I planned on returning to the trails the day after we landed in California. But surprisingly, with only 2 hours time difference, I had to deal with jet-lag. That prevented my routine for just a day. This morning, I was pounding the dirt at 6:30 AM.
Just a couple of observations to jot down about my first run back. As a special delight, I came upon twelve (12!) bunnies in the first half mile. Also, I learned that it’s much easier to heat train in really hot weather, as opposed to wearing warmer clothing. The trails were rather humid this morning. And I could only take wearing the long sleeves until about 2 miles in. That’s when I flung off my shirt drenched in sweat and tied it around my waist. The hills were tough, especially Meadows Trail (the steepest climb on the profile below). Lastly, so happy I was to run my trails, I snapped, snapped, snapped the camera away.
This is just a little of what I experienced:
Climbing Meadows
Summer bouquet running ridge to Top of the World
The Pacific Ocean in background (a wonderful trail marker if needed)
Posing at Top of the World before running Westridge
Exotic bloom
Climbing Wood Creek Trail (Wood Canyon in background)
Fallen tree on Wood Creek Trail
Wood Creek Trail
Heading back on Wood Canyon Trail
Ferret sticks his head above ground
Miles run this morning: 12.10 (19.47km)
Elevation Profile: (route: Aliso Creek Trail, Wood Canyon, Meadows, Top of the World, Park Avenue Nature Trail, Westridge, Cholla, Wood Canyon, Wood Creek, Wood Canyon, Aliso Creek)
I like your picture of the ferret sticking his head out of the ground. Looks like you had a beautiful run back on your trails!
ReplyDeleteHa! I like the little ferret too! I didn't realize that they were out there on the trails like that - I always thought those were gopher holes or something. haha I am glad you are back. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Whitney -- isn't that ferret so cute? That's the first I've seen. My husband says that they're endangered and that I ought to bring a picture to the ranger station so that they know.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate! I had no idea either. I thought they were gopher, mice or tarantula holes. And the only ferret I've ever scene was pure white. This one on the trails was adorable!
ReplyDeleteLOL. I meant, the only ferret I've ever SEEN . . . : )
ReplyDeleteI need to get back into the hills. It's still so green! Maybe this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Glenn. I posted a low-keyed (5 mile run) Friday evening on OCTR.org (Orange County Trail Runners). No climbing to Top of the World, just Wood Canyon and a couple smaller trail off of Wood Cyn. you are welcome to join : )
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