrha8/s1600/IMG_4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyClGKaNpffteWExN8dT8_BMoI1pwv92DylkSRDh-wFc1D44xpycT2Qz07VWJA98roFceIE7yscFN6jXiyGTi6ILbEfJQI4lAvLUPfAOdTGFPgCkkmBBO_iePvJMW6-m7B5gTsGRsrha8/s320/IMG_4178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prairie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">More
solo time in second half may have contributed to the slowing pace,
but mostly it was the temperature. I was feeling hot and nothing
sounded appetizing, I tried to get a gel down every hour or so and
fruit at aid stations, looking forward to sundown and a cooldown.
During the final section back to Nordic, I noticed a sign that said
‘5’, I assumed it meant 5k left, since I was already a couple
miles in to the section that was less than six miles in the morning.
My GPS was done by this point so couldn’t really check. Then, the
sign at Tamarack said ‘4.8 miles to Nordic’, and I figured it was
from prior years when the section was really 7.6 miles. Then, I hit
some very steep ski hills between signs 4 and 2 – I didn’t
remember these, and didn’t think I was that distracted with
chatting with people! It was fun that a couple were named, the
toughest one for Tom Bunk, a local legend who succumbed to cancer a
couple years back. Just before sign 1, a spectator running out to
meet another runner told me ‘One mile to go!’ I don’t remember
the times between the signs now, but at the time, it did make sense
they were more like mile splits than kilometer splits. I then figured
the section must have been altered a little to get the mileage closer
to 100k and 100 miles. I discussed this with some one later and they
thought the same thing was done last year, race documents didn’t
seem to be updated for the change though. I did like the idea of
running more like 95 miles (being out for an hour or more less), but
I easily made peace with the mind shift back to getting 100 miles in.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfkntveefXkuMDZWFOzN50gM94tXF-DusfzDGAPs_0LVCVNR-te3qTJ8e4LkV1MK_uQknkscbQBhFVvsWtfFmVjX9BUqgkMW9q0Whi_UN-a5HUYJq51MGF3FU42Ee-LKHaG2askeKQB9P/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfkntveefXkuMDZWFOzN50gM94tXF-DusfzDGAPs_0LVCVNR-te3qTJ8e4LkV1MK_uQknkscbQBhFVvsWtfFmVjX9BUqgkMW9q0Whi_UN-a5HUYJq51MGF3FU42Ee-LKHaG2askeKQB9P/s320/IMG_4180.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed back out, pretty much at max muddiness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
was back to Nordic Trailhead and the 100k mark at about 13.5 hours.
Luckily I was not at all tempted to call it at 100k. I think I just
grabbed some fruit from the aid station, got a headlamp into my pack,
and headed back out. One of the race directors was yelling ‘100-miler
out!’ whenever one of us departed, eliciting cheers from everyone
hanging out and providing a nice little boost to the runners. Back
through the steep ski hills as the day’s light faded. I managed to
reached Tamarack just as it was about as dark as I could stand, and
was able to abuse a volunteer’s hospitality with getting my
headlamp out of the pack. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
sun was down, but I was not cooling off. The forecast called for a
low of 60F, but I don’t think it even got below 70F. There were
some nice distractions of whippoorwills and fireflies. As I
approached Bluff aid station, I had the idea to try ice in soup, that
ended up being pretty satisfying! Back at Confusion Point, the course
went left for a new out and back leg on the Ice Age Trail. The
singletrack was somewhat hilly, but nothing crazy steep and the mud
was not bad at all. I could see the trail skirted lots of little
ponds and the frogs were singing fantastically! I was getting
increasingly thirsty, but my stomach also felt pretty bloated, so
water consumption was tricky. My frequent sipping and occasional
forced gel didn’t seem to worsen anything.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">At
the Hwy 12 aid station I tried ice in mashed potatoes – not as good
as the iced soup, but still more non-sugar, cool calories. Preparing
to head back out, I overheard that the next section was arguably the
toughest of the course, and it was. At least at that point in the
race, it seemed pretty hilly – with a few of the steeper slopes
having some slimy mud. There were some runnable stretches in the
middle though, and lots of frogs! I started noticing hot spots on my
inner heels and my left arch was a little tender, nothing bad, but I
kept thinking about how quickly I deteriorated at about this point in
the last race – still a long way to go! I continued to feel hot and
bloaty too, but kept putting down hard candy and gels. Toward the end
of the section were seemingly endless steep ups and downs with railroad
tie steps that were slow for me to navigate, but at least there were
quite a few people coming back to cheer on.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
hit the Rice Lake turnaround about 19:20 with 19 miles remaining. 24
hours seemed unlikely unless the temperature dropped and I really
bounced back. I was even feeling sleepy, first time this has been an
issue for me – I think this is probably where I had some Coke.
There was a little lightning in the distance, providing hope for some
more rain, but I never got it. Not much to say about the return trip,
nothing changed: kept thinking I needed to eat, but my stomach felt
distended and I was so thirsty! I kept at the fruit and gels, and
trotting flats and descents. I felt out of breath with every little
climb though and I was ready to have some company with Rudy –
greeting the other runners heading out was good, but less personal in
the dark. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">A
few miles back into daylight, I finally returned to Bluff, where I
ditched my headlamp and picked up my pacer. I decided to get a little
more water to get to the finish. Rudy grabbed a pitcher and added ~20
ounces to my pack. A few minutes later I discovered I had ended up
with Heed – BLECH! No disastrous results though, and I figured the
extra calories would not hurt. We just kept moving forward, my uphill
walking was slow, but I could still jog at a pace that was faster
than most walkers. Despite the sips of Heed, I was starving and
deciding to get in one more gel in the last few miles. We kept
plugging along, no bouts of despair or magical spurts of energy, but
I was happy to see we ended up completing the final 7.6 miles just
under two hours for a finish of 25:24:47, 34<sup>th </sup>place, and
6<sup>th</sup> woman. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntk4Y5YJhKotu_IUgCZAHhdFxyz62283XaZi95VB1h0VUxYlcsmENgCvqkeWnPzyYLhpZxWk8gMjm32Mk8-IqWKaBXs70T9Yif2_tZ02SPJeF5BWKvKhYBylroc0XeYMgCr65PNqJ3An5/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntk4Y5YJhKotu_IUgCZAHhdFxyz62283XaZi95VB1h0VUxYlcsmENgCvqkeWnPzyYLhpZxWk8gMjm32Mk8-IqWKaBXs70T9Yif2_tZ02SPJeF5BWKvKhYBylroc0XeYMgCr65PNqJ3An5/s320/finish.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy pulls me into the finish once again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">I gathered up some congratulations, my finisher
kettle, some calories, then the shoes came off and to get them and my
feet hosed down – way overdue! Finally, we enjoyed the breakfast
provided, being careful not to overdo the food.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">We
stuck around a little, chatted with a few familiar faces from
Minnesota, made a quick trip to a nearby campground for a real
shower, then returned to Nordic for the final hour of finishers. I
did attempt a nap, but my legs kept jolting just as I drifted off -
Rudy slept like a champ, as usual while I hung around the finish
line. For the 100-mile race, there were 242 starters and 101
finishers – an incredible drop out rate. I’m guessing it was
mostly the heat, but I could see the mud creating a lot of issues
too. I ended up with big blisters on my inner heels, just from mud
abrasion, and my feet were super pruney with the toe nails packed
with dirt. No major problems though!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Nutrition
Summary:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;"><250
ounces water</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~3000
calories</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">6
or 7 plain gu gels</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">1
cherry lime gu</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">1
espresso gu</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">4
fig bars</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">4
or 5 pieces hard candy</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">1
sno-cone</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~8
oz Coke</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~10
oz Heed</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~1
orange</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~1
cup canned potatoes</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~3
cups watermelon</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~1
cup mashed potatoes</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~1
cup noodle soup</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~1/2
cup veggie soup</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~5
baby dill pickles</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">a
couple green olives</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">2
chunks of hummus wrap</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">3
dried dates</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">3
dried apricots</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">~10
dried cherries</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
positives:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">No
cramping</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">No
major muscle/tendon/ligament issues</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Very
little foot problems for having wet, muddy feet all day</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Energy
OK</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Fun</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
struggles:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Too
hot, couldn’t cool off – more ice and water? Also, more heat
training, I knew it wasn’t wise to be in the UP right before this,
but I don’t regret that</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Thirsty,
but waterlogged/tight stomach</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Difficult
to eat – but I did force calories in and was always relieved that
no problems resulted, just had to force it!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Tired
– never the threat of falling asleep or hallucinating, but probably
felt a bit more sleepy than I have at other events</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Chafing
on my back where I was putting ice, maybe a little ice burn? I know
you are not supposed to put ice directly on the skin, but I always
have – probably better to put ice in a buff around my neck, or just
more inside my pack</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Little
splotches of heat rash wherever I had clothes on, not a nuisance
during the race and faded within a day after</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
think the blisters on my inner heels were solely the result of dirt
getting packed in there, and my feet were looking rugged when I
finally took shoes and socks off. Although these little problems
didn’t change my outcome, cleaning up my feet when the bulk of the
wet conditions were over probably would have been wise – though I
didn’t know what the rest of the course would be for muddiness or
if more rain would come</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Learnings:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Consistent
running works! Even though I got away with less than three months of
formal training, I think focusing on an event for at least a few
months is important</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Keep
the calories coming in, even if it sounds like a terrible idea</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">If
feeling hot, try to go overboard on sponging off and taking ice</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-13366836689652542552017-06-05T12:30:00.000-07:002017-06-05T12:30:20.149-07:00The KeweenawMay 26<br />A cool morning, a fitting reminder we are headed to the Keweenaw Peninsula to participate in the annual 'Ride the Keweenaw' festivities. We killed a little time in Ontonagon, strolling around, buying groceries, hanging at the library.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVwayrREhJL08Q6iL3oJjrwMEfuOyV-omKAo9HzbSYGW3PkCw4-xG2CYAolAoqf-p44u0DP3uHvcspcG5UHsh5f-lC8A9FNUzjfo8sGRgvvm40awwZE0Jf5eIjm0mQgyo1Cjvc6azNLu5/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVwayrREhJL08Q6iL3oJjrwMEfuOyV-omKAo9HzbSYGW3PkCw4-xG2CYAolAoqf-p44u0DP3uHvcspcG5UHsh5f-lC8A9FNUzjfo8sGRgvvm40awwZE0Jf5eIjm0mQgyo1Cjvc6azNLu5/s320/IMG_4152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little city park was a nice spot for lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eventually we go to Adventure Mine for first group ride of RTK, kicking off that evening. It was fun to see lots of Duluthians! I opted for a 'rest' day, easy choice since every trail in this little park are advanced. I just looked at some flowers, before the black flies drove me back to the van, and got in some stretching and reading.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfYHKVHdQonttECWhi4z6zkxdbdPr5nD5XX_8WATP0iZ_pAnIoRFllC3rGu0bMyPCFxGzarG8RAdFOXJtoWor9k4kb0mg2Sa_y35T957MDzzS98c5M_VGTn6DaE2nUycbPQ0GayeGX0Ok/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfYHKVHdQonttECWhi4z6zkxdbdPr5nD5XX_8WATP0iZ_pAnIoRFllC3rGu0bMyPCFxGzarG8RAdFOXJtoWor9k4kb0mg2Sa_y35T957MDzzS98c5M_VGTn6DaE2nUycbPQ0GayeGX0Ok/s320/IMG_4155.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has been so fun to see all these spring flowers for months!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the ride, most people continued on to Houghton where more kickoff events were happening, but a few of us hung around and camped right there. The bugs were annoying but not aggressive, and they did diminish, with just a few mosquitoes biting after sundown, so not bad for chatting and showing of the van until bedtime!<br /><br />May 27<br />A little cool and buggy, but not terrible. Everyone is up and out relatively early to get to Houghton for the next group ride at the Michigan Tech trails at 9 am. I still have yet to bike those trails, I got in my last pre-Kettle 'longish' run while Rudy participated in one of the many group rides. A couple of hours of socializing and rest before the next ride at Churning Rapids at 1 pm. Rudy went out with the fast group, and I joined a 'moderate' group. I was uncertain of my choice as my legs were a little tired from the start, and I was the slowest of the bunch, but I warmed up and had fun and made it! I had run here a few times with the MTU Cross Country team, and it was cool remembering a few sections of trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyMzF1Tx9sC2gUChb5UzOMjO4BOn7miHKDW9UFGYMpz1LZWKYCFsEM03lD63nVKxHfkJihqFVPDSu4-xQtSChyphenhyphenjyRxIYMkvboDFUbJLGeCSwJ-DDuIbcU1OL3e8QS3j6p9ZxNuy1P4p5x/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyMzF1Tx9sC2gUChb5UzOMjO4BOn7miHKDW9UFGYMpz1LZWKYCFsEM03lD63nVKxHfkJihqFVPDSu4-xQtSChyphenhyphenjyRxIYMkvboDFUbJLGeCSwJ-DDuIbcU1OL3e8QS3j6p9ZxNuy1P4p5x/s320/IMG_4156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the 'tower' at Churning Rapids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another break before the final ride at Swedetown. Both of us opted for slightly more casual groups - with the easier, flowier trails, and 20-30 miles already on most people's legs, it was certainly more 'fun'. Even with the raffle and bbq following this ride, most people had already headed up to Copper Harbor for the more aggressive biking, and checking out the next day's courses. We stuck around for the food though - standard burgers and brats, but surisingly great sides (well, in my opinion, lots of veggie-laden salads!) We soon made our way to Copper Harbor too and found a spot near our Duluth friends at a campground in development just outside of town - it was packed! The night was just more good visiting with our friends.<br /><br />May 28<br />We drove the mile back into town, where Enduro races were happening. The racers had some light steady rain to start their attack of the rocky trail and wooden bridges, but people still had fun and biked hard! Rudy didn't race, and got in some fun rides with a few other guys. I hung out, reading, strolling around town and down to the water, and occasionally finding someone to chat with.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWslLWg2HDxpHl3GuGRDuFlyIQKrwKD9f2O1uhJghLYQCRTZu8Ik-KvYK-yLAb5l-Y_0yamJfunYn_Lj7p9E5q23LDIbQhcjyAMZVnkyCyJ_Nb41FSirwzpGC66k7q77JG59pEWYgOhb2/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWslLWg2HDxpHl3GuGRDuFlyIQKrwKD9f2O1uhJghLYQCRTZu8Ik-KvYK-yLAb5l-Y_0yamJfunYn_Lj7p9E5q23LDIbQhcjyAMZVnkyCyJ_Nb41FSirwzpGC66k7q77JG59pEWYgOhb2/s320/IMG_4159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A calm Copper Harbor, Hunter's Point on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Breeziness and scattered showers continued, but we got to see some periods of blue skies in the afternoon! After Rudy cleaned up we went back to camp for burgers and brats with the Duluth crew. After that, most people headed back to town for awards and partying. Rudy and I, along with Duluth friends Dave and Tiffany, stayed back and enjoyed catching up around a nice little fire.<br /><br />May 29<br />Happy Memorial Day! Again cool, with bouts of light rain, and no internet to check weather! But we lucked out and stayed dry for a stroll to Hunter's Point with Dave and Tiffany.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg1BG_PLQIott-aFycbzC81CU1ZcfgbiupoS-Ny6J135EFhIcYUbUFPF9ylQ0DPixokXuvglzcxcC7z98pZ0xQ_wmq4jGa1rBqqu9GB9A3HoS98qwa0IpesZXEIRs0TEWiBXIuEntfGX4/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg1BG_PLQIott-aFycbzC81CU1ZcfgbiupoS-Ny6J135EFhIcYUbUFPF9ylQ0DPixokXuvglzcxcC7z98pZ0xQ_wmq4jGa1rBqqu9GB9A3HoS98qwa0IpesZXEIRs0TEWiBXIuEntfGX4/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back toward town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqtLbznXe42GvLYnPjHXtxfWTmQDf1TV8HNFW0sdOEeKuk2xfDBsJonb64vAnn3oL4_jXFc0bnPgiHPG0sAtkzlHb5eQsGF-ePhFUgmheaHQdeJftU44OCGIE3puFwIozpo2b1zoZfI3F/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqtLbznXe42GvLYnPjHXtxfWTmQDf1TV8HNFW0sdOEeKuk2xfDBsJonb64vAnn3oL4_jXFc0bnPgiHPG0sAtkzlHb5eQsGF-ePhFUgmheaHQdeJftU44OCGIE3puFwIozpo2b1zoZfI3F/s320/IMG_4163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ominous clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By the afternoon, most everyone had departed for home and the campground was pretty quiet. Nothing too exciting for the day of continued light rain and breeziness. I did get out for a jog on gravel paths around town, and Rudy watched Mystery Men (sounded a little cheesy). We also made a quick trip to town for hot water. Copper Harbor wasn't completely empty, but it was a big change from the weekend! Back to a pretty standard evening of soaked black beans and rice, and Hand and Foot - Leslie wins twice!<br /><br />May 30<br />Cool and breezy, not so much precipitation though! After breakfast, we parked the van at the marina, which magically has wifi! A bit spotty, but enough for me to catch up on some internet things while Rudy got a good bike ride in - the rocky, sandy trails drain quickly, so not too much wetness for him. Aside from a little strolling, I didn't do much besides hang out and read - Copper Harbor is a difficult place to be resting before a big run, especially when the weather is not conducive to relaxing by the lake. Back to town for hot water, then camp. A little more wind and drizzle in the evening. Polenta and red sauce for dinner, then Trivial Pursuit and Hand and Foot - Rudy wins both.<br /><br />May 31<br />Cooler and windier. Some light rain too. We returned to the marina to kill time and wait for the weather to warm up. I got in a nice little jog. Not much change in the weather, and we decided to take care of some laundry - apparently there's a public laundromat at Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground. Rudy got out for more biking while I got clothes washed. Rudy was out a couple hours longer than it took to do laundry, so I just hung out at the van. Apparently, we overstayed our welcome, the guy in the office told us to leave about two minutes after Rudy returned - I've heard about Fanny Hooe's sternness with their rules and being jerks, and now I have my own example! On the literal bright side, the sun finally came out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J0MLNyfotmSaAbgtXOaGlzNLi0RwDdqUFAoqa64snuWfkYXSYvmYL9TbE0loIDWw6gOaw3wbI7nzmn9Dir9OpNwDBZ-Z6Uciay0LjqnLKqQZgs1m-Uwyg5EUGfzgGNCG6iDcK6sSVWpH/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J0MLNyfotmSaAbgtXOaGlzNLi0RwDdqUFAoqa64snuWfkYXSYvmYL9TbE0loIDWw6gOaw3wbI7nzmn9Dir9OpNwDBZ-Z6Uciay0LjqnLKqQZgs1m-Uwyg5EUGfzgGNCG6iDcK6sSVWpH/s320/IMG_4167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pretty little camp spot, with sun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dinner was quinoa and lentils, followed by some financial planning fun. We've recently been thinking about simplifying and increasing our financial 'awareness', so starting to do some real planning for our return to real life! Still got in a round of Hand and Foot - Rudy crushed it again.<br /><br />June 1<br />Back to cold and rainy. Not a big deal, time to head south anyhow. So, one of our favorite things about the Keweenaw is the Jam Pot - a little store run by monks at a monastery in Eagle River that has the most fantastic baked goods, in addition to local fruit jams, etc., that they make all from scratch. Since we would easily drop $50 there, we saved our treat-shopping for the end of the UP visit, but the Jam Pot was randomly closed for the day due to a funeral at the monastery!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUMgLZq_0I9yDye8GpfAq27iiRL3Rj2Y8HDYOMwhR3eSxbZlwI9usoGND51ji4SKeGQpGtV3h2OVboCy_Pehc8A4ik_hTFp9H7EFwZtvAU4virXwCk-xjQQe2SoXDBfdTNFen4XeJgmrH/s1600/IMG_4169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUMgLZq_0I9yDye8GpfAq27iiRL3Rj2Y8HDYOMwhR3eSxbZlwI9usoGND51ji4SKeGQpGtV3h2OVboCy_Pehc8A4ik_hTFp9H7EFwZtvAU4virXwCk-xjQQe2SoXDBfdTNFen4XeJgmrH/s320/IMG_4169.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worst part of our visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We weren't reduced to tears, but it was very sad indeed. We carried on, and settled for a stop at the Hilltop Cafe in L'Anse. I didn't have high expectations, the place is known for giant sweet rolls, but that doesn't mean they are 'good'. I was pleasantly surprised the rolls are also delicious, and have apple filling! We also picked up a ginger cookie (so-so, a little too chewy and not very spicy), a date bar (yummy and not sickeningly sweet), and a scotcheroo-style bar with oats instead of rice krispies for the base (also quite tasty). Jam Pot goods would have been preferred, but I guess this saved us a little money, and there weren't as many naughty options to be tempted by for the next few days. We continued south a few more hours, crossing into Wisconsin in time to see lots of dumb little deer threatening to jump onto the road, then back over to Michigan to find a camp spot on the Menominee River.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwBfCKf4ZI-W25w-sFxh3yG-z96LzYC58dCQSbwv-1A2ckdKuDt38LflRHy_jztdMT2B1erPVv0ZzTwaN2-bESXiEIGvK34PoM07tBaywvMCDxRa42-BxzxbxCG-5_pzxPWowTTf9m1-k/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwBfCKf4ZI-W25w-sFxh3yG-z96LzYC58dCQSbwv-1A2ckdKuDt38LflRHy_jztdMT2B1erPVv0ZzTwaN2-bESXiEIGvK34PoM07tBaywvMCDxRa42-BxzxbxCG-5_pzxPWowTTf9m1-k/s320/IMG_4175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Menominee River, a nice spot to just sit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a nice evening of hanging out, with not too many bugs. Ate shells and cheese, more budget discussion and numbers-running, and one game of Hand and Foot - Leslie win!<br /><br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-14719512072480195682017-05-30T09:36:00.001-07:002017-05-30T09:36:52.221-07:00On to the UPMay 19<br />A cold morning - in the 40s! Was nice that we had a few 80+ days to soak up some heat. We packed up and departed Hamburg to head north. One fun stop in Clare for 'Cops and Doughnuts' treats - cake and raised doughnuts, and a big molasses cookie - all very good!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVwnpXAxRYVVCqa4pjybld-m5-NS0SBaJJm4Q8RsQWOC-Hedh3poClb-L1lt-sbGVjvmOq2qJCUhxnVjVXbc3TeoPaCJ8DMjvk3mVo9NcOz-ADhUESk0P9FrJImZdABfG757F3x-NtGMl/s1600/IMG_4110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVwnpXAxRYVVCqa4pjybld-m5-NS0SBaJJm4Q8RsQWOC-Hedh3poClb-L1lt-sbGVjvmOq2qJCUhxnVjVXbc3TeoPaCJ8DMjvk3mVo9NcOz-ADhUESk0P9FrJImZdABfG757F3x-NtGMl/s320/IMG_4110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A busy place, and for good reason!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Outdoors destination for the day was Grayling, at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area. A walk for me, and bike for Rudy, through nice open woods. A small park, but good trails and even an archery 'course'.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIqNZwD3ht7vmWETHQlBQglvpXDMXeK0U1jr81kiXUvvPoxKshQDRIkOQco9kB2ddlWjLDhu_fbaL_CyIR0cKBz926G6LLtPhF7350YYb2jcNnFV0pcsx-DgZj1MX7_V6vFM5wHqj5H26/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIqNZwD3ht7vmWETHQlBQglvpXDMXeK0U1jr81kiXUvvPoxKshQDRIkOQco9kB2ddlWjLDhu_fbaL_CyIR0cKBz926G6LLtPhF7350YYb2jcNnFV0pcsx-DgZj1MX7_V6vFM5wHqj5H26/s200/IMG_4112.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaywings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCNTbMml2hWdXptYtgKIFnSVhOJtQwPDc1kSwPht6oEKkPdsF-rvIY_C0lVrZDvfqZj3nc8QhyAcYSACY3oklk7Va6V7PxXc-YE9kFIveVEHp0G-8u5C-TTAH7rpEnjB6xguOy6lybwbn/s1600/IMG_4111.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCNTbMml2hWdXptYtgKIFnSVhOJtQwPDc1kSwPht6oEKkPdsF-rvIY_C0lVrZDvfqZj3nc8QhyAcYSACY3oklk7Va6V7PxXc-YE9kFIveVEHp0G-8u5C-TTAH7rpEnjB6xguOy6lybwbn/s320/IMG_4111.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />We found camping nearby in the Huron National Forest - there was a little sketchy sand in the road, but we made it through! Ate pasta and played Hand and Foot and Rummy 5000 - Rudy won both.<br /><br />May 20<br />Even colder! But sunny. Not much dawdling, with a long drive ahead. Just to be safe with the sandy road, Rudy let a little air out of the tires and no problem getting out. Rudy had fun re-airing the tires with a bike pump - good way to warm up! We finally got into the Upper Peninsula!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpUPV3oxnd9hJJlnShDg_tvYTk8a8M4KSPt2Whad0Rt0YliEgp5fvTeg2C7bL4sKmzQtTQmvxWAVDSe2izbuGgTmkZMO5rH-kV-e9SlLvJDYuI9WyVPEfblYdoEBGHRGKu6u9bsc6iCoO/s1600/IMG_4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpUPV3oxnd9hJJlnShDg_tvYTk8a8M4KSPt2Whad0Rt0YliEgp5fvTeg2C7bL4sKmzQtTQmvxWAVDSe2izbuGgTmkZMO5rH-kV-e9SlLvJDYuI9WyVPEfblYdoEBGHRGKu6u9bsc6iCoO/s320/IMG_4113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Macinac Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We continued on to Hiawatha National Forest, south of Munising for Bruno's Run - a nice ten mile loop - I ran and Rudy biked.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xmLYdHT7xwWmBpVqjve5Vz7g_x9H1d3Z-_8uChsTURx2w_fvHUH4McSrHuGMrGRt9L6EPMDepath9aj0aCC0MshLZqHFPlLO0vWoEGPbW4bjZwASFEfTE54hKh7tXGeDbTQ_C2q5KfYe/s1600/IMG_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xmLYdHT7xwWmBpVqjve5Vz7g_x9H1d3Z-_8uChsTURx2w_fvHUH4McSrHuGMrGRt9L6EPMDepath9aj0aCC0MshLZqHFPlLO0vWoEGPbW4bjZwASFEfTE54hKh7tXGeDbTQ_C2q5KfYe/s200/IMG_4116.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicely signed trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsPuNXeAlhOKeKy6eRugFMC3kRFhN2ELZjqtM2QrdkRg3nWlSTN0rFv7UM4rBN_tjBdjhBWu0F6XVYjKbiG3q3fQqFpE4diPGBAf3Wm_fWrC4hBbfJ2eLR03VM5EMctdxL704FiWxKopy/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsPuNXeAlhOKeKy6eRugFMC3kRFhN2ELZjqtM2QrdkRg3nWlSTN0rFv7UM4rBN_tjBdjhBWu0F6XVYjKbiG3q3fQqFpE4diPGBAf3Wm_fWrC4hBbfJ2eLR03VM5EMctdxL704FiWxKopy/s320/IMG_4114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northwoods!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUZy1X5_VtV6J7UgdCXtNbdl0bUauePw08b2R_pJFFsjAw03nkVF_8Jp21DIvJy1eXsDFGLEBO1rFlgOQEfuOnR8tcKwK8rwFJ8FDIyuSkRdl0Uqvg0VF2H8m7XkkyjbuWhhgmwL2fJGn/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUZy1X5_VtV6J7UgdCXtNbdl0bUauePw08b2R_pJFFsjAw03nkVF_8Jp21DIvJy1eXsDFGLEBO1rFlgOQEfuOnR8tcKwK8rwFJ8FDIyuSkRdl0Uqvg0VF2H8m7XkkyjbuWhhgmwL2fJGn/s320/IMG_4115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of pretty little lakes along the loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We found a spot to camp less than half a mile away to hang out in the van during the breezy and drizzly evening. Ate lentils and rice and played Hand and Foot - two wins for Leslie!<br /><br />May 21<br />A cool, breezy morning is good for running in the woods! I hit Bruno's loop again, with light rain during the second half, but not bad. With rain forecast into the afternoon, we didn't hurry to continue on to Marquette, where we acquired some bike parts and killed a little time at the coffee shop, and having a late lunch in Negaunee of Irontown Pasties.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfEXeYGV_aCEzquOZ54p7u2ZosKdCuW9GvAorEs92c9LjJNHby-btKXVuSjSG8y4pd-HLuv-pbtFRQOI53UdTmTlbTZMwWgO6qHlUtqeDJ00MmkjvYWn8iTKSQPFR1_rq7nONr__pz0ma/s1600/IMG_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfEXeYGV_aCEzquOZ54p7u2ZosKdCuW9GvAorEs92c9LjJNHby-btKXVuSjSG8y4pd-HLuv-pbtFRQOI53UdTmTlbTZMwWgO6qHlUtqeDJ00MmkjvYWn8iTKSQPFR1_rq7nONr__pz0ma/s200/IMG_4117.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy had a traditional, I tried the veggie - delicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once the weather settled, we checked out the South Marquette Trails. The main trailhead has a nice little pavilion for Rudy to replace a bike tire under.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmQrDeGCywyD5WKLzhKDGkzIEAOwS869HZ6Rh3HIP8E0IQqK-6_toZhNvwUN5xon4uftQwreSH02Vnu0i_M83AfiSd0F0bV2RAAoG4eh-IcWRd6UvGrxGDVWlVHIk5pUOtDhlFuhpjA27/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmQrDeGCywyD5WKLzhKDGkzIEAOwS869HZ6Rh3HIP8E0IQqK-6_toZhNvwUN5xon4uftQwreSH02Vnu0i_M83AfiSd0F0bV2RAAoG4eh-IcWRd6UvGrxGDVWlVHIk5pUOtDhlFuhpjA27/s200/IMG_4138.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun bike art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6fcVe8wskJ26RCF3j3zHYiZVkKkARPJTyKxYumsymRk0gODDhsJWLT5Q1McfqgtwKu4VtQES6IEV7CW1IG_YtEnmDAdMwE-CI1D5RM56T58gXdin2Xdt8j4Sj6fdcLmHNPtcR6i6SRE7/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6fcVe8wskJ26RCF3j3zHYiZVkKkARPJTyKxYumsymRk0gODDhsJWLT5Q1McfqgtwKu4VtQES6IEV7CW1IG_YtEnmDAdMwE-CI1D5RM56T58gXdin2Xdt8j4Sj6fdcLmHNPtcR6i6SRE7/s200/IMG_4136.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kind of practice skinnies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOwAfCv2vKV4RaUMUm3iqh2uqgXBC0bIwv1Ovc9FtnCRQPD5pqr49cnVPQQ52DstuDb1RO3KSAN5TCP2vfj_KEB9em2g6b77sLg8OWetgT5R2RBHzCFPTPsQKPEjICbmJqvf0Z7VJ_a7n/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOwAfCv2vKV4RaUMUm3iqh2uqgXBC0bIwv1Ovc9FtnCRQPD5pqr49cnVPQQ52DstuDb1RO3KSAN5TCP2vfj_KEB9em2g6b77sLg8OWetgT5R2RBHzCFPTPsQKPEjICbmJqvf0Z7VJ_a7n/s200/IMG_4137.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to follow trails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnnPVgX0vi5Tm-nIIrlNbwhWdga9eQOh7ZeUlKmrnAZD8aUtVKaTelsH2czM3fGQQwVyXhzpGrHs-iVO-xt3ppGT0dhecQXq_GfrCn2ioYoK0VabmBR-LUed-OBZS30fpUbtBAt4pdOvz/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnnPVgX0vi5Tm-nIIrlNbwhWdga9eQOh7ZeUlKmrnAZD8aUtVKaTelsH2czM3fGQQwVyXhzpGrHs-iVO-xt3ppGT0dhecQXq_GfrCn2ioYoK0VabmBR-LUed-OBZS30fpUbtBAt4pdOvz/s200/IMG_4135.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'South' trailhead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rudy ventured out on random fun trails, while I took an easier loop by bike (Morgan Creek). The trails not too bad after all the recent rain - they are definitely well built and used.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklsuFWenaVxwe8A8mlVYfsdujUcd0jLU9mU6FVmicXcRolsnwqA0B6vDTUMPxU8mjZYuVweO6MccrZyTuWU6dSxN5WUYjDAs8Kd3xctJzQpMc9uz7F-G4z6VDFlJX6zKGOJDOee6lwAkd/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklsuFWenaVxwe8A8mlVYfsdujUcd0jLU9mU6FVmicXcRolsnwqA0B6vDTUMPxU8mjZYuVweO6MccrZyTuWU6dSxN5WUYjDAs8Kd3xctJzQpMc9uz7F-G4z6VDFlJX6zKGOJDOee6lwAkd/s320/IMG_4118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Carp Eh Diem' Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the riding, we found a spot to camp along the nearby Marquette Mountain Road. Dinner was barley and red sauce, followed by Hand and Foot - Rudy won, and 3-13 - Leslie won.<br /><br />May 22<br />Just a little morning rain, and cool again. We headed back to the South Trails for more biking. The slightly more challenging Pioneer Loop was fun for me, and Rudy got in a few sections he hadn't been on before. A little lunch break, then we went to the North Trails. There are more intersections and not quite as well marked, but still nice trails with less wet spots.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimee1zrrhKvKxA-TwgGwSPuSewyn6oehbxknboucVZt9EIsuvHsFeghO9jIwJiPaPA3FAJQHEdIsXqWWrzfS043OGIPM_W_6cuLAHNoYz5WI2_O4vSUHvrmz2cRql-KI4WewGXewKVK96V/s1600/IMG_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimee1zrrhKvKxA-TwgGwSPuSewyn6oehbxknboucVZt9EIsuvHsFeghO9jIwJiPaPA3FAJQHEdIsXqWWrzfS043OGIPM_W_6cuLAHNoYz5WI2_O4vSUHvrmz2cRql-KI4WewGXewKVK96V/s320/IMG_4119.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHXqQxVLDwqnwxpJUu5BS0ax_DknnPt0P8gbTcp1B5HHDbGeGvTPrAEVfyPRPbH4AHdGFcav6kRPNCWaNkcF17qq54oaN-75aOP7KAvRhDYtkeGzaEftwslYGrnv8tbpM9zT_KqkkW3Sl/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHXqQxVLDwqnwxpJUu5BS0ax_DknnPt0P8gbTcp1B5HHDbGeGvTPrAEVfyPRPbH4AHdGFcav6kRPNCWaNkcF17qq54oaN-75aOP7KAvRhDYtkeGzaEftwslYGrnv8tbpM9zT_KqkkW3Sl/s320/IMG_4120.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
