Driven

Six easy miles on the new RR trail in Farmington. 

Pipeline

Ran the old pipeline trail in Millcreek with Scott. Up and out before the toll booth girl checks in to demand three bucks for use of the canyon. I felt good to be out on a canyon trail again. If I could I would live half my life on mountain trails. So much better than running at the same level as vehicle exhaust.

I felt good today, and am in a good position to build some real strength and endurance. I have some big days ahead: An extended 20 mile hike over Wildcat Ridge and beyond; an attempt at the WURL: Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Link-up -- that is, a continuous hike of the Cottonwood Ridge connecting the Alpine Ridge in a single push, mileage uncertain but probably 30+. Most definitely a 24+ hour ultra-hike.

Then an attempt of King's Peak X2; then one day Gannett run/climb over 40 miles in under 20 hours. Scott will figure into at least half of these planned outings, so I need to be able to keep up with him.

Snake!

Today was my lucky day. Ran and hiked Mt. Wire with Scott this morning. It was nice to feel my quads get a workout as I alternately ran and hiked up the steep parts. We got to the top and decided to continue on a ridge leading East from the tower to a bump about half mile away. I got ahead of Scott and ran to the bump, then over to another one. Looking back I saw Scott waving his arms at me, calling me back. What the? As I approached I hear "Dude, you almost stepped on a rattlesnake." What the? Scott pointed and there partially under a plant and very much on the edge of the trail was a rattler, coiled and alert. It was a 50/50 probablility that I missed stepping directly on the creature. I wasn't thinking of snakes this morning, wasn't studying the trail to avoid stepping on one. Next time I may not beso lucky.

We ran back down fairly quickly from the summit. It was a pleasant morning and exciting to see the snake.