Veteran's Memorial 5K

I wanted to try to keep up my run training in Alaska, even if it is cold. But, I have been having a hard time staying motivated without my running buddies in Texas. So, I figured if there was a race, I would use that as motivation, but only if it wasn't too cold or too wet outside. Fair weather runner, indeed. The Army ROTC Seawolves from University of Alaska Anchorage were putting on their first annual Veteran's Day 5K. I ordered a new outfit from InkNBurn to be dressed appropriately for the occassion. Figured I would sign up the morning of the race. By the way, race starts in winter in Alaska are late in the morning, otherwise, too dark. I won't complain about a 9 AM start. I drove to UAA and signed up the morning of the race. The cadets were very excited and nice. Somehow, they look younger all the time. Picked up my swag and put it in my car. 

I had told a few people from work I would be running. WonderNurse came out to join me. Now I can't back out.

We waited inside until a few minutes before the start. With just a few minutes, we mosey'd to the start line. National anthem played, of course. And then we were off. WonderNurse left me in the dust within the first 10 feet. No surprise.

The route followed the Chester Creek Trail around Goose Lake. It's really quite beautiful. Despite being paved, and despite the very minimal snowfall so far in Anchorage this year, there were some snowy and ice covered patches. I didn't wear my YakTrax and I slowed down for the slick sections. That's the excuse I'm going to use for my time. It was an out and back trail and there were cadets along the route to cheer us us. Mini water bottles at the turn around. 

1.5 K. Brr, it's cold. Can't show off my new
Patriot shirt yet.

3.5 K. Warmed up. Showing off my Patriot shirt

With a few hundred yards to go, WonderNurse ran back to join me and run me to the finish. How fun to cross together. Still figuring out the breathing in the cold, but really just glad I got out there to run. Feeling pretty proud that I got out of my comfort zone. The cadets did a really great job and I hope the event grows next year.

Mt. Baldy

Another weekend, another hike. This time it was Mt. Baldy. I had heard this was a good hike that some of the docs take their kids on. I figured I could handle it. I had no companion for this day, so I headed out on my own. I knew the trailhead was at the end of Skyline Drive in Eagle River. What I didn't know was that Skyline changed name a few times. West Skyline turned off the main road. Then Upper Skyline turned off the main road. If you know me, and how tightly wound I am, this confused me. Ultimately, I found my way to the top and was met with an amazing view of the Alaska Range. 

There were two routes to the top. The right, steep, slope that is a real butt-burner ...and the "easier" route to the left. I chose left.  

 But, before starting, I saw this sign. UMMMM ... what? I'm guessing they are hibernating now, right? I checked ... yes, I have bear spray in my day pack.

The beginning of the trail was pretty benign.

There was some interesting reading to keep me entertained.

Along various points along the trail (here, and further on), there were large patches of ice. I was glad to have my spikes, but I still shuffled. I didn't notice on the way out, but on the way back, I watched the ice. I swear the deeper layers were slowly moving, or I was lightheaded and delirious.

About a quarter mile and the trail split. I went right as I had read. There were several other places where the trail split. With one exception (because it looked not so well traveled), I stayed right. I do wonder where the left trails go. I didn't have the right gear, or survival skills, to venture testing them today. But, I wonder what I missed. I hate to miss anything.

Right after the split, I came across this lovely gem of property. I think it might be perfect after a few renovations.

And a little further on, I crossed a stream where the water was still trickling. I did not have to get my feet wet, thanks to the pipe that diverted the water through it, and I crossed over it.

Then, things got "interesting." Remember, the path to the right that was supposed to be a butt-burner? Remember, I took the easier route? Well, for what seemed to be 100 miles (because I think I was very slow), but probably closer to half-mile, there was a 19% grade climb. Switchbacks? Nope. I worked up quite a sweat in my snowpants and parka. I was wising I had stopped at Flinnster's on my way out to borrow her walking sticks. I couldn't imagine how tough the other route must have been. I encountered my first other person ... he was coming back with walking sticks. He said "you're planning on coming back this way, right?" The other route is pretty treacherous going down." I think I looked unprepared. Well, I was, but that wasn't going to stop me. By the way, down wasn't a lot easier than up, but it didn't cause as much lung screaming.

When I got to the top ... FINALLY ... I had a choice, left? or right? I never noticed the rock pile on the way up. I think because I was out of oxygen. I did see it on the way back, thank goodness or I would have trekked right past it. This was my view to the left.

I headed right, along the ridge-line. Came across another rock formation that did come in handy on the way back. Who would think you could get lost on a ridge line? Well, I can. Just a few feet could make quite a difference. I used the landmark to make sure I was going down the correct side of the peak.  

Finally got to the top of Baldy. Of course, I climbed those final few feet to the top of the rocks. I lost my sweat. It's windy and colder up here.  Are you kidding me? I couldn't pass up the view. The views were absolutely breathtaking. Elevation: 3585 feet.

