I was back in the woods this morning, and I was greeted with MUCH better conditions than yesterday’s freezing rain fest. It was a cool 27˚, but the sun was out, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Smiling in The Freezing Rain
I’m having a good week of lumbering, with over 19 miles in so far. It’s also been a busy week, so I’m going to TRY to keep this short.
Tuesday’s hike was a 6.35-mile loop. I didn’t see too much critter activity, save for a few deer hiding in the woods, and a red-winged blackbird hanging out amongst the reeds and willows.
Later in the day, I watched Spurs embarrass themselves and their supporters, losing 5-2 in the first leg against Athético de Madrid in the Champions League. I hate them.
WEDNESDAY
“I probably didn’t miss much. I think 35˚ with pouring rain might be one of the worst conditions to do anything in.” — Me, 2.19.26
Come Wednesday, I was eager to get back in the woods, but also apprehensive due to waking up to freezing rain with heavier rain on the way. Fuck it, I’m going.
And I’m so glad I did!
The roads were fine getting to the trail, and the rain had slowed to a slight mist when I took off down the muddy path to the trails.
It was just before legit sunrise, and combined with the clouds and the ice on the trees, made for some seriously gloomy conditions. But the trails were free of ice and snow, and I had a spring in my step as I lumbered silently over wet leaves and mud.
Around mile 3, the misting rain picked up to a steady cold drizzle. Wearing a knit bobble cap was probably not the wisest thing I ever did, but for the most part, I was staying warm and dry. I even utilize the rain cape that came with my Cotton Carrier Skout G2 Sling to protect my camera, and it worked like a champ!
With three miles in and the rain picking up, I thought about heading back to the car. But then I once again said, fuck it, and continued on.
Soon, I was nearing a section of trail with exposed dead trees along the river where I have seen birds of prey many times. I had my camera ready as I crept around the corner, looking up at the trees opposite the river. Then, BOOM! There it was! A large bald eagle was perched on a branch with the freezing rain falling, and hadn’t heard me (thank you, muddy trails!).
I fired off a few series of shots before it finally heard or saw me and flew off. I couldn’t believe my luck! I’ve got a few eagle shots over the years, but these are by far my best images. The light was, of course, horrible due to the rain, but I am still geeked up.
Along the way, I got a few more shots and it felt good to be back doing regular loops. Of course, there are two different storms heading our way over the next few days that could dump up to 10 inches of snow, or an inch with a bunch of rain. Really hoping for rain!
“I’m so glad I went, I would have missed that shot! I think 32˚ with freezing rain pouring down might be the best conditions to do anything in.” — Me, 3.10.16
I was so stoked that I decided to keep hiking rather than head back to the car. I was pretty cold and wet by the end, but had a smile on my face and 6.45 miles in my feetz as I drove home. I even found myself saying out loud, “I’m so glad I went, I would have missed that shot! I think 32˚ with freezing rain pouring down might be the best conditions to do anything in.”
Later.
Teased by Mother Nature
A weekend of temps well above freezing has finally made the trails free of ice and snow. That meant today was the first day I successfully (that means I didn’t fall on my ass whilst attempting), completed a full loop in trail running shoes. It’s been since November, and it felt incredible!!!
How I Eat It
Not to beat a spent lingam, but I haven’t been on trails using just my trail runners since sometime in mid-November. Until today.
Yo-Yo Vibes
As I pulled into the muddy parking lot today, I swore that I would not use microspikes for the day’s lumber. There is just no way! Screw it, I’m done!
No Coyote To See Here
I pulled into the lot just before 7 AM today, and once again had the debate of whether to strap on microspikes or not, given that half of the trails are clear. I went with spikes ’cause half the trails remain a solid sheet of ice and I’m a “glass half empty or half filled with shit” sort of dork.
The Mink & The Crow
Garage Doors & A Sunny Morning
After five days of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold, I woke up on Saturday not sick and without some sort of allergy or head cold. There was much rejoicing.
30 Miles and 1 Turdus
Today was Day 5 of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold. But since I feel good regardless of the drip, I did that thing where I go walking at pace in the woods with my camera looking for critters. So stupid.
I was intent on getting my 2026 fit and fat lifestyle back on track with a 30 in 5 Days week for only the second time since mid-January, and you know I went ahead and did it. Just barely, at 30.05 miles, but shit got done, and it felt great to be back on track, even if I wasn’t feeling 100%.
I was also intent on not taking any photos of squirrels, but since nothing else was cooperating, I went ahead and took one. And I’m glad I did, ’cause I dig the pic and can’t stop thinking that when a squirrel goes house (tree) hunting, they are looking for a tree with a good perch to eat breakfast on. Sort of like a patio breakfast spot for rodents. I digress.
I also got my first Turd photo (see intro) of the almost-spring, just as I was finishing up. I thought I saw one yesterday, but the trees were dark, and the sky was too grey to get a proper sighting or pic, so it didn’t count. THIS ONE counts. Sadly, whereas the dull grey sky ruined yesterday’s pic, today the bright 9 AM sun and blue sky made for too much harsh light and saturation. I did what I could to make it look a little less “meh,” but in the end, it’s just a good snapshot of a robin.
Not sure what my plan is for the weekend, but I know I need to do something in order to stop being not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold. I hear that rest, beer, and endless footy watching are key, so I’ll see what I can do.
I’m also including a close-up photo I took of Lola T. Dog yawning, because I can.
Later.
Floating Heads & Possible Normalcy
Today was Day 4 of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold. I’m kind of used to it now. So, into the woods I went.