We drove a few miles north to Harlow Lake for camping. Ate bean burritos, and got in an evening stroll down to Harlow Lake.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizas3OAfcTFAKWcGOrDEnZuYfHtrro67kKskLPmXGI3ePkuptAk8LBNxb048LgLMq6OuaVKp7z8ZUdU8MMC3_1ZhLxBDzZgpXZxx3XHFpbAFaTvP1NRut6qdqsxmbHfXWwvuBm6dNYsMz9/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizas3OAfcTFAKWcGOrDEnZuYfHtrro67kKskLPmXGI3ePkuptAk8LBNxb048LgLMq6OuaVKp7z8ZUdU8MMC3_1ZhLxBDzZgpXZxx3XHFpbAFaTvP1NRut6qdqsxmbHfXWwvuBm6dNYsMz9/s200/IMG_4123.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebead Iris, I think</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsfc10menPzPy-03aYjEp9KgCbsyEpNgUKZ-VgGp2XnCgl8cigmRbcJBH6wzAfPsT0mNJPwJRRA7CiYkE7ImbEgWjcXbvTVHWYsO9-cL5NafeGcQ1TlWryBOsBkZZjDg_6kmOBJ3wT1d7/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsfc10menPzPy-03aYjEp9KgCbsyEpNgUKZ-VgGp2XnCgl8cigmRbcJBH6wzAfPsT0mNJPwJRRA7CiYkE7ImbEgWjcXbvTVHWYsO9-cL5NafeGcQ1TlWryBOsBkZZjDg_6kmOBJ3wT1d7/s320/IMG_4121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harlow Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Closed out the day with Hand and Foot - two Rudy dominations.<br /><br />May 23<br />A putsy morning - not going anywhere! After breakfast I get some black beans soaking! Rudy biked most of the trails in this little system - lots of rugged stuff that he enjoys. I got out for a nice little hike, getting in some of the singletrack, the 'Jedi' trail was especially interesting.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQhFc45uG_bfzKzemoaMUUJOB2q2Y-rjPy72XulAuZfa5EUE_s9ID-MsNCn_1hGNRK7D_1c6FtFze3vlU6MORLrFZQ1b_8ZJArG29lRG5EWddT0FebWahKNzDvI17p1zdqS-izde5osyY/s1600/IMG_4125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQhFc45uG_bfzKzemoaMUUJOB2q2Y-rjPy72XulAuZfa5EUE_s9ID-MsNCn_1hGNRK7D_1c6FtFze3vlU6MORLrFZQ1b_8ZJArG29lRG5EWddT0FebWahKNzDvI17p1zdqS-izde5osyY/s320/IMG_4125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some cairns to follow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgqOgqOEKase9I77MoYfAiCJFLwRwIq-dc4XBOj0RKpUawYG8hrrf7op-pB_2VregkgjWiJYghX0hIdpTTp8-kx8ySJnQy1nS3LoYGZ4GUqqMKqHBoeluJk64RMw9-wRuGUQZbHnfhQcj/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgqOgqOEKase9I77MoYfAiCJFLwRwIq-dc4XBOj0RKpUawYG8hrrf7op-pB_2VregkgjWiJYghX0hIdpTTp8-kx8ySJnQy1nS3LoYGZ4GUqqMKqHBoeluJk64RMw9-wRuGUQZbHnfhQcj/s320/IMG_4128.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think recommended direction is coming down this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weather was cool and mostly cloudy, we pretty much hung around the van. Rudy got in his super-hero movie fix with the green hornet. Eventually we cooked and consumed our black beans, then played Trivial Pursuit (Leslie win!), and some Hand and Foot - one win each.<br /><br />May 24<br />40s and rainy - not lovely weather. I dawdled enough in the morning that it was down to a drizzle at the start of my run and even that was done by the end - not so bad! I even got to include some of the North Country Trail, which was well marked, but didn't seem to be very heavily traveled, maybe a little early for most hiking in northern Michigan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiBnL6jJBZneaPgJSyw56893TVwhimGSrqg1MV0u-HswrHcoHwc2lhdtLSK5Xa_c4ZyRMXbmwaO3aGMm3njFphMaaA8Nb6ZDUAhNdM7ClPHB3k2m89OZRxQ7Zd7hBhyKopuMU5QYtzmSR/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiBnL6jJBZneaPgJSyw56893TVwhimGSrqg1MV0u-HswrHcoHwc2lhdtLSK5Xa_c4ZyRMXbmwaO3aGMm3njFphMaaA8Nb6ZDUAhNdM7ClPHB3k2m89OZRxQ7Zd7hBhyKopuMU5QYtzmSR/s320/IMG_4130.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following blue blazes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We headed back toward Marquette, stopping at little Presque Isle State Park to check out the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMXziBlzhJ8ZlV-vuw7TiY6RcGm-3P8WnYlkqKE-WlKcJZYfDYtp0CBr3nd6QR7eCg4ojEg2GVYRQ2iRxNZsNJ-nAQ-z6eBuQRWrlGkItLQDd88YWOp6Hy3rbijVTQL3zZAe3QvabpSyY/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMXziBlzhJ8ZlV-vuw7TiY6RcGm-3P8WnYlkqKE-WlKcJZYfDYtp0CBr3nd6QR7eCg4ojEg2GVYRQ2iRxNZsNJ-nAQ-z6eBuQRWrlGkItLQDd88YWOp6Hy3rbijVTQL3zZAe3QvabpSyY/s320/IMG_4134.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7MBSL_5WG3aciWdzTp8ReFA5X6TjTIv0u7EuioXDut7Uhe4lzLloSFckx5EUUuCkb1w7uAzTjyqRrMMvlUF08Km6dxifjHe4rx35PpFVICOkjy9P2qQsuJ5romf3B2U5FKTrOh-gziT6/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7MBSL_5WG3aciWdzTp8ReFA5X6TjTIv0u7EuioXDut7Uhe4lzLloSFckx5EUUuCkb1w7uAzTjyqRrMMvlUF08Km6dxifjHe4rx35PpFVICOkjy9P2qQsuJ5romf3B2U5FKTrOh-gziT6/s320/IMG_4132.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJAGLbXhjzCeZ6rpeHtSvfD25v1gRH_PJ9fAaelCY5PP2O6Ukv-nW8HR2wXjdKJRzG-gnHedXuecvPJ9X2ZxIRtS7roE7LFt4-WjH01dQ-ScZ5jPkZDrtgS9ZxvQYhPhIUUV_QUUoZ9Rr/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJAGLbXhjzCeZ6rpeHtSvfD25v1gRH_PJ9fAaelCY5PP2O6Ukv-nW8HR2wXjdKJRzG-gnHedXuecvPJ9X2ZxIRtS7roE7LFt4-WjH01dQ-ScZ5jPkZDrtgS9ZxvQYhPhIUUV_QUUoZ9Rr/s320/IMG_4131.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We returned to the South Trails for Rudy to get in another ride, I just did some reading, enjoying the little bits of sunshine that appeared once in a while. Back to Marquette Mountain Road for camping. Dinner was split peas and sweet potatoes, then we spent a little time assembling a food budget spreadsheet - interested in looking at what we spend on food, what the best 'calorie per dollar' items are, how we can save money with the eating, etc. We'll see how that goes! Still found some time to play a game of Hand and Foot - Rudy crushed it again.<br /><br />May 25<br />A little damp and cool, but not raining! I got in a short run on the Grom (aka 'Kids') Loop and Gorge-ous Trail, loving the sun and being serenaded by winter wrens, before we headed to the Ishpeming Trails. We actually started from a little park in Negaunee. Rudy got in the 'Epic' loop and thoroughly enjoyed that. I did the beginner trail and started on the Epic, but was not at the level of even the first few miles of singletrack. So I bailed after only one minor crash and arm scraping. After Rudy wrapped up his bike ride, he got in a little dip in Teal Lake - sunny and relatively warm, but breezy too, and a chilly lake - looked refreshing!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUAy60-o0b9QbIOIrYgbsEXtrXG4u_pLMhGzRmFYCd6UXvE0mPEBRsthiKFrLN8ZaUhYvPbXoS3QfsrojgfbPYpfaMnQWxSOhYIyODXJ7lWbbekVlmJf59IjJ7TYqeNqRWZQat_zwQ4Ap/s1600/IMG_4145.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUAy60-o0b9QbIOIrYgbsEXtrXG4u_pLMhGzRmFYCd6UXvE0mPEBRsthiKFrLN8ZaUhYvPbXoS3QfsrojgfbPYpfaMnQWxSOhYIyODXJ7lWbbekVlmJf59IjJ7TYqeNqRWZQat_zwQ4Ap/s200/IMG_4145.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
We then continued west, stopping to camp just off a snowmobile trail in Ottawa National Forest.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEVVxT4wuZYFO58pg8Eha1DWzaJ75ZTEH-RllIgQL7AKnXCrng8L9Aw4yqH2NWz3TDeUfjYd5wrHtmuTiebqCm0-JlsbIDPXD12lzRsxmJttO4PnBuTrEutQaoAJx7x4VFiAiObj328nq/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEVVxT4wuZYFO58pg8Eha1DWzaJ75ZTEH-RllIgQL7AKnXCrng8L9Aw4yqH2NWz3TDeUfjYd5wrHtmuTiebqCm0-JlsbIDPXD12lzRsxmJttO4PnBuTrEutQaoAJx7x4VFiAiObj328nq/s200/IMG_4151.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQgcAa_N5rvVXQ1KlhIRjJgRQEuQZ6FUuP0Ph6n766hyphenhyphentZHvBKPyY9UVSuPRXrZ5AP55ViMgxH7TWvV-rZXctH1j09_Bpk9Qj7MGzr0hMiQuglwcEfqtx48F-EYwHGfQCE6zu8rnL6RUM/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQgcAa_N5rvVXQ1KlhIRjJgRQEuQZ6FUuP0Ph6n766hyphenhyphentZHvBKPyY9UVSuPRXrZ5AP55ViMgxH7TWvV-rZXctH1j09_Bpk9Qj7MGzr0hMiQuglwcEfqtx48F-EYwHGfQCE6zu8rnL6RUM/s200/IMG_4149.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6AEzQYFu9_e8r1ocLB2UkhIgj5YCBueMuwVrQOK-Qbd1HrFoob1ZCQNK3zcHGE4w05cWyFhRktcOne6hORGdzB5_NociHBc_PfyI1wMwL8eYAw8f-eyvtpDrl_EmV-mj9aU7p7-K0PGs/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6AEzQYFu9_e8r1ocLB2UkhIgj5YCBueMuwVrQOK-Qbd1HrFoob1ZCQNK3zcHGE4w05cWyFhRktcOne6hORGdzB5_NociHBc_PfyI1wMwL8eYAw8f-eyvtpDrl_EmV-mj9aU7p7-K0PGs/s200/IMG_4150.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeH0Hrb5sApIC9VpiVCZqhxmPAeMSBAbV4BcGRi8gyPSKDaH3xyucrFchkpp8zz5kA_swa0K0k9gg1K6UrkwpICiF9lWFE2vxgVl43WqYvX-XfSILAbBdLSObWzh3yfRcW1qag43omtDb/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeH0Hrb5sApIC9VpiVCZqhxmPAeMSBAbV4BcGRi8gyPSKDaH3xyucrFchkpp8zz5kA_swa0K0k9gg1K6UrkwpICiF9lWFE2vxgVl43WqYvX-XfSILAbBdLSObWzh3yfRcW1qag43omtDb/s200/IMG_4148.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
We got in a little stroll on the snowmobile trail (it quickly became fairly wet), then made some mac 'n cheese and played Hand and Foot - one win each.Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-23139383860465539422017-05-18T20:00:00.000-07:002017-05-18T20:00:12.148-07:00MD, PA, IN, MI - lots of visiting friendsEarly May included a lot of driving and visiting friends, less 'exploring', pictures, and out in the woods time, so I'm reverting to even more generic summarizing than the typical posts, for some of the stops at least...<br /><br />May 5-7<br />After a little hiking around Massanutten, we head to my MTU running teamies, Christy and Paul's, just outside Baltimore for a few days of meeting their kids and pup, fantastic grilled pizza and spatchcock chicken on a Big Green Egg, lots of chatting, and even a couple long runs on nearby trails in Harford Glen Park and Gunpowder Falls State Park. While Christy and I were putting in some miles, Rudy helped Paul chop the remains of a very large oak they recently had to take down, and make another cheesecake! So much goodness.<br /><br />May 7-9<br />Made our way to see another MTU teamie, Megan, just outside Philadelphia. Megan is in academics and was super busy with end of semester work, but we still got in some good visiting and eating (she made us a simple, but delicious pasta dish) and I was ambitious enough to make some bread and pizza and blackberry crisp. Got in a little strolling and jogging around her nice neighborhood, a pretty chill couple days for Rudy and I.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tj68G0m5W0nMiJ9-nEd3rgf0bxMmY7xZ7bvLUnD_US7j5xaF_WUExOTnAHTpaRvAyD71kHkpUzqlbgsDf7kmDY2kILmpkbVPr7jr7HRxYtrDmIaCo2QUvBsUBgckEi6O422E3DtkvCHV/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tj68G0m5W0nMiJ9-nEd3rgf0bxMmY7xZ7bvLUnD_US7j5xaF_WUExOTnAHTpaRvAyD71kHkpUzqlbgsDf7kmDY2kILmpkbVPr7jr7HRxYtrDmIaCo2QUvBsUBgckEi6O422E3DtkvCHV/s200/IMG_4068.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally some rhododendrons in bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
May 9<br />We depart Megan's and drive about four hours west to camp near Raystown Lake. Pretty damp day, so lots of hanging out, I did get in a stroll on the Horsefly Trail though, starting a little binge of geeking out on birds. I managed to identify a black and white warbler and common yellowthroat - heard and saw many more of course! Dinner was easy bean burritos, gaming was Hand and Foot - Rudy win.<br /><br />May 10<br />Later to wake than hoped, but enjoyed the nice sunny morning watching (mostly listening to) birds - notable sighting was a scarlet tanager. We drove to the other side of the lake for trails. Raystown Lake Trails have a good reputation, and I did enjoy them - nothing too technical or steep - but I really couldn't discern much difference between easy, intermediate, and advanced trails - Rudy agreed, a nice area, but maybe not worth making any big trips for.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs652xAX2t5NPe0Ff7l2geVTxB_SS8ZlnorcdCswv3sAvq5Y5cvbPfStfv9xNLrg_d-rdJYMafeY7hqQj6O8jWR60RN5MLpR1qIGMLf2i21MDdsBYLTbOe5NJ9bqAjG0uKFYBDNCTOGLBe/s1600/IMG_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs652xAX2t5NPe0Ff7l2geVTxB_SS8ZlnorcdCswv3sAvq5Y5cvbPfStfv9xNLrg_d-rdJYMafeY7hqQj6O8jWR60RN5MLpR1qIGMLf2i21MDdsBYLTbOe5NJ9bqAjG0uKFYBDNCTOGLBe/s320/IMG_4069.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzizP2fXqvAStJaKVrMdJ1eowzmyy-kinOGsB9sPWw2aLj7flJwqQFPIXLntHTPvafEaDmP33yKgn2hhq0oFDDhUzM6xaUIjfCKA9Ieel3imG26OHhMWJ7aCR_oMGFp0pfOAhaA4PRWkiZ/s1600/IMG_4070.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzizP2fXqvAStJaKVrMdJ1eowzmyy-kinOGsB9sPWw2aLj7flJwqQFPIXLntHTPvafEaDmP33yKgn2hhq0oFDDhUzM6xaUIjfCKA9Ieel3imG26OHhMWJ7aCR_oMGFp0pfOAhaA4PRWkiZ/s320/IMG_4070.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Though I should also say that a lot of trails were closed due to pipeline construction, so could normally get two days of fun from the system. A 15 mile run for me, and Rudy biked a similar route, but tacked on another little loop I left out. After our few hours of activity, we drove to the South end to check out skills park, but that was also closed. And we just missed the open hours for the Visitors Center, but there were some decent nature trails to check out, including a nice little bird habitat area with lots of bluebirds, swallows, sparrows, wrens, and cat birds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvRNtaHMaqu9TrZ_5ABQQokLy5h8zHpgsR3K6mHRXmhh6j7zjqUon38yvexUH3lUjO1leMp9uwBbRNu9rIiKMb2VE2x7ZfLyBZqDyW3vg5gkfTlcCUBAVGiZ3GJTCqQHTRClBGeql7GLP/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvRNtaHMaqu9TrZ_5ABQQokLy5h8zHpgsR3K6mHRXmhh6j7zjqUon38yvexUH3lUjO1leMp9uwBbRNu9rIiKMb2VE2x7ZfLyBZqDyW3vg5gkfTlcCUBAVGiZ3GJTCqQHTRClBGeql7GLP/s320/IMG_4073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chock full of birds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We eventually went back to prior night's spot as the sunny afternoon clouded up (supposed to be rainy the next day.) Ate lentils and rice and played Hand and Foot and Rummy 5000 - Leslie wins both.<br /><br />May 11<br />Rain started up a little sooner than previously forecast, (once again we were freed of the internet to get weather updates) but I got in an hour run in mostly light rain. Could've avoided some of the precipitation if there was less dawdling while I woke up, but I did get to see an oven bird! We continued to head west for a long day of travel, extended after I managed to break the speaker, resulting in a little shopping near Pittsburgh. The drive through Pennsylvania was mostly in the rain and fog, not bad scenery though, and just a little traffic headaches around Pittsburgh. We continued along the West Virginia and Ohio border to Wayne National Forest in Ohio, stopping at the Ring Mill Campground along the Little Muskingum River.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRqXPpM-2oYQdHRlNmfRNPt6gfLXsvBfNLEXOvsM5UOgljecgsU8eUljLlFKC1cpaAPCdCnTsGBggcjtGxQzvXLoa2M3ME2YXib7Kgbx4AxiM8qAW2hOSwmSLewC1IJz6as0g66LzZ-1c/s1600/IMG_4077.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRqXPpM-2oYQdHRlNmfRNPt6gfLXsvBfNLEXOvsM5UOgljecgsU8eUljLlFKC1cpaAPCdCnTsGBggcjtGxQzvXLoa2M3ME2YXib7Kgbx4AxiM8qAW2hOSwmSLewC1IJz6as0g66LzZ-1c/s320/IMG_4077.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9C7GYXGb-eRJwtcI4V439UQ_7fFRPvJ14LjiuD2ro0wbQ5LDsyVIlcaAJ4pbqfvii_7PKVPg1LmJcgJA5GVZwY-fVk6wv7ei39c6cEAcXL-ep5-6r71lWs5VWqrhDJhT93fW0o9sx2L6/s1600/IMG_4074.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9C7GYXGb-eRJwtcI4V439UQ_7fFRPvJ14LjiuD2ro0wbQ5LDsyVIlcaAJ4pbqfvii_7PKVPg1LmJcgJA5GVZwY-fVk6wv7ei39c6cEAcXL-ep5-6r71lWs5VWqrhDJhT93fW0o9sx2L6/s320/IMG_4074.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Ate butter and parmesan spirals (I think maybe the blandest Annie's noodle and cheese product we've tried so far) and watched Django Unchained.<br /><br />May 12<br />Still damp, but a nice morning. Soooo many birds! Seemed like a lot of them were higher up in the taller trees, but I did get to spot a couple indigo buntings, along with sparrows and wrens, an American redstart, and I belived spotted towhees (the Eastern variety should be more common here, but ?) We continued to drive through southern Ohio and into Indiana, occasionally weaving into West Virginia and Kentucky to our destination a little south of Columbus, IN to visit Dan, who Rudy knows from college. There was much learning and excitement with Dan's solar power system and Chevy Volts. Dinner was burgers.<br /><br />May 13<br />Another long run for me. Lacking ambition to find an enjoyable route, or drive anywhere, I spent 24 miles on roads to get in six miles of trail at Muscatatuck Park. At least it was a nice little park that looked to be most utilized for camping and picnics as I didn't see any people on the trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhB_oVmtD96d9jY-n28d4DwTbZg0hK8rLbfT7KEzMt0adm5DlkSxjJZOCXR8jxOySQLtCVXo1fxz_q7695y8VJ9Kz1ZJfLKXJc_mOo8ew6YVPuwi7zxV7hTMst-03t4HtOa3uxFbdloMh/s1600/IMG_4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhB_oVmtD96d9jY-n28d4DwTbZg0hK8rLbfT7KEzMt0adm5DlkSxjJZOCXR8jxOySQLtCVXo1fxz_q7695y8VJ9Kz1ZJfLKXJc_mOo8ew6YVPuwi7zxV7hTMst-03t4HtOa3uxFbdloMh/s200/IMG_4083.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">did come across a cute little turtle though...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I didn't seem to do too much damage with all the pavement, we'll see what the next few days bring, and it was probably good mental training! During my excursion, Rudy helped with adding solar panels to a barn addition being constructed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmb2IMfRF6o6Uy973kFn0CCODS_zn1SZb5xXLgCkJTMQld486ClAhgqO9i3V5Dy_h8TZrHvZ_jOXYmsAT5mku60OOznl8NDZh0vGGtx0both9K0TjuUoSknx15qsXcuYD7sSOYs7nz9QD/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmb2IMfRF6o6Uy973kFn0CCODS_zn1SZb5xXLgCkJTMQld486ClAhgqO9i3V5Dy_h8TZrHvZ_jOXYmsAT5mku60OOznl8NDZh0vGGtx0both9K0TjuUoSknx15qsXcuYD7sSOYs7nz9QD/s320/IMG_4086.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Dinner was teenage boy food (there are two of them there!) - fish sticks, chicken bites, hot pockets, corn dogs, and fries. After spending way too much time on the computer, I finally hung out on the deck and enjoyed the pleasant evening. more chatting<br /><br />May 14<br />We leave Dan's and head to Brown County - I think we ended up in National Forest for camping, there is a mix of federal and state land in the area. We both got in some running on the Nebo Ridge Trail, pretty back-country, but a nice tread through the woods. I was able to ID a few of the plants around our camp:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylcNp_YNI50bzOJmFAJEFzv60LZlZf9nqc5ny-qMVmRXhiJ9Tx0OagPOgdNLJxSGd0GmvjrExV5GBGpfN9VNTMl5jEA85uMtnpnWUgZBJxJb_mPu-7rqUQml_5HyLmTHW1KmG2Lj6m0zU/s1600/IMG_4091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylcNp_YNI50bzOJmFAJEFzv60LZlZf9nqc5ny-qMVmRXhiJ9Tx0OagPOgdNLJxSGd0GmvjrExV5GBGpfN9VNTMl5jEA85uMtnpnWUgZBJxJb_mPu-7rqUQml_5HyLmTHW1KmG2Lj6m0zU/s200/IMG_4091.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinquefoil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9OjSp64aACL73_rF-Wdlo52Lk9vtDZA_HI3wc184Wf8ugT22NNC6lNFL6YYztkkOTd_Hn7px1eyj0xZ7yUCcCrxLB4KLfAxYYG-2mwG__RwWJX6fzodWjbjeFTkaqpNcuIWzf09Ggi1M/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9OjSp64aACL73_rF-Wdlo52Lk9vtDZA_HI3wc184Wf8ugT22NNC6lNFL6YYztkkOTd_Hn7px1eyj0xZ7yUCcCrxLB4KLfAxYYG-2mwG__RwWJX6fzodWjbjeFTkaqpNcuIWzf09Ggi1M/s200/IMG_4088.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue eyed grass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
Dinner was bean burritos and game was Hand and Foot - Leslie win.<br />
<br />May 15<br />A lovely sunny morning. We headed north to Brown County State Park. Rudy bought a permit (on top of the State Park entr) allowing him to ride all the trails, but I stuck to the free beginner trails, since I wasn't to anxious to do a ton of crazy biking anyhow. The easy trails were actually pretty fun and a sufficient outing for me. We ended up with sun and 80s again - like summer! After the bike rides, we went back south to camp in Yellowwood State Forest. Ate some rice and lentils and played a gam of Hand and Foot - Rudy win.<br /><br />May 16<br />I got in a nice short gravel road run before our longish drive north. We made a stop at Nick's Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana, which is supposedly the birthplace of the pork tenderloin sandwich. Rudy got the tendorloin and I checked out the house made sausage sandwich - food was OK, but the pie was really good!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1SqAZsmK4A3YHjJepFx5Ys3AeK7Xs-sUw-knXbVljlO496V15h38vM52lT4VEjxJAlPYt7-FqtrRpdVI0sPPbDZwGMlOPoKp4jZKeWxdU_VC9EgBQDZyH_M1dPqXz84JgadIk82zxqvg/s1600/IMG_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1SqAZsmK4A3YHjJepFx5Ys3AeK7Xs-sUw-knXbVljlO496V15h38vM52lT4VEjxJAlPYt7-FqtrRpdVI0sPPbDZwGMlOPoKp4jZKeWxdU_VC9EgBQDZyH_M1dPqXz84JgadIk82zxqvg/s200/IMG_4100.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy's large pork tenderloin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV3mvsQzgTXGb0NP9zC6YpvQQTDRqo9p6o2EoTTzNUFexR57yS8L7VxkgO8rdDVBj2g4mn8u0ar2gGxPN35a17vpjh9lIGEYPvZDM8t2j2mB-by6FeHoUqFvQjMZlSNxBDiNFnZCHQKXp/s1600/IMG_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV3mvsQzgTXGb0NP9zC6YpvQQTDRqo9p6o2EoTTzNUFexR57yS8L7VxkgO8rdDVBj2g4mn8u0ar2gGxPN35a17vpjh9lIGEYPvZDM8t2j2mB-by6FeHoUqFvQjMZlSNxBDiNFnZCHQKXp/s320/IMG_4102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Raspberry, 'Hoosier' Sweet Cream, and Rhubarb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After lunch we had a few more hours of driving to get to my MTU friend's place in Hamburg, MI - Jess and Clint, and we got to meet their new baby Kora. The rest of the day included a nice stroll, awesome visiting, and yummy salmon salads.<br /><br />May 17<br />Clint and Jess had their normal work lives to attend to, so we were on our own for the day. I got in a run on the Lakelands Trail, which is a paved rail trail, but there is enough of a shoulder that I mostly stayed off the pavement. Then a little laying around in the sun before we headed to Brighton Recreation Area for biking - decent trails, we each had fun - me with the easier trails and Rudy on the more advanced stuff. Not much time before our working friends returned home and we had some burgers - beef and portabello - and got in some good visiting.<br /><br />May 18<br />A short run for me, then Rudy and I headed to Pickney State Park to bike the Potowatami Trail. I somehow got onto a shortcut, but got to experience most of the 17+ mile loop - another nice trail. And another hot day - we took a dip in Silver Lake before leaving the park. A little chill time, then strolled to Hamburg Pub to meet Patrick - one of my former coworkers, who is also an MTU grad and really into biking. It was a lovely couple hours of catching up, with snacks at the pub, followed by tacos back at Jess and Clint's. Another chill evening, which fantastically included watching some Bob Ross painting mindlessness.<br /><br /><br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-76265194307383989802017-05-13T16:46:00.000-07:002017-05-13T16:46:58.616-07:00VirginiaApril 30<br />Little bouts of light rain in the morning, but supposed to be another nice day. Travis and Lauren out early for another biking event. After another longish run for me we depart Boone and head north to Damascus, Virginia. Once there, it is a glorious sunny, 80F day. I ride the popular rail trail Virginia Creeper - just out and back from Damascus to White Top Station, a gentle uphill for two hours, just under 18 miles, wasn't arduous, but really didn't feel easy either.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLok7PU3w0Ecyu3-83zAxs_80YHAbWjRtsaSFytPQVE1YRG5BIa_4YxTGcbuEPe9fN8DSzNoINvxn7rSWs9UAELfwOJoUrZ_ZPC3CEGwpDccdKZGcuTlGv7d31vtVRJwanZ9FQ0F-0y1Q5/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLok7PU3w0Ecyu3-83zAxs_80YHAbWjRtsaSFytPQVE1YRG5BIa_4YxTGcbuEPe9fN8DSzNoINvxn7rSWs9UAELfwOJoUrZ_ZPC3CEGwpDccdKZGcuTlGv7d31vtVRJwanZ9FQ0F-0y1Q5/s320/IMG_4008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of the old rail stations are still there, here is White Top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC9odQ65pLd2BQnYj3Iyv1a0l7KqBDCXWANsEfMadRVvQIy3FJCQQghPDtjs_CNZpr0oHOtFFeHtj0Q21LmoNqpQz80bPDrxcsJy1rRJiC6mVqDlCKAdtM7EJXu7QIxt9LdxKdXB8b9pg/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC9odQ65pLd2BQnYj3Iyv1a0l7KqBDCXWANsEfMadRVvQIy3FJCQQghPDtjs_CNZpr0oHOtFFeHtj0Q21LmoNqpQz80bPDrxcsJy1rRJiC6mVqDlCKAdtM7EJXu7QIxt9LdxKdXB8b9pg/s320/IMG_4005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picturesque Laurel Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuR6HVAta0CYYZfw9QdrKc8i6xQeMQ4DG5Eo8n0ndJ4c1swkWik3jwGJPkhzpPQ6qQuKNVP9WPzQmg8r0MVhKEPu7iutsW-52yrqd-7rr8u8VY03nLDQOsTNqWl-PhPCDhRJMxel-Iz66/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuR6HVAta0CYYZfw9QdrKc8i6xQeMQ4DG5Eo8n0ndJ4c1swkWik3jwGJPkhzpPQ6qQuKNVP9WPzQmg8r0MVhKEPu7iutsW-52yrqd-7rr8u8VY03nLDQOsTNqWl-PhPCDhRJMxel-Iz66/s320/IMG_4002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Picturesque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite the beautiful Sunday afternoon bringing out throngs of people, I got to see a deer and a black bear cub! The 'descent' was fun, taking just a little over an hour. Rudy rode the nearby Iron Mountain Trail - a little more challenging and remote. After the riding, we went to nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area for camping, ate pasta and played Hand and Foot (Rudy win) and 3-13 (Leslie win).<br /><br />May Day!<br />Overcast, but no rain yet. I spent some time just dawdling around out side, expecting rain at any time (no service here to check weather - yes!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg_c4Wr0fjosM-I8GOUkjgZNJ6USshOONfysjttxJudYCPsaJtU5YU3338OMuzNb9-czPLk9bxxS7aLfwoX4WdehuEbT_2xVxRWuOc550U5NVfEISr226-bhn0AWktjIOaTB_BtVK4RAH/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg_c4Wr0fjosM-I8GOUkjgZNJ6USshOONfysjttxJudYCPsaJtU5YU3338OMuzNb9-czPLk9bxxS7aLfwoX4WdehuEbT_2xVxRWuOc550U5NVfEISr226-bhn0AWktjIOaTB_BtVK4RAH/s320/IMG_4012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring growth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1lWt-4lk5blMXowMRAQH3v7afyoPlaq7d4qamWruw_4DKD0fgWjs7NL-9Si0cMqagmAbw_mjMDQXG5mdxC-UkXxeYoS1rrM60l7Mb5vcHBtSmtKS9Lu_KgABUdoTOGlV07IvU1NWyn31/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1lWt-4lk5blMXowMRAQH3v7afyoPlaq7d4qamWruw_4DKD0fgWjs7NL-9Si0cMqagmAbw_mjMDQXG5mdxC-UkXxeYoS1rrM60l7Mb5vcHBtSmtKS9Lu_KgABUdoTOGlV07IvU1NWyn31/s320/IMG_4011.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Rudy is awesome and picks up some garbage around the camp. Eventually we continue our drive a little ways toward Roanoke and park at the Walnut Flats Campground in George Washington National Forest and have an afternoon of off and on rain, not a lot though. Super hero movies for Rudy, puzzling for me, and split peas and sweet potatoes for dinner. The weather seemed to clear up and we got in a little evening stroll, enjoying lots of birds and frogs songs and chatting with a local about fishing the nice little stream.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp5ga57oXcoOFVir1oeMZuruPuvxIyff3HeaQ5uFe6lcTUT1QXknSP0SEQPNPZJ_sfq88HptecODocAN_PmMlwpG_deETKH_NNMZVWU-YZcu8im4SLpCFBV88jNdL3YGPsUKAoiYqRZCv/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp5ga57oXcoOFVir1oeMZuruPuvxIyff3HeaQ5uFe6lcTUT1QXknSP0SEQPNPZJ_sfq88HptecODocAN_PmMlwpG_deETKH_NNMZVWU-YZcu8im4SLpCFBV88jNdL3YGPsUKAoiYqRZCv/s320/IMG_4014.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