180 degrees panoramic to the left

180 degrees panoramic to the right

Mountains behind me

I am not good at selfies

I met only 2 people on this hike. It was a great exercise in solitude and I really loved my time to myself. It was so very quiet. I didn't meet a bear or a moose or see a moose carcass either. I did take the required selfie to prove I was here.

I looked down and saw the trail I had climbed earlier ... well, the lower part. Hard to believe I started all the way down there. It was much colder and windier up here.


When I made it back to the trailhead, I texted Flinnster to let her know there was no reason to send search and rescue. I was alive and uninjured. I actually saw a few more people then, all heading up the steeper trail, some with big packs like they were planning to be out for a few days ... or at least overnight. Too cold for my blood. But, if I lived here a few years, maybe ... This would be an awesome place to train for Kili. If this was tough, I can't imagine what that will be like in a few years ... did I mention it's on my bucket list.


Final pic of the day ... A dark cloud hanging out over the Alaska range. Just beautiful. I loved the stark contrast of the dark cloud and the white range. Its' not a photo issue ... it really was a low hanging, and very dark,  cloud.

Yes, the elevation change was straight up. Maybe 1 hour of moving, but that means there were 1.5 hours of not moving. I love the satellite view of the ridge line. See, it really was a peak. 

Flattop Trail

Last week, one of the docs suggested a hike to Flat Top for amazing views over Anchorage. Suggested earlier, rather than later, because the trail could become treacherous after the first snow. Well, it was snowing on the day I planned to go, so not a great day for a hike. Figured it would just have to be a hike for a different trip. I was pleasantly surprised when Flinnster suggested we make a go of it on Sunday. It was supposed to be a clear, beautiful day. Do you have snow pants? Nope. Heavy gloves? Nope. Good, warm hiking boots? I have running shoes. Flinnster had spares and hooked me up.

Sunday morning, woke up, late as usual and headed out to get geared up. After FlinnsterXY made me an amazing cup of coffee, we headed out for breakfast. As we headed up to the Glen Allen Trailhead, we noticed a lot of snow on the ground and I was grateful for the gear. Toilsome Lane, etc. Got to the trailhead and I changed into snowpants in the parking lot. It might be too warm for long-johns, jeans, AND snow pants. Also grateful for the walking sticks.

Trailhead with FlinnsterJr's Flat Stanley

The hike started at elevation and went up from there. The first part was through trees and then came to an open area called Saddle 1 with great views. On this part, we met a family with a nice lab and then a MinPin that was running up to play with the lab and then back to some person we didn't see below. The trees were fantastic. Some were flocked. Some were frozen.

We came up to the trail split. I think the family with the lab took the Blueberry Loop. We headed up. Goal was peak.

Views from Saddle 1

 I thought it was already tough. I was winded from the climbing

On our way to Second Saddle, we encountered a guy coming down. He told us it was slippery and the stairs were treacherous. We thought these were the stairs. And, yes, it was important to watch your step, but not particularly treacherous. 

At this point, we began walking near the edge of the ridgeline.

We reached Second Saddle and found the "Best Dang Bench in the World." I also finally got my formal introduction to Jackie. I think after tasting my nose (very snotty), she loved me.

 OK ... so these were the stairs (or at least some of them) that were treacherous. There were several more of these before the rock climb to the summit.

This is the goal. It doesn't look so tough, right?

A little more "flat" hiking and we came across this sign ... UMMM, OK. The regular summer trail was obviously not visible. There were two options in the packed snow ... left seemed to maybe be switchbacks, or straight up. We chose left. Despite the "not recommended for pets, Jackie had no problems.

It really did get rough here. Many times we slipped and had to hands and knees a bit in order to find some traction. We came across this lovely spot. We saw Jackie and her pet person up ahead and debated. Keep going? It's just probably another 100 feet or so to the top. So close, but so far. We decided on 15 more minutes and see how far we make it. 

 

Within 5 minutes, Jackie's person was heading back down. He didn't make it to the top. Not geared. Very slippery. And he does this trail often. We decided we probably wouldn't make it either. Turned to go back down and realized that down would be as tough, or tougher, than up. Quickly, unceremoniously found a faster way down. 

We came across another hiker on the way down and he also decided not to summit today. He was faster than us, and remained upright. Very chivalrous of him to slow down and keep us in sight until we got off the steep area and back to flatter ground. He was making sure we didn't get hurt or stuck up there. Wish I knew his name so we could thank him. 

Found this cozy little rock cave. Wonder who lives here? 

At this point, it was destination home. Flinnster had afternoon obligations, so we hustled. We did stop to say "hi" to this cutie-pie. She loved me ... or at least she was very interested in the banana bread in my pocket. Felt pretty successful making it back out. Worked up quite a sweat in the cold. Didn't realize I look like I'm wearing high-waisted mom jeans in my snow pants.

Apparently, sometimes we were moving so slow that Trusty Garmin thought we were stopped. Actual distance recorded by Flinnster's "find me if I'm lost in an Avalance" GPS tracker posted us at 3.49 miles. And it took us longer than 45 minutes.