Ravings and Blather

Birch Hollow to Elbow Fork trail then down the Millcreek road because I was hungry.  The trail is beautiful, but saw more people on this section than I ever have before.  Most seem to stay on Pipeline below Birch because of the climb.  Also there was a huge pile of dog poo sitting right in the middle of the trail which sucked.  I have noticed less dog hygiene on this trail over the past year...

Had killa work weekend and spent most of my 48 hour shift awake and was exhausted and stressed and needed some freedom.

So hit it up on Birch Hollow to Elbow Fork trail then another half mile or so up the upper road.  So pretty up there right now because the road is still closed to upper Millcreek which makes it a no car territory and few people.  Ran free... 

Gdoculous run...hoofed it up from Birch to Elbow without breaking from a "running" stride.  This is not always possible for me the first 1.5 miles which is a steady vert meister. Beautiful day...

White Pine Trail up LCC...

 3 deer including one that stayed about 100 yards in front of me up the trail for about a quarter mile.

2 squirrels

1 wiley chipmunk

Many beautiful vistas...this is a stunning trail from about 1.5 miles and up.  I could tell my altitude fitness sucks rocks...but fun stuff today.  I tried to keep a running pace up as far as I could.  Had to walk here and there on the way up and didnt make it all the way to the lake.  Once you hit the above thetree line and you get to 4 massive and barren switchbacks you are still in snow.  Could be done but just wasnt feeling the sliding around mojo today.

Road miles felt like 10 but alas only 5.

up millcreek road past the gate towards big water etc.  wanted to get in the canyon but didnt want to see snakes today as had freaking weird rattlesnake dream the other night that unsettled me...needed brainless running not wary running today...funny thing was about 2 miles up the road there was a tiny snake darting in front of my path.haha