Fun facts:
5862' up
7479' down
8290' Max elevation
44.2 km
Took 10:45 but it is normally a 2-3 day backpacking trip. I did this one last year but it took me significantly longer. It really qualifies IMHO as gearboy's first ultra but he hasn't posted a report on it so I figured I would.
This is a pretty challening trail that at times, leaves you breathless for various reasons. This year, there was so much wind when we were on the top that I actually chose to NOT run because when you had one leg in the air, you'd get blown about a foot from where you started. At one point gearboy clocked the wind at 45km/hr but I know it was much stronger (it was just the geek device to measure wind wasn't out at the worst moments).
The trail looks like this:
and this:
And here I am at the top in my RM gear.... do I qualify for "traveling the world?"
Then finally some kind soul took pity on gearboy and myself and snapped a photo of us at the top:
So basically all I gotta say is as a friend, gearboy was a great hiking / running partner. It was an honor to sing bad songs and cheer him on as he kept popping Advil on the trail
But Dwayne, this is what you and Natalie missed! Next year my friend!
S5
S5 failed to mention that during filtering/refilling the camelbacks, the bag that holds the filter blew away in the 45km/hr gusts. Sadly I was too busy laughing as I watch gearboy sprint it out in an effort to catch the bag.... But you know how the wind kind of whips things here, there and everywhere??? well you get the picture..... I was way too busy laughing to be of any help. Besides, I don't like having to run anaerobically - hence why I never do a 5km event!