After returning to the van, played Hand and Foot - Leslie win.<br /><br />May 2<br />Cool, but sunny! Breezy too. A brisk little run for me on the gravel road, then we continue towards Roanoke. Our fun stop for the day was at Calvin's Cove trails northwest of town for biking. The trails were pretty good, user friendly, and relatively well maintained.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl18gGZfz7zW6CdHGtZR9ZAGygBXpY8TflRBH3TpqZkfiXzsPioK3rnF7RTllojsqfUpKBv27xQ-4jA9Vpww7q9A-vuihZJJTC10LLIKSh2dWEwpcbn6R-_C4ARXsVRWusL-BU7XpLxPXw/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl18gGZfz7zW6CdHGtZR9ZAGygBXpY8TflRBH3TpqZkfiXzsPioK3rnF7RTllojsqfUpKBv27xQ-4jA9Vpww7q9A-vuihZJJTC10LLIKSh2dWEwpcbn6R-_C4ARXsVRWusL-BU7XpLxPXw/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calvin's Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm49Fu6E_YZrOdfh7IeWUq0WHQo7ImQt8WEUIgO0W0YxY9BZ66abdBqgAsYfwAlY7sofDrHUUJkktzBY6K2i4C3YkW9UQOQqzTy7nHoU6PhczswHNz5utWJE7hy7hRT4Hqie8UNbs6ULvp/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm49Fu6E_YZrOdfh7IeWUq0WHQo7ImQt8WEUIgO0W0YxY9BZ66abdBqgAsYfwAlY7sofDrHUUJkktzBY6K2i4C3YkW9UQOQqzTy7nHoU6PhczswHNz5utWJE7hy7hRT4Hqie8UNbs6ULvp/s320/IMG_4017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love seeing decorated trees out in the woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We both felt good and had fun on our rides. Then a couple hour drive to another area of George Washington National Forest in the southern portion of Narrowback Mountain trail system. We found dispersed camping adjacent to a nice little day use area. Dinner was mac and cheese, followed by a lovely stroll around Braley Pond.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismf-OF28UNZfnW1DES4pjRVW-bKggVtCkpfkWmZP9jVz5doCLtUTonb7dxwmvJ4RBA7x5WPyP9c_j0xioKcTIbNErIjovSia6K-q8x1k_OIMB9uKQjrKEmZeRKgWVPxggNW9XEoZxgpCZ/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismf-OF28UNZfnW1DES4pjRVW-bKggVtCkpfkWmZP9jVz5doCLtUTonb7dxwmvJ4RBA7x5WPyP9c_j0xioKcTIbNErIjovSia6K-q8x1k_OIMB9uKQjrKEmZeRKgWVPxggNW9XEoZxgpCZ/s200/IMG_4025.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6ldRx-0ag-RpH_ikCyJmzx2ODv9oHSHI_0XYhRGwev0EjViWfxaKznJKo8hgZ5tiDUYXfjIHKU8y98WlW1Cu_YYC4w3CvxAS72Go5gJmEa3WPKWhvZjlxPV6l0DqE838HvM5gy9fq6zz/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6ldRx-0ag-RpH_ikCyJmzx2ODv9oHSHI_0XYhRGwev0EjViWfxaKznJKo8hgZ5tiDUYXfjIHKU8y98WlW1Cu_YYC4w3CvxAS72Go5gJmEa3WPKWhvZjlxPV6l0DqE838HvM5gy9fq6zz/s200/IMG_4021.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrOLjHUbbgMx-CAuo1kYpkkhhXKo35lF4Zr-vK7n6WIhJEm_Vkid_oxFSS-tbSQICBGzN2WwSgS430fSiT4MNvcNgJAXjBgFKBCn4aedYcZF4-YTWrgQQRWoHhCHc_PdTieZj0iiQ8043/s1600/IMG_4020.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrOLjHUbbgMx-CAuo1kYpkkhhXKo35lF4Zr-vK7n6WIhJEm_Vkid_oxFSS-tbSQICBGzN2WwSgS430fSiT4MNvcNgJAXjBgFKBCn4aedYcZF4-YTWrgQQRWoHhCHc_PdTieZj0iiQ8043/s320/IMG_4020.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFicdQ1vjfSUxi7RAaeFaWm744n1cQsBhgtOzDJs7bSAKUO8WdlXN6hH_XZOkbhRF3guIP6iZE3HIJYsry_oiqXIXiqtHDxYKge9Adlrmlj4vT-vaGgoqwXp4z_1pR1TjQgpp0oPiZjcl/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFicdQ1vjfSUxi7RAaeFaWm744n1cQsBhgtOzDJs7bSAKUO8WdlXN6hH_XZOkbhRF3guIP6iZE3HIJYsry_oiqXIXiqtHDxYKge9Adlrmlj4vT-vaGgoqwXp4z_1pR1TjQgpp0oPiZjcl/s320/IMG_6477.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy actually took this one the next day, I think</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxWvhiBgtraja27S1ooYKmtvpZGAWEh9CEnIkdh1XLkbIqDvs-55jhUppdm6VZtEFDHXHO0X3V8KFt8BJ-6Z5UU0cir7_l7ospm6bLo2j8ZBjMZveomzpahFmyBIS7wYYEoFyjnVoc3kE/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxWvhiBgtraja27S1ooYKmtvpZGAWEh9CEnIkdh1XLkbIqDvs-55jhUppdm6VZtEFDHXHO0X3V8KFt8BJ-6Z5UU0cir7_l7ospm6bLo2j8ZBjMZveomzpahFmyBIS7wYYEoFyjnVoc3kE/s200/IMG_6472.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Further entertainment with Hand and Foot - Leslie win.<br /><br />May 3<br />A coolish morning and a decent longish run for me on mostly forest road, a little pack trail and a little singletrack too. Rudy got in some biking in the warmer afternoon. Not moving today, so soak black beans and rice all day. Other activities for me included chilling out, and some yoga in the sun - I'm kind of a fairweather yogi without the indoors! Rudy enjoyed his longer ride, followed by eating, and Hand and Foot and 3-13, Rudy takes both!<br /><br />May 4<br />Cooler, overcast, and supposed to be afternoon rain. A shorter run for me, then we travel a bit north to another area of Narrowback Mountain. Our separate rides both ended up being more than we bargained for! I intended on the Lookout Mountain loop, and pretty much did it, albeit with a few unintentional bonus miles, and rugged down tree crossings. There was actually lots of time on paved and gravel roads, and the few miles of singletrack I did get on the Wild Oak Trail was only somewhat manageable for me - lots of rock gardens and steep decents and I was pretty wore out by the end, where I got to cross a suspension bridge with high, less than bike handlebar width railings - should've gotten more pictures, pretty scenic!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_E96oiR3Jw3syBYlqd_eIvgRaPxYDVEAdBnW_Me__uLIxtZ8MhbXdFYfIsywZ_bUWM6HFr71AQsdJrpZybLs6Uf1uqjm1D-8n9qgkdqGnc9Plbq-GLuWJk9ZC5qXXDq0ugxb3j-fwpCE/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_E96oiR3Jw3syBYlqd_eIvgRaPxYDVEAdBnW_Me__uLIxtZ8MhbXdFYfIsywZ_bUWM6HFr71AQsdJrpZybLs6Uf1uqjm1D-8n9qgkdqGnc9Plbq-GLuWJk9ZC5qXXDq0ugxb3j-fwpCE/s320/IMG_4032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was a little disappointed with the recommended scenic overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy was out longer than I was and he ended up with more of a back country adventure with the trail hard to find in some areas, but he did better with getting good flower pics.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ71-jj_Khl-EgwMPk5OaazqmwtR2mFCFzKzAJZVvohsOwDb4kApQ2Z3QnDNG7DJG4tbZ5-NrhZPK1KO7y3qGAMGG8ZYex81DsAOgdc61jxxxd4LcKCJZLzQJN2HBS4x9WPswC68orE6qH/s1600/IMG_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ71-jj_Khl-EgwMPk5OaazqmwtR2mFCFzKzAJZVvohsOwDb4kApQ2Z3QnDNG7DJG4tbZ5-NrhZPK1KO7y3qGAMGG8ZYex81DsAOgdc61jxxxd4LcKCJZLzQJN2HBS4x9WPswC68orE6qH/s320/IMG_6489.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azalea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbaP0YVkQr0aQxhiuPqqET-ZXkHNnbVa7j3Sa1rWWdf9xNqpWM6cHh55VMxoGz4BY0C1dDbwrY56WhJruriMaNVSW8PZMRZLWwNyuFhGiO-BS1bECYJJCNOx9fGN_Tjh2SdGt3q9txpo3/s1600/IMG_6485.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbaP0YVkQr0aQxhiuPqqET-ZXkHNnbVa7j3Sa1rWWdf9xNqpWM6cHh55VMxoGz4BY0C1dDbwrY56WhJruriMaNVSW8PZMRZLWwNyuFhGiO-BS1bECYJJCNOx9fGN_Tjh2SdGt3q9txpo3/s320/IMG_6485.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moccasin Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The whole day was cool and threatening to rain, but the precipitation held off until after we departed on a drive of just under two hours northeast to Little Fort Campground - more of an OHV area and actually not far from the Massanutten Trail, which is hosted a 100 mile run in the upcoming weekend - heard it was a soggy one. Dinner was lentils and quinoa, fun was Hand and Foot - close game but Leslie takes it! A very rainy night.<br /><br />May 5<br />The rain seemed to have let up by early morning - we didn't have service to check weather, but chanced a little bit of a hike on the Massanutten and Tuscarora Trails - lots of water on them, but rocky and not muddy, so not bad.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_61_l67vdg-thS88iBsXB_5jQ6iyV4NwU7RYiA8iwy-P6abMFPf3vzQw_tT2Ekz012YbTUXpD5txKmfAwE9ZRHIJu8DAnCXV4w8nJJSzpUSYW1MIhceWfJNgDKQit_NnayiitGDlZfbx/s1600/IMG_4040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_61_l67vdg-thS88iBsXB_5jQ6iyV4NwU7RYiA8iwy-P6abMFPf3vzQw_tT2Ekz012YbTUXpD5txKmfAwE9ZRHIJu8DAnCXV4w8nJJSzpUSYW1MIhceWfJNgDKQit_NnayiitGDlZfbx/s200/IMG_4040.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sassafras!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLveMmE06Ax2tSajwh3oU26zrPyjkHkukGyQjYnRIJacb8dtzFucHZeIXLLcGZI9bIXn4Uvslnqrwg4IWMgqjU4lHC-lE82uYb02esY-XAlzA-VrLj3g7mtz6_RQ0e_QYKtw1pbXcT_3Yb/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLveMmE06Ax2tSajwh3oU26zrPyjkHkukGyQjYnRIJacb8dtzFucHZeIXLLcGZI9bIXn4Uvslnqrwg4IWMgqjU4lHC-lE82uYb02esY-XAlzA-VrLj3g7mtz6_RQ0e_QYKtw1pbXcT_3Yb/s200/IMG_4050.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Laurel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo8vYu1QW890shyIX62KCitE3hZvBhWuCS6pWoJW2Bak-WBidyW-eSv3xm1MTrpWprxnd8mmUlCb1rwCwH984mPqOcQEK3cIbcGu7GXdb59qdBkeJPKJPCo18C6HenyntFz3fMhn3DQbA/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo8vYu1QW890shyIX62KCitE3hZvBhWuCS6pWoJW2Bak-WBidyW-eSv3xm1MTrpWprxnd8mmUlCb1rwCwH984mPqOcQEK3cIbcGu7GXdb59qdBkeJPKJPCo18C6HenyntFz3fMhn3DQbA/s200/IMG_4049.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still need to find this one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdiCTgvATTF-3DZvC7ax088Eo_nP4obw8RYq4Srst5keJogy47Hu4UsIWeuyNUwMEZsaszNB0hST_-54HG-iPwccI6gUCMuDSJLUtsqZSabwb7_qfcWpLn4rdUD1iGh04PX-eH1cT1wzT/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdiCTgvATTF-3DZvC7ax088Eo_nP4obw8RYq4Srst5keJogy47Hu4UsIWeuyNUwMEZsaszNB0hST_-54HG-iPwccI6gUCMuDSJLUtsqZSabwb7_qfcWpLn4rdUD1iGh04PX-eH1cT1wzT/s320/IMG_4051.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The rest of the day was getting to a couple of my MTU running teammates Christy and Paul just outside Baltimore, kicking off another good stretch of visiting people.<br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-66419637923931799642017-05-04T08:42:00.002-07:002017-05-04T08:42:41.451-07:00Brevard, Bent Creek, and Boone, NCApril 24<br />Damp and cool, with not a lot of rain first thing, though it picked up during the morning, and still in the 40s, but supposed to turn back to Spring soon! The van had a little trouble getting out after a couple inches of rain, and I had to operate a vehicle for the first time in nearly ten months while Rudy pushed - no big deal. We headed a little further south, stopping at Sliding Rock, which we thought might be some geologic feature, but was actually a natural 'waterslide', and Looking Glass Falls - big and pretty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEdAvTH02A5aknCzonLXsAL5M_AWf5LVRgGtt_es8MtzsR3HVSGGDYCKdbA1Z3i0Qw4-ryuuAwAtIKFzLpQ8QQNeO8qw5kPwu6Gy7HGoGmjysflVl3jv85INNhZXVA_H2HjZLyx2SMJ_0/s1600/IMG_3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEdAvTH02A5aknCzonLXsAL5M_AWf5LVRgGtt_es8MtzsR3HVSGGDYCKdbA1Z3i0Qw4-ryuuAwAtIKFzLpQ8QQNeO8qw5kPwu6Gy7HGoGmjysflVl3jv85INNhZXVA_H2HjZLyx2SMJ_0/s320/IMG_3975.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Sliding Rock takers when 50F after a couple inches of rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIVpZg2TksccU7qc7DPzCniMlMmEVLcfBWRTk5X2E-vHKo9o2A1SUK0PsCFlhKw23E7ouG57Hnp-g-sIELgiVBSVtgEuJ_vk4-Wf5anjrZPjm4h59a6AkPqCzMYFN1oXkXTdmB-1CpXkc/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIVpZg2TksccU7qc7DPzCniMlMmEVLcfBWRTk5X2E-vHKo9o2A1SUK0PsCFlhKw23E7ouG57Hnp-g-sIELgiVBSVtgEuJ_vk4-Wf5anjrZPjm4h59a6AkPqCzMYFN1oXkXTdmB-1CpXkc/s320/IMG_3978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Glass Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9Un9byN16GShT1ZQdRuUqCUiflcs3iLiM_PzF9d0xS0CjJ3Ao-a0qMAR_4aFn4zO1AtDjyK_BXNzw1hZjN4jKROf4eyNoWP1NiW_X979dFzYmpX98JbbEuHMuUJGOjHPLA6u0BXEyUBf/s1600/IMG_3976.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9Un9byN16GShT1ZQdRuUqCUiflcs3iLiM_PzF9d0xS0CjJ3Ao-a0qMAR_4aFn4zO1AtDjyK_BXNzw1hZjN4jKROf4eyNoWP1NiW_X979dFzYmpX98JbbEuHMuUJGOjHPLA6u0BXEyUBf/s320/IMG_3976.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Eventually got into Brevard for groceries and spent some time at Blue Ridge Bakery for treats and internet. We went overboard on the treats- my favorites were the Outrageous Brownie and gingerbread men (bready and spicy), the pecan bar and cherry almond bar were also very tasty, and we also had a blueberry muffin and eclair (Rudy picks, I just sampled and was happy to let him have the rest!) - I'll note these were saved and enjoyed during the next couple days! We also stopped by a bike shop (the Hub, which also has lots of camping stuff, a tavern, and typically some food trucks around), but they didn't have much for recommendations on the best areas after the wet weather - just in general that higher ground might be better. We went back onto another forest road in Pisgah, closer to Brevard, with dispersed camping - quite a few people around, but not bad. We took a short stroll, mostly to check out a nearby 'group' camping site, and found a biker to chat up - he didn't have much mud on him and gives us hope the trails weren't too bad. Ate pasta and played Hand and Foot - one win each.<br /><br />April 25<br />Cool and foggy, but some blue sky! I got up relatively early and got in a short run before we went back into Brevard for a little more town stuff, including stopping by Bracken Mountain Bakery (they were closed yesterday), which has more bread than treats - we picked up walnut whole wheat bread, a couple scones and a ginger-molasses cookie - all pretty good. We then decided to try Dupont State Forest for biking. Most of the trails were happily drier than expected, the doubletrack ones certainly had more water than the singletrack, and all of it has a very sandy/rocky base, so bikes and legs got sandy but no rutty mud! My loop became more of an out and back due to a river crossing - looked a little unruly from the recent rain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYGKzwrCsbSBqrgkZ-NfAkIlfNRvB5uXq_7XETxNDrCuT_M_buHYVkdXIGSF_of1xGZ3TX6yuiiqGFHVZHY0G7aboKjyR7mVgpUv595MGcEXhAJgMdHtFA8YcsuNuqQ1u1pWsU-VL-ccR/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYGKzwrCsbSBqrgkZ-NfAkIlfNRvB5uXq_7XETxNDrCuT_M_buHYVkdXIGSF_of1xGZ3TX6yuiiqGFHVZHY0G7aboKjyR7mVgpUv595MGcEXhAJgMdHtFA8YcsuNuqQ1u1pWsU-VL-ccR/s320/IMG_3983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncertain depth...not trying this one along!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy's loop was more successful, and he was out for quite a while, enjoying the lovely weather. We were a little later getting back to camp, made quick shells and cheese, and got on with more Hand and Foot - one win each.<br /><br />April 26<br />A little warmer and clearer this morning, good for a longish run for me. It was mostly gravel road, with a failed attempt at trail as I went on an overgrown forest service road instead of the singletrack a little further on. A chill morning otherwise, then we headed back to Dupont to an area north of the prior day. More good trails, I even rode Ridgeline, labeled as 'advanced' but not very technical, just steep and fast with big berms, jumps and such. I wasn't out too long so had a couple hours before Rudy finishes his ride, I got to hang out with the bees.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCFiXYKHnOIpRqmEkK8iJXDTS7QcyYuURymyWxlfRI9mVChYaZIbQM9iA5iXeHhBSvdHh5FYOT41iIIsdCM4hjoIMxeBxmgDBxqYIPTuGvnB9GcN_SHW8lQaEpbDn3ojtHf1oDrQPQkhu/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCFiXYKHnOIpRqmEkK8iJXDTS7QcyYuURymyWxlfRI9mVChYaZIbQM9iA5iXeHhBSvdHh5FYOT41iIIsdCM4hjoIMxeBxmgDBxqYIPTuGvnB9GcN_SHW8lQaEpbDn3ojtHf1oDrQPQkhu/s200/IMG_3989.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They piled up in the bug netting - eek!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy met some Vermonters out on the trail to ride with the next day, we met for a beer at the Hub<br />to plan, since there was no cell service in the woods. Back later to camp again. We experimented with barley cooked in pickle juice, didn't work perfectly, may try it again though, adding more water to the brine, which I don't think soaked into the grains very well. Just one game of Hand and Foot - Rudy win.<br /><br />April 27<br />Up and at 'em relatively early for biking with the Vermonters before mid day thunderstorms supposed to hit. We had some distraction after a pair of birds knocked themselves out on the side of the van - I enjoyed being able to easily identify them as Northern Parulas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ52_cl2ccNS0tQDMqWBVwfXbKHbh3p4QDRlETDVL6Y0iqp1kaNP2Ga4SSqfdNJVtqvygOlRIELczW8e1NEhAbqZuXjCLNGwFbGev0aI_NvKChGQVf7zRo3m4HDWTvhFNoZfA3i_D099sd/s1600/IMG_3992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ52_cl2ccNS0tQDMqWBVwfXbKHbh3p4QDRlETDVL6Y0iqp1kaNP2Ga4SSqfdNJVtqvygOlRIELczW8e1NEhAbqZuXjCLNGwFbGev0aI_NvKChGQVf7zRo3m4HDWTvhFNoZfA3i_D099sd/s320/IMG_3992.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Northern Parula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujrU3UMjWCtoQKaLx3i_JgW8CBwFsIGtNT2FBGEZKH2BnBHJH9Jm77SJlOvvOHNYPjxAl1V-CWTOaPgwUoiQVcgx-17NgFvcqxsbAYVks39YzRfbbsXVrlCVsIFKNojmV1Hfhv9yK3o0r/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujrU3UMjWCtoQKaLx3i_JgW8CBwFsIGtNT2FBGEZKH2BnBHJH9Jm77SJlOvvOHNYPjxAl1V-CWTOaPgwUoiQVcgx-17NgFvcqxsbAYVks39YzRfbbsXVrlCVsIFKNojmV1Hfhv9yK3o0r/s320/IMG_3993.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Northern Parula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The female looked to be in rougher shape, but actually recovered and flew away sooner than the male did (he was actually still on the ground when we biked away, but gone, with no signs of foul play, when we returned.) Luckily there was very little light rain while I went out with Rachel and the dog, Ross, up Thrift Cove Trail (marked as beginner, but really a longish, steepish, semi-technical climb) and down the lower part of the 'advanced' Black Mountain, not as crazy as the upper sections apparently - doable and fun for us! We chatted for a while about biking and traveling as Rudy and Henry were out on a bigger adventure, with rain slightly increasing - they didn't get poured on though. About noon the Vermonters continued on with their vacation, and we had another lazy rain day, though it didn't actually rain a ton. Fantastic Four, tea, reading, and puzzling. Dinner was bean burritos, and fun was Hand and Foot - one win each.<br /><br />April 28<br />Cool morning. My ambitions to get up early for a run didn't happen, but still got in an OK run, legs a bit tired. The sunny morning was good for a couple flower pictures though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tCzgZCyj9jaeHD6ehjezCeQ9MIoO0AK7WZPRU2M0pawYJe-atPlB-sAewJhzIL2H_OghgXBXGFzNeKC6id3ThY9Xss3r6XdMtn2HWAslibq1RBUDjfG_bOtFXWUO1EvoUzjdaA88zXos/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tCzgZCyj9jaeHD6ehjezCeQ9MIoO0AK7WZPRU2M0pawYJe-atPlB-sAewJhzIL2H_OghgXBXGFzNeKC6id3ThY9Xss3r6XdMtn2HWAslibq1RBUDjfG_bOtFXWUO1EvoUzjdaA88zXos/s200/IMG_3987.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another variety of Trillium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUB3AlYrJAojcX8PWnPzxTfzsOl14D5Reprdhg8fDxatc1IoDuHR3-SZAQSAxIlVTykvKjiKjCVMs38T4lycfcDFyiH9_Q2Dp5o5azRSImTxAaFnX987helW6mCB09I_n_YpgKroeD20-/s1600/IMG_3985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUB3AlYrJAojcX8PWnPzxTfzsOl14D5Reprdhg8fDxatc1IoDuHR3-SZAQSAxIlVTykvKjiKjCVMs38T4lycfcDFyiH9_Q2Dp5o5azRSImTxAaFnX987helW6mCB09I_n_YpgKroeD20-/s200/IMG_3985.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May Apples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We packed up and headed back north, stopping by the Ranger Station for water and talked to an older couple from South Carolina that were pretty excited about our trip - haven't gotten sick about other's enthusiasm yet! We continued on to Bent Creek Experimental Forest just south of Asheville. A popular place with nice trails, though lots of intersections. I didn't mind all the stopping, still tired legs. A lack of planning ended up with me not hitting the trails I intended, but what I got on was enjoyable, and I loved the hot sunny day. Rudy had a longer fun ride, as usual. After the rides, we skirted around Asheville, stopping at REI for Rudy to get a new pair of bike shoes, I also picked up some clearance arm sleeves. We also made a stop at Stone Bowl for Korean food - good to us! We traveled further north to the Grandfather district of Pisgah National Forest to just clean up and sleep. Got in a quick game of Trivial Pursuit - Rudy win.<br /><br />April 29<br />A beautiful morning, relatively warm, nice for another early rise to get to Boone by 9 so Rudy can help out with a big trail work day at Rocky Knob - yay! I was selfish and ran the trails while others were improving them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJt7r4E7AWolHuVOtbsjMP8vLwVRTi5uJVuFJHHNMG4G7EdIbJllf4ajw6C3ACZuFL2US9AhYPNvNMBwxCC_7HiWmTwxlAgGAlb-YR9SCspmsD0lm0Y5iLXtT82hseRKdpoqw4ZxBVPJ5/s1600/IMG_3999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJt7r4E7AWolHuVOtbsjMP8vLwVRTi5uJVuFJHHNMG4G7EdIbJllf4ajw6C3ACZuFL2US9AhYPNvNMBwxCC_7HiWmTwxlAgGAlb-YR9SCspmsD0lm0Y5iLXtT82hseRKdpoqw4ZxBVPJ5/s200/IMG_3999.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Irises</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTu3iCylKjr6KKc_8UeVaQ-_k7NkJ_SnwBDzXTgTWW0qZoBuz0MfWTOMXrv7MhMyOkrhL7r0UtxP7XSa_FpaQiMT2aeo6LDTQiFYQNCdTIjDc8-nrD7qaZbomFMwmyQ48DNKqjUuYtxv7/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTu3iCylKjr6KKc_8UeVaQ-_k7NkJ_SnwBDzXTgTWW0qZoBuz0MfWTOMXrv7MhMyOkrhL7r0UtxP7XSa_FpaQiMT2aeo6LDTQiFYQNCdTIjDc8-nrD7qaZbomFMwmyQ48DNKqjUuYtxv7/s320/IMG_3996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Rock Trail - its a little rocky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1XeecAlSW7f7P_oEeZGSzkYXPN8_DZ6Xt1K_uqLvs5k4iZ_s03kYJ4L-QznNh3G3osqh6zcf9gC81xgHh46n75JX5Ct9WlNZKP_i47WAP3S4PIlKK7_nNGfBZiBBXJAD9f1q6zKNDHNs/s1600/IMG_3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1XeecAlSW7f7P_oEeZGSzkYXPN8_DZ6Xt1K_uqLvs5k4iZ_s03kYJ4L-QznNh3G3osqh6zcf9gC81xgHh46n75JX5Ct9WlNZKP_i47WAP3S4PIlKK7_nNGfBZiBBXJAD9f1q6zKNDHNs/s200/IMG_3997.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Trilliums!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ej4AmBso1Jg6XCYWXp3GsmbECUxboKy1OPvEH7ixAeYU2wZY1Y_U5HFkdBJleZVGRmoGbODxyq8VUYCnMo6QKMrauSoTm7I3MIWG0EborQeRDBdHOto4DyXFaMhcUGap-EvWtwLDu6UW/s1600/IMG_4001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ej4AmBso1Jg6XCYWXp3GsmbECUxboKy1OPvEH7ixAeYU2wZY1Y_U5HFkdBJleZVGRmoGbODxyq8VUYCnMo6QKMrauSoTm7I3MIWG0EborQeRDBdHOto4DyXFaMhcUGap-EvWtwLDu6UW/s320/IMG_4001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Knob has some skill parks, good signs, and nice views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the trail work and some lunch, there was a group ride and I opted to bike too (requesting they didn't wait for me!) I'm glad I did, I felt better and rode better than I would have thought and actually had fun! After the ride and a little shopping, we made our way back to Travis and Lauren's to steal some showers and help celebrate Travis's birthday - they were super nice letting us hang out uninvited at their closer-friend party. There were some light bouts of rain, but otherwise a wonderful evening - lots of biking conversation!<br /><br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-63574255095613635732017-04-29T15:56:00.000-07:002017-05-04T08:44:04.564-07:00Pisgah - Big Ivy and Mill RiverApril 18<br />
Rudy wrapped up van repair stuff (ended up not needing to do much, but replaced some brake sensors) and I got in a decent run of ten miles of sidewalk and gravel path, more than intended, but I enjoyed it. After a little cleanup, cheesecake, and farewells, we departed Boone and headed a couple hours south to Pisgah National Forest Big Ivy area northeast of Asheville. Kind of a damp day, and we didn't do anything too ambitious. Rudy finally opened the coconut - seemed past its prime and we weren't brave enough to sample. I took a nice stroll and looked up some flowers despite the spotty service.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg5tcbDkExTD-cBnccN6dL4xGGHX6VCr4e5Qntpau2OPq51RKWGAeH15VELIsi7-niRjnx4k8IaJfMRS5BeMraxSzsxM89EPphcgPjshOK6uRwZ-wZydAr4h6_Xlq8BrRZd-yFzETIjxF/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg5tcbDkExTD-cBnccN6dL4xGGHX6VCr4e5Qntpau2OPq51RKWGAeH15VELIsi7-niRjnx4k8IaJfMRS5BeMraxSzsxM89EPphcgPjshOK6uRwZ-wZydAr4h6_Xlq8BrRZd-yFzETIjxF/s200/IMG_3886.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzGOQqC6L5cFXikXJQuYOyD_FkO8Ajy7ckNjTmw3wqu1PZPiAm18pPS_ABQY2QE0Ith1_SRqmjOgSnagFVq-kbvqUUpXxvV244FiHZV1IJghfgjJyF3RFWk7p6e9RMAs_zv7PKoL7IdYJ/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzGOQqC6L5cFXikXJQuYOyD_FkO8Ajy7ckNjTmw3wqu1PZPiAm18pPS_ABQY2QE0Ith1_SRqmjOgSnagFVq-kbvqUUpXxvV244FiHZV1IJghfgjJyF3RFWk7p6e9RMAs_zv7PKoL7IdYJ/s200/IMG_3891.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fern and geranium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7lMEyogpwZmnPRp-xpsh6eyHWH_w0TbnI_0tliGxtPYSCNuH2BswWE04IVd-fLxiD_YYmeGQNl1OGDoLD_Bmd9u2a3m-rPxRQ-ylwVozAprYCOy7HF02qlBGXHFAaX-Dw555rgPmhsuy/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7lMEyogpwZmnPRp-xpsh6eyHWH_w0TbnI_0tliGxtPYSCNuH2BswWE04IVd-fLxiD_YYmeGQNl1OGDoLD_Bmd9u2a3m-rPxRQ-ylwVozAprYCOy7HF02qlBGXHFAaX-Dw555rgPmhsuy/s200/IMG_3881.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZazcijSYFBaKpYoDmt2O-cZRE0NhodqO_nV04juB-shTzuPrdUwoAJ7e1a4fHOqtY71jnRis_4sQPx9zjB3NJlw3RZagFBu-RuMfYY3GbEIFOQIGrjfIY5_adaNmn5SJOr52rQvZWzmT/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZazcijSYFBaKpYoDmt2O-cZRE0NhodqO_nV04juB-shTzuPrdUwoAJ7e1a4fHOqtY71jnRis_4sQPx9zjB3NJlw3RZagFBu-RuMfYY3GbEIFOQIGrjfIY5_adaNmn5SJOr52rQvZWzmT/s200/IMG_3888.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bellwort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ate shells and cheese with mushrooms and played Hand and Foot - one win each.<br />
<br />
April 19<br />
Light rain in the morning, but no significant precipitating, and I was motivated to run! I went up, up, up the gravel road a bit over an hour, took an old road bed of more rolling hills, which was a bit grassy with a few mucky spots. Most of the descending was on a short, way too steep stretch of singletrack (actually my slowest mile of the run!), then back on the gravel road. Rudy biked more of the singletrack in the area - we actually met as he was pushing his bike up the steep stretch I descended. After three hours and 15 miles on my feet, I enjoyed lots of eating and wandering around looking at flowers, and the sun actually came out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuL4uV-Nf9d-c-Ah9m0uIkw1O2bQzVwBVxx_fGxXpIkhDChaoDhAx0I8pk_yUyLhzs7jI8imapEsETFhnNzt2rTnKm1sjONnJrwzzPeds1iCJayezfORwWP_6dtaBEnPXBgKH6x4ag_Mq/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuL4uV-Nf9d-c-Ah9m0uIkw1O2bQzVwBVxx_fGxXpIkhDChaoDhAx0I8pk_yUyLhzs7jI8imapEsETFhnNzt2rTnKm1sjONnJrwzzPeds1iCJayezfORwWP_6dtaBEnPXBgKH6x4ag_Mq/s200/IMG_3902.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foam Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfxea8xqU6r4Y6x_0uMi-x46mtn_3LHHG08hzVphy7MNv310ugqpDt4nG4hR2uE8e1NEAKpvEcsm4vjOHa63TpYgwbbFvYZLv2HMj2NBEU4vAVDJlo_YVZBFu3-G6lx0Es4qMmHZiWuwF/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfxea8xqU6r4Y6x_0uMi-x46mtn_3LHHG08hzVphy7MNv310ugqpDt4nG4hR2uE8e1NEAKpvEcsm4vjOHa63TpYgwbbFvYZLv2HMj2NBEU4vAVDJlo_YVZBFu3-G6lx0Es4qMmHZiWuwF/s320/IMG_3906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterflies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZn7ukyRwKJjey_3Z2RcR_MV7bSAUlDCy2IFO5tj5DXXuHt4JKf1j_yr1YCR7et9yWthtaxpVbRznu0-urSap1r-jIMFesKoRrhvz0Wt-Vr2Y-1RiOxZkjdcTAwLHhHfeAhdXztYXwlQ7/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZn7ukyRwKJjey_3Z2RcR_MV7bSAUlDCy2IFO5tj5DXXuHt4JKf1j_yr1YCR7et9yWthtaxpVbRznu0-urSap1r-jIMFesKoRrhvz0Wt-Vr2Y-1RiOxZkjdcTAwLHhHfeAhdXztYXwlQ7/s200/IMG_3896.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Bellwort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JyD9DgY6mEmDce8RtDPkLeozzNUoJC56pRDRaj5jTOcN_b8FZCYtlv-ne04IEg_DIcx8jEobphhLAh2uYDDn6SHtoBKF2PvnxkMMkGbYI7COQsNI522vzOysa5TTtqZHieF0jTWESMP5/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JyD9DgY6mEmDce8RtDPkLeozzNUoJC56pRDRaj5jTOcN_b8FZCYtlv-ne04IEg_DIcx8jEobphhLAh2uYDDn6SHtoBKF2PvnxkMMkGbYI7COQsNI522vzOysa5TTtqZHieF0jTWESMP5/s200/IMG_3899.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal0_DgunN6l3MAvJam91LHke1k7tW0SdofMsyaUrx0UKAyxknhmE7CL3hEBGofq9fCV2Ns9lPdwr-0WM-JhDoSGVFOqpui5W7ySNFtxOKvP0WGl0OQQ0x-vF52zJ8YRaYB1uOuWNOrhWs/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal0_DgunN6l3MAvJam91LHke1k7tW0SdofMsyaUrx0UKAyxknhmE7CL3hEBGofq9fCV2Ns9lPdwr-0WM-JhDoSGVFOqpui5W7ySNFtxOKvP0WGl0OQQ0x-vF52zJ8YRaYB1uOuWNOrhWs/s200/IMG_3900.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm15gY1y-6ZQsb6JLvvQmMLgGagg9TXz8TxawxQuSQramvcXL6Tz2-fhqeOqZAt1NUHGBijdDnaNjoPIkWvyXeoEx68ijvv81rxYCrTuMXnFX0Alf_XdPoQjWsYdlXNbX4ESD0dJT-XOon/s1600/IMG_3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm15gY1y-6ZQsb6JLvvQmMLgGagg9TXz8TxawxQuSQramvcXL6Tz2-fhqeOqZAt1NUHGBijdDnaNjoPIkWvyXeoEx68ijvv81rxYCrTuMXnFX0Alf_XdPoQjWsYdlXNbX4ESD0dJT-XOon/s200/IMG_3951.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack in the Pulpit!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy finished up a bike ride, lunched, and got back out again! I eventually got on the bike too, just an out and back on the gravel road, taking stops for photos on the way that I didn't make time for during the run, so barely faster than the run. I had fun though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaV90yNRR0kFYBay3TJuJBgUfZ9Gm5WxcKaOjEz5WVBNQf2uskWR8NKiwA6nq4AzfOfSeRpASe03l5iJoH8TIlL55WP9pH_Lnslg6u5VSjvVqL35YydIBuhHotNVmJ5f8T1kiADYE-_bo/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaV90yNRR0kFYBay3TJuJBgUfZ9Gm5WxcKaOjEz5WVBNQf2uskWR8NKiwA6nq4AzfOfSeRpASe03l5iJoH8TIlL55WP9pH_Lnslg6u5VSjvVqL35YydIBuhHotNVmJ5f8T1kiADYE-_bo/s200/IMG_3920.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duthman's Breeches, I think</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWM429q2Pvequ_zMeVQagH6mnEfsfSZ6O4FGlyRHQ83zrBjZTYiUKFZZ4EYPS_WkhnOAI9Wyk3wqLqywLYCKocVcbPgeA9RYklGKeMSrZs17CRA6Rmu2stpbbgQmJdn0NSjMYDfQXgIpb/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWM429q2Pvequ_zMeVQagH6mnEfsfSZ6O4FGlyRHQ83zrBjZTYiUKFZZ4EYPS_WkhnOAI9Wyk3wqLqywLYCKocVcbPgeA9RYklGKeMSrZs17CRA6Rmu2stpbbgQmJdn0NSjMYDfQXgIpb/s320/IMG_3914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was pretty cool in the fog too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b7oeQ-g2mGWNS48CzXtpFpY0uRo_MzWF-cFiGO8NYcNVgtDPS0-fW53oqzRIYG-oX0mf9bBuzTDpbrsI1hoJCHdZU9Lp505AJTyiMLoy7EFJihzvbChsV8pp3z2iGx9vLDa3yWR0_RuE/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b7oeQ-g2mGWNS48CzXtpFpY0uRo_MzWF-cFiGO8NYcNVgtDPS0-fW53oqzRIYG-oX0mf9bBuzTDpbrsI1hoJCHdZU9Lp505AJTyiMLoy7EFJihzvbChsV8pp3z2iGx9vLDa3yWR0_RuE/s320/IMG_3921.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fault makes this look fake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRhRLJlhIgnG1yWxpXTD3Mww-auReMm7BRhkCcLPgvRUWrvSB7hSMmccaCrVQEAu9r1yF0aJz7V5nabhmMHDlU3s-pJTUoh_E7epXrbdSf1aps723joVBb-mhPenPLQqTrlLxQ1yU4cX4/s1600/IMG_3910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRhRLJlhIgnG1yWxpXTD3Mww-auReMm7BRhkCcLPgvRUWrvSB7hSMmccaCrVQEAu9r1yF0aJz7V5nabhmMHDlU3s-pJTUoh_E7epXrbdSf1aps723joVBb-mhPenPLQqTrlLxQ1yU4cX4/s320/IMG_3910.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool cliff and magnolias</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-LURBjuxmHH9XCxRcujBTnIg-4nArTlvLeV196wuM3cHmu_S7lnUR0i8iDvRqsqYuqlRjgrbRRzOl5546lDnTfbeMB0mgcecEpvH0JWZNiaKFrGi1Idvg7SE3_GqV33T65mwEuxK-gIH/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-LURBjuxmHH9XCxRcujBTnIg-4nArTlvLeV196wuM3cHmu_S7lnUR0i8iDvRqsqYuqlRjgrbRRzOl5546lDnTfbeMB0mgcecEpvH0JWZNiaKFrGi1Idvg7SE3_GqV33T65mwEuxK-gIH/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nCh9RDwgkrIZtUBnc2jHqgximRdwS3OUCH_kmyEOKV2H6t2ESxpuuWzUdXRkNASvrfxJjuLaMd0wL_S-wmfOUvKo-YSRCvBMwk7oDemYzEaCLFoIeNE5whTdiswDQ5w1HPB82HOnWIbA/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nCh9RDwgkrIZtUBnc2jHqgximRdwS3OUCH_kmyEOKV2H6t2ESxpuuWzUdXRkNASvrfxJjuLaMd0wL_S-wmfOUvKo-YSRCvBMwk7oDemYzEaCLFoIeNE5whTdiswDQ5w1HPB82HOnWIbA/s320/IMG_3907.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
