6 miles
hidden falls and back
41 degrees
Beautiful morning! I was over-dressed in 2 long-sleeved shirts, running tights, winter vest, stocking cap, gloves, and a buff. Wow — what was I thinking? Had my hair in a braid, which really wicks the water, so when I arrived home RJP and FWA let me know that sweat was dripping (pouring) down my back. They thought it was hilarious and disgusting. It was.
My average pace wasn’t the fastest (11 minutes), and I stopped several times to walk in the second half, but I’m proud of my mental victories. I had planned to run this route before I started, but in the first mile I already felt it would be too hard. Just make it to the downhill at the locks and dam no 1, I thought. By the time I reached that I thought, just make it to the top of the wabun hill. Then it was, keep going over the bridge and make it to parking lot before you stop. Then, keep going until you hit 3 miles. I made it to 2.8, at the spot when the path and parking lot were closed for construction. I walked, then ran, then walked, then ran again for 1.5 miles.
10 Things
- what a view between the ford overlook and hidden falls — wide open and steep
- a lot of sirens — police, ambulance, fire? — across the river — on highway 5?
- feeling strong and fast on the ford bridge
- voices below on the winchell trail — happy, chatting
- a tall fence around a construction site (for a BIG house) at Highland Bridge
- later, that fence rattling, when a worker was entering the site
- the “straight” (that is, straight to me) bluff line across the river, visible and framed with fuzzy tree limbs
- someone sitting on the ledge at the ford overlook, gazing out at the gorge
- the steady flow of water above hidden falls, part of the new water management plan for Highland bridge — making a soft, pleasing sound
- empty benches, until I stopped at the one above the edge of the world to retie my shoes
Arrived home just in time to rake the leaves for almost 2 hours. Now I’m tired!
a few more things: Inspired by a call for hybrid/text-images/sound pieces for a journal, I thought about doing more with my rock, river, and air chants from GGG. Not sure I can do it in time for this call (11/16), but something fun to include with GGG as a collection.
Talked with RJP and she showed me her sketches from yesterday’s hike in the gorge. I love them! I could imagine us doing some fun collaborations!
Came across this great resource while searching for something else rock-related. It seems fitting to add it in this entry, since I ran to Hidden Falls! The Cascades of Minneapolis/St. Paul