After a February that saw me lumber only around 70 miles, I went into March being cautiously optimistic. It couldn’t possibly get worse, could it?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: It had its moments.
Posts Tagged → journal-ish
Fun Friday
I needed less than 3 miles to meet my 30 in 5 lumbering goal for the week, but ain’t no one going on a 2.5-mile hike. So, I went into Friday with a plan.
The plan was fairly simple; do one of my normal 5-ish mile loops, then follow the river via car down to Meridian Park for some Soiled Photo Creeping. And that’s what I did.
Dank Lumbers & Feeling That Vibe
It was kind of a dank morning for a lumber, but with the snow and ice gone, I really don’t care what the weather is like now, so lumber I did.
Officially A Cathy
As I folded clothes on Tuesday afternoon, I got a message from my friend Steve. He and I worked at the bike shop together a few years ago. He lives about 20 minutes south, and said he had an appointment in town on Wednesday mid-morning and wanted to know if he could tag along for a bit on my lumber before.
Steve is a great guy, and of course, my first reaction was 100% yes. But then I had to think for a minute.
Marble Ryes & A Lumber
As I readied myself for this morning’s lumber in the lot of the park, the Soobie belonging to the Two Aging Hippies and their geriatric dog pulled in.
Chattiness Avoided
Another week of lumbering started with a 5.77-mile loop in some non-spring-like conditions (34˚ and flurries). But hey, there was NO ice or snow on the trails, and there were critters out and about, so it at least gave the illusion that spring will come… someday.
Not Bad Luck, Just Snow
Well, the Weather Mongers were not wrong, and I woke up to snow and high winds this morning. There were only a few inches at the time, but it was still coming down, and after four days of snowless hiking, I was not in the mood.
Running Out of Dirt
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!!!