With the lack of sun, I took a pretty tepid solar shower, but at least the weather was nice. Rudy returned from ride two and a clean up in the creek just in time for food. My favorite gruel of split peas and sweet potatoes, followed by Hand and Foot - one win each.<br />
<br />
April 20<br />
Another cool and drizzly morning with scattered thunderstorms forecast for the day. We headed toward Asheville, some along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Stopped in town for groceries and a little wifi and caffiene gorging at Starbucks, then continued further down Blue Ridge Parkway and into more of the Pisgah National Forest southwest of Asheville. Rudy's first camping option was to be near Bent Creek Experimental Forest, but there was a closed gate at the access road. So we went further south and ended up in the Mills River area of Pisgah National Forest, where camping is allowed at designated sites only. Found one decent drive in spot that was next to an already occupied site with dogs that barked, but didn't seem problematic. A few bouts of light rain during the afternoon, nothing major though, and I got out for a stroll along the Funneltop Mountain trail. Rudy biked some of the surrounding singletrack, just checking things out, and reported most areas were wet, but mostly rocky and sandy base meant the mud wasn't bad at all - and he saw a bear! I just saw some birds.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2F3ibp1zLhkFo5myhnVYvneWKgp968IQNPkDG4qBcEwRhU4BKqNQie1yHTe4Bco_vKBBbqBaujixlF2BhWocmRTGjDHvpQoqNi1_6vVDfknNcLJTJm130p8j_Olcea_R2bTavFEdD-Xa/s1600/IMG_3963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2F3ibp1zLhkFo5myhnVYvneWKgp968IQNPkDG4qBcEwRhU4BKqNQie1yHTe4Bco_vKBBbqBaujixlF2BhWocmRTGjDHvpQoqNi1_6vVDfknNcLJTJm130p8j_Olcea_R2bTavFEdD-Xa/s320/IMG_3963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nice view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuRYaWZnvZtk5ERjqwPjuBGx6_dhUIzLSdzU6P1a-uL9rtwR18XFn6jo8miCPhXc1qngRpC8OVpaL93U7UOyM0SaNxOS9sxzfuziV1pmLAcrEq5nABNJywHkAwnDkzWJVKbZv6uw7BAcG/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuRYaWZnvZtk5ERjqwPjuBGx6_dhUIzLSdzU6P1a-uL9rtwR18XFn6jo8miCPhXc1qngRpC8OVpaL93U7UOyM0SaNxOS9sxzfuziV1pmLAcrEq5nABNJywHkAwnDkzWJVKbZv6uw7BAcG/s320/IMG_3966.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">magnolias</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy was back past regular dinner time, and I was contemplating if I should go look for him! No need though. We made quick and delicious bean burritos and played one game each of Hand and Foot and 3-13, Leslie's night for both games!<br />
<br />
April 21<br />
A cool but pleasant morning - the forecast pushed the chance of thunderstorms into the afternoon, which was lucky for Rudy. When he thought rain would start before noon, he had planned to bike early, but slept in instead! Both of us got out for a bike ride. I checked out some of the 'intermediate' trail nearby - still way too advanced for me, lots of walking up, and even down, the steeper rooty sections. Still, a nice day, cool scenery, and only one minor crash.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Scro4wcsASj9zwQrji5EsDS8vQZIzY8scz5Xx8mBzDrJGnsRTAbN2eLOSEBEjTS8hcOkKUsN_NvOTzm1D4FJtDeLTZaXWAh_ImuCPmb7q009B7qcM9d39804rkJLi7DIZt6-RBrgvYsr/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Scro4wcsASj9zwQrji5EsDS8vQZIzY8scz5Xx8mBzDrJGnsRTAbN2eLOSEBEjTS8hcOkKUsN_NvOTzm1D4FJtDeLTZaXWAh_ImuCPmb7q009B7qcM9d39804rkJLi7DIZt6-RBrgvYsr/s320/IMG_3968.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An awesome overlook, worth a little detour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSfeuH4ZxGiibi31NbcU_lUrOveU1T36xCdMsIKXp4Vw5hg5q_Zd3_QIJK2VJcuHqfRV1cYyvHPXiV7Fx1nMN5E5ZPKn0D5xiLUYTfRp9SvJgGuVy18_Xk3Krr8mKB9yc93Y5KFvWfEso/s1600/IMG_3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSfeuH4ZxGiibi31NbcU_lUrOveU1T36xCdMsIKXp4Vw5hg5q_Zd3_QIJK2VJcuHqfRV1cYyvHPXiV7Fx1nMN5E5ZPKn0D5xiLUYTfRp9SvJgGuVy18_Xk3Krr8mKB9yc93Y5KFvWfEso/s320/IMG_3969.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I swear the trail is steeper than it looks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Being Friday, by early afternoon, we acquired some new neighbors, with horses, a dog, two little kids, and a chainsaw - really no issues to complain about though! Rudy enjoyed his ride and actually came across some guys he rode with a few years ago when he was in the area for work. The afternoon did bring thunderstorms, reading, and puzzling. Dinner was pasta, then Hand and Foot - one win each.<br />
<br />
April 22<br />
A beautiful day, we each got out for longer respective bike and run. Black Mountain for Rudy - one of the more famed technical downhill trails in the area. Pink Beds and Barnet Branch trails for me, plus gravel road to get to and from. I managed to get in over half, mostly easy singletrack for the 31+ mile outing with nothing to complain about - one little tumble to get my arms dirty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51TrIkLuf3uBNNm0cor7hSJPi8wIrSOjs4kGLSSVK0QF3_0tUN04Vk735l2qQ-JxcRqgMglyav5e_T8e1Gg1uxE9OBfqqWHRtRD5HRiF7zcPDWP_bsi8r5mal7uyg1AxPMa0grJPJsx6Y/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51TrIkLuf3uBNNm0cor7hSJPi8wIrSOjs4kGLSSVK0QF3_0tUN04Vk735l2qQ-JxcRqgMglyav5e_T8e1Gg1uxE9OBfqqWHRtRD5HRiF7zcPDWP_bsi8r5mal7uyg1AxPMa0grJPJsx6Y/s320/IMG_3971.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Barnet Branch, the only picture I got myself to take on the run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Refueled with plenty of lentils and quinoa and relaxed with more Hand and Foot - one win each.<br />
<br />
April 23<br />
Lots of rain overnight and through the whole day. I got out to hike a couple hours anyhow in the morning - luckily light rain for most, though the precipitation picked up near the end so I got to finish up nicely soggy. We ran the van a bit to help dry things out, and add a little warmth as the temperature steadily dropped down into the 40s! So lots of van time, watched Straight Outta Compton, lots of tea, puzzling and reading. I was feeling confident enough after the prior day's run to sign up for Kettle Morraine 100 mile in early June, probably too soon, but yeah... We continued the rainy day tradition of soaked black beans and rice, and played Hand and Foot - two Leslie wins!Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-83605531429374493652017-04-20T10:37:00.002-07:002017-04-20T10:37:56.539-07:00Knoxville, TN to Boone, NCApril 11<br />
Sunny! The air was warm enough I even enjoyed a little yoga pre-breakfast. Just a little listening to birds and watching fish swim around in the lake (bass, I think), and Rudy finding and husking a deserted coconut (didn't open it up yet), before departing Lake Santeetlah for Knoxville. We drove Highway 129, which is excessively winding. Lots of motorcycles and photographers on scenic turns - like in running races!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpxHx85OTHWbSEqY4OafdmKy5ITztHtKhrlLm30r1xhMzxmXq0nOUIBPDT6OpdZrWUceGNeWppfJghoiV6dhyiTYrReEyM03Dn0j3taWIrVaQIlUboacZ4lJZsJZq7IPJCcyMOCGTLKCT/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpxHx85OTHWbSEqY4OafdmKy5ITztHtKhrlLm30r1xhMzxmXq0nOUIBPDT6OpdZrWUceGNeWppfJghoiV6dhyiTYrReEyM03Dn0j3taWIrVaQIlUboacZ4lJZsJZq7IPJCcyMOCGTLKCT/s320/IMG_3841.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Destination was Ijams Urban Wilderness, Mead Quarry trailhead. A good variety of trails, though a little confusing to navigate at times with many intersections - I particularly enjoyed how spring like the area looked!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S5ZT_eCWQkJxMKdq8uULxc-FEyPCLgNOXdT2vI3IuyxHd6E_2bsQ4aoYgAV-Y0f4EadEWMRDhqlIaGIfTlA2gA6m7GeHIzRQjSyZaQW37Da2YcGfETFM235Ki6ektiyxHHOhrETBwCw-/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S5ZT_eCWQkJxMKdq8uULxc-FEyPCLgNOXdT2vI3IuyxHd6E_2bsQ4aoYgAV-Y0f4EadEWMRDhqlIaGIfTlA2gA6m7GeHIzRQjSyZaQW37Da2YcGfETFM235Ki6ektiyxHHOhrETBwCw-/s320/IMG_3846.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mead Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-DvMiVAmR5DvY1QgfPjlNNT0meI-6tbyB7QmIiiWHZTr7xLKPNBzBikVwVPSWtYbMOFAJ4Vnl9gELUoODX4cQpGildcszPlbRKr4T4JZfuTy8d2V50K1UbuNtWxoBeQuUj0_cgBHKFvf/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-DvMiVAmR5DvY1QgfPjlNNT0meI-6tbyB7QmIiiWHZTr7xLKPNBzBikVwVPSWtYbMOFAJ4Vnl9gELUoODX4cQpGildcszPlbRKr4T4JZfuTy8d2V50K1UbuNtWxoBeQuUj0_cgBHKFvf/s320/IMG_3842.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So green!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc2mpJCS623xW_U_LuXMb93bMyY-ICu8loxZ9LvChnZLJY6V6Ro5vpk0-zaD0Fw8ToWmDT1F_irL3VHCeUWcVMTQQPOpPQNCOKqPPEKXtyzOzxmYYpzcPli1L4-K4lWSRxZHHpUhzuuSL/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc2mpJCS623xW_U_LuXMb93bMyY-ICu8loxZ9LvChnZLJY6V6Ro5vpk0-zaD0Fw8ToWmDT1F_irL3VHCeUWcVMTQQPOpPQNCOKqPPEKXtyzOzxmYYpzcPli1L4-K4lWSRxZHHpUhzuuSL/s320/IMG_3845.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old cemetery along Tharp Trace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WR8G9XSy-E_NWNtSLehCo4ag2gFOm6KNDztShFH-2uzHRrKXwCfIB9UOc-02dS9YIZiQcRQc6x8AQeK1MLsrK7i-R5ZoE9JAc7MexUzk60yiYlN35UlYmJHUj4aDOKgqyOs_IdF5uEz_/s1600/IMG_3844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WR8G9XSy-E_NWNtSLehCo4ag2gFOm6KNDztShFH-2uzHRrKXwCfIB9UOc-02dS9YIZiQcRQc6x8AQeK1MLsrK7i-R5ZoE9JAc7MexUzk60yiYlN35UlYmJHUj4aDOKgqyOs_IdF5uEz_/s200/IMG_3844.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
A run/hike for me - tired legs to start and end, but had a few miles in the middle that felt nice. Rudy said he felt similar for his longer ride. Dinner was just snacking in the park, letting the air cool off before showering (got into the 80s). Rudy didn't find any good camping options close to town and we resorted to the second night of our trip at a Walmart parking lot. Played only one game of Hand and Foot - Leslie win!<br />
<br />
April 12<br />
Some rain overnight, didn't seem too wet though. We went to Baker Creek Preserve, still part of Ijams, with less facilities and people than the Quarry. The trails here are more flowy and downhill, a little tacky and certainly not too much rain last nigh! A shorter run and ride for me was fun and felt good. Rudy biked a few hours and claimed to still felt like a turd. Amazing weather again though, so hard to really complain. After cleaning up we headed east a couple hours to camp in Nantahala National Forest, between Asheville, NC and Greeneville, TN, in a bit of a valley, so no service - hooray! Closed out the evening with bean burritos and Hand and Foot - two Rudy dominations.<br />
<br />
April 13<br />
Cool and clear, and late with the sun getting in, but so nice when it showed up! We had a little fun watching a snail before we hiked up the Fork Ridge trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vIkf-0Ikl12uZhPvXteGepplVGeEnSpBFgoaE0c_qFe02XZb58bP9ze4XKDQjADiQmDnc0gzcbr4K-kN6ZLNWfxpCyx20LZJCPLK61cLaSxLohfbvLSdCQcRzyYlYXfuAAc9KKdVpUbK/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vIkf-0Ikl12uZhPvXteGepplVGeEnSpBFgoaE0c_qFe02XZb58bP9ze4XKDQjADiQmDnc0gzcbr4K-kN6ZLNWfxpCyx20LZJCPLK61cLaSxLohfbvLSdCQcRzyYlYXfuAAc9KKdVpUbK/s200/IMG_3848.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snail fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A very steep, 1,700' climb in two miles, brought us to the Appalachian Trail. We jogged/hiked 'north' (actually going east) a couple miles along the North Carolina/Tennessee border, looped around 'Big Rock' then headed back.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2_-1VkCBimmEf60HAm62jm6IIrJz_XV2Vrb_GtElqAX0szh2j6fjEpSzNHdrGGc7mAxONOKTTI7-wCHCuzDc7tumCkdNvlif4UWQYM2mgOeO0J_i39eY1qQD0nD2nVWWRMsqJvflYPY1/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2_-1VkCBimmEf60HAm62jm6IIrJz_XV2Vrb_GtElqAX0szh2j6fjEpSzNHdrGGc7mAxONOKTTI7-wCHCuzDc7tumCkdNvlif4UWQYM2mgOeO0J_i39eY1qQD0nD2nVWWRMsqJvflYPY1/s320/IMG_3852.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An easier portion of the AT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbEQjJQc-LcwgOmsJ_BAXWe1P5dqeXe-px3sR2LEjHuDySuzC98A9lZGQIqMXXzl8Q8XR3SBTTpqGQQUUFO-d0y_R9HZoRCaH78_TN3eybalFdOTN8oyPk3cNu-DfGHHLE6vunpIhEzm6/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbEQjJQc-LcwgOmsJ_BAXWe1P5dqeXe-px3sR2LEjHuDySuzC98A9lZGQIqMXXzl8Q8XR3SBTTpqGQQUUFO-d0y_R9HZoRCaH78_TN3eybalFdOTN8oyPk3cNu-DfGHHLE6vunpIhEzm6/s320/IMG_3855.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of Big Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaleOXra4ZgusReV9pC86c2R7OKYRQuRSAToLVip4ftT6FffVw-69X2U2A5qamFVjaCmafe5xMYDoNku3R1LjAk94tUioDX6tp5OJyt04HYch5dCuEJSGL-PyXkBMmN38pwPlPVMgtFty/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaleOXra4ZgusReV9pC86c2R7OKYRQuRSAToLVip4ftT6FffVw-69X2U2A5qamFVjaCmafe5xMYDoNku3R1LjAk94tUioDX6tp5OJyt04HYch5dCuEJSGL-PyXkBMmN38pwPlPVMgtFty/s320/IMG_3854.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AT around Big Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When we hit Fork Ridge, Rudy made his descent while I went on for a couple more miles 'south' on the AT to get a little more running. Challenging, but fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDe28S3y1mtusda2CjzDPhAyVwbQRJ8JrnqeQcIrpFKPHCDRiJJh8CdlNJ7NgBNt7sQmpj_LYTosZT8KL5Ixc6haDFT6g1ANkCACyq6tXxzzHpUFmNCZO_OAc2mmWKEIkkV0r6Snfmbk2/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDe28S3y1mtusda2CjzDPhAyVwbQRJ8JrnqeQcIrpFKPHCDRiJJh8CdlNJ7NgBNt7sQmpj_LYTosZT8KL5Ixc6haDFT6g1ANkCACyq6tXxzzHpUFmNCZO_OAc2mmWKEIkkV0r6Snfmbk2/s320/IMG_3849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pretty little camp creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lRJmHJFRpyeqpRStcP11t9AsGS7Og6CYbBgGWZ1LPn0qNeQj7I4ex5JJGqDf3I3TSphTZGsu3fZdkCJyi-ghC0zgzVU9loWMmD-jn22uoEAPquRNy9rfvPMfIHfc0HpHTs5HLW1337Av/s1600/IMG_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lRJmHJFRpyeqpRStcP11t9AsGS7Og6CYbBgGWZ1LPn0qNeQj7I4ex5JJGqDf3I3TSphTZGsu3fZdkCJyi-ghC0zgzVU9loWMmD-jn22uoEAPquRNy9rfvPMfIHfc0HpHTs5HLW1337Av/s320/IMG_3861.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nearby creek - manmade fishing or swimming hole?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We played around in the nearby creek a bit and had lots of hanging out 'recovering', including a pre-dinner game of Rummy 5000 - Rudy win. Made pasta, then played Hand and Foot - thought I had a chance, but Rudy crushed me, then 3-13 - Leslie dominated!<br />
<br />
April 14<br />
Another nice, relaxed morning. We continued east, stopping by the Beech Mountain Ski area for the Emerald Outback trails. This was a bit technical for me - very rooty and short but steep climbs, but good to get some movement, legs were sore from the steep Fork Ridge Trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KC-dnLPvQxdNQnJqEG6XqWYeePy-2xMV6o-loxy2Vq6JWUl9XRXR__O9oy1maosKn9Sc1aNkDRR1nSQxfHnnXGXKwYe6kq44UlCuBQI9fmsasAsJk_m9gPQSbc0JGuGVRF2J-ezTd1cx/s1600/IMG_3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KC-dnLPvQxdNQnJqEG6XqWYeePy-2xMV6o-loxy2Vq6JWUl9XRXR__O9oy1maosKn9Sc1aNkDRR1nSQxfHnnXGXKwYe6kq44UlCuBQI9fmsasAsJk_m9gPQSbc0JGuGVRF2J-ezTd1cx/s400/IMG_3869.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk River Valley Overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just a couple hours of bike fun, then we headed to Boone to visit a college friend of mine, Travis, and his wife Lauren. We hung out in the lovely afternoon sun, chatting a few hours, then took a nice (though hilly) stroll through the Appalachian State University campus, downtown and to Vidalia to eat 'upscale Southern'. We sampled pimento cheese with sorghum hoe cakes and bready onion rings, and had entrees of chicken and waffles and catfish - all delicious, but I definitely overate! Everyone was full, and happy to have a little walk back to the house after, which included a stop at a cookie shop where Travis did get a couple cookies and Rudy had some ice cream. Just a chill evening after that.<br />
<br />
April 15<br />
A nice, relaxed Saturday morning before the four of us drove about an hour south to the Wilson Creek area, popular for fishing and mountain biking. I opted to do some running while the rest of the group mixed up gravel roads and steeper downhill trails for a few hours of biking. I ended up mostly running gravel too, I checked out some of the relatively new Mountains to Sea Trail and some other hiking trails, but it was more technical than I was up for that day, having my heart set on more running than hiking.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7xtpkZYHabDiGuaoEOnOqCY-rm3yoOW3rKz9OCUV18BHF_1sLwQWjd6mky2tXKTdBGgliUO4DTSq38Hsw3SJqz7ruVdUM5cAY-jfnvUPSmL4G_M_5IY_ZWZPvrt5O4PzoGC6bYeLSaB8/s1600/IMG_3873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7xtpkZYHabDiGuaoEOnOqCY-rm3yoOW3rKz9OCUV18BHF_1sLwQWjd6mky2tXKTdBGgliUO4DTSq38Hsw3SJqz7ruVdUM5cAY-jfnvUPSmL4G_M_5IY_ZWZPvrt5O4PzoGC6bYeLSaB8/s320/IMG_3873.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty rock and waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIHeQTW_d0vx4EQhfumoi0cbvS_0XiKzttOCwJg-fOl7m2vduj5ecrQv_0VI_Ug-VSRStucKG_ZZ-DqMmWH8qWWWxjup2EB5XGaNeKrfUex9t_L577BXUVYuSAd2YIBfVGT4PFvUWeqmL/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIHeQTW_d0vx4EQhfumoi0cbvS_0XiKzttOCwJg-fOl7m2vduj5ecrQv_0VI_Ug-VSRStucKG_ZZ-DqMmWH8qWWWxjup2EB5XGaNeKrfUex9t_L577BXUVYuSAd2YIBfVGT4PFvUWeqmL/s320/IMG_3874.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain to Sea Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite the easier pace, it was not an awesome run for me (I blame all the fried food), a few afternoon sprinkles actually woke me up and felt good. The bikers had a good time though, and definitely a pretty area, so all good. Travis had started a pork shoulder (aka Boston Butt) in the smoker early in the morning, so we got to enjoy that al fresco once we returned to Boone, along with homemade barbecue sauce, cornbread, and salads - once again, we had some fantastic hosts! Rudy made a cheesecake too! But couldn't enjoy that until the next day, so Travis picked up some cookies from another cookie shop in town - I guess college towns need lots of options for sweets.<br />
<br />
April 16<br />
Lauren had some office work to take care of and Travis a few errands to run (Rudy tagged along on that), so I tried another longish run to the nearby trails at Rocky Knob. This is a small (~7 miles of trail) but nice, and challenging system of newer mountain bike trails - friendly to those on foot too. Over half my run was getting to and from the trails, but I felt good and had fun, even with the town running. The guys also headed out for an afternoon bike ride. There was some showers later in the day, so we ate indoors, scrumptious smoked pork tacos! Then more visiting while dinner settled enough to finally dig into some cheesecake - turned out dense and creamy, one of Rudy's best efforts I'd say!<br />
<br />
April 17<br />
Back to regular life for Lauren and Travis. Rudy needed to do some van repairs and had ordered parts last week to arrive in the afternoon. Unfortunately, not all the parts made it, but an auto parts store was able to fill in the gaps the following day. I took an excessively easy day - just some nice yoga on the deck, reading, wasting time on Facebook, and making pizza dough. My pizzas turned out a little tougher than usual, almost cracker-like crust, but still tasted good - did a Greek veggie-style with olives, capers, garlic, and spinach, along with a smoked pork and sauerkraut. More chill visiting and cheesecake to close out our final evening in Boone.Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-15649308476727585432017-04-16T13:33:00.000-07:002017-04-16T13:33:47.791-07:00West North CarolinaApril 4<br />I run a couple miles into North Carolina and the Jackrabbit Mountain trails in Nantahala National Forest. There are less technical trails, that seem to be purpose built for casual mountain biking, saw quite a few kids! and a few walkers out too. Rudy brought the van while I ran a few trail miles, followed by bike rides for us both. The system was lots of fun and well signed, and it was a gorgeous day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lQP_Nu8lN-cS89gHb09-On_02pnjBopHVkLrpHPZ8qA_QoLwYYLO2XmGZzGy4UOvfqt8dktlcV1HmBw99Vu59LuK8l7kuS6Et2uz9dvcpetdwb1gl5BVtS2BTewfk_-HuSZ1kt6_68Sf/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lQP_Nu8lN-cS89gHb09-On_02pnjBopHVkLrpHPZ8qA_QoLwYYLO2XmGZzGy4UOvfqt8dktlcV1HmBw99Vu59LuK8l7kuS6Et2uz9dvcpetdwb1gl5BVtS2BTewfk_-HuSZ1kt6_68Sf/s320/IMG_3793.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the High Point Trail of Chatuge Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgPp3Fg8b4-qtoFvXTUmcJEY1iPtg4w8NEfmRi2AZlsrDz16txgQixudS21w35SeQ7KaXefbvAs3KCxN3WseykCMoQxe4niH9YkM0ULnKVpvwCxYP-ksEBQbFjOmOdA9L6wX4DeGRDg_1/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgPp3Fg8b4-qtoFvXTUmcJEY1iPtg4w8NEfmRi2AZlsrDz16txgQixudS21w35SeQ7KaXefbvAs3KCxN3WseykCMoQxe4niH9YkM0ULnKVpvwCxYP-ksEBQbFjOmOdA9L6wX4DeGRDg_1/s320/IMG_3797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and helpful signage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Later in the afternoon, we took a little nature hike on the same trails - awesome little informational signs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtyfrd9C5DemJtChoHZjN1lDkHIfYFf9_qhHmkaUQJOseA4-fj5J-jnmNiFHdTnWySZRMNg3bWHQG1n8ztv4t6V2Ew20jERWlc7v878Vjdn0W-9HuevGuv8NaNEIhZouWJssvCmaLfCzW/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtyfrd9C5DemJtChoHZjN1lDkHIfYFf9_qhHmkaUQJOseA4-fj5J-jnmNiFHdTnWySZRMNg3bWHQG1n8ztv4t6V2Ew20jERWlc7v878Vjdn0W-9HuevGuv8NaNEIhZouWJssvCmaLfCzW/s200/IMG_3796.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool signs - though a lot of plants were still dormant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We ended up staying at the trailhead, had barley and red sauce for dinner and played cards. Hand and Foot - Rudy win, 3-13 - Leslie win.<br /><br />April 5<br />Thunderstorms were the weather for the day. Started up a bit earlier than forecast, but I still managed to get out for an early run, getting some rain during hour two, but I escaped the heavier stuff. The rest of the day was lots of hanging out in the van - not really a better destination nearby. A good day to soak soup beans and play cards. Two Hand and Foot and one Gin Rummy - Rudy's winning streak continues!<br /><br />April 6<br />Cool and drizzly, supposed to be another wet day. I got in a quick stroll, then we drove to Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Temperatures in the 30s! Wet snowflakes sighted! We spent a good amount on time in the visitor center, learning quite a few roads were closed within the park, and opted to check out the Deep Creek Trails - good for waterfalls.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl0yeg5iEifM0zpknDAxNzuqex_qE0w74BcgIC2nnwmm9onD2h7jds0A5b02dKbbbMD-y8jY0AWCdXGyjNk92oExjUQZZzv7yDa_IM4uTqP6ehx9BusZ667mqbJh0K03Hbuzk_8NYsrMP/s1600/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl0yeg5iEifM0zpknDAxNzuqex_qE0w74BcgIC2nnwmm9onD2h7jds0A5b02dKbbbMD-y8jY0AWCdXGyjNk92oExjUQZZzv7yDa_IM4uTqP6ehx9BusZ667mqbJh0K03Hbuzk_8NYsrMP/s320/IMG_3800.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juney Whenk Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vKtfhNKyocIgeEcYs3FdBozVCDi42478uglUcJ5GQE8wOjr8Aks2ZhyVE5M0YhUGYpMqpYy8fqw9H-MN9c_M-1jEr-JcF9FPbQtRILY_QFZYuXCtpLzmhHoXPmT_JmcJ0bdQCdQbFoL6/s1600/IMG_3799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vKtfhNKyocIgeEcYs3FdBozVCDi42478uglUcJ5GQE8wOjr8Aks2ZhyVE5M0YhUGYpMqpYy8fqw9H-MN9c_M-1jEr-JcF9FPbQtRILY_QFZYuXCtpLzmhHoXPmT_JmcJ0bdQCdQbFoL6/s320/IMG_3799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge at Juney Whenk Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xqxTy2ARcdnQEmxhqctygDxbED3hjj0mAF-a2pjOY82BQwWSsTUQVyJ8AIXzVV4UB_AXdBROND2D6_xejZMILgLP_9r0Ub37G9nCcwcUGKDzZ5blIb8G31AjQ_eLHFeQ7Sx7iqZk0TyO/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xqxTy2ARcdnQEmxhqctygDxbED3hjj0mAF-a2pjOY82BQwWSsTUQVyJ8AIXzVV4UB_AXdBROND2D6_xejZMILgLP_9r0Ub37G9nCcwcUGKDzZ5blIb8G31AjQ_eLHFeQ7Sx7iqZk0TyO/s320/IMG_3804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL-R6QM3wtik_yn-eSJuF0YWejXulT_16bQtTt74sf0CvpipEM8T6s313sc7u4JPoaZn1EcXmBTTXj1GW-wk81vj_u8Ztd7FGc3FswgMbVlawzQhlck94qu78V2gLmybaD1K5egeqiOJb/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL-R6QM3wtik_yn-eSJuF0YWejXulT_16bQtTt74sf0CvpipEM8T6s313sc7u4JPoaZn1EcXmBTTXj1GW-wk81vj_u8Ztd7FGc3FswgMbVlawzQhlck94qu78V2gLmybaD1K5egeqiOJb/s200/IMG_3802.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherokee Rose, I think</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaENr9J2FrY0UNydXoSbfQYPdUZLAPvKBHfbYijTstmH1LSbEKRvEkg1TYKbog75mWRgtTMpQ94DLLnlXLOzrzWWEuNFWoAW9Cm6DlnrFu6MM2SqcdkM4K-rgTVGynlx3ayR39f2ieS0d/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaENr9J2FrY0UNydXoSbfQYPdUZLAPvKBHfbYijTstmH1LSbEKRvEkg1TYKbog75mWRgtTMpQ94DLLnlXLOzrzWWEuNFWoAW9Cm6DlnrFu6MM2SqcdkM4K-rgTVGynlx3ayR39f2ieS0d/s320/IMG_3809.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Branch Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTI9SDpyJwprytRPD7leum2DxA66o7MNHX-QCtlVZdizMIDUG4HqxRU_nJ05wjAwPSZRPypIEYJFGGhaeVJyW1m8BmsDV2mygAYTJqZV_r-rvEoZ1_cxPTfh14NnI5IjIYPtRTriAnNdp/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTI9SDpyJwprytRPD7leum2DxA66o7MNHX-QCtlVZdizMIDUG4HqxRU_nJ05wjAwPSZRPypIEYJFGGhaeVJyW1m8BmsDV2mygAYTJqZV_r-rvEoZ1_cxPTfh14NnI5IjIYPtRTriAnNdp/s320/IMG_3807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Creek Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We did some hiking and were treated to a few glimpses of sun. Rudy even motivated to run! I was content with the slightly drier hiking miles and stretched, puzzled, and watched the rain from the comfort of the van. We eventually made our way to camp at a boat ramp and cleaned up leftovers for dinner. Hand and Foot - miraculous Leslie win !!! 3-13 - Rudy win.<br /><br />April 7<br />Cold and breezy, and a little blocked from the sun, so a slow morning getting going. We finally got warmed up and headed to Tsali trails on Fontana Lake. Another decent system, with an apparently successful program of alternating horse and bike users on different days. I got greedy and ran three hours while Rudy biked half the trails open to bikers. Sadly, he needed to make a seatpost repair - at least he got the funner trails in.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5VIESW_iIXW5yYksJRcIXAlbF8bVoBpvuOxphmlVtOHK2hfkngej3RYTOQSk9We0EnsGdMWTJas7e3rjCQ_oHc2smomX-2aFRORmco8nA6no1kc3la7g19HqeoqfyWocLJuRXGxMtwQ4/s1600/IMG_3812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5VIESW_iIXW5yYksJRcIXAlbF8bVoBpvuOxphmlVtOHK2hfkngej3RYTOQSk9We0EnsGdMWTJas7e3rjCQ_oHc2smomX-2aFRORmco8nA6no1kc3la7g19HqeoqfyWocLJuRXGxMtwQ4/s320/IMG_3812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fontana Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK2S0eQ16XcoUcOiP0qtGofyTDjBj3WaBXWafZ0c7YZruR5RrgjQgOwgIOfeQMurFZ6QvRvJxeOWiuIgxWLGxHrGfZGXVpFzgK6Yo9K-7GDzoU8gfI_hU_v-WTG8Hg3zum2Utk1mmV7ce/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK2S0eQ16XcoUcOiP0qtGofyTDjBj3WaBXWafZ0c7YZruR5RrgjQgOwgIOfeQMurFZ6QvRvJxeOWiuIgxWLGxHrGfZGXVpFzgK6Yo9K-7GDzoU8gfI_hU_v-WTG8Hg3zum2Utk1mmV7ce/s320/IMG_3815.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Left Trail Overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShS1wbBmbUbSyzjCT2DCJR0OMXPoUwJTrwJnbroHZjIEOGr_374-U3aPuI0YiVirqRWTABNGFfUmfmBkEvuE8Hcn78tpflOx4p0ifTjvycJiC-WPVAvF4e-gjCEg6P449uow-fRcQB1RX/s1600/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShS1wbBmbUbSyzjCT2DCJR0OMXPoUwJTrwJnbroHZjIEOGr_374-U3aPuI0YiVirqRWTABNGFfUmfmBkEvuE8Hcn78tpflOx4p0ifTjvycJiC-WPVAvF4e-gjCEg6P449uow-fRcQB1RX/s320/IMG_3839.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houseboats/Boathouses?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We tried to camp in a pull out but North Carolina I think Fish and Wildlife? guys kicked us out, directing us to a nearby campground (not even the USFS one at the bike trails initially) and said there was no dispersed camping around. Rudy found us obvious and legitimate dispersed camping ~5 miles away (~1/4 mile down the road from the private campground we were told to go to!) Seems surprising they wouldn't know about that! We were right along picturesque Panther Creek.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpl7V8XaH-HAwTYcSZw2lbGMUyn-zVES-QO8-zDd6fmaZ8N9paHbICOmoge0gJeGW6nUltUrdOpE11tn4siltx6DgYnQhlVH58ibsILMO_l2FdPgVObbVPQ3s46L5OKbwm1OsN6kWq6SU/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpl7V8XaH-HAwTYcSZw2lbGMUyn-zVES-QO8-zDd6fmaZ8N9paHbICOmoge0gJeGW6nUltUrdOpE11tn4siltx6DgYnQhlVH58ibsILMO_l2FdPgVObbVPQ3s46L5OKbwm1OsN6kWq6SU/s320/IMG_3817.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Panther Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ate shells and cheese and played Hand and Foot - two wins for Rudy.<br /><br />April 8<br />Cold and cloudy. We went back to Tsali to get in the other trails. First a shorter run for me. Rudy doubled up on bike rides. The day warmed up quickly once the sun came out and I was interested in getting in a ride too. The mountain biking was good, quite a few downed trees, but nice tread, very few puddles despite the recent rain, and nifty views.