I went for a solo run in the wilderness this morning. The air was so heavy with water, one might have said it was raining. 
The skies were gray, the marine layer thick. A perfect day for a gloomy run.
Feeling weak both physically and mentally lately (especially after the car accident), I needed this run. I didn’t feel like making this run, that’s why I did it solo. I didn’t want to hold anyone back. It’s time though, time to get back on track
Me at the start of Aliso Canyon Trail (not too cheery)
I chose the loop that took me to the end of Wood Canyon, up Cholla Trail, across the ridge to Top of the World where I met Meadows Trail to take it on down. Slow to start, and slow to end, I just ran. And I ran, and I ran and I ran . . . (and I took a few pictures too).
Running in Aliso Canyon on this Eerie Morn’
First Creek Crossing on Wood Canyon (no wet feet on this trail)
2nd Creek Crossing on Wood Canyon
Everything was beautiful right away today, despite the gloom. I mostly thought about nothing, occasionally fighting against intruding thoughts. And then I turned a bend in the trail (past the old corral, before the 3rd creek crossing) and there they were – two deer feeding on the grass. They didn’t move, one continued grazing, the other trotted across the trail to graze further away. I’m still astonished when I come upon deer on the trail.
Beauties
3rd Creek Crossing on Wood Canyon Trail
Solitude & Beauty (a nice combination)
4th & Final Creek Crossing on Wood Canyon Trail (standing on pipe, sandbags off to left)
A Quick look back on Wood Canyon while running up Cholla Trail
A Foggy Westridge & not a soul around
Looking down on Laguna Canyon Road, the Pacific Ocean hidden
Heading down Meadows Trail
Back in the Canyon
Miles logged: 11.74
Thoughts: close to zero
Rewards: lots
Gloomy pictures! ...except for the deer. Glad you're feeling better. You look like a pro ultrarunner with that pack!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!!! I live in the OC and have yet to run that route...looking forward to trying it soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos I should get to OC more, I've only been there once!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom! I can't believe those deer practically let me walk right up to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel and Stuart too. That is a trying route for me. Next time I'll reverse it, which I think is harder, because when I get back down to the canyon there's about 4.5 miles left (compared to 2 miles remaining doing the counter-clockwise route).
Lots of great places to run in The O.C. : )