My good friend Sophie invited us down to the Southern end of Shenandoah National Park for one of her legendary runs.
Am I ever glad we made the journey.
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| All of us at the start. Not sure why I'm holding my leg up. |
It was the perfect summer trail adventure. Stream crossings abounded, so many I lost count. Sophie claims she has run this trail during dry spells and finished with dry feet. I am dubious.
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| One of many stream crossings. My shoes are still wet three days later. |
The weather was cool, the humidity was low, and the trail was like a dream. It was smooth and runnable. Even the uphills were gentle.
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| Hubz and I |
There were several overlooks with pretty views of the valley. The mountain laurel were in full bloom.
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| Mountain Laurel, everywhere along the trail |
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| Two runners braving the coldest swimming hole south of Alaska |
We lollygagged and laughed and sauntered through the woods, cooled off in natural pools, and marveled at the beauty of our surroundings.
Those 21 miles were over far too soon.
This run transported me back to childhood days of open-ended exploration with no schedules, obligations or distracting thoughts about pace, miles or cutoffs.
Those 21 miles were over far too soon.
This run transported me back to childhood days of open-ended exploration with no schedules, obligations or distracting thoughts about pace, miles or cutoffs.
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| Friends moseying up the trail. All photos by Sophie S. |
It reminded me, once again, why I love trail running.
that is soooo gorgeous! i love mtn laurel! those stream crossings look a little rough!
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteKiry,
ReplyDeleteSoo, so glad you guys and gals made the trip south. It was a very fun day and reminded me, too, of why I love to frolic in the woods all day with my friends---it was so nice to talk to you and TC and catch up! You are running really strong and I look forward to hearing about Highland Sky. See you at SDM on July 2 :-)
Awesome, so nice to see all my Va friends having so much fun that Deb and I are now missing out on :-( VHTRC rocks! Consider us the VHTRC mountain division and all are welcome to come stay at our cabin in the Jemez Mountains any time...
ReplyDeletecute pic of you and the hubz! this looks gorgeous, friend!
ReplyDeleteShenandoah National Park is one of my favorite places on earth. This post sums up why. Also, I love this sentiment: "This run transported me back to childhood days of open-ended exploration with no schedules, obligations or distracting thoughts about pace, miles or cutoffs." Is there anything better than that feeling?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great day and a great place to run!
ReplyDelete