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Qol3o8I-ikDtEtxZV-xOHYO9KKZvKklc6HnfinFFqvISNB6XCza02gwcI5ReVhKbJd8TAaoFJzjaRgVwBuCyd6_WFA15c8dJsbAD3hVVUV3bzVD7k2vGxNRy3wiAuo9Agw7x08w03F8/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Qol3o8I-ikDtEtxZV-xOHYO9KKZvKklc6HnfinFFqvISNB6XCza02gwcI5ReVhKbJd8TAaoFJzjaRgVwBuCyd6_WFA15c8dJsbAD3hVVUV3bzVD7k2vGxNRy3wiAuo9Agw7x08w03F8/s320/IMG_3819.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Mouse Branch Trail Overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We headed back to Panther Creek, ate bean burritos, and got in some Hand and Foot - one win each.<br /><br />April 9<br />Cool and clear, so sunshine earlier and a little warmer for one more day at Tsali. Rudy got in the rest of the trails he missed while I got in a five hour run covering 24.5 miles, guessing 1 mile of walking in there - it was fantastic and such a gorgeous day. Sunday and busy, but not crowded.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lIUN2gUDLZLEq9CMCxwyiacohR70rczVTzcCwpkepcgRRAYExjGFRQIGDCy-eKMWcFeykj_c0PT3V8VlxxnN7gTxMd7QBKC65BcHwVu6pf7gu38kqPTo-0DquWURLF4JVSZQD06GjsRz/s1600/IMG_3821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lIUN2gUDLZLEq9CMCxwyiacohR70rczVTzcCwpkepcgRRAYExjGFRQIGDCy-eKMWcFeykj_c0PT3V8VlxxnN7gTxMd7QBKC65BcHwVu6pf7gu38kqPTo-0DquWURLF4JVSZQD06GjsRz/s320/IMG_3821.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was told this is not a poisonous snake, I won't be getting too close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7qK4IBzjCjrociaRXl9hMI3wPc8JAVKya_zr5HCGsaT-F6O-GES7R2k-QnIoBbYLn5GRNV4Kp5GAcZa6IydWAOvo0YwXeUSfYfmVGKuTZBDUYNXapPgqhMGUMyhRDw5lfKFmytUcKJzL/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7qK4IBzjCjrociaRXl9hMI3wPc8JAVKya_zr5HCGsaT-F6O-GES7R2k-QnIoBbYLn5GRNV4Kp5GAcZa6IydWAOvo0YwXeUSfYfmVGKuTZBDUYNXapPgqhMGUMyhRDw5lfKFmytUcKJzL/s320/IMG_3823.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Chimney on the Left Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Each of us managed to get in some chatting with regional locals. Only sad part of the day was the camp chair we used to claim our camp site was stolen, but at least the site was still unoccupied! It was the older, more decrepit of the two chairs we brought along, but it was also the one with the cup holder. Pasta for dinner, then Hand and Foot - one win each.<br /><br />April 10<br />An even nicer morning. A lovely little stroll for me before we headed toward Fontana Dam. We stopped at a relatively fancy shelter along the Appalachian Trail - running water! Then continued to bike on trails near Fontana Village. These were more hikey in my opinion, with a few sharp climbs, and some technical stuff. Only about ten miles of trail (some of it old road), not really a 'destination' but cool to check out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILeSM3Xo_hRXE-oEmt7YBmrNOtKHhFh9Bokq0V7FdFE09jaDWNjFugi2FMl2by7YPACJhiLDWJBwWHhyphenhyphenRQdO9RZJkjaaXkPTyea1GVikdi4kNFB2Ez0imH8XlhIaVA8CHqvRvZPO3a4Dr/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILeSM3Xo_hRXE-oEmt7YBmrNOtKHhFh9Bokq0V7FdFE09jaDWNjFugi2FMl2by7YPACJhiLDWJBwWHhyphenhyphenRQdO9RZJkjaaXkPTyea1GVikdi4kNFB2Ez0imH8XlhIaVA8CHqvRvZPO3a4Dr/s320/IMG_3831.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Fontana Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCbK0uRuEpt60dsOErObV15fnCRZsmYXomU8KbP3sMElo9TM7MT6ECiVPK4jP-22z02N-vnrnhfqsUArEKTJxW5nm-s3gw86GyPfkRtKMjPYX4aQwNYbxPekH5zNX7OiFvSjEfTamIEm3/s1600/IMG_3833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCbK0uRuEpt60dsOErObV15fnCRZsmYXomU8KbP3sMElo9TM7MT6ECiVPK4jP-22z02N-vnrnhfqsUArEKTJxW5nm-s3gw86GyPfkRtKMjPYX4aQwNYbxPekH5zNX7OiFvSjEfTamIEm3/s320/IMG_3833.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four miles of pedaling uphill for a not-terrible view of Fontana Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVcNfbON0-PWh478A0WAl6G-6TjBxwm4g7xOWy1z65299pBhxoAQVsRHDxzsH9o6Q2tFcTy3PGj_aBYxm7JoGNSnoPtJfsy8MrywUzX-wijd0GfOisBjDsj0ZBid8P_8vSmCuwyFueC9Q/s1600/IMG_3836.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVcNfbON0-PWh478A0WAl6G-6TjBxwm4g7xOWy1z65299pBhxoAQVsRHDxzsH9o6Q2tFcTy3PGj_aBYxm7JoGNSnoPtJfsy8MrywUzX-wijd0GfOisBjDsj0ZBid8P_8vSmCuwyFueC9Q/s200/IMG_3836.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzx7coqNNUlHRKhfLrccn8scKjOljemNFGv6foGrpsUWiVjfMheLyiOQKLl4oxrlNI7yPjRR4pW13B8S6_tmth4O4V-SbimAQog2V_ohp2CrFXjPX3qWe4cnphgByEAaFsoBtprM_S9Kd/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzx7coqNNUlHRKhfLrccn8scKjOljemNFGv6foGrpsUWiVjfMheLyiOQKLl4oxrlNI7yPjRR4pW13B8S6_tmth4O4V-SbimAQog2V_ohp2CrFXjPX3qWe4cnphgByEAaFsoBtprM_S9Kd/s200/IMG_3832.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-EfBXTLQ_PqFqrR4B2Du0S1MZc723YQ0MAXI136vdMZTzsyzuYlbP_YL6Llk7j8mt1FFF3RGeGapOdJ4xT-fZej-RU9a_6Yeb4fiYJTYz75j77wNa_fVD51z2vpoTpHU4npWITzIJ0PI/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-EfBXTLQ_PqFqrR4B2Du0S1MZc723YQ0MAXI136vdMZTzsyzuYlbP_YL6Llk7j8mt1FFF3RGeGapOdJ4xT-fZej-RU9a_6Yeb4fiYJTYz75j77wNa_fVD51z2vpoTpHU4npWITzIJ0PI/s200/IMG_3834.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-M3PlwL_oLuDIScov68OyQxlmIpv2zsvuEAOlavW9Xe8PfvJuAlNiEF_xJZ_kgUXjkCvBobBqWgD0y_Bon1yuT_U3pk1b7imbG4-ksHJXQo590kGgk895dc8v92hkNfIJ2nLIdZ_rNop/s1600/IMG_3829.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-M3PlwL_oLuDIScov68OyQxlmIpv2zsvuEAOlavW9Xe8PfvJuAlNiEF_xJZ_kgUXjkCvBobBqWgD0y_Bon1yuT_U3pk1b7imbG4-ksHJXQo590kGgk895dc8v92hkNfIJ2nLIdZ_rNop/s200/IMG_3829.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
We found camping at Lake Santeetlah - pretty, and a few people there, glad we got in on Monday!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaF_g-e-oNIBDvhu8MiAopuQU1VvZtkTwQGcUjI2rJuhXza8J3F4pIVljmWZj_JZ9YLTyUas3d0uVZnXVF06P7AMzq6V7xOYcZTD230pks2aNBMT-yr8ZWsCoAKTXd6sXs4XXJxNW3RoD/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaF_g-e-oNIBDvhu8MiAopuQU1VvZtkTwQGcUjI2rJuhXza8J3F4pIVljmWZj_JZ9YLTyUas3d0uVZnXVF06P7AMzq6V7xOYcZTD230pks2aNBMT-yr8ZWsCoAKTXd6sXs4XXJxNW3RoD/s320/IMG_3840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full moon rising</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJzCIElF0PJI5kGVL6IZQqe4fZPRFwXW3OGUgP1jAJ7ORy-aeXYT0Kn1O0RyRtMjVMwKK9K_UsJJvefSql2yaorG-KDIG67krYXJfKmyK6HNHgpK84HHE8Lytg20rdFUm0KQN7s258JTX/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJzCIElF0PJI5kGVL6IZQqe4fZPRFwXW3OGUgP1jAJ7ORy-aeXYT0Kn1O0RyRtMjVMwKK9K_UsJJvefSql2yaorG-KDIG67krYXJfKmyK6HNHgpK84HHE8Lytg20rdFUm0KQN7s258JTX/s320/IMG_3838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks refreshing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ate lentils and rice, and played Hand and Foot - two Rudy wins.<br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-54397786150756104572017-04-05T10:28:00.000-07:002017-04-05T10:28:46.125-07:00more North GeorgiaMarch 29<br />Cool but sunny. We headed back south to Georgia and near another section of the Pinhoti Trail, at the Bear Creek Loop trail head. A run on the loop for me, and a bike ride for Rudy - he got onto some of the adjoining trails too - neither of us saw bears. Actually a few people around for a Wednesday, at least later in the afternoon. I took a nice little stroll to check out some of the fun spring plants - a lot from Calloway Gardens that I now get to see in the 'wild', don't know most of the names though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe5iHdOSASn-irFaPPXFj_HCw4t5rTOl3x1QEk8X4FgjGxrWuB2BFAwo2hnRkKggz10qOcbI6c0lxb_-fKm5M5B9cC7wGwL0gMjDuPwb1NAZp4OsOHX-Ftcx2oxAtpAB4cAn5NF_s25KU/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe5iHdOSASn-irFaPPXFj_HCw4t5rTOl3x1QEk8X4FgjGxrWuB2BFAwo2hnRkKggz10qOcbI6c0lxb_-fKm5M5B9cC7wGwL0gMjDuPwb1NAZp4OsOHX-Ftcx2oxAtpAB4cAn5NF_s25KU/s200/IMG_3767.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhododendron buds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY6fUC4BLyBleT5J46uHj0Nx_AZ7aDrvMf5CfJgZxKxtg8ApxiNJYD5CBsiTGupJ1TMm2r-cL8iwrGD8KPBzt5UAY7zdaMYQvYKpwgR3GSpsK-Nv1k5xvoCOL9kFHgUwL8oA-Vbv3WL1U/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY6fUC4BLyBleT5J46uHj0Nx_AZ7aDrvMf5CfJgZxKxtg8ApxiNJYD5CBsiTGupJ1TMm2r-cL8iwrGD8KPBzt5UAY7zdaMYQvYKpwgR3GSpsK-Nv1k5xvoCOL9kFHgUwL8oA-Vbv3WL1U/s200/IMG_3756.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many cute flowers with cool leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpfm3HKAYGiq9qPs8chBsquRZx9YCBBPNNqSAsFnxZEQZruZfa-Tu-G_RIDbjrUbkjCf1lVIsfOIP1XHYV5MFl1Qm4hILW9MDrDkCeUXWDi-81y4hBjWZLR-kBpCYwpOryUdLlXaCdBnc/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpfm3HKAYGiq9qPs8chBsquRZx9YCBBPNNqSAsFnxZEQZruZfa-Tu-G_RIDbjrUbkjCf1lVIsfOIP1XHYV5MFl1Qm4hILW9MDrDkCeUXWDi-81y4hBjWZLR-kBpCYwpOryUdLlXaCdBnc/s200/IMG_3762.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trout lily and periwinkle?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSsffNMMrd2v9wwJKP9qRm-tUmDouNyykoDL02P7sR6-vSwIz8EQ7bi0TA9OxEJ5xxaYIqmz6ksL06-JUB34Jl0fjoaLof7Bx1sLb_xxQXHXfCfRfhXU4VmBvVK59-ZcEO6E32aM5pt6q/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSsffNMMrd2v9wwJKP9qRm-tUmDouNyykoDL02P7sR6-vSwIz8EQ7bi0TA9OxEJ5xxaYIqmz6ksL06-JUB34Jl0fjoaLof7Bx1sLb_xxQXHXfCfRfhXU4VmBvVK59-ZcEO6E32aM5pt6q/s200/IMG_3752.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium Decepiens?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8kdZDWHwiT5r2BirS96w0BVy49EEov553gioUGRMScBFH1HIWrCcTiDCzddtO6Yss6mmpzC4f30si3N37EV3F6IgZlPs19S2C98mUY7VgYE8mHbW5wcuCNDbXokN_eXDrd5UbAE9_W2n/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8kdZDWHwiT5r2BirS96w0BVy49EEov553gioUGRMScBFH1HIWrCcTiDCzddtO6Yss6mmpzC4f30si3N37EV3F6IgZlPs19S2C98mUY7VgYE8mHbW5wcuCNDbXokN_eXDrd5UbAE9_W2n/s200/IMG_3765.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHwGgKnSDdABy6aNgkbx2E-X07NdVFxwMhDsmBspUHqy4iRnBm195e52NmAuajcalvWI7cGRDMe8rMDKHSGNiwugcJgun4wNOVvRHjQ3hXasabfSD_NPvjHOqOZ5Q6dqB2ZqgFzgu4tek/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHwGgKnSDdABy6aNgkbx2E-X07NdVFxwMhDsmBspUHqy4iRnBm195e52NmAuajcalvWI7cGRDMe8rMDKHSGNiwugcJgun4wNOVvRHjQ3hXasabfSD_NPvjHOqOZ5Q6dqB2ZqgFzgu4tek/s200/IMG_3761.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
All around, a pleasant day. Rudy, with his random loops of biking, found us another decent camp spot on a ridge and along Pinhoti again. Ate simple, but still delicious pasta and played Hand and Foot - Leslie win, and 3-13 Rudy win.<br /><br />March 30<br />I managed to get up and out for a relatively early hike/run on Pinhoti - lots of turkey sightings! After that, a bit of town time in Elijay, then on to the Jake/Bull Mountain Trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest for some biking. We were both a little tired, but enjoyed ourselves - slowly increasing challenge level of trails! Rudy found us good dispersed camping sites near a nice little creek. Dinner was bean burritos, gaming was Hand and Foot - 2 wins for Rudy.<br /><br />March 31<br />Storminess overnight, but a pretty morning, the sun took a while to get down to us though! A good run for me, which included some of the Georgia Death Race course - I even ran across the race director doing some flagging.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QY7Djf1Y0HkFBPYmRILRbx5ufeEUGtg4tap2mt6IMwDq1MBzUeGInq15fD9wNW5ngNZIR_9xN472I2lz4G9X4DTWuQuAi2MaEEbKQxy3t6MQy2RLXQs70_2WLtCS-0WjKZelm8YIQ9cl/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QY7Djf1Y0HkFBPYmRILRbx5ufeEUGtg4tap2mt6IMwDq1MBzUeGInq15fD9wNW5ngNZIR_9xN472I2lz4G9X4DTWuQuAi2MaEEbKQxy3t6MQy2RLXQs70_2WLtCS-0WjKZelm8YIQ9cl/s320/IMG_3771.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Creek Dam Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJOQx_FgfEbqHRO7Gk8b6lS2XwI4Ljv7TMS1SfuSS7oICyHFEK5hEDrzJc8wqHsZVHTGiKArJ3GUkv-cP8rQ-i9Zj80Aqdv4WDrw8PLNvqCArMLRzyzDp9-pIAaNfQB7WS6HW8r5QuyzD/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJOQx_FgfEbqHRO7Gk8b6lS2XwI4Ljv7TMS1SfuSS7oICyHFEK5hEDrzJc8wqHsZVHTGiKArJ3GUkv-cP8rQ-i9Zj80Aqdv4WDrw8PLNvqCArMLRzyzDp9-pIAaNfQB7WS6HW8r5QuyzD/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Creek Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The singletrack was pretty solid, despite rain, some of the double track more soggy, but still not terrible. Rudy spent most of the day chatting with a local who was extremely knowledgeable about the area history and ecology - he also gave us some firewood, may be desirable for a day at an aid station. We eventually headed up Winding Stair Gap road to the aid station we would be volunteering at the next day. Just a few HAM radio guys there already, otherwise we had the place to ourselves. Ate some shells and cheese and got in one exciting game of Hand and Foot - Leslie win.<br /><br />April 1<br />Georgia Death Race! We helped out all day at 'Winding Stair Gap' aid station 47 miles in, 25 miles to go. Our aid station seemed well-manned with no one getting too bored or too overwhelmed, mostly other runners to share stories with! Cool in the morning and evening, but otherwise a gorgeous day (well, maybe a little warm for the runners.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6_D92PCpb8RLyKhgbG6IAYKdb4PCzW4bjjGDNTlAJ2BBYLtfJT0YlEJrCRzns_1JJE22yTF56l9I6DMq3uoDYDLSOXXSD2w3lKB04ftuVzViZqdvL3sdRRALoQ29ac3ZxXIFbU52uWJM/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6_D92PCpb8RLyKhgbG6IAYKdb4PCzW4bjjGDNTlAJ2BBYLtfJT0YlEJrCRzns_1JJE22yTF56l9I6DMq3uoDYDLSOXXSD2w3lKB04ftuVzViZqdvL3sdRRALoQ29ac3ZxXIFbU52uWJM/s320/IMG_3773.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm before the storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o9K8ECvv_hz7zzGkDa80BwScVLsIxjlgYPOFfp0DdZen_UsOJhwzaS9GZrrcePxaA7VMPrDkRa48jOip2x0NKxFvM2UpWnnJezr3tjnZuC5VgE-28azoOVhxA3lnjLJtnpdTM_DeXELA/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o9K8ECvv_hz7zzGkDa80BwScVLsIxjlgYPOFfp0DdZen_UsOJhwzaS9GZrrcePxaA7VMPrDkRa48jOip2x0NKxFvM2UpWnnJezr3tjnZuC5VgE-28azoOVhxA3lnjLJtnpdTM_DeXELA/s320/IMG_3774.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything an ultrarunner should need</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
GDR has a fairly grueling course, but most of the participants seemed to be in good spirits (as they should be, certainly advertised as a tough one!) After the last runners through, and everything was cleaned up and the rest of the aid station departed, a few volunteers from the prior aid station stopped by to see what was happening - we got some more good recommendations for North Carolina, had just a little fire, and didn't go too late into the evening. We were the only ones camping out again, nice to not have the rush of packing up and having to drive somewhere!<br /><br /><br />April 2<br />Nice clear morning! Rudy and I hiked up to Springer Mountain and the Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail - unplanned bucket list type thing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKNF-3_APZp97JIb1FzHdZfm1ZDfO2Ibub-FX2USLrn4235wu3dCrCzErO3wWn9SqGYd0iKkzmmhn-QnmdgOXcDTbGfbEylQ48BGOfY3TOu1N8ZJyX7XnKL-_xzDN9I8Z6K6halkPq3lv/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKNF-3_APZp97JIb1FzHdZfm1ZDfO2Ibub-FX2USLrn4235wu3dCrCzErO3wWn9SqGYd0iKkzmmhn-QnmdgOXcDTbGfbEylQ48BGOfY3TOu1N8ZJyX7XnKL-_xzDN9I8Z6K6halkPq3lv/s200/IMG_3778.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Older plaque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4oqfbBkWhNDhBFRmmhEtUCb4Y_3L-yyUg0KT4qV-0R41tDH5fPWb1duM_JDDjhKqQ9o7nsWGroZSuUfnXW6QLeB3D0q0mAMkwg9Hxvr28Y0IT78KGl9WTnT4owE9c1Z8si4knhbCJ_ui/s1600/IMG_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4oqfbBkWhNDhBFRmmhEtUCb4Y_3L-yyUg0KT4qV-0R41tDH5fPWb1duM_JDDjhKqQ9o7nsWGroZSuUfnXW6QLeB3D0q0mAMkwg9Hxvr28Y0IT78KGl9WTnT4owE9c1Z8si4knhbCJ_ui/s200/IMG_3783.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newer plaque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRL_C7DmmHjZtYVatQlv3zzTinhfWf8xu6bFheZMTrxRWerHItGch7bD1Y9ImPxAurIsEBCxP6cf4v11YK3Bk6d7Rz9lyKtepx4237vTaTqGhQy05T6h76XUHtDYBCtTTNAep2hyoaabU/s1600/IMG_3776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRL_C7DmmHjZtYVatQlv3zzTinhfWf8xu6bFheZMTrxRWerHItGch7bD1Y9ImPxAurIsEBCxP6cf4v11YK3Bk6d7Rz9lyKtepx4237vTaTqGhQy05T6h76XUHtDYBCtTTNAep2hyoaabU/s320/IMG_3776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-gfil8MjZv-iBxXrsUSIBkwPwdq-b0-T_9BCB0TPrNaa7vTEieX7vVdC0deFwiMeQtQq2k50ZwpLLsRVKyeS50ecLmV_qoS6KOoJ4Y_H-EdeLet6DVxWHAM1py2GBhebEKSyCPgx1wsI/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-gfil8MjZv-iBxXrsUSIBkwPwdq-b0-T_9BCB0TPrNaa7vTEieX7vVdC0deFwiMeQtQq2k50ZwpLLsRVKyeS50ecLmV_qoS6KOoJ4Y_H-EdeLet6DVxWHAM1py2GBhebEKSyCPgx1wsI/s320/IMG_3782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Springer Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy headed back to camp to get in a bike ride, and I continued running on the AT - lots of people, but it was a beautiful Sunday! 22+ miles and five hours on the feet for me! Not much else in the afternoon - garbage pick up, a little yoga, dwindling traffic. Rudy was able to cover most of the good trails in the area. We cooked some split peas and sweet potatoes (my favorite gruel) and played Hand and Foot - 1 win each.<br /><br />April 3<br />Very stormy, so pretty much a travel day. We headed a little ways north, got in some town stuff, and ended up camping on Chatuge Lake on the border of Georgia and North Carolina. The rain was done and we got in a little stroll to an 'island' that could currently be walked to.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsehyphenhyphenJoZH3eY8yXJJyhPEHwyp6g36HV2sW6UmuHa8b95swiecuulC4nkoLAWK-Ck8_Wf2ZgbOagIH-n-JmyNbPpuwIZsJ6GKfUl3rYPlzLU5gPIRKa7pfUmx69vudJF4gmE-J9QoRclIEG/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsehyphenhyphenJoZH3eY8yXJJyhPEHwyp6g36HV2sW6UmuHa8b95swiecuulC4nkoLAWK-Ck8_Wf2ZgbOagIH-n-JmyNbPpuwIZsJ6GKfUl3rYPlzLU5gPIRKa7pfUmx69vudJF4gmE-J9QoRclIEG/s200/IMG_3789.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbznhsUWvzSR1Zw76xaQ9quarGkPGOe5P43FJ5VCzblXKyg_1-pmM7VSEVLID6UQVYPRU_KVmJQabu_iIuMiVi7SlVnQ-qLRHesh4JtweQX7lZQ9WeBAzv-oDZZ3drdYWoNh0swYnZjTWu/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbznhsUWvzSR1Zw76xaQ9quarGkPGOe5P43FJ5VCzblXKyg_1-pmM7VSEVLID6UQVYPRU_KVmJQabu_iIuMiVi7SlVnQ-qLRHesh4JtweQX7lZQ9WeBAzv-oDZZ3drdYWoNh0swYnZjTWu/s320/IMG_3787.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv5mXRGFsqLITOO0GWOy5Sw6n1iXgUpfTVM0Ip-c92_6fKVT7yk3zmQqETCdU_6tMtLS7l256FCm01SnMyC4LowZXxLMOI3a2vFLkKDNwzb_o2vU0L4EGe-uYOnLIqcFUpIrvOPX9C5uW/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv5mXRGFsqLITOO0GWOy5Sw6n1iXgUpfTVM0Ip-c92_6fKVT7yk3zmQqETCdU_6tMtLS7l256FCm01SnMyC4LowZXxLMOI3a2vFLkKDNwzb_o2vU0L4EGe-uYOnLIqcFUpIrvOPX9C5uW/s200/IMG_3790.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Ate rice and lentils, and played Hand and Foot - 2 Rudy dominations!Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-46474871397422530352017-04-04T10:27:00.000-07:002017-04-04T10:27:24.048-07:00Chattanooga, TN<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsT7VkxaXqGqFf1Cr3NmBFF8uNkr4BL-qQ8k6rtdmbpKnFpA7c-jrMer-NVdJ0mZQ7geeUAPQ14ZLRoA6FkTfhnrN1GfbO0NAUpGV6pEe_bCEYCIcVE-41SshnLQ173Zgqj2TdKsN7KYw/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsT7VkxaXqGqFf1Cr3NmBFF8uNkr4BL-qQ8k6rtdmbpKnFpA7c-jrMer-NVdJ0mZQ7geeUAPQ14ZLRoA6FkTfhnrN1GfbO0NAUpGV6pEe_bCEYCIcVE-41SshnLQ173Zgqj2TdKsN7KYw/s200/IMG_3716.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some technical spots out there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
March 24<br /><br />
I got out early to run 'virtually' with some friends back home doing a birthday run, I didn't cover the 33k they did, but about the same amount of time out with 3ish hours. I even got in ~15 minutes of headlamp time, dawn and dusk go fast lately! Biking destination for the day was Chattanooga, TN at Raccoon Mountain. This was a neat little area, trails a little more technical, and I managed a slow hour while Rudy got in a more extensive ride. I spent more time strolling around, enjoying the views of the Tennessee Valley.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VF96Ju_9yyDhKswkfhiC4rpvWyL_L8GmuaU90lFw8tQhG1tNWsIF33Q4ADSrVcpl786ykMReJZ9bZUWmfwBBFzTvlwzChagB4tqx8oAtwmi2UnPdIZYbZWFszh6PCNOpK-oKQpavfi6R/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VF96Ju_9yyDhKswkfhiC4rpvWyL_L8GmuaU90lFw8tQhG1tNWsIF33Q4ADSrVcpl786ykMReJZ9bZUWmfwBBFzTvlwzChagB4tqx8oAtwmi2UnPdIZYbZWFszh6PCNOpK-oKQpavfi6R/s320/IMG_3720.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the awesome views from Raccoon Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The planned camping locale was closed of for the season (until March 30, a week too early!) and we ended up back at the previous night's spot. By the time we were ready to eat, feeling a little apathetic about dinner - canned fish and cheese and crackers sufficed! One game of Gin Rummy - Leslie win.<br /><br />March 25<br />Since we were right on the trail again, I enjoyed a little stroll and found some prescribed burning happened the day before - good thing we got in our longer activities here a few days ago!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM7NhMWS6e8tqBPXQ63UiAg-b55xbz9MeehwH2vyesiByYmZaNOa_b6po7Xz_2CtMWg_RAkchboVi6tQYrX7mdpACanxgpMrCVqnE1ApCmWkEI_MSCLPIrXIG0PBPOT-6jbydoNU9i1Ec/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM7NhMWS6e8tqBPXQ63UiAg-b55xbz9MeehwH2vyesiByYmZaNOa_b6po7Xz_2CtMWg_RAkchboVi6tQYrX7mdpACanxgpMrCVqnE1ApCmWkEI_MSCLPIrXIG0PBPOT-6jbydoNU9i1Ec/s200/IMG_3723.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only actual flame I saw, mostly smoldering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Headed back toward Chattanooga to hit up White Oak Mountain for more biking. More good trails! Some even a little more challenging - nice that we seem to be getting eased back into more rugged terrain. Again, beautiful weather, and a cute little creek I could do some yoga by. After the fun we traveled east to Cherokee National Forsest and Lake Ocoee.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzax_Ey8sfknmJoZuPx0ZMF0gftMA4zfj1dl_8W26gUxEDGWHijH607kQ-w26dtk8gOXAfpkSLtYz_6oI4LwaKpkM010_O-7L-8KLPfyVFDXN8bV78h51pzGP03p6IPgwyuuqCBWaM57a/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzax_Ey8sfknmJoZuPx0ZMF0gftMA4zfj1dl_8W26gUxEDGWHijH607kQ-w26dtk8gOXAfpkSLtYz_6oI4LwaKpkM010_O-7L-8KLPfyVFDXN8bV78h51pzGP03p6IPgwyuuqCBWaM57a/s320/IMG_3725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic overlook of Lake Ocoee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We stopped by a trailhead for Chilhowee Trails - pretty populated! It was Saturday I guess. Another stroll for me while Rudy checked out a nearby beach (found to be closed for season) and camping options. We moved to a spot near Clear Creek Trail, cleaned up some leftovers, and played Trivial Pursuit and 3-13 - Leslie wins both!<br /><br />March 26<br />Some rain overnight, but cleared up quickly. We both embarked on bigger excursions for the day in the Chilhowee system, with no travel planned. I hiked up Clear Creek Trail for about an hour, then ran area trails another 3 hours, including a couple of waterfall detours.With some stops for pictures and hiking breaks, I took it relatively easy and felt good!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV086jt3h06y6ylTby7c8iSyjM3HLwh79ol3TXJVn-eyVOn4-7NEajuqubuyi4bSQwPLTK3GMeV8HnEyTWAyRXHjibEq0vxfmlcBhe8-LR9m8LkVh8ZrIoJrTXnR3FdBDtpNEjP60VJQP1/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV086jt3h06y6ylTby7c8iSyjM3HLwh79ol3TXJVn-eyVOn4-7NEajuqubuyi4bSQwPLTK3GMeV8HnEyTWAyRXHjibEq0vxfmlcBhe8-LR9m8LkVh8ZrIoJrTXnR3FdBDtpNEjP60VJQP1/s200/IMG_3732.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Clear Creek Trail was pretty rugged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3akzsX6GZZd90YtP_benpoWe_QeQCbgxQBMxoNq9vdgHtB6L5NsVAYEKkWxJdMJE0kg421an1SgF47QK4146di9SRwxAoDzsI2tqUM3g2galLcUKv8_no3QfuWNdLNPJ9AsevsqokMEdU/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3akzsX6GZZd90YtP_benpoWe_QeQCbgxQBMxoNq9vdgHtB6L5NsVAYEKkWxJdMJE0kg421an1SgF47QK4146di9SRwxAoDzsI2tqUM3g2galLcUKv8_no3QfuWNdLNPJ9AsevsqokMEdU/s200/IMG_3735.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excessive rhododendrons everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQw3P-yDcU0jffu3TF1ax39yBneNABc46_FIvdiHDNoBInZgqkqqvRz9rjaakTOIKP_5AAkDP8Kx9ccdASCW8a7oGSR9VZ9-kXrnv1ONXK3VjXxBYYGJycT7qN1hxCAMPo3JMSayrt2ML/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQw3P-yDcU0jffu3TF1ax39yBneNABc46_FIvdiHDNoBInZgqkqqvRz9rjaakTOIKP_5AAkDP8Kx9ccdASCW8a7oGSR9VZ9-kXrnv1ONXK3VjXxBYYGJycT7qN1hxCAMPo3JMSayrt2ML/s320/IMG_3736.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benton Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAl9aJyHpqvwTA6jbTBVGVjj8vaMNavI-WEnlIqKdD-WTpeAD-mQTXSsYTd9XiwX-v6Vr6aWpYfNNvdo48vXxhyphenhyphenOoq2N2iuwXjITHErJDF7jBgsxuqwsPt2zRjAA-yKGMokOoM9FsIU_Q/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAl9aJyHpqvwTA6jbTBVGVjj8vaMNavI-WEnlIqKdD-WTpeAD-mQTXSsYTd9XiwX-v6Vr6aWpYfNNvdo48vXxhyphenhyphenOoq2N2iuwXjITHErJDF7jBgsxuqwsPt2zRjAA-yKGMokOoM9FsIU_Q/s320/IMG_3738.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another little set of waterfalls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxsIw5DVpINBSGrqaEmO_JS22gQn49XOCCXs3RFBlqGB5DxP0YXI2PB04t-X8mTPKIKIxscZ0oLBF0FoqhJ-EQ2T5Y7PNIf8pfLEfBWvlSaZYcTE8-JWvb_s0OTnHNY0Zr3-cjxZwM2-o/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxsIw5DVpINBSGrqaEmO_JS22gQn49XOCCXs3RFBlqGB5DxP0YXI2PB04t-X8mTPKIKIxscZ0oLBF0FoqhJ-EQ2T5Y7PNIf8pfLEfBWvlSaZYcTE8-JWvb_s0OTnHNY0Zr3-cjxZwM2-o/s200/IMG_3730.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xGbT_yP5bOfr_bQls4bNi0d37xEd6BcBFI3ufn8hMtUUBVvg6vWP2Mc1vyLb7c0kyT4JB50i64Razj1_JMPolk3F1Llt48GOW6dyZD2JkObn0pD6rdzNh2LOtvpq2OWw4K86gJo6rDw8/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xGbT_yP5bOfr_bQls4bNi0d37xEd6BcBFI3ufn8hMtUUBVvg6vWP2Mc1vyLb7c0kyT4JB50i64Razj1_JMPolk3F1Llt48GOW6dyZD2JkObn0pD6rdzNh2LOtvpq2OWw4K86gJo6rDw8/s200/IMG_3731.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLdpgZ5dhdbORdcNi6okSoXljJc_HMs0mELo9zrvauUP-Ote2DlYZvmX9zn4XwWb2Xs3MR9G5fIbL8h79G1vkr-9Jy0zSs-VEk_ROhso0be9uPqzxCguDbVRTTZDB6ckYRiKYNhNw0LtZ/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLdpgZ5dhdbORdcNi6okSoXljJc_HMs0mELo9zrvauUP-Ote2DlYZvmX9zn4XwWb2Xs3MR9G5fIbL8h79G1vkr-9Jy0zSs-VEk_ROhso0be9uPqzxCguDbVRTTZDB6ckYRiKYNhNw0LtZ/s200/IMG_3727.JPG" width="150" /></a><br /><br />
Rudy did a bunch of biking, he had fun as always. A few rain showers in the afternoon - Rudy just finished up his ride after the first one! So a bit of hanging out in the van. For dinner, added barley, onions, and mushrooms to a box of ginger miso soup - interesting. For entertainment, Rummy 5000 - 1 win each.<br /><br />March 27<br />Overcast, and another late morning. We eventually get to the Tanasi Trails, along the Ocoee River from the Thunder Rock trailhead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMF35dsoVTjtO48UVAqCEIplkgZ2L2U8FfLWYNQEjE97ZAULcqddP5cBDygGL9bG-yGu7Ln9niGKBlEktebDyYBy8KD2gJUk-PsCLnipzELmt-h-dD2Dz4-f07_kf9nuGh_7w9oIf0jVY/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMF35dsoVTjtO48UVAqCEIplkgZ2L2U8FfLWYNQEjE97ZAULcqddP5cBDygGL9bG-yGu7Ln9niGKBlEktebDyYBy8KD2gJUk-PsCLnipzELmt-h-dD2Dz4-f07_kf9nuGh_7w9oIf0jVY/s320/IMG_3740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near a dam - sometimes walking path, sometimes whitewater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGanEQNgsuZv2n8hkfhF7NDY6omvxXpDoZVpb-KGlOjc6Thxqw4FfroCptqi8UdW1yajMaxo64Nay4vrog0ivVDsDCNSHe6QWp_WWyHNfxG6aWPIXsETf4Eo4AJTVxfi9fUdIaibDGTmcR/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGanEQNgsuZv2n8hkfhF7NDY6omvxXpDoZVpb-KGlOjc6Thxqw4FfroCptqi8UdW1yajMaxo64Nay4vrog0ivVDsDCNSHe6QWp_WWyHNfxG6aWPIXsETf4Eo4AJTVxfi9fUdIaibDGTmcR/s320/IMG_3742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other side of the dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This area has a great mix of easy and technical - not much for steep hills, nice and fun! Seemed like it could be popular, glad we got it on a Monday. We were able to use some hot water from the nearby campground - so nice! Then headed up a forest service road to get to some camping. Ate polenta with red sauce and played a round of Hand and Foot - Leslie win!<br />
<br />Thunderstorms overnight - actually a little too noisy in the van for good sleeping through rain - bummer.<br /><br />March 28<br />A planned 'rest' day - rain was done, and actually pretty nice in the afternoon. We each got in some little strolls, lots of hanging out in the camp chairs, reading and puzzling, and even picked up a little bag of trash from the area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtrnnfAhu3SVh2kwnBFaNfGLOr8dY23dDSxEwb1v_IqNO5sfKrQscPKnYIseAdexg6_PBbthmS2A1-h5yPqmLDtExPXzO0ZJBPlaS1NmTkWm79kmoVsmVMBEeo2_6u2lqkHOwbfk2Bh9N/s1600/IMG_3747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtrnnfAhu3SVh2kwnBFaNfGLOr8dY23dDSxEwb1v_IqNO5sfKrQscPKnYIseAdexg6_PBbthmS2A1-h5yPqmLDtExPXzO0ZJBPlaS1NmTkWm79kmoVsmVMBEeo2_6u2lqkHOwbfk2Bh9N/s320/IMG_3747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quartz Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUugp7UsVs2zB5orZ4eMIJOccgKq986Y1ItQwtnlLdUNW9-Bymhj1RFsrqpRVoEjIuadX5OxJCHbEdc5VuUgmN634NFVqxGNUoRGx5ER6yHEm9WqRPx0gRp7SPX0VYjYs2YIjxBfM8loZ/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUugp7UsVs2zB5orZ4eMIJOccgKq986Y1ItQwtnlLdUNW9-Bymhj1RFsrqpRVoEjIuadX5OxJCHbEdc5VuUgmN634NFVqxGNUoRGx5ER6yHEm9WqRPx0gRp7SPX0VYjYs2YIjxBfM8loZ/s320/IMG_3748.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the Quartz Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dinner was lentils and rice, and gaming was more Hand and Foot - 2 wins for Rudy!!Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-49905421700697441332017-04-04T10:12:00.002-07:002017-04-04T10:12:32.654-07:00North GeorgiaMarch 20<br />Another Monday and back to normal life for Alicia and Divesh - we got in a little visiting with Alicia before departing and heading to Blankets Creek, northwest of Atlanta for biking. Good, fun, well marked trails, and a lovely day to be out on them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTFnjXn80sg8lUo2oevHiNsDbp1q-C833BjIu2YHq9_2i2znkugDeJnqzC1MOOjdD0tiPY82OVKU7Q5MmMWTdnfesJtowiNhyphenhyphenCfAXwDWJXlu9GnhyPrHs6bMi4nNGn8NJtE6FjOSBVFr7/s1600/IMG_3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTFnjXn80sg8lUo2oevHiNsDbp1q-C833BjIu2YHq9_2i2znkugDeJnqzC1MOOjdD0tiPY82OVKU7Q5MmMWTdnfesJtowiNhyphenhyphenCfAXwDWJXlu9GnhyPrHs6bMi4nNGn8NJtE6FjOSBVFr7/s200/IMG_3695.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kinds of signs are so fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadQ0OjLF-oVoujG3VKXyHdp_PTse8fVXZgcUDovKFT1r72SJhSyB4Y9Uy4gQOeZScjsukmzChUt6S7Sm8Jd3GHJZbxa6QpdUe9pngZbXR7oQGwlRiSAv6XYXDQIK8pUno2jKp8wpRJo9T/s1600/IMG_3697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadQ0OjLF-oVoujG3VKXyHdp_PTse8fVXZgcUDovKFT1r72SJhSyB4Y9Uy4gQOeZScjsukmzChUt6S7Sm8Jd3GHJZbxa6QpdUe9pngZbXR7oQGwlRiSAv6XYXDQIK8pUno2jKp8wpRJo9T/s200/IMG_3697.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good way to enforce one way use, IMHO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVecaurkfNPK65_55jwWrmpdW2k9xSfj7YMa8mthe6jUHWEkMSm-LhFP2GdlQpQXUuy24LkXiSA3Kjb3hdzvT5fmswqDHvt-jq8bVBitzQSPuDNB8_1WcTvWdAR9n1eVZTE669PlD4AuEe/s1600/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVecaurkfNPK65_55jwWrmpdW2k9xSfj7YMa8mthe6jUHWEkMSm-LhFP2GdlQpQXUuy24LkXiSA3Kjb3hdzvT5fmswqDHvt-jq8bVBitzQSPuDNB8_1WcTvWdAR9n1eVZTE669PlD4AuEe/s200/IMG_3696.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
I enjoyed a little jog and stroll too, while Rudy put in some good hanging out in the sun and reading. We ventured to a nearby Wildlife Management Area for camping and cooked up the last of the cornmeal with onions, mushrooms, and red sauce. Games were Trivial Pursuit and 3-13 - Rudy won both.<br /><br />March 21<br />A nice, warm morning, good for a short stroll and some reading - Rudy was studying Duluth's Master Plan for the Traverse, and I looked at information on the Georgia Death Race, which we've agreed to volunteer at on April 1. We finally head to Allatoona for more good bike trails and weather in the 80s! After the lovely day there, we headed further northwest toward the Pinhoti Trail and found camping along Johns Creek.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFyTKrdnFj8yT8UvFrZlJi_adllGMZDHfeRKZLoHK36tPBcVS6WqaMhUaLidaoVBW-mS081R23J6jOBAUufGyLruI3yEO3IAL_jE84PeVX7ojM6OLcKxKkzly5tkRdx6_I5BnOIxbI6GV/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFyTKrdnFj8yT8UvFrZlJi_adllGMZDHfeRKZLoHK36tPBcVS6WqaMhUaLidaoVBW-mS081R23J6jOBAUufGyLruI3yEO3IAL_jE84PeVX7ojM6OLcKxKkzly5tkRdx6_I5BnOIxbI6GV/s200/IMG_3712.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish tube - apparently the creek gets stocked Thu and fished out by Mon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5A_gQMKO1uBGrgUCSb6pGscP9Y1T0cjDeThyphenhypheng2r9QyPn4V7V3I4qvTkoATj6uLoJ1hswwWasE1uCIo-O4fr6ouVT6uTvqhH5QRtf6tCejn3IO34tzoBxo4c0hcCW720Lj4GntOleyRkO/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5A_gQMKO1uBGrgUCSb6pGscP9Y1T0cjDeThyphenhypheng2r9QyPn4V7V3I4qvTkoATj6uLoJ1hswwWasE1uCIo-O4fr6ouVT6uTvqhH5QRtf6tCejn3IO34tzoBxo4c0hcCW720Lj4GntOleyRkO/s200/IMG_3713.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
A nice, thundery evening - no serious storming for us though. Ate some pasta and played some Gin Rummy - one win each.<br /><br />March 22<br />The rain was done, and the morning breezy and cool, with some sun. We continued north a few miles to get on the Pinhoti Trail - lots of variety - rocks, roots, double and single track, mostly rolling but some sharp little hills.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9jktXizo84ZHsgptFD5v8l0Po4ybolXNqfJbmXjyAsA08AXd6H5w3xNneBy8kocrMIFIo-Yyk9ucgE-trNa0UVeYS4q-wCukgTEjOHUIcijpu8ebPvL6pvBm9HfBdNMeemsvuZvRmMil/s1600/IMG_3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9jktXizo84ZHsgptFD5v8l0Po4ybolXNqfJbmXjyAsA08AXd6H5w3xNneBy8kocrMIFIo-Yyk9ucgE-trNa0UVeYS4q-wCukgTEjOHUIcijpu8ebPvL6pvBm9HfBdNMeemsvuZvRmMil/s320/IMG_3708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinhoti Trail - marked with turkey tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A run for me, and biking for Rudy. Even more sun in the afternoon, and
we just chilled and enjoyed that, eventually heading back to the same
camping area. Dinner was split peas and sweet potatoes, entertainment
was Rummy 5000 (Rudy win) and 3-13 (Leslie win.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOLmn2cWx0FypQBxnP3b3ML_oON8tq9_w8E0izt8IsmL5sDoJAxJdhgY6Qjc4Y-lYer-_S3vnNhFwYxgWr2oWdWSGF5p1E7svOph4FTsJ-K0xo0H6bohi-lKm4a7odvPkDeInbDqy-3Ms/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOLmn2cWx0FypQBxnP3b3ML_oON8tq9_w8E0izt8IsmL5sDoJAxJdhgY6Qjc4Y-lYer-_S3vnNhFwYxgWr2oWdWSGF5p1E7svOph4FTsJ-K0xo0H6bohi-lKm4a7odvPkDeInbDqy-3Ms/s200/IMG_3714.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />March 23 <br />
Cool, cloudy, breezy and late! Nearly 11 before we get going to check out the Armuchee trails. More great riding! Though I skipped some areas due to water crossings. we were able to camp right at a Pinhoti Trail access point, so plenty of time for me to get in some nice yoga and a stroll on the Turkey Trail (saw no Turkeys). Beans and rice for dinner, followed by Rummy 5000 - Rudy wins again!Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-7168244546162468452017-03-28T10:52:00.004-07:002017-03-28T10:52:58.640-07:00Family and Friends in GeorgiaMarch 12<br />Daylight Savings!!! A cool and damp morning. Connie, Rudy, and I just took a stroll around in the woods with one of the dogs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lzUdn3RtXehap2coQA5TmHUvz2PcClpfrBO2MsQQwDWCbsgkbXJ8HkEY88PwrzXPHkFBKZCwkyw1XMFdWNFqmLWfLROtFWczREvzXHVAMHY3IxeYjGCPPqldwouImRZ8acti_zYQ2ijW/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lzUdn3RtXehap2coQA5TmHUvz2PcClpfrBO2MsQQwDWCbsgkbXJ8HkEY88PwrzXPHkFBKZCwkyw1XMFdWNFqmLWfLROtFWczREvzXHVAMHY3IxeYjGCPPqldwouImRZ8acti_zYQ2ijW/s320/IMG_3659.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There used to be a lake out back, then highway work...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When Mark was home from work, the four of us went to Lanes Southern Orchard for peach and pecan goodies - kind of in between seasons, so just some baked and preserved treats. We next went into Columbus to eat Mellow Mushroom pizza - good stuff - lots of fun and tasty options. In the evening, Connie was inspired to make pie from fresh pecans she recently received, and we played lots of cards!<br /><br />March 13<br />Nothing too exciting today - more cool and damp weather - lots of chilling out and visiting - an easy run for me - just leftovers for dinner, followed by fantastic pecan pie! Cards, of course.<br /><br />March 14<br />Pi Day! I was the only one festive enough to have pizza for my breakfast. Cool again, but less rainy, so Connie took Rudy and I to Calloway Gardens. Some pretty fun spring blooming was happening, and the butterfly house was awesome, as expected.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-OyJy15UpGiqh9vJ2vg0445V2G9VyS5lDwjzYCnRlgvDTN04Ad4unQTpRkgVKr16X6Aj7Z2vY_Urmnjkxw90tfMeBklg1HPcE73y3Edb5aYFLrbJ5eAwErvrtePGfQYsCKLShWDtqbRx/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-OyJy15UpGiqh9vJ2vg0445V2G9VyS5lDwjzYCnRlgvDTN04Ad4unQTpRkgVKr16X6Aj7Z2vY_Urmnjkxw90tfMeBklg1HPcE73y3Edb5aYFLrbJ5eAwErvrtePGfQYsCKLShWDtqbRx/s200/IMG_3665.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkAotuQ_VN8SgY5rnRm8SUYlNGq0Z6hIitxaMGX3x3rr-L0h8ySr44b8_r3v8eefe8BzryjnlUQCkHZW4mOkbJs14pwOWfLWSETwYw1Q16R4rrNPfvnrVzeCryhXM9cHnoWIiNVxu15ks/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkAotuQ_VN8SgY5rnRm8SUYlNGq0Z6hIitxaMGX3x3rr-L0h8ySr44b8_r3v8eefe8BzryjnlUQCkHZW4mOkbJs14pwOWfLWSETwYw1Q16R4rrNPfvnrVzeCryhXM9cHnoWIiNVxu15ks/s200/IMG_3663.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zoWir9gnYFjID-WinWIppy1XBzwVE6w3Qs98l3V2KAoGgjSTfbcMGZ5WtZu85Z34OmU3On5ps-sVubdYa4JYy-tcwQL8-iGh3HuuL-E2TZxRy480NWqnuzxLfPaxd7tPdEIt8n6ci89Z/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zoWir9gnYFjID-WinWIppy1XBzwVE6w3Qs98l3V2KAoGgjSTfbcMGZ5WtZu85Z34OmU3On5ps-sVubdYa4JYy-tcwQL8-iGh3HuuL-E2TZxRy480NWqnuzxLfPaxd7tPdEIt8n6ci89Z/s200/IMG_3666.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAkRGUKasQCdlBhzHmKqO-KZNlUBptCwp7t8u8DiXQTcuItmEXqSR4RSoCMnMfejC98wSm0Lc5-dKZ7Ns7OhJpXzUoMBpfCkLPalyFbvwfsyHJb74NH6Wfsv3wOlKKu4FLmCr5r83lpj0/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAkRGUKasQCdlBhzHmKqO-KZNlUBptCwp7t8u8DiXQTcuItmEXqSR4RSoCMnMfejC98wSm0Lc5-dKZ7Ns7OhJpXzUoMBpfCkLPalyFbvwfsyHJb74NH6Wfsv3wOlKKu4FLmCr5r83lpj0/s200/IMG_3683.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw5Evu3iV9ov5JyrePoqcrHRgGAgXA_36yNHLOSe-oG_KtVMe3l5Cw_7xnr_2y3lNvoKm8-E4FJXpQk_amab5IND_BW9f4nufPsn10hgP2jRqLUfEdXkK6jb-Q7diJN1t4LIP6RRerNKj/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw5Evu3iV9ov5JyrePoqcrHRgGAgXA_36yNHLOSe-oG_KtVMe3l5Cw_7xnr_2y3lNvoKm8-E4FJXpQk_amab5IND_BW9f4nufPsn10hgP2jRqLUfEdXkK6jb-Q7diJN1t4LIP6RRerNKj/s200/IMG_3674.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXNegfJh67qowoMPTbe86FolBjloPNHvMlh0YrXQoyh2-yR1mdC03DZExWsVwpExuPm9JmwfhhEY_0TtYuAOB0v9tKp2_bU2Jj0mPg2mU5-oucKxSpKaMnTLzNUU01Mkr5o5UE6hNp5Wt/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXNegfJh67qowoMPTbe86FolBjloPNHvMlh0YrXQoyh2-yR1mdC03DZExWsVwpExuPm9JmwfhhEY_0TtYuAOB0v9tKp2_bU2Jj0mPg2mU5-oucKxSpKaMnTLzNUU01Mkr5o5UE6hNp5Wt/s200/IMG_3670.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6M0ZWBTJCP5QcnwC5LrAUOrYaOW_Xy0SpMORGpe3AiKTsGrn4HmhzRiv6vHfEvQbtHJ5lJtgAdUVriIiIuy-PtIC5uiYC5OzcfcByYFrguINgFcTHDn9-0A4osgrYGjhM0iw-JsqefRt/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6M0ZWBTJCP5QcnwC5LrAUOrYaOW_Xy0SpMORGpe3AiKTsGrn4HmhzRiv6vHfEvQbtHJ5lJtgAdUVriIiIuy-PtIC5uiYC5OzcfcByYFrguINgFcTHDn9-0A4osgrYGjhM0iw-JsqefRt/s200/IMG_3687.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXBQzBvgNcOqJEWi4QSCtuo35ucAmkoi7o5fsdFg4pHJ44qtks_zxm3QRWtuAlRtMmuCD6tl_PfFLxmV-E2uZs4l5OYX_oKDjlMjUeZj7iApBaz2cMAKl6PQmz6_HsrfPuqju_V9lRJHy/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXBQzBvgNcOqJEWi4QSCtuo35ucAmkoi7o5fsdFg4pHJ44qtks_zxm3QRWtuAlRtMmuCD6tl_PfFLxmV-E2uZs4l5OYX_oKDjlMjUeZj7iApBaz2cMAKl6PQmz6_HsrfPuqju_V9lRJHy/s200/IMG_3678.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
We met Mark back in Columbus to eat (and drink beer!) at The Cannon Brewery. After that, we enjoyed pecan pie and playing cards.<br /><br />March 15<br />Another hang out day. Big activity was visiting Georgia's place for dinner. Connie put in all the work making shepherd's pie and Irish soda bread and pecan bars - lots of experimenting with the recipes, but all turned out well! Eventually it was time for Georgia's little ones to get to bed, so we headed back to Connie's for yet more cards.<br /><br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YshbkADbhDi7IMK2AgjsPvyWrkuTeza-Vmr9mnYPA_pIzqnB5gqPJMYNO2TykxQ2Cn08ZyYkgj_U8i85cjy6ppHurqAxoyFF5WAY1P7aB9lJoE0AiU4L0622OWt0R7rOMOSzNZeCWMUP/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YshbkADbhDi7IMK2AgjsPvyWrkuTeza-Vmr9mnYPA_pIzqnB5gqPJMYNO2TykxQ2Cn08ZyYkgj_U8i85cjy6ppHurqAxoyFF5WAY1P7aB9lJoE0AiU4L0622OWt0R7rOMOSzNZeCWMUP/s320/IMG_3693.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /> March 16<br />
Connie was busy for the day, so Rudy and I went to Flat Rock Park in Columbus. There were pretty decent trails, a few spots where following the trail was tricky, but overall a nice park and better mountain biking than I would have expected. In the afternoon, Connie and Mark hosted a fire with all the family over. We finally got to meet Tony's girlfriend, a Southern girl that treated us to scrumptious collards and black eyed peas - NBD for them! Everyone departed early enough that we got in a final game of cards!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />March 17<br />Happy St. Patricks Day! A bit more visiitng with Connie in the morning before we drove to Atlanta to visit Alicia (former Duluthian that I know through ultra-running) and her husband Divesh. We just had time for a little hike before Divesh was home from work and we sought out some corned beef and cabbage. We only stopped by one place with a two hour wait before we bailed on that plan and went to one of the local's known favorites, Lucky's, for burgers and Guinness. Just a bunch of visiting, then slightly earlier to bed - ahhhh!<br /><br />March 18<br />Overcast and a little rainy. We had a mellow morning before getting out for running and hiking along the Chattahoochee River. The afternoon was more chilling/visiting, and a little excursion by me and Alicia playing with running form drills. Dinner was pizza, followed by a bit of gaming - Sequence and 3-13.<br /><br />March 19<br />A big fun day that required an early wake up to head for Red Top State Park for some running, hiking, and orienteering practice for Alicia (the rest of enjoyed following her around in the woods!) Next was a couple of hours of indoor climbing. I mostly tooled around on the easy routes, Rudy mostly bouldered, and Alicia and Divesh did all the real climbing. Finally, we made it to a brunch buffet of Indian food - the reason for the early outings, and well worth it! After that, more hanging out, a little dinner of rice and dhal, and cards.<br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-24088174738807964072017-03-15T12:37:00.000-07:002017-03-15T12:37:11.197-07:00FloridaFebruary 28<br />Happy Birthday Rudy! An overcast, warm and muggy morning, gradually sunnier through the day. We spent a good amount of time at Pensacola's University of Western Florida trails, which were actually pretty nice! Rudy got in a solid 38 miles (probably closer to 40) of riding for his birthday - thoroughly enjoying himself. I tried another longish run, but shouldn't have been so greedy, it was a little too much for the right calf, which had a nasty tight spot for the second half of the run and a few days after. Biking was OK, so I got in a little ride too while Rudy was on his second 20-ish mile loop. We went out for dinner at Marina Oyster Barn - good food, but no birthday specials - sad! We were treated to a few verses of the Happy Birthday song from a little stuffed bear though. We got out of town somewhat late and just camped at another big rest area a little east of Pensacola, not too noisy - good for just spending the night.<br /><br />March 1<br />The start of another month! A few hours of driving brought us to Tallahassee, and Tom Brown Park - right in the city. A pretty nice sunny day in the 70s !!! but a bit breezy, not an issue on the wooded trails. Just a little biking for me, trails were a little confusing, but the few miles I got in were fun. I found a nice little spot for yoga while Rudy got in more of the trails. We didn't go too far to camp in Apalachicola National Forest. Dinner was grilled mushroom and swiss sandwiches. Entertainment was Trivial Pursuit - two wins for Rudy.<br /><br />March 2<br />Early morning storminess - was done raining by the time we woke up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaBCtAtkkCjPxygiI-eUnr9vFeMTDXk_n6pSAjbzrIHBa_0lqzMbgtU-Sl0yea2Jd7-kNF6jPDHWbDFCNkFPnW_AFnhxQv4L76V9uim29HlXrUuP3q-QjZzK_1y3hfcFMD99cRPBuSz8q/s1600/IMG_3640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaBCtAtkkCjPxygiI-eUnr9vFeMTDXk_n6pSAjbzrIHBa_0lqzMbgtU-Sl0yea2Jd7-kNF6jPDHWbDFCNkFPnW_AFnhxQv4L76V9uim29HlXrUuP3q-QjZzK_1y3hfcFMD99cRPBuSz8q/s200/IMG_3640.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">standard forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A little strolling around for me before the three hour drive to Ocala. We biked from Santos Trailhead, which had a nice little skills park and well maintained, fun trails too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDgFGdRSn_H5O6wLINtUVIsO7DzjllbkdeEA17ZuFndd_oYXqH1oC3971DkvyfzLdI8L7BHsfje3p0sOue-7F59MLffGZ6cUOSM1bFsxQl1pN3NrQIKBHLbJ_tr9bCJfEtFpgBpUI4wFR/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDgFGdRSn_H5O6wLINtUVIsO7DzjllbkdeEA17ZuFndd_oYXqH1oC3971DkvyfzLdI8L7BHsfje3p0sOue-7F59MLffGZ6cUOSM1bFsxQl1pN3NrQIKBHLbJ_tr9bCJfEtFpgBpUI4wFR/s320/IMG_3641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little different forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a couple hours of biking, I just escaped some afternoon rain, but Rudy got poured on! At least it was warm. We headed to Lake Panasoffkee for the night. Ate some pasta and played some Trivial Pursuit - two wins for Leslie.<br /><br />March 3<br />There were some issues with our camp permit (a lot of places have free camping, but you need a permit) so we needed to move to the day use area before 7am. We opted not to check out trails at the park (seemed pretty geared toward horses) and headed to Lakeland and Loyce Harpe Park. I hiked and Rudy biked the nice little network of trails. This area was more jungly looking - what would be expected in Florida.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFMxuoRvPi52lDVv5fZj3kDJCES9ZY5OiwD4RDEW3ghU7-50tnL-YceC5hOiKXfT6xUjXBZeWaPE1QGc_XsjRXUU85h6uOwqu4FP45pB7p7bj5PmnxBzYctPuU0d0znyYjiJbsJld2Ehy/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFMxuoRvPi52lDVv5fZj3kDJCES9ZY5OiwD4RDEW3ghU7-50tnL-YceC5hOiKXfT6xUjXBZeWaPE1QGc_XsjRXUU85h6uOwqu4FP45pB7p7bj5PmnxBzYctPuU0d0znyYjiJbsJld2Ehy/s320/IMG_3644.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a little gator there - I was too slow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMzzCWczs5ZRNb1_GMGHs7FsnJquoceNOYgpWdwBwDgkDbV1S4p_rRGBmPKwUmvs7cjZeSGE1z5ZDXfUDC5JONxFS6fMMQpjH8VvKvSEW0RBaP9fPR3icMqs1GbHoS4Nn8bd3csAiCdHG/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMzzCWczs5ZRNb1_GMGHs7FsnJquoceNOYgpWdwBwDgkDbV1S4p_rRGBmPKwUmvs7cjZeSGE1z5ZDXfUDC5JONxFS6fMMQpjH8VvKvSEW0RBaP9fPR3icMqs1GbHoS4Nn8bd3csAiCdHG/s320/IMG_3643.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I only saw one baby gator, but Rudy got onto more remote trails, closer to the water, and did see a couple bigger ones. We finally headed to Zolfo Springs, where my Grandparents spend winters, for nearly a week of visiting, Grandma's cooking, and lots of cards!<br /><br />March 4-8<br />Our time in Zolfo Springs included a lot of relaxing and games. A few highlights were visiting Solomon's Castle - highly recommended!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22lHR2ueV6IMUNErh5AO4zt-14c3BBItQfKC0uM1nn7P_ofINn2xJc2p6Muj65d4hyphenhyphen7kRATq9n-NkNS_YrtxXMgw3xo6nXSUimCvVn2XuPCxmvtCejruIeN4BZG2kwnyW88O__cjYXA9X/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22lHR2ueV6IMUNErh5AO4zt-14c3BBItQfKC0uM1nn7P_ofINn2xJc2p6Muj65d4hyphenhyphen7kRATq9n-NkNS_YrtxXMgw3xo6nXSUimCvVn2XuPCxmvtCejruIeN4BZG2kwnyW88O__cjYXA9X/s320/IMG_3648.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All re-purposed materials!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiquftjif93mo1LLHCbgdM_aG29Br9ThSaKAshHB6ZzTxa5PiVT1QkMkdmlb6a8NGDFZchmbcoLYNJd2zhUc6c7J-5ubKPYk_etz3h13_Ry3t0nZ8n_l4Q0i0x5cKLXVRXkTWuhOza18jq/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiquftjif93mo1LLHCbgdM_aG29Br9ThSaKAshHB6ZzTxa5PiVT1QkMkdmlb6a8NGDFZchmbcoLYNJd2zhUc6c7J-5ubKPYk_etz3h13_Ry3t0nZ8n_l4Q0i0x5cKLXVRXkTWuhOza18jq/s320/IMG_3650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of orange blossom aroma encountered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some regional specialties, like Mexican Bacon (pork jowls), tamales, and of course citrus fruits! And checking out nearby Pioneer Park - small, but interesting little trails, and other fun family things, like a zoo!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x8RIj4eAxrwtUIG-PbJTpEJ8fLzyk7mXsX4-sXBtUY8y0Znlw5Kf-_I0ZQiiQjndwjdYceb_CRm-zGo1qFlT0ZC9pWMCi2S1DsH2aKFQOatewgVS7BSmKTjsm4zp7YVTsPMi5B1GDWJa/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x8RIj4eAxrwtUIG-PbJTpEJ8fLzyk7mXsX4-sXBtUY8y0Znlw5Kf-_I0ZQiiQjndwjdYceb_CRm-zGo1qFlT0ZC9pWMCi2S1DsH2aKFQOatewgVS7BSmKTjsm4zp7YVTsPMi5B1GDWJa/s320/IMG_3653.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
There was pretty fantastic weather for March - a little muggy, but lots of 70s and sunshine.<br /><br />March 9<br />A little jog for me, some delightful scrambled eggs with local peppers, and a little more visiting before we departed Zolfo Springs and headed north. We stopped at Ocala Santos Trailhead again to enjoy more of the trails on a nicer day. There was a lot of setting up for a mountain bike festival over the weekend, so more people, but really not too crowded. We found a spot to camp in the nearby Ocala National Forest, ate some bean burritos, and played a game of cards (3/13) Leslie win. And we were tired!<br /><br />March 10<br />A took in a little stroll, back to more woodsy, and less jungly Florida, still feeling a little sluggish, and like there something flaring up allergies in my head!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH_ogTBq9YOLtVTBgKqxO2mA-W8CRP2nWrJzm7I5F721g3BzkeAPD9ZP_x3AInMo3i6mMXxFwX7aMOFZgT2BpYpcA5OWcUpdhcPQS9g8h2vB7Wics-Xbd9v8vkZok7guz8oD8rLfIhkCb/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH_ogTBq9YOLtVTBgKqxO2mA-W8CRP2nWrJzm7I5F721g3BzkeAPD9ZP_x3AInMo3i6mMXxFwX7aMOFZgT2BpYpcA5OWcUpdhcPQS9g8h2vB7Wics-Xbd9v8vkZok7guz8oD8rLfIhkCb/s320/IMG_3656.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not logged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8qFfR6W-rUbCYbQMHRkOS60ZJfFJg1M81viRjZeGfmWoyns34xOJQQdAXV-U7ESeFGpd-RGLtAr8WZiCsbY8_T9ppzKOVaYK1sDhvt0JGr-nfqXaoSJu6Y8oEC8Ol0NANqbpcX_MceHb/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8qFfR6W-rUbCYbQMHRkOS60ZJfFJg1M81viRjZeGfmWoyns34xOJQQdAXV-U7ESeFGpd-RGLtAr8WZiCsbY8_T9ppzKOVaYK1sDhvt0JGr-nfqXaoSJu6Y8oEC8Ol0NANqbpcX_MceHb/s320/IMG_3657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">logged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We continued on to Tallahassee, stopping in Apalachicola National Forest for the Munsen Hills trails. A run for me went better than expected, but still feel like I'm not up for more than ~10 miles yet. Rudy biked pretty much all the trails there. The area was recently burned and fairly flat, so not the most exciting trails, but still good to get out. We found a camp spot within the National Forest, not far from the trailhead, ate grilled cheese sandwiches, and watched Man on the Moon.<br /><br />March 11<br />The morning was cool and breezy, but clear and sunny. I enjoyed yet another short stroll before we checked out another trail system in Tallahassee at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. There was some sort of cross country equestrian event happening (the joys of Saturday!) so a lot of traffic getting into the park, but the biking trails were not too crowded at all. The trails were twisty and rooty, but not super technical, and pretty fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMAqa3-2ptvJ2XapiUPtfA9tJATmvurnmanddKa3QrZDArjXhu2r_WREc9V5Hw_yfzJfDHeX5gP4auKPATlf-6y5Rh4RccmRwfTRsx0zjYGEZEPOJMc6Q1BZ1vaH5YQ5eWuVT2eDmT4CH/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMAqa3-2ptvJ2XapiUPtfA9tJATmvurnmanddKa3QrZDArjXhu2r_WREc9V5Hw_yfzJfDHeX5gP4auKPATlf-6y5Rh4RccmRwfTRsx0zjYGEZEPOJMc6Q1BZ1vaH5YQ5eWuVT2eDmT4CH/s320/IMG_3658.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this new-to-me sign </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lots of poison ivy - luckily, a lot of the Florida parks we've been to have little showers to at least rinse off right away. Next, a few hours of driving in to Georgia, where I have more family near Columbus. Visiting, yummy chili and cornbread, hanging out, watching soccer and rugby, and a couple games of cards made for another chill evening with my lovely relatives!Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-79991774378924467592017-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:002017-03-05T08:57:41.780-08:00Gulf of Mexico<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUKSaHQwz8P_-xsxDm-0eauoOLd7LC70gZU3YOpF_lVs573Ho3fLCsC57hyyM-Q3E4_yW6pqFZDZWZ-Mst7kWjQ3PJIZydg1DzZ_9RHFo74dHEWkWU_9X7BalghAOBhDZHQEvzFoUxiQA/s1600/IMG_3598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUKSaHQwz8P_-xsxDm-0eauoOLd7LC70gZU3YOpF_lVs573Ho3fLCsC57hyyM-Q3E4_yW6pqFZDZWZ-Mst7kWjQ3PJIZydg1DzZ_9RHFo74dHEWkWU_9X7BalghAOBhDZHQEvzFoUxiQA/s200/IMG_3598.JPG" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four inch wide butterfly in Austin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
February 21<br /><br />
I got in a final Austin stroll while Rudy finished up the plumbing project at Joe's, then we headed south to the Gulf of Mexico. We made it to Freeport, TX just before dark and camped at Bryan Beach. A quick dinner of pasta, then a little Trivial Pursuit, with two wins for Leslie.<br /><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
February 22<br />Beach stroll! I went along Quintana Beach and found a nice little fishing pier complete with a portapotty!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h3Qo25F3UFnyRoBIBhyphenhypheneRfCQJH0kFafSwlVV4IZGw0VYcYv2FmNa1QrRIAXZtWyQnlLsw5Zl2HmBMs4Chirx49v0uFT6MqNlaLedOPUr0G_-0qBuFGaVCS6Yk_fKCIaN09QJEE-lxSeO/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h3Qo25F3UFnyRoBIBhyphenhypheneRfCQJH0kFafSwlVV4IZGw0VYcYv2FmNa1QrRIAXZtWyQnlLsw5Zl2HmBMs4Chirx49v0uFT6MqNlaLedOPUr0G_-0qBuFGaVCS6Yk_fKCIaN09QJEE-lxSeO/s320/IMG_3599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Gulf!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQooSg6INY46CcRhyphenhyphenWgQr8wTj1NGeXwqXcYTkVGY_PL6QqxjIM2kmvXCzm5ay12mSHsgab5rjvQJ4B9rzr7UTF1nv1x4BD8qYQDl9IzQSauV0fq9o4xCEzFfxs5YRRtPNdgagJUL_uP6sO/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQooSg6INY46CcRhyphenhyphenWgQr8wTj1NGeXwqXcYTkVGY_PL6QqxjIM2kmvXCzm5ay12mSHsgab5rjvQJ4B9rzr7UTF1nv1x4BD8qYQDl9IzQSauV0fq9o4xCEzFfxs5YRRtPNdgagJUL_uP6sO/s320/IMG_3601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of water and industry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We relocated there for a day of sunbathing, more beach strolling, and subsequent sun burning. Lovely, sunny, 70s, but the breeze picked up in the afternoon, actually felt a little cool! I got in a nice little run and Rudy a bike ride, and took the requisite dip in the ocean. Dinner of beans and rice, followed by cribbage, with three wins for Leslie.<br /><br />February 23<br />A little breezier morning, nice for me to bike and Rudy to run. Rudy swam after, but I was cool and salty enough already. We headed toward Galveston along the Bluewater Highway, with one little stop for the Kelly Hamburg Nature Trail - a cool spot showcasing the now rare Gulf sand dune landscape.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hajzLZ7xoixeIwPE0-nfwYiSp8LY3rm7i9Y24subSB0Vp7eWO0FWhv_MPQQD0-azH-PUtmx2b8avg_Qb1oJT4IFL6AbqwXO1UyryDri0-XAJr1AOfoXSNBaungO7UqAOQ4N9voH_HpjF/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hajzLZ7xoixeIwPE0-nfwYiSp8LY3rm7i9Y24subSB0Vp7eWO0FWhv_MPQQD0-azH-PUtmx2b8avg_Qb1oJT4IFL6AbqwXO1UyryDri0-XAJr1AOfoXSNBaungO7UqAOQ4N9voH_HpjF/s200/IMG_3610.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AYMyz_o8ZGIUlEC2xUkignMLBVSdSbQrDSe281KbBK89gZsPSRlzxGA-RClYZjlD_NSkOMzfk6npXARdR8_01VMPkb0gxEEEXH_XX-cIg2ziyQIMHfhyphenhyphenfVh_H-7ETDPoEDXK9qgjf-_A/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AYMyz_o8ZGIUlEC2xUkignMLBVSdSbQrDSe281KbBK89gZsPSRlzxGA-RClYZjlD_NSkOMzfk6npXARdR8_01VMPkb0gxEEEXH_XX-cIg2ziyQIMHfhyphenhyphenfVh_H-7ETDPoEDXK9qgjf-_A/s200/IMG_3607.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFgQ1mLshMnvBxVw9VGw9wChEAPr1aa6gD_wOAJZ4thyphenhyphen1BuziG0hfgRqSxoQ-ukZCnOVIH3bBXz05mcUHMIVt_wN-hLTRG9oDlEqXOB22P6OXVPKOpz_Tqk2em480erC11YtwUG6vlY6M/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFgQ1mLshMnvBxVw9VGw9wChEAPr1aa6gD_wOAJZ4thyphenhyphen1BuziG0hfgRqSxoQ-ukZCnOVIH3bBXz05mcUHMIVt_wN-hLTRG9oDlEqXOB22P6OXVPKOpz_Tqk2em480erC11YtwUG6vlY6M/s200/IMG_3608.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC-pTbx_uHsi8jgVC5Dm0YttE-OVtLHwsjhJcyTUUeOFjreu21i6caEbGZkd3g1XJL_H2g54nty5yGq7IXr3suHU1vKXgdIpneOH26nLMlRGe5SdCKJ3qd2SF5rsbFcLwJh5v4NoyL-AG/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC-pTbx_uHsi8jgVC5Dm0YttE-OVtLHwsjhJcyTUUeOFjreu21i6caEbGZkd3g1XJL_H2g54nty5yGq7IXr3suHU1vKXgdIpneOH26nLMlRGe5SdCKJ3qd2SF5rsbFcLwJh5v4NoyL-AG/s200/IMG_3604.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
There is actually a free ferry to get to Galveston Island, a fun little experience.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFX1IOpZcbJwS4k8D_LgzmVu4jEPYEUkma4IjO6EqWVb7OfQf1m2GR5WjWhIGhtE5KFwQ9tLUtdDt9vd1EWz3w0lF4aZckdHSPiwWUYihTlo8U4j0at102yBzyoCZZhw-3hsitae-IEXAz/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFX1IOpZcbJwS4k8D_LgzmVu4jEPYEUkma4IjO6EqWVb7OfQf1m2GR5WjWhIGhtE5KFwQ9tLUtdDt9vd1EWz3w0lF4aZckdHSPiwWUYihTlo8U4j0at102yBzyoCZZhw-3hsitae-IEXAz/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDUvNN_OqsfIN2x05awyjThIERaBLIJisI5Ml59inQbE-afkheNaEqCoZ9bQHxYmUTVmU0NYVpLxok086C-hi-tA9UP5b6uBykTfrc10MxqxlGIjHWZwizuD-V6RYkrInDycYq_S-M4Ad/s1600/IMG_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDUvNN_OqsfIN2x05awyjThIERaBLIJisI5Ml59inQbE-afkheNaEqCoZ9bQHxYmUTVmU0NYVpLxok086C-hi-tA9UP5b6uBykTfrc10MxqxlGIjHWZwizuD-V6RYkrInDycYq_S-M4Ad/s320/IMG_3613.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We continued on to Holly Beach near Cameron, Louisiana. We took a short sunset stroll, then made pearled sorghum with red sauce.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSTEUNBUv81J5I1O3_qYLRzM6uoFBkMfuXpwlq68mWpSIkXg6cSmZlQl_T1BZSK-dWr29mgxe1azDanC3srbb032cNOKavRZwjNMhVtRxJAa4WsO33IJVdEklZjagDdMwNpuWPm40QvU0/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSTEUNBUv81J5I1O3_qYLRzM6uoFBkMfuXpwlq68mWpSIkXg6cSmZlQl_T1BZSK-dWr29mgxe1azDanC3srbb032cNOKavRZwjNMhVtRxJAa4WsO33IJVdEklZjagDdMwNpuWPm40QvU0/s320/IMG_3614.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jellyfish?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-8bRA3VHoQ-NYG5zLy95MihdeORL1C9y_AkxkLzxcCmmffZZViJMMEg3xxk58myEKqqSaycYBV28dDuIWsiheKsDpx2k-EtiXgMCGZ_DdsJR2pASA8pn7__fQ9X9FRedbavLwdFiskS9/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-8bRA3VHoQ-NYG5zLy95MihdeORL1C9y_AkxkLzxcCmmffZZViJMMEg3xxk58myEKqqSaycYBV28dDuIWsiheKsDpx2k-EtiXgMCGZ_DdsJR2pASA8pn7__fQ9X9FRedbavLwdFiskS9/s320/IMG_3617.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of little conches to listen to</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Entertainment for the night was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.<br /><br />February 24<br />Cloudy, but still warm! I got in a short run and some good yoga. We spent most of the morning chilling on the beach as the weather became sunnier and windier. Eventually we continued east, stopping in Lake Charles at Steamboat Bills for crawfish boil. The four pounds of crawdads was definitely good, but we weren't blown away, especially since the tray only came a measly little spud and ear of corn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXipRthGU0KaVAbZtQXeO3Mz0u2ModzSFiUJBolydG6UX_6wk-lWXLNnY7R-zHs_EUg7MN6_MIhbEK8_6zu3TC31WRyuh1U49aMzqSLRJV7SU2uPX_ALZ_aFBDxBd8Cyz7-C3kXJCZFn6E/s1600/IMG_3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXipRthGU0KaVAbZtQXeO3Mz0u2ModzSFiUJBolydG6UX_6wk-lWXLNnY7R-zHs_EUg7MN6_MIhbEK8_6zu3TC31WRyuh1U49aMzqSLRJV7SU2uPX_ALZ_aFBDxBd8Cyz7-C3kXJCZFn6E/s320/IMG_3618.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun and tasty lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rudy got to drive in some horrid traffic around Lafayette and Baton Rouge, and we made it to Mississippi later than planned. The Welcome Center was actually pretty nice, larger and more spaced out than most rest stops, so the big truck traffic was a little more muffled. We just put together wraps/sandwiches for dinner and got in one game of Trivial Pursuit - Rudy win!<br /><br />February 25<br />A coolish morning. We did more checking out of the rest stop, then continued on our scenic drive along the Gulf.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmclh7JdFvJR80YU0MfIf_fAmXqYQFbhImvDhdnQXa02y__Ce2yihjOUlF6pnaXATYxpOnT0bsTRwJyDOMmM1_ZLhIXAlI9oTy6qf52T7-QiJFoK9G30UCbmvLTJisOmpULyObCaGTU3d/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmclh7JdFvJR80YU0MfIf_fAmXqYQFbhImvDhdnQXa02y__Ce2yihjOUlF6pnaXATYxpOnT0bsTRwJyDOMmM1_ZLhIXAlI9oTy6qf52T7-QiJFoK9G30UCbmvLTJisOmpULyObCaGTU3d/s320/IMG_3627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring blooms!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeWiVCLg2-WmpB1PrOHBkwe0jAJZA6g9ZagXrhRfFsfuzM3yiOcwSzjmtcn_MztNt221mTH3m8aXhNLGLCjgcV9A7vgzoiG9BMxvVlVVh58bvzE6QPMJ5uvIV-W1btWeWKUq3kFhBsujO/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeWiVCLg2-WmpB1PrOHBkwe0jAJZA6g9ZagXrhRfFsfuzM3yiOcwSzjmtcn_MztNt221mTH3m8aXhNLGLCjgcV9A7vgzoiG9BMxvVlVVh58bvzE6QPMJ5uvIV-W1btWeWKUq3kFhBsujO/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A moon landing 'trainer' used by Apollo 13 crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZ6hwcRiIifwlMSBLhZyhNz3h_OcmxqxpoI-o0eeqQFCChWzDZSMRhb9FvHaZ0xohK4AEdYyUdZz-tgtvaRsL-jWa_1UDWZi6zctEt54Up6fj4hEmoCkwl-reJi3tqUgG1OoSz844jijU/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZ6hwcRiIifwlMSBLhZyhNz3h_OcmxqxpoI-o0eeqQFCChWzDZSMRhb9FvHaZ0xohK4AEdYyUdZz-tgtvaRsL-jWa_1UDWZi6zctEt54Up6fj4hEmoCkwl-reJi3tqUgG1OoSz844jijU/s320/IMG_3623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Mississippi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There seemed to be more sandy, calm beaches than we saw in Texas and Lousiana.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HL5ZGdotuZxMq1O-mS-fC0Lyoj6BOEphBOw-vQsS3wO0LSxgGdXR-cD2xV4UcBwpm4J4DEVnBOnt78mmvxfLDap4yIRQvBk3ozQ4226E8tVvLbzl9RSKHWzXuLqNP9qMQFY6ZGHX9-FJ/s1600/IMG_3630.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HL5ZGdotuZxMq1O-mS-fC0Lyoj6BOEphBOw-vQsS3wO0LSxgGdXR-cD2xV4UcBwpm4J4DEVnBOnt78mmvxfLDap4yIRQvBk3ozQ4226E8tVvLbzl9RSKHWzXuLqNP9qMQFY6ZGHX9-FJ/s320/IMG_3630.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DMHvjzmusEqHWin5ZwjFHd-ZTvBOpUIAP8g3FTzKJ_p9YhTk3X7LbthIP0AySR5lFkwk3S9loacE7Ku625AUFk52aYsew64P81HSmbbLzDS-0gPqijTpVX70fcSGaBLHwMtXgOTZXiSG/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DMHvjzmusEqHWin5ZwjFHd-ZTvBOpUIAP8g3FTzKJ_p9YhTk3X7LbthIP0AySR5lFkwk3S9loacE7Ku625AUFk52aYsew64P81HSmbbLzDS-0gPqijTpVX70fcSGaBLHwMtXgOTZXiSG/s320/IMG_3629.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Our destination for the day was Desoto National Forest mountain bike trails out of Bethel trailhead, a bit north of Biloxi. We were pleasantly surprised to find plenty of nicely maintained, relatively easy trails that I enjoyed - Rudy liked them too, he worked on going really fast!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC9yw41TwvxbxdQAokjEU4D1ZXyHvRUYcM_zumCGsigNFSgyJd_g2Hs8JGI6xDF19eCOyPQaWpYQXZVScWLqANQqieFfPoqsT4dh-cOVcLaZasbh_Cs5UWRRRL61LX8qhTeH5Xr4gM5eY/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC9yw41TwvxbxdQAokjEU4D1ZXyHvRUYcM_zumCGsigNFSgyJd_g2Hs8JGI6xDF19eCOyPQaWpYQXZVScWLqANQqieFfPoqsT4dh-cOVcLaZasbh_Cs5UWRRRL61LX8qhTeH5Xr4gM5eY/s320/IMG_3632.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of the area had controlled burns the week before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5SpripXRX-ZhxrLI0w25J6kVSsFu3evqxIDGGozmpYmZrgOs2N9-XY1_dUW0XSo1An4BBw3VPGmxUTyv69QjHAsDLa1wC9PSLKMeh929UZ1KHvvU0HoSlMDVEsAGLA-CIGe8LV-sMNq4/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5SpripXRX-ZhxrLI0w25J6kVSsFu3evqxIDGGozmpYmZrgOs2N9-XY1_dUW0XSo1An4BBw3VPGmxUTyv69QjHAsDLa1wC9PSLKMeh929UZ1KHvvU0HoSlMDVEsAGLA-CIGe8LV-sMNq4/s320/IMG_3633.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly piney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were plenty of people out, but it wasn't crazy for a Saturday, and by late afternoon, the area was pretty quiet with just a few other campers around. We decided spending another day at Bethel would be a good idea. Dinner was shells and cheese, which led to the discover we left the ketchup at Joe's! We were still able to choke it down. Then cribbage - two wins for Rudy!<br /><br />February 26<br />40F! An extra relaxed morning as we waited for warmer temps to get out on the trails again. I got in a longer run of two hours - no big protests from the feet and legs. A couple good bike rides for Rudy during the day. Other than that, lots of hanging out in the sunshine and some good chatting with our camping neighbors - one group local and another family of Canadians. With no travel, it was easy to have black beans and rice soaking all day for dinner. I need to remember to do that more!!<br /><br />February 27<br />Warmer and muggy - supposed to be a stormy day. I got in a nice stroll and we had a little more chatting before heading further east. We stopped at Chickasabogue State Park, north of Mobile, AL for biking. The trails were twisty, rooty, and not too technical, but some nice challenges for me - some were hard to follow though. After the riding there was lots of chatting with the friendly park ranger - pretty quiet at the park with Mardi Gras happening in the nearby cities. We just escaped biking in the afternoon rain. More driving until we hit camp just north of Pensacola, FL at Cotton Lake as it got dark. Sauteed some sweet potatoes and mushrooms to go with the leftover beans and rice, got in some Trivial Pursuit - Leslie won 2/3, and tolerated some increasingly noisy neighbors until they departed just after midnight.<br /><br />Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-71880226623641905182017-02-25T16:16:00.001-08:002017-02-25T16:16:23.251-08:00AustinFebruary 15<br />
More hanging out with the family (when they weren't out doing life stuff) before heading to Austin. The terrain between Houston and Austin was actually pretty interesting - a little hilly, more trees. We had one stop a little over halfway at Weikel's in LaGrange for kolaches. We acquired poppy seed, cherry, and prune filled varieties, and also a lemon bar. They were good so far as pastries go, though not my favorite by far. We arrived at a friend's from Minnesota (in Austin 5+ years), Joe's, early evening, had lots of visiting, of course, and got in a relatively light, late dinner at Torchy's Tacos - no photos, but pretty awesome - you order per taco with fun ingredients and assemblies - I got Mr. Pink with Ahi Tuna, and The Independent with a bunch of veggies. After that, just hung out, being entertained by some late night talk shows.<br />
<br />
February 16<br />
Joe took a couple days off work to hang out with us - yay! It was a relatively cool morning, so we just hung out a bit before heading to the Greenbelt, right in Austin. Even on a Thursday, this was a pretty popular area - for good reason. There were fun trails to traverse and cool little Barton Creek with seasonal swimming pools.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8krG-PhjjXrEykjkCEStEZMoNDJW3IyZqEAxilJTeThft7naZ13Cn1JCWuuHnl1IaFu_w2Ctrwg4qaVK-vVbm9t1o1aOnyd9xYutGpxQdVLK5TrbY6oYCP8GwimCfhj2qAhKoE5or1Jal/s1600/IMG_3577.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8krG-PhjjXrEykjkCEStEZMoNDJW3IyZqEAxilJTeThft7naZ13Cn1JCWuuHnl1IaFu_w2Ctrwg4qaVK-vVbm9t1o1aOnyd9xYutGpxQdVLK5TrbY6oYCP8GwimCfhj2qAhKoE5or1Jal/s320/IMG_3577.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP-ebSn7tOyEhyphenhyphenfrJw5SgzJTd0Lfu0QJDctn0TEarh9MGj-eNREdAS-8WRidFzDQRtC4F6MHOtBYjit8e_PJasSxbyzXKS7x9UcJDXojvvGnrqXlHqI8hDjeimBOuLbyh9iN6hng18Tes/s1600/IMG_3574.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP-ebSn7tOyEhyphenhyphenfrJw5SgzJTd0Lfu0QJDctn0TEarh9MGj-eNREdAS-8WRidFzDQRtC4F6MHOtBYjit8e_PJasSxbyzXKS7x9UcJDXojvvGnrqXlHqI8hDjeimBOuLbyh9iN6hng18Tes/s320/IMG_3574.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Joe also treated us to Mount Bonnell - also a popular area with fantastic overlooks of the Colorado River (a different one).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAg5sB7W-udMZCbs2n2UYby5PuIJ0dymf1twwvVD14Wl3HDU-4Gh1GVSDRWme1xDu3cRcSfeltp5U5YzYrJDNFiCSxwKXCg2tEeh7r1K9cCy82GgVLBLwp6Z4WEi6L3HdcwpEOKzfjs32/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAg5sB7W-udMZCbs2n2UYby5PuIJ0dymf1twwvVD14Wl3HDU-4Gh1GVSDRWme1xDu3cRcSfeltp5U5YzYrJDNFiCSxwKXCg2tEeh7r1K9cCy82GgVLBLwp6Z4WEi6L3HdcwpEOKzfjs32/s320/IMG_3583.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We ate in, grilling sausages (Whole Foods has surprisingly good and reasonable sausages), and watched many episodes of The Simpsons.<br />
<br />
February 17<br />
For some reason, I was resistant to get out of bed (lots of good hiking I guess). We got out for another hike, this time on the Ladybird Lake Trail - really downtown Austin, pretty area and pretty populated.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tkVnsnacTkSchONN0vQaJXLsbN_nkO2f7003hdVyYER4Q6BImKN4X7CDDuF7L82vLbwdsWjs0M19rah-ZEbYLdoE5hMqD-0zvejf1BMG2afQ3XTJenuNnCaAkio_Trb1UEkBU5larUEl/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tkVnsnacTkSchONN0vQaJXLsbN_nkO2f7003hdVyYER4Q6BImKN4X7CDDuF7L82vLbwdsWjs0M19rah-ZEbYLdoE5hMqD-0zvejf1BMG2afQ3XTJenuNnCaAkio_Trb1UEkBU5larUEl/s320/IMG_3587.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5ODzN9lANIFIMGx1xIGCHRTP3hyphenhyphenZvgpQNNX5OY-IllxKmBbF8KZwJLSCuqtwY9wD9L3WIK6yO4VPIOW3jDWITd-r1B1pIlXcEv1NACZj6v4D7Fa1xI4Rb1RCVznyifL1OvtzBsBpJf6k/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5ODzN9lANIFIMGx1xIGCHRTP3hyphenhyphenZvgpQNNX5OY-IllxKmBbF8KZwJLSCuqtwY9wD9L3WIK6yO4VPIOW3jDWITd-r1B1pIlXcEv1NACZj6v4D7Fa1xI4Rb1RCVznyifL1OvtzBsBpJf6k/s320/IMG_3588.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Joe has a convertible and we enjoyed the nice weather with the top down! Big food highlight of the week was our early (before Friday night craziness) dinner at The Salt Lick - legendary barbecue.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ4Zny3tBATgq_xpkD5WwJ0RIQyNPWic1i2JwO_jG0gaw11F5hMjbMQvSzJjSEqejyOvQhopY1pLlwU2fE5AE98cfiIWY5l-w90Zr6Z3G5C9YdIhKZe7RypeXSNVWIVoJndRhkZxyfN5M/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ4Zny3tBATgq_xpkD5WwJ0RIQyNPWic1i2JwO_jG0gaw11F5hMjbMQvSzJjSEqejyOvQhopY1pLlwU2fE5AE98cfiIWY5l-w90Zr6Z3G5C9YdIhKZe7RypeXSNVWIVoJndRhkZxyfN5M/s320/IMG_3590.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neglected to get a good picture of the meals - excessive leftovers from 'Family Style' dinners and a turkey sandwich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We still managed to consume pecan pie and blackberry and peach cobblers. The rest of the day was food coma.<br />
<br />
February 18<br />
I got in my first run since Rocky Raccoon after two weeks off! A little stiff and achy to start, but felt AOK for quite a while - the last ten minutes (after I hit an hour) was a little tougher, but happy for a mostly good jog - even on some trails at Slaughter Creek Preserve. We ended up with a super nice day - 80s!!! Despite it being Saturday and our aversion to crowds, we took another drive in the convertible to the Greenbelt to hike and hang out in the creek.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_6qBcc2L7yiCh7Y4gnHr2yY7wrzvH4OTj0qsHTBqu6kWbPI7WZsKpPc_yFORUf3WIHBcpE9fAlK9VLRAM6Kr26LJVdcLCsB9BoWZ2M5CXYvHdvEbKNoxXBDEPrs4IY1-Z77ZbCQc0q70/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_6qBcc2L7yiCh7Y4gnHr2yY7wrzvH4OTj0qsHTBqu6kWbPI7WZsKpPc_yFORUf3WIHBcpE9fAlK9VLRAM6Kr26LJVdcLCsB9BoWZ2M5CXYvHdvEbKNoxXBDEPrs4IY1-Z77ZbCQc0q70/s320/IMG_3591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't sneak a picture of Rudy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA6xOVBoEAr_lr-IPg7k-2R9uXCBWRXhMxv09GyVh8zKHU4nGPCFzVhXZGCCxZ1kaqavS6rCx5Zp84Tel59GRwHyyYEoLpu20PNxzjWa_9Bn0xQCRFzlzmCvlRTAGlGbBAY5RwCaJ6b56/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA6xOVBoEAr_lr-IPg7k-2R9uXCBWRXhMxv09GyVh8zKHU4nGPCFzVhXZGCCxZ1kaqavS6rCx5Zp84Tel59GRwHyyYEoLpu20PNxzjWa_9Bn0xQCRFzlzmCvlRTAGlGbBAY5RwCaJ6b56/s320/IMG_3592.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
With sundown and cooling temps, we headed back to Joes, Rudy made some burrito fillings, and we worked on leftovers for dinner. Entertainment was a few HBO stand up comic acts.<br />
<br />
February 19<br />
Joe had some work to do for a few hours, so Rudy and I occupied ourselves with a bike ride at Mary Moore Searight Park. Not a ton of trails, a few dead ends and obviously less traveled tracks, but still great to get out!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp1vzFx-8dAAAAovLKYaTrqnOh8DQOxbU8w6Ox7YuZ_dAs4QOa3zlVy64mF3wrtiefYvMayyQ3Szrh-MGBUH87xGqTsUEdysIjfnBF0b_Y3LIyIZ5JATQXbs0sfxfRFdwr9lRcIEht_9U/s1600/IMG_3593.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp1vzFx-8dAAAAovLKYaTrqnOh8DQOxbU8w6Ox7YuZ_dAs4QOa3zlVy64mF3wrtiefYvMayyQ3Szrh-MGBUH87xGqTsUEdysIjfnBF0b_Y3LIyIZ5JATQXbs0sfxfRFdwr9lRcIEht_9U/s320/IMG_3593.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I think it had been three weeks since I had been on the bike! Despite rain in the forecast, we had another nice day with lots of hanging outside. We went out for some classic Austin Tex Mex at Chuy's, pretty delightful.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMmuofN3ar-Th-59rGL5Suu2XqwWLORhx6zIq87p9YplBIltCTY-2vt-l2JGixbh_WmWtEcCUr6s1eE2eSkCn2hYFx-Mv7q9agKqSIy87rZ9RUrqxgUl7pf49MRVxWBBKjI0tQhozsy4U/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMmuofN3ar-Th-59rGL5Suu2XqwWLORhx6zIq87p9YplBIltCTY-2vt-l2JGixbh_WmWtEcCUr6s1eE2eSkCn2hYFx-Mv7q9agKqSIy87rZ9RUrqxgUl7pf49MRVxWBBKjI0tQhozsy4U/s320/IMG_3594.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM - veggie enchilada in a blue corn tortilla, and shrimpy chile relleno</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Just more hanging out after that.<br />
<br />
February 20<br />
Some good storms happened overnight made for a cool, muggy, rainy morning. Sadly, back to work for Joe. Rudy and I went back to the Preserve for some trail running - a little soggy, but manageable. Other than that, shopping, hanging out, and baking of a flourless chocolate cake. Later in the day, Rudy and Joe dove into a little plumbing project. Just cleaned up leftovers for dinner.Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-57941240505172076632017-02-20T14:24:00.001-08:002017-02-20T14:24:52.103-08:00HoustonA pretty chill week hanging out with family in Rosenberg, TX, just outside of Houston (Feb 8-15). Highlights included another cheesecake, lots of TV, Valentines Day tornado warning (no damage for us!), and Rudy being awesome about playing with his niece and nephew (foam light sabers!) and getting some quality time in with his oldest brother, while I laid around 'recovering'. I did get lots of good strolls in :) We went out for a couple meals, but were mostly treated to the sister-in-law's good cooking.Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-69204651506028573572017-02-15T09:40:00.000-08:002017-02-15T09:40:50.561-08:00Rocky Raccoon 100-mile Run
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being halfway
through our one-year vacation living in a van, without a schedule, I
wanted to get my 2018 Western States qualifier out of the way without
a lot of fuss. I selected Rocky Raccoon 100-mile since we would be
visiting Texas anyhow, and figured I still had time to get in
adequate training after signing up early December. The race consists
of five 20-mile loops – about half is out and backs and there is a seven mile loop within there, with ~5,500’ of climbing for the full 100
miles. The course is known to be ‘runnable’ with the main
challenge being rootiness and bigger hills within the 7 mile loop. I
planned to run as much as possible and see what happened, figuring if
I had to walk a lot at the end, so be it, the main goal was to
finish.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Race Day was
Saturday, February 4. I woke at 4:00 for the 6:00 start and had my
standard pre-race breakfast of coffee, banana, and oats with chia,
peanut butter, and honey. We had a short drive to Hunstville State
Park, arriving just before 5, not too crowded yet. It was just cool
enough to hang out in the van and bundle up a little for venturing
out to make a final trip to the bathroom and deliver a drop bag to
the start/finish area. The weather was supposed to stay cloudy, about
45F at the start, getting into the low 60s – I opted to start with
long sleeves and gloves. We found Michael and got a quick picture
about 10 minutes before the start, then moved up until probably 100
of the 400 starters were in front of us. We had a mellow start at a
comfortable pace on wider trail
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbV0yejLgmPBvv_GKJJFNg07bklxWuPbGIS7fUGezHWheODsHzyvrLZ87v_2q57yHYg5pCNxWbLMBeVpP786FgObxReC6UNB0_0_nZ8nfbzbv3H3lkdZd8ONADhVZH_F4_6tLiu36klA6/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbV0yejLgmPBvv_GKJJFNg07bklxWuPbGIS7fUGezHWheODsHzyvrLZ87v_2q57yHYg5pCNxWbLMBeVpP786FgObxReC6UNB0_0_nZ8nfbzbv3H3lkdZd8ONADhVZH_F4_6tLiu36klA6/s320/IMG_3573.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael and I excited to get started</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Loop 1</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I spent the first
five miles running and visiting with Michael. The trail was already
rooty, but gently rolling and it felt like a good pace with 11-12
minutes/mile. This was a little speedier than Michael intended to
start and I kind of took off as daylight came on (he ended up winning his age group with a time under 24 hours!) I noted that the
trail was more interesting than expected with little ups and downs
and roots. Not terrible, but certainly not isolated to the seven mile
mini-loop in the middle of the big loops that I’d heard about. With
daylight, I hit the Dam road – a mostly packed gravel road that the
course follows for a little less than two miles until the ‘Damnation’
aid station, then the seven mile loop, another stop at the Damnation
aid station, then ~2.5 miles on the way back towards the start/finish
– where runners get to see the people 7-8 miles ahead of and behind
them. No stopping for me at the first two aid stations (the first had
been ~3 miles in).</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the Dam loop, I
ran with John from Nebraska, and occasionally other little groups. We
chatted a lot about my trip and a little about group and club running
(he is involved with ‘GOATZ’, a well known club in Omaha). Since
I’m normally terrible about being distracted and kicking trail
obstacles, I exaggerated high stepping the roots, which was fun, and
I didn’t trip like seemingly everyone else was, but maybe too much
of something I wasn’t use to doing for miles...After the loop, I
left John at the aid station and kept moving. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPQuB18IIQoMdDrCEeNKQ_o2g97kp1gG3RHxwcFDSueBx3eHtSJEBJV_1xcE4XH16fpAjLPmubMKNhUMqjlJGEnn1FlT4q_5Y-qlEplReebuWHjgHtH2mM1XstG8TqvF_CsgIRL9VWKyV/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPQuB18IIQoMdDrCEeNKQ_o2g97kp1gG3RHxwcFDSueBx3eHtSJEBJV_1xcE4XH16fpAjLPmubMKNhUMqjlJGEnn1FlT4q_5Y-qlEplReebuWHjgHtH2mM1XstG8TqvF_CsgIRL9VWKyV/s320/IMG_3572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing the first Dam Loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
To ‘manage’ my
effort, I focused on comfortably breathing through my nose instead of
paying attention to what my legs were saying. I was already feeling
in my arches, calves, and knees little niggles that came and went, as
usual for me during long runs, but the top of my right IT band was
unexpectedly threatening to be a problem – something I haven’t
had issues with in years!
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I downed my first
gel (lemonade Gu) on the road ~mile 13/2:20 in, and took advantage of
a portapotty at mile 15, not stopping at the aid station about half a
mile after. The last couple miles in and out of the start/finish are
out and back, a great stretch to see and cheer on so many people. I
ate a fig bar ~mile 18/3:10, thinking a snack every five miles would
be a good target for the current pace. At the aid station, I just
gave Rudy my spent gel packet, and headed back out, having covered
the first loop in 3:32.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Loop 2</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I enjoyed seeing the
first few miles in the daylight – lots of green and swampy scenery.
I ate the other fig bar of the twin pack somewhere around mile 23.
Still didn’t stop at the first two aid stations of this loop. I
ended up running a lot of the Dam loop with a 100-mile first timer –
a little quieter than John but still some good company before he
pulled ahead – I found out later he is Travis from Montana. A pack
of Gu chomps around mile 28, then my first aid station stop at Dam
Road approximately mile 32. I picked up a Bearded Brothers bar (mango
coconut) and a V-Fuel gel (citrus) for later. I liked both, but
struggled with both wrappers! The bar I spaced out during miles
33-35. Towards the end of the loop, I still felt decent, but a little
fatigue coming on, and sore spots were mostly coming and going, but
the IT was being persistent, so I decided I would back off and walk
up hills for the third loop. I had the gel around mile 38. I was
surprised to see I was just under 7 hours at 40 miles – second
loop in 3:26! I hit up the portapotty while Rudy refilled my water
and opened up a packet of Bearded Brothers bar (chocolate something).
I ate a few orange slices and grabbed another V-Fuel (vanilla) before
heading back out.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPM1bqWM9-qzxVKHsWVSIy9iW0Wh2Urp6z3KQuaA8nFqqke6KkzIIiABTvvAyuSzkhK0N75zb9h08V2I_zLZQLUQb7cW2IJRW2cv8K4weUv06G9xgEfkfgoVFnA4VYCqsBO7dvmrITHXA/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPM1bqWM9-qzxVKHsWVSIy9iW0Wh2Urp6z3KQuaA8nFqqke6KkzIIiABTvvAyuSzkhK0N75zb9h08V2I_zLZQLUQb7cW2IJRW2cv8K4weUv06G9xgEfkfgoVFnA4VYCqsBO7dvmrITHXA/s320/IMG_3571.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still feeling foolishly good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Loop 3</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
With the out and
back I was able to see Michael, John, and Travis again. The runners
were more spread out, and I was spending more time alone. I ran with
‘Andy’ for a mile or so. He was concerned he was going the wrong
way, but we soon hit the Dam road and verified all was right. I
jogged up hills on the road, but even the shorter hills on the trail
I walked, and was trying to run gently on the flats and downs. I
consumed the bar around mile 45 and gel around mile 50. I got to see
Michael and Amanda starting the dam loop as I finished it – they
were looking great! After the mini loop I picked up a blueberry
vanilla Bearded Brother bar (opened by Rudy) and another citrus
V-Fuel, along with the headlamp out of my drop bag. With walking
the ups I really noticed how much downhill is in the final 7.5 miles
back to the start/finish, I think I only had two walking breaks and
took 90 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised by cheers from someone
that got to chat with Rudy while crewing for her boyfriend, who she
was now pacing. I was still feeling good and optimistic I could
maintain this pace of walking ups, and comfortably running everything
else. A quick pause at the start/finish, I think I looked at the aid
station food but didn’t get anything, maybe picked up another
V-Fuel – I was antsy to get as far as possible before dark. Happy
to have a loop of 4:15, even with the walking.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Loop 4</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hit the first aid
station at just over 100k in just under 12 hours – best 100k time
for me! I had Rudy take the headlamp out of my pack and stow my
gloves, which I had been carrying for a couple hours, and told him
I’d like a caffeinated gel at the next aid station before
continuing on. I was starting to feel the long day and shuffling back
up to a jog was getting a little harder with each stop. I probably
ate something around mile 65, I don’t remember what, maybe a final
chunk of bar, which was now too dry for what my mouth wanted to deal
with. I barely made it to the Dam Road before dark, so happily it was
fully dark before I really needed the headlamp. At the start of the
Dam loop I ate some mashed potatoes at the aid station, got a vanilla
Gu from Rudy, and went on my way. I went through a big slow down
during the mini loop, the IT band was getting pretty tight, my right
arch disconcertingly sore, and I was struggling to jog even the
downhills. I got down the Gu somewhere in there. Also a quick pit
stop – hydration still OK despite a dry mouth! I was rapidly
feeling defeated though.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rudy refilled my
water while I had broth when I finally returned to the aid station. I
shuffled back out and made a few attempts at jogging on the road, but
that just felt dumb, and I resolved to walk the rest of the loop,
looking forward to having Rudy’s company and energy for the final
loop, and maybe some recovery would happen so I could resume
intermittent jogging. I was content with having to walk the rest of
the race, but still hopeful I could rebound. I was cooling off enough
that I dug the gloves back out instead of waiting for help at the
next aid station. I managed to get down a caramel macchiato Gu and a
couple of pieces of candy. I seemed to fall into a vicious cycle
of the right hip tightening and my pace slowing – was the slowing
causing more tightening? I didn’t know what to do and was maybe a
little unreasonably distressed. I just kept moving, but the decline
continued. I wasn’t able to lift my right leg the final two miles
of the loop, literally picking up my leg with my hands and lifting it
up every tiny root, and gasping down any little step. I tried to
appreciate that I could be out here at all, tuned into the croaking
frogs in February, and hooting owls, and whatever swamp creatures may
be out in the dark. But the self-pity kept creeping back in. My knees and
feet were pretty sore too, but I thought I could keep walking and
tolerate those pains, but this inching along, unable to pick up my
foot, was not something I could do another 20 miles. I realized I was
going to drop out and started little bouts of blubbering, trying to
quiet myself for all the passing runners I was now so envious of. One
older guy slowed to talk a few minutes and became offended at my
giving up – he made me promise to check in at the medical tent and
see what they could do, I had plenty of time to complete the last
loop. My mind was pretty set though – I’ve had plenty of crash
and burn during ultras and still finished, but this was barely moving
and was getting worse by the minute. I eventually hobbled in to the
start/finish, having taken 6:15 for the loop, a total of 17:30 for 80
miles. This was still just fine, but I was seriously inching, and
shivering hard despite the temperature in the mid 50s. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was able to tell
Rudy I thought I was done and had to check in with the medical
volunteers without breaking down in tears. We hobbled to the tent and
after asking about hydration, nutrition, nausea, cramping, and if
this was my A-race, the volunteers didn’t offer anything to get me
back on the trail beside resting for a while, warming up, and taking
in some food. So I was fed mashed potatoes, ramen, and banana chunks
and spent over an hour under blankets and heaters with dry clothes
before the shivering (almost excruciating with my sore hips and
torso) subsided, and obviously nothing loosened up. Another bummer as
newbie Travis came in having sprained his ankle and being forced to
drop at mile 67 despite everything else going so well. Over two hours
after finishing the fourth loop, I officially threw in the towel and
limped to the van to shower and get some sleep.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nutrition Summary:</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<150 ounces water</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
~1800 calories</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 Gu gels</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 pack Gu chomps</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 V-Fuel gels (maybe
4)</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 Bearded Brothers
bars</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 fig bars</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 pieces hard candy</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 ginger chew </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
few orange slices</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
~1 cup mashed
potatoes</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
~1 cup broth</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some positives:</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No cramping</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stomach pretty good</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Energy OK</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fun</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What went wrong???
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My right arch, knee,
and hip especially did not hold up and I lost the ability to walk.
I’ll have to talk to more veterans, there are just so many
possibilities, a few I’ve thought of:</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Too fast to start?
I’m pretty sure that was a big contributor – the pace was
relatively comfortable, but I didn’t respect the distance or the
course and ran hills that maybe should have been walked.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not enough running
miles? Longest run since Wasatch was 26 miles/5 hours – likely a
significant factor. Also, I avoided technical trail due to the
relatively runnable course, but I think the excessive root-hopping
early in the race was detrimental.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lack of supplemental
training – weak/tight hips? A pretty common issue for runners, and
root of many injuries – definitely would not hurt me to spend more
time on stretching and strengthening. I </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
also have depended on regular
massages the past few years and have not had one during the trip...</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Inappropriate shoes?
I wore lighter zero drop shoes (Altra Superior 2.0), and have been good with this style
for several years, but maybe a need for more support has caught up to
me? Particularly for the arch pain.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Too soon after
Wasatch (five months)? Maybe, but I’m not convinced that was much
of an issue.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Too much walking –
did slowing down create tightening? I’m dubious, but maybe?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Should I have tried
ibuprofen? I think my problem was more tightness than
inflammation/pain, but maybe it would have helped me finish? Although
I don’t actually regret not taking it, I was more damaged than I
wanted to be anyhow, I do believe if I went another 20 miles serious
injury would have occurred.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For next time:</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
More consistent
running, more miles – and get in some training events! At least one
50-mile should happen</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cross Training –
I’ve been biking more, but surprisingly, I’ve slacked off on yoga
and strength training
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Shoes – I’m
pretty sure I’ll buckle down and try out some more supportive shoes
when running starts up again</div>
Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-71897628356134220432017-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:002018-01-16T10:30:32.858-08:00Into TexasJanuary 30<br />
A little putzy with packing up and getting going in the morning, but eventually made our way south and east and down from Albuquerque to warmer weather! A day of driving brought us to Littlefield, TX where we parked at Wayne Jennings RV Park - fairly late with the change to Central Time. Just did some leftovers and then to sleep.<br />
<br />
January 31<br />
Sunny and 70, but also windy. We got in a little driving before stopping at Mae Simmons Park by Canyon Lake in Lubbock for some biking. The area is pretty flat and open - not spectacular riding, but relatively enjoyable and well maintained trails with lots of entertaining prairie dogs. After the midday fun we continued driving, with scenery that included rolling hills, antelope, cotton, and oil derricks. We ended up at Lake Fort Phantom Hill to spend the night, ate some shells and white cheddar (a little more bland than the previous case of sharp cheddar), and got in a round of Trivial Pursuit - Leslie win.<br />
<br />
February 1<br />
I strolled around a little by the lake, trying to check out some birds. I was able to identify Texas Bewicks wrens, coots, and cardinals.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMqUPrJULJ8b261D8I2p9ZtCNX2v6znf0fSTMBk6j6zdq9ObAJA-jHn4h50OBuzyIv-AHydFiJT5-flr89IwtmBkV9qZos0S2BgSETRD3ZSD8nvdPOt5zRDnqV-4tx07bKeOPBd4dqVB2/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMqUPrJULJ8b261D8I2p9ZtCNX2v6znf0fSTMBk6j6zdq9ObAJA-jHn4h50OBuzyIv-AHydFiJT5-flr89IwtmBkV9qZos0S2BgSETRD3ZSD8nvdPOt5zRDnqV-4tx07bKeOPBd4dqVB2/s320/IMG_3552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coots out there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMu1uigQVVeRDZyFPGeJaIZA4_Tb8urjAWqfSbUbS80uJuDy69ASYpyuelbjm_59pXHFK0I9pLsigwG0u6WwR3ttJY8q7Ugl7W6CbQBcVPufolOw0GehA7V5RdBIQozglFnC-j-wN7f-d/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMu1uigQVVeRDZyFPGeJaIZA4_Tb8urjAWqfSbUbS80uJuDy69ASYpyuelbjm_59pXHFK0I9pLsigwG0u6WwR3ttJY8q7Ugl7W6CbQBcVPufolOw0GehA7V5RdBIQozglFnC-j-wN7f-d/s320/IMG_3553.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw a little cactus by the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Continuing on down the road, we stopped in Waco at Cameron Park for biking and hiking along the Bosque River. This was a prettier area than I expected. I didn't cover many of the trails with my little hour on foot, but enjoyed some limestone cliffs, and woodsy surroundings - and the beautiful sunny weather.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzfUWxzuGeFc_IxeC3US541MqdpOCBUen3rhXpFjI1Pah5zrscSkqGi8zCr2doyntCo06HQ4_JjZO85D32d0g-tx4LSo2rbfneLL2UFdHPKfwnDtmMH5jKL6obMqotgBeOkmMQB_7TBjq/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzfUWxzuGeFc_IxeC3US541MqdpOCBUen3rhXpFjI1Pah5zrscSkqGi8zCr2doyntCo06HQ4_JjZO85D32d0g-tx4LSo2rbfneLL2UFdHPKfwnDtmMH5jKL6obMqotgBeOkmMQB_7TBjq/s320/IMG_3556.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamboo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu9jZYOu089avcbOEzy5Oo0pZxRG8tF3UpzO2uPSUYCnwezeJp5E5UfYT6Mf1sS4x6Zv34U-jk2Pu06M1S2KHbjsBMeTfF3O1xdFQy_MlFn21nc-dBwuYA0CCulHuIU1ZMZueMiLdxiNM/s1600/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu9jZYOu089avcbOEzy5Oo0pZxRG8tF3UpzO2uPSUYCnwezeJp5E5UfYT6Mf1sS4x6Zv34U-jk2Pu06M1S2KHbjsBMeTfF3O1xdFQy_MlFn21nc-dBwuYA0CCulHuIU1ZMZueMiLdxiNM/s320/IMG_3561.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much fun for me today - nice trail signs though</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4QMWjaNpjs4fJwPSDRJ8fs_DsO__nf2Tp2MN-cm9EVZn6AgoejgtCSbq4WFdvLJ_W12_iViThZkjCRXdIhkdvXiolUTJbUYtee5qJE57V_6ssdddVIi10GOhAa8F5Z9fkedVKF2Fv0dl/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4QMWjaNpjs4fJwPSDRJ8fs_DsO__nf2Tp2MN-cm9EVZn6AgoejgtCSbq4WFdvLJ_W12_iViThZkjCRXdIhkdvXiolUTJbUYtee5qJE57V_6ssdddVIi10GOhAa8F5Z9fkedVKF2Fv0dl/s320/IMG_3555.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good re-purposing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu0ZF2MKrJqMyKbEcFidOmR3XoVWJTND64XkjNDDXZMUFTxkhmvStwZqbaVoXT0ELXb5b4kQT0Qnrlhyphenhyphen71si3HDyXoyqejtOU54bydFdn4BuQSViwnl0In8U3JMv-wjd52Qh29O010yLD/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu0ZF2MKrJqMyKbEcFidOmR3XoVWJTND64XkjNDDXZMUFTxkhmvStwZqbaVoXT0ELXb5b4kQT0Qnrlhyphenhyphen71si3HDyXoyqejtOU54bydFdn4BuQSViwnl0In8U3JMv-wjd52Qh29O010yLD/s320/IMG_3560.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Mid afternoon we were back on the road to complete the trip to Huntsville. We found a place to overnight in Sam Houston National Forest south of town at an equestrian parking area/trailhead. Burritos for dinner and Trivial Pursuit for fun - Leslie win.<br />
<br />
February 2<br />
Groundhogs Day! Don't know if the shadow was seen or not. A little change in weather with overcast skies, cooler temps, and a bit of humidity. The big activity for the day was touring town a bit, with a little shopping, van work, and getting a new propane tank - only the second purchased on the trip - the first one lasted something like five months! Headed back to the forest, stopping by the ranger station, where we received recommendations for another camping area at Stubblefield Lake, so we headed there - pretty quiet, but still only Thursday.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAoCdiDf8Zj016_cBdYkA1c5k2aevDJr3t23amoMz_q44-ppuiyKyEP6ajHE05iFfF6jJ1rpRgf1jNOd7qdHid2oIuGVNIVLOGebVsO3Y-S0BlWnzoSWBfKAXncKQMldOb3iSB8GVMrvB/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAoCdiDf8Zj016_cBdYkA1c5k2aevDJr3t23amoMz_q44-ppuiyKyEP6ajHE05iFfF6jJ1rpRgf1jNOd7qdHid2oIuGVNIVLOGebVsO3Y-S0BlWnzoSWBfKAXncKQMldOb3iSB8GVMrvB/s320/IMG_3562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MwP7wMoMxWcwGlnbLZ6qY35A_VP6gG9b0oiNv8mWg3pTUv6rhWA0uZ-iExpaEmqBY6cKt3uPGFe33ViLDeIkdJggKtZp3vxVbkZ83OHyslbRAr7OPZJB-T39eD5AGbys0ykpQqnEQlA1/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MwP7wMoMxWcwGlnbLZ6qY35A_VP6gG9b0oiNv8mWg3pTUv6rhWA0uZ-iExpaEmqBY6cKt3uPGFe33ViLDeIkdJggKtZp3vxVbkZ83OHyslbRAr7OPZJB-T39eD5AGbys0ykpQqnEQlA1/s320/IMG_3563.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The rest of the day was a lot of hanging around, Rudy even put the hammock out. It was pretty nice hearing what I consider 'summery' birds and insect sounds in February. Eventually we ate some rice and lentils, then took in Apollo 13.<br />
<br />
February 3<br />
Cooler and cloudy again. Nothing too exciting for the morning, just put my drop bags together, feeling concerned about my lack of nervousness for this race. For the afternoon, we just had packet pick up and the pre-race briefing. We were able to find fellow Duluthian Michael there along with his wife, Carol, and family friend, Amanda. After that, headed back to the equestrian area (saving ~1/2 hour of driving over Stubblefield) and had some early pasta, a little Trivial Pursuit (Leslie win), then early to bed.<br />
<br />
February 4<br />
Rocky Raccoon 100-mile - race report http://nohurrynoworries.blogspot.com/2017/02/rocky-raccoon-100-mile-run.html<br />
<br />
<br />
Summary: it didn't go well<br />
<br />
February 5<br />
Slow moving, but not crippled, for me in the morning. My right foot, knee, and hip were pretty inflamed, and everything else (including my ego) just a little sore.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTY_IkYn7_wtyzyY0LhdMHOUAMDd1vWrQw9Fz3jpqyX0zBc6g8gBelrdKhyphenhyphen5XVEthW6rYeT1dTBC4TN60boarmhZlTIkbFp3wowMqDpM8B_E3xpetSBBBaJmL2oQSNrkm70jGQG71yiOb/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTY_IkYn7_wtyzyY0LhdMHOUAMDd1vWrQw9Fz3jpqyX0zBc6g8gBelrdKhyphenhyphen5XVEthW6rYeT1dTBC4TN60boarmhZlTIkbFp3wowMqDpM8B_E3xpetSBBBaJmL2oQSNrkm70jGQG71yiOb/s200/IMG_3566.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot and angry foot and knee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had to head back to the race area for my drop bag, then returned to the equestrian area for a lot of laying around. Little rain showers throughout the day made that a little easier. We watched Apollo 18 - I didn't finish it, the jumpiness was too much for my legs. I did manage to get in all of Ace Ventura Pet Detective though! Dinner was shells and cheese with a little ham mixed in, along with a big can of collard greens. We got in a game of Trivial Pursuit - Rudy win (I must really be tired - ha!), then early to bed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
February 6<br />
Ten hours of mostly sound sleep! I was moving slightly better. Less than an hour of driving and we were able to visit Rudy's hometown friends Mike and Linda at an RV Park on Conroe Lake. Some good catching up before we headed into Willis and Los Pericos for late tex-mex lunch - Rudy had the most interesting meal of an avocado stuffed with cheese and shrimp and deep fried, he had to save half for later. After that, just tons more visiting, including a trip to see their grand kids where Rudy helped out with some bike repairs. Was pretty surprised we were are able to stay up until midnight!<br />
<br />
February 7<br />
I got to enjoy some Keurig coffee until everyone was awake and Linda made some fantastic pancakes and cottage bacon (from Grand Rapids!). No major outings for the day - a few short strolls for me certainly helped me think I was feeling better. Rudy helped with getting the RV awning out. Dinner was burgers (Grand Rapids beef!) and fried potatoes. One of the grand kids stopped by and Rudy got to show off his bike to a rapt audience. Other than that - more visiting! These guys need to see each other more than every five years. We did manage slightly earlier for bedtime at least.Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-68423116286975840542017-01-30T10:04:00.001-08:002017-01-30T10:04:25.962-08:00AlbuquerqueJanuary 26<br />A cold morning, but the sun came up just a little after 7 and quickly made the van comfortable. We got back on the road for a longish day of driving, making a stop in Hatch, New Mexico to pick up some chile salsas at a kitschy place recommended by Dave. His restaurant recommendation was not to be found however, and we ended up having lunch at Pepper Pot after checking out another spot for huevos rancheros - guess you can only get those for breakfast! Rudy's chimichanga, and my combination of chile relleno, enchiladas, and taco smothered in red and green chile was acceptable. After the meal, it was straight to Albuquerque to see my college friend Margot! She recently moved and was pretty busy with work, so we mostly tried to stay out of the way and enjoy some good chatting time with her between career and life stuff. Chill evening, with just some leftovers and a little visiting.<br /><br />January 27<br />A quiet day with some good yoga and a little run around the neighborhood for me while Rudy worked on his bike, followed by lots of hanging out and reading and probably too much internet time. For dinner, we met Margot and a work colleague of hers at Two Fools Tavern - an Irish pub. Good Irish stew, and fish and chips - and instead of an Irish import, I tried the local La Cumbre IPA - it was fantastic. The place was busy, but still managed some good conversation, with only a little work stuff popping up from the employed :) A quick stroll around downtown, then nothing too exciting for the evening.<br /><br />January 28<br />I practiced restraint or laziness, can't decide which, and didn't join Margot for the weekend long run. We saw her a little between that and another social function she had for the remainder of the day, then headed to Sandia Foothills where Rudy biked and I hiked in the nice afternoon sun.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR04Gnnz70T1PjHU5z5fr43Zd3JY4By79xhEXf7xvoFcvNnlsM3r8mVM-q3ElPetcCOsQj3GAoaBDm0aaxKI2Dejg6XkoKjoPvzCz5KryqX-5fkmOyKZcQhrLvCjCVuC9NQTPnby5H5GEc/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR04Gnnz70T1PjHU5z5fr43Zd3JY4By79xhEXf7xvoFcvNnlsM3r8mVM-q3ElPetcCOsQj3GAoaBDm0aaxKI2Dejg6XkoKjoPvzCz5KryqX-5fkmOyKZcQhrLvCjCVuC9NQTPnby5H5GEc/s320/IMG_3543.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xHPNzYNetfiaPn_uTlr21cKBbWjRHRM6NKCA4pM2wDAGnFUcvNDHgAv4Eb3RPsJKSlD4gllYdWmDabbzvRfA-XGmrwV5Tl-5F-ADBKo08P1V7P6r0UOSrUGovMR394V6yxC-M6XEa1w4/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xHPNzYNetfiaPn_uTlr21cKBbWjRHRM6NKCA4pM2wDAGnFUcvNDHgAv4Eb3RPsJKSlD4gllYdWmDabbzvRfA-XGmrwV5Tl-5F-ADBKo08P1V7P6r0UOSrUGovMR394V6yxC-M6XEa1w4/s320/IMG_3544.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Next, we spent an excessive amount of time grocery shopping - a few good Sprouts deals were had! Then I made a blueberry pie, stir fry for dinner - accompanied by another local beer: Marble red ale - surprisingly hoppy - and I enjoyed it! Another mellow evening.<br /><br />January 29<br />I baked a little loaf of bread in the morning, using some whole wheat flour Margot got from a friend in Bayfield! The flour was a bit coarse, didn't rise much, but the bread turned out edible. Another short run for me - nice and sunny! We were able to meet another college friend of mine that just moved to Albuquerque, Karl, at The Grove for brunch - decent food, and a couple hours of good chatting - yeah!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtAdeni73yOFSzOcujZ72FqthTr2V60g5Wi9UHXZHWAYRDE1Is4hlaqYiVE7NwbQuKakuOOishUgWXZM-BgYcz0AOb_xKGxs7pq_WaxiGeEhcXyrj1c2IinhNXocrEA_IgidwjsIBQ9NT/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtAdeni73yOFSzOcujZ72FqthTr2V60g5Wi9UHXZHWAYRDE1Is4hlaqYiVE7NwbQuKakuOOishUgWXZM-BgYcz0AOb_xKGxs7pq_WaxiGeEhcXyrj1c2IinhNXocrEA_IgidwjsIBQ9NT/s320/IMG_3551.JPG" width="240" /></a>Later in the afternoon, we got in a hike with Margot on the Embudito Trail, finding some trees and snow - a very cool area to see, and pretty chilly when not in the sun! We ended up racing the dark in - barely made it without resorting to our lights - all in all a great outing. For dinner we made pizza and big salads - all good, then got in some final visiting, as we plan to depart in the morning and will probably miss Margot before she heads to work. Also enjoyed a little more blueberry pie!Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695254010923540294.post-91252599314723108342017-01-27T10:33:00.000-08:002017-01-27T10:54:05.146-08:00TucsonJanuary 19<br />
One more nice, relaxed morning in Prescott before Katie and Eric head out for Minnesota and we finally depart!! Nasty weather in the forecast for the area, so a good time to get further south, and lower elevation. We encountered nothing bad to drive through, and ended up making an unplanned stop at Casa Grande trails, where Rudy got in a little biking and I had a nice hike. There were lots of unmarked intersections, but you could pretty well see where you wanted to go.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7kr6JEB3iN70HMSC5g3Or2_dlfBnw-5W5SJDWGJSo5NFwIHJZfiZSOU28nWAoZ4t6Uv_Z4ntLXf8vTUTojVuhsnuXN49-e3822OTEB3ejiho8lnzg3-IXHthin2uu0TxiuAVg5bYzCRR/s1600/IMG_3496.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7kr6JEB3iN70HMSC5g3Or2_dlfBnw-5W5SJDWGJSo5NFwIHJZfiZSOU28nWAoZ4t6Uv_Z4ntLXf8vTUTojVuhsnuXN49-e3822OTEB3ejiho8lnzg3-IXHthin2uu0TxiuAVg5bYzCRR/s320/IMG_3496.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-0zNKpG4Pu96RoN8zdi809qRJrr9Wum5dq5eUvfI0dMmfZj5zk-eOrkGKX0mMSQ2_VHjD0-3PMNj-PRyRvA8JZz_Ozx2BCxI8LJUiKta8qnAyhJ8M0Zt2LzSaQr_pzB8fSe-kOG8Mt9/s1600/IMG_3498.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-0zNKpG4Pu96RoN8zdi809qRJrr9Wum5dq5eUvfI0dMmfZj5zk-eOrkGKX0mMSQ2_VHjD0-3PMNj-PRyRvA8JZz_Ozx2BCxI8LJUiKta8qnAyhJ8M0Zt2LzSaQr_pzB8fSe-kOG8Mt9/s320/IMG_3498.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cHHrN00aq7hLNQPkUihNrIZGpxd9_qNRTYWDRrlQwtQK-IzSp-SvRqIsIyp1csoVvytCmPe_FAlYRt8fezLg3tnnzXblDzaqL8a2p_j5B87OhRiv5xgDgI-r62PRMqrUDekS5oY-m1Et/s1600/IMG_3504+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cHHrN00aq7hLNQPkUihNrIZGpxd9_qNRTYWDRrlQwtQK-IzSp-SvRqIsIyp1csoVvytCmPe_FAlYRt8fezLg3tnnzXblDzaqL8a2p_j5B87OhRiv5xgDgI-r62PRMqrUDekS5oY-m1Et/s320/IMG_3504+%25282%2529.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminds me of a hug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p9nO6pbEOlQTK_aIWwT6osVjXKaYzF3gmacmSNXlxt9q037cgF73RkLM18wd6OSNIgv-jvhbY-22Ojc7L3eorYiJUYC1apxZLDk-3DKbE41_6Bgo8pivgNHNtfXB4eZQWdNGgJrJhEf2/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p9nO6pbEOlQTK_aIWwT6osVjXKaYzF3gmacmSNXlxt9q037cgF73RkLM18wd6OSNIgv-jvhbY-22Ojc7L3eorYiJUYC1apxZLDk-3DKbE41_6Bgo8pivgNHNtfXB4eZQWdNGgJrJhEf2/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-rOVpyk8bCcbThIAAlj1SJS9NVb8cYB344o3ChuwXWWavIZ2xOG3p_9RN5XS4H4G6XwTYj7n9FYUDFV3lYBtWjTEfB1o3kekuuq0CaAx8OptEV4omwA5qRpwiQbNgavFRPQXS0iy9RWO/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-rOVpyk8bCcbThIAAlj1SJS9NVb8cYB344o3ChuwXWWavIZ2xOG3p_9RN5XS4H4G6XwTYj7n9FYUDFV3lYBtWjTEfB1o3kekuuq0CaAx8OptEV4omwA5qRpwiQbNgavFRPQXS0iy9RWO/s320/IMG_3501.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't get too close to the cholla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnBpZMxj8RzfQAzDxp115JUaZRzUQBG_vX7QIT75WXuBoL_v-lIo8Sv2JiA8VugOiy3n0cl-I4rXtje7iP1zRhHyvk54e7fttEjxFM_FHStEglkrvEA1XUuLwnYdo6nxXTgFoLPQH7K30/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnBpZMxj8RzfQAzDxp115JUaZRzUQBG_vX7QIT75WXuBoL_v-lIo8Sv2JiA8VugOiy3n0cl-I4rXtje7iP1zRhHyvk54e7fttEjxFM_FHStEglkrvEA1XUuLwnYdo6nxXTgFoLPQH7K30/s320/IMG_3521.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SEE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
It was fun to be back in more deserty desert, and have a little warmer weather. We found a spot to camp on some BLM land just north of Tucson. Dinner was simple pasta, and then Trivial Pursuit - two wins for Rudy!<br />
<br />
January 20<br />
The morning was overcast with scattered rain. We pretty much just listened to the presidential inauguration on the radio before heading to Saguaro National Park. We stayed dry during the warmish and windy hike/run on Hugh Norris trail - it was cool hearing the gusts 'swoosh' through the big cacti.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EYH5eurgun8UhTEFrYFkwsx2U9I79wQRISDF80wnVwLGQzh5Zv_xY3yaB-f18Dh1sK8U4xkuc5GvmNAL-buGmCbgJo8qi3MBySbRdQVmoug4o8QGa0IEe1bwZpYHrolxrfL49iL5oBk2/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EYH5eurgun8UhTEFrYFkwsx2U9I79wQRISDF80wnVwLGQzh5Zv_xY3yaB-f18Dh1sK8U4xkuc5GvmNAL-buGmCbgJo8qi3MBySbRdQVmoug4o8QGa0IEe1bwZpYHrolxrfL49iL5oBk2/s320/IMG_3509.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSbbQ-SVu-zQqeobkVKmd7cVBvwWDTcACcrtcB5_Q2hhKgbkfc_UAZ2XdK3ogTAQqlIbJB6i1C7_8hifGLDZFmpIRH-t5gkWaHWLLdQff71aZXm8Hw18YzDntLELtir0abjuWOYGMVTky/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSbbQ-SVu-zQqeobkVKmd7cVBvwWDTcACcrtcB5_Q2hhKgbkfc_UAZ2XdK3ogTAQqlIbJB6i1C7_8hifGLDZFmpIRH-t5gkWaHWLLdQff71aZXm8Hw18YzDntLELtir0abjuWOYGMVTky/s320/IMG_3510.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Post-outing we still had time to stop by the visitor center. I particularly liked the plant walk, learn some of the pokey things we've come to recognize.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZvuCWt1fsYD9BXANmzR9wsa9pLKz6V9Q_d4bk6mOxJDySi_tgyzLVQTxl4d0TmFg8d0gu7dQ7tUofP4nsHzwt_flc-Fd3rOgcDXe_q8eoPGLjqcfIQ_OrCeUi5zR-xML37s0pWu25NRC/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZvuCWt1fsYD9BXANmzR9wsa9pLKz6V9Q_d4bk6mOxJDySi_tgyzLVQTxl4d0TmFg8d0gu7dQ7tUofP4nsHzwt_flc-Fd3rOgcDXe_q8eoPGLjqcfIQ_OrCeUi5zR-xML37s0pWu25NRC/s320/IMG_3508.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocotillo, formerly known as Murder Sticks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We headed to a camping area south of Tucson Mountain Park - pretty busy, we found a spot though. Made burritos, played a game of Trivial Pursuit, Leslie win! Then watched Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, inspired by a couple of Joan of Arc questions from the trivia game.<br />
<br />
January 21<br />
Still breezy, but abundant sunshine! We had expected a rainy morning, but with the change in weather, headed into Tucson Mountain Park, Starr Pass area - beautiful, but again, very little signing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOoI7UEvyxe78fisJxi9WaeyC_g_wjHb25Tj1C32NY9XKKduzDF_dN0Z0jZmvnf-dhEv7A_9jkZ8mA1oQyBS2Xrcc5J85YBsYsKTL1KoG4UNCFNmw6cCNN6ktWQEWuZ2_nl5o9oIsvVtx/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOoI7UEvyxe78fisJxi9WaeyC_g_wjHb25Tj1C32NY9XKKduzDF_dN0Z0jZmvnf-dhEv7A_9jkZ8mA1oQyBS2Xrcc5J85YBsYsKTL1KoG4UNCFNmw6cCNN6ktWQEWuZ2_nl5o9oIsvVtx/s320/IMG_3511.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJB2wDyXnm82bWmmBvpjHIdKHPo5eIhOAHeidF5XQR8zSPEa738-VeRK2C19i7I7vSW_Qyg4JnfxAjrSYHtMW5FhccpeNyLgoXtSYPb_zU75GsEs74XHfZJg6Ne7TBI8_B7o55RtF-0XH/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJB2wDyXnm82bWmmBvpjHIdKHPo5eIhOAHeidF5XQR8zSPEa738-VeRK2C19i7I7vSW_Qyg4JnfxAjrSYHtMW5FhccpeNyLgoXtSYPb_zU75GsEs74XHfZJg6Ne7TBI8_B7o55RtF-0XH/s320/IMG_3516.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
After Rudy's bike and my run, we had dinner with my Great Aunt Trudy, her daughter Marie, and Marie's boys Tyler and Jayden at a local chain Mexican restaurant - La Parilla Suiza. I hadn't seen them (or ever met the boys!) in 20 years, so it was pretty cool to catch up/get to know them. We spent the later afternoon with some scenic driving up toward Mica Mountain - a lot of water running over the roads with recent rains - and Rudy found a nice little waterfall a short walk from our spot for the night.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw3t4khS5yG_riWjERiYK5v9H_xr4jI7KTuo463vUHHIF2vMscG1ehjZ57NiLYLmNk0K2ABVW6QqmaJ7a0GSO0KFrQXlzmS7uIogw4s9i9fGpUoWpBCwXOtJoLi3a7y-3hdtH9R4l6ubZ/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw3t4khS5yG_riWjERiYK5v9H_xr4jI7KTuo463vUHHIF2vMscG1ehjZ57NiLYLmNk0K2ABVW6QqmaJ7a0GSO0KFrQXlzmS7uIogw4s9i9fGpUoWpBCwXOtJoLi3a7y-3hdtH9R4l6ubZ/s320/IMG_3519.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
He also harvested some cactus fruit - they're all edible apparently - tastes OK, faint citrusy flavor.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYsZANmUarwvtJgfPqG5-4zd50pNc3Rg4HH7OSVce6TpMDHJsIVwUAS1BRRi3cow5PwV4jR5pxhgaHq6rvb2xR3ag09Q3uApupBSy7YPwqD8-B9TgCXE8STmdHO_2uxscFIEaxEaxr3Sa/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYsZANmUarwvtJgfPqG5-4zd50pNc3Rg4HH7OSVce6TpMDHJsIVwUAS1BRRi3cow5PwV4jR5pxhgaHq6rvb2xR3ag09Q3uApupBSy7YPwqD8-B9TgCXE8STmdHO_2uxscFIEaxEaxr3Sa/s320/IMG_3517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrel cactus - the fruit looks like little pineapples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1vspIgT5yIcWSjgF345hGb6ihdga5IYdM2iLRmfp98IZfcxQwstZ0trEHu5Dh61Y7aaeKZeUylQTmTn-ek1UhpLx2DFjYksFA84_NoBcSj9cKM2N3UetthTSMbcWl3GqGiCUFNG9YvuW/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1vspIgT5yIcWSjgF345hGb6ihdga5IYdM2iLRmfp98IZfcxQwstZ0trEHu5Dh61Y7aaeKZeUylQTmTn-ek1UhpLx2DFjYksFA84_NoBcSj9cKM2N3UetthTSMbcWl3GqGiCUFNG9YvuW/s320/IMG_3520.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrel cactus fruit above, chain cholla below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We cleaned up some leftovers before watching Mr. Peabody and Sherman - a little cheesy/cutesy, but entertaining.<br />
<br />
January 22<br />
A sunny and warm morning! Rudy had to complete some repairs on the sliding door - some parts getting worn out I guess. Early afternoon we met a friend from Minnesota, Dave, up in Oro Valley and went on a cool bike ride around Honeybee Canyon - mellow trails through some scenic desert bottom.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19R4NOnXEmHMikui1UnlNcv_2H81NJU2ZtOM4y2zrhwCiN8zFhYe8zTTFHEubPGkkHQDr30p4GpBQzyzuvy86kNBAyPZeYGYoApD6og-rGvwA1jkVMo7WjHAdtW6f-w1WSdvkcJ65jy4h/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19R4NOnXEmHMikui1UnlNcv_2H81NJU2ZtOM4y2zrhwCiN8zFhYe8zTTFHEubPGkkHQDr30p4GpBQzyzuvy86kNBAyPZeYGYoApD6og-rGvwA1jkVMo7WjHAdtW6f-w1WSdvkcJ65jy4h/s320/IMG_3524.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFALADGpsXhVUcDQ0Aax-I3FoAe844z4a98QlWp1Toqd13EsAR3Aqy30dcfJLUgBsFb9qITuV943VLpj6TB90EA7tf9HJVWjGJD1X8a9SC5Ydi3gwrNtUsr7CZfyU9P1qlimOwci7R3uEO/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFALADGpsXhVUcDQ0Aax-I3FoAe844z4a98QlWp1Toqd13EsAR3Aqy30dcfJLUgBsFb9qITuV943VLpj6TB90EA7tf9HJVWjGJD1X8a9SC5Ydi3gwrNtUsr7CZfyU9P1qlimOwci7R3uEO/s320/IMG_3523.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSvxA_3kM5a5mxY97mw_91Epgd2PK86yA53j1Si28GlxOV009Ba_Of2jJbhkOP-_MATFvbtMfkVCy9m-Nj5esVsnqZ9d_khkOHHpQNewRxuSnsfDM-yqKcBbuVPl9yAgN-Udx-ZN9mNEc/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSvxA_3kM5a5mxY97mw_91Epgd2PK86yA53j1Si28GlxOV009Ba_Of2jJbhkOP-_MATFvbtMfkVCy9m-Nj5esVsnqZ9d_khkOHHpQNewRxuSnsfDM-yqKcBbuVPl9yAgN-Udx-ZN9mNEc/s320/IMG_3522.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Dave's wife Di was recovering from a nasty cold, but at least we got to chat a little (while keeping a safe distance) before and after the ride. After cleaning up, we tried to get to a Mexican restaurant Dave hadn't been to, but it was closed, so checked out another place he had been to once, but in a different location - Guadalajara. It was decent, the highlight being tableside salsa made to order in a mocajete.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg732ZF3fwtK8vnz8xUdM6mpyWVc_MaE4wMA8OeeaRsJNY_D8x5b0CNb7Kj8ziXs3n6ejRCO5YgqyM2X-6AkrJBJi9akaET7pxzOUQRXTI4Ev6On653jEC8yRv95LCE5uAdklMwWwOHRis5/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg732ZF3fwtK8vnz8xUdM6mpyWVc_MaE4wMA8OeeaRsJNY_D8x5b0CNb7Kj8ziXs3n6ejRCO5YgqyM2X-6AkrJBJi9akaET7pxzOUQRXTI4Ev6On653jEC8yRv95LCE5uAdklMwWwOHRis5/s320/IMG_3527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a big mocajete of veggies, including cactus on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were reasonably full after the meal, despite taking leftovers, but managed to stop by Frosty's and enjoy some gelato. Just a little visiting after that, no night owls with this crew.<br />
<br />
January 23<br />
I joined Di in walking the pup on nearby trails for about an hour - weather was windy, but warm, and it was nice to get out and just stroll around in the desert. Later, Rudy and I headed to Dove Mountain to hike the Wild Burro and Alamo Springs trail - lots of steppy rock, but also flat washes - Rudy was a little putsy, but it was fine! He needed to save energy for a bigger ride the next day. I really liked all the burly granite and marble we were hiking through.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvdZq0fn6v04c5VT5t64kHNuEgON0Epl2qLeLgOPizkKYs_-6F4lKU5ciSF1JmKeqMJRnyN7C187nX8r1IbN88AeL6Rcm659AKji6xCLVw6sgl2Di51wCddZIQiztePyPB79LQuKEn8g7/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvdZq0fn6v04c5VT5t64kHNuEgON0Epl2qLeLgOPizkKYs_-6F4lKU5ciSF1JmKeqMJRnyN7C187nX8r1IbN88AeL6Rcm659AKji6xCLVw6sgl2Di51wCddZIQiztePyPB79LQuKEn8g7/s320/IMG_3536.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcT37w0GCiWtQKUiL10UVBCqREziM-OqKRr0zJyhJzNUt1hDVxCAs1VDiWThfgVK0hs54IC4PlqMBTxrtP_qPbkra_90HGyAAbPLgNm_CC6O0S9nYx8O3bkCHpRZ7pkwsCA3srXlXxPo8/s1600/IMG_3532.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcT37w0GCiWtQKUiL10UVBCqREziM-OqKRr0zJyhJzNUt1hDVxCAs1VDiWThfgVK0hs54IC4PlqMBTxrtP_qPbkra_90HGyAAbPLgNm_CC6O0S9nYx8O3bkCHpRZ7pkwsCA3srXlXxPo8/s320/IMG_3532.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvv1NsF-NVf3lxxf7XJ8zfCWnhrJcL1LuDQu8c0MD9tBpmz7WERFlU0UI_VlYlWPkQikzolgnY3RiTtVyNuOkdbbkIwk4UcubrcWbg3NAUEsbuMrX4mEtX4yMVkkupryrGHn6xExON3b02/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvv1NsF-NVf3lxxf7XJ8zfCWnhrJcL1LuDQu8c0MD9tBpmz7WERFlU0UI_VlYlWPkQikzolgnY3RiTtVyNuOkdbbkIwk4UcubrcWbg3NAUEsbuMrX4mEtX4yMVkkupryrGHn6xExON3b02/s320/IMG_3533.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrt9HYrVruLyWs28gMAA855HJnSlZp-6b24AzCuvHccGBoOnb6LEp08hDQS5sG2uC3FdCVi9NNjFha2Mbke8SlYoQOlSZMtuDxV8dTm8OTHoEW236IOW278hLOHtvdfGhWoPhnv_duh2j/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrt9HYrVruLyWs28gMAA855HJnSlZp-6b24AzCuvHccGBoOnb6LEp08hDQS5sG2uC3FdCVi9NNjFha2Mbke8SlYoQOlSZMtuDxV8dTm8OTHoEW236IOW278hLOHtvdfGhWoPhnv_duh2j/s320/IMG_3529.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
We all went out to Flavor of Indian and enjoyed naan and samosas with yummy entrees. No leftovers this time, but we still picked up some Ben and Jerry's and whoopie pies for a later dessert. <br />
<br />
January 24<br />
A cooler morning - and fairly cloudy, so a little bundling up to head to Honeybee again - Rudy, Di, and I met Tiffany, from Duluth out there. Di and I went on a slightly more involved ride than a few days ago, just out and back, while Rudy and Tiff went on a longer technical loop - sounds like some good trails. After that was lots of hanging out, we cooked some awesome pasta, watch lots of Family Guy, and killed more B&J's and whoopie pies. <br />
<br />
January 25<br />
I got in another nice stroll with Di and the dog while Rudy worked on documenting his bike rides on the trip. Our destination for the day was the Mount Lemmon area - the top was snowed in, but still desert at the bottom! A run on the La Milagrosa trail, out and back, for me - a couple significant creek crossings and some hikey stuff, but I had fun, and the weather was sunny and wonderful.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HmXdSLd-tQd2GbihitbjSzc-Zg3E7QiKb3GdovZADydnh__SDH_iHqfz6KR-bVOC05OJk5CkLrMHdvSbYj3gTxt0uN2Q1sti-5zYO6RiarLRC0WaQG-B_EzGxYNrVR0g6RRsEvlzNIqA/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HmXdSLd-tQd2GbihitbjSzc-Zg3E7QiKb3GdovZADydnh__SDH_iHqfz6KR-bVOC05OJk5CkLrMHdvSbYj3gTxt0uN2Q1sti-5zYO6RiarLRC0WaQG-B_EzGxYNrVR0g6RRsEvlzNIqA/s320/IMG_3538.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyony stuff along the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi7NNebs-N4lrqDVA64G9tJnRv_XFocT1gJC44AOwADGhxF-AWVY7Q1vVfmt_H3isMkBJlZLZ3vZxecwsyXrRM-xSwNbslr0Wll1zxDmFoSpQ0BswGKhp49H5-R7pfK2J1D27nmXcpS0-/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi7NNebs-N4lrqDVA64G9tJnRv_XFocT1gJC44AOwADGhxF-AWVY7Q1vVfmt_H3isMkBJlZLZ3vZxecwsyXrRM-xSwNbslr0Wll1zxDmFoSpQ0BswGKhp49H5-R7pfK2J1D27nmXcpS0-/s320/IMG_3539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back toward Tucson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rudy had a more extensive ride, guess he was kind of tired though, and didn't enjoy it as much as some other rides. Next, we drove a couple hours toward New Mexico, and were fairly late getting to a spot near Bowie AZ. No moon or city lights, there were some amazing stars! It was nice that we had hot water and leftovers from out friends to make for easy cleanup and eating!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZbwaQZUfdZ_4S3pERn2pTkQE76GV2pcvn0Lvysb8fy1IERSMCnzWbTF1XCbKKg4lArdUnBE0Z2QU_NlA3aRxmlxsFij9Y9V7oYZEpdgoicttjNnsiOC6ImXG-yRd7PFMfmGgj47OGDmn/s1600/IMG_3541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZbwaQZUfdZ_4S3pERn2pTkQE76GV2pcvn0Lvysb8fy1IERSMCnzWbTF1XCbKKg4lArdUnBE0Z2QU_NlA3aRxmlxsFij9Y9V7oYZEpdgoicttjNnsiOC6ImXG-yRd7PFMfmGgj47OGDmn/s320/IMG_3541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too many cow pies around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Entertainment was Trivial Pursuit - Leslie win.Leslie Semlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16163664496522351502noreply@blogger.com0