Archangel Road Ski

 It was actually snowing at my house this morning. I only got about 1/2 inch, but at least it turned everything white. But when I drove through the fog up to Hatcher Pass to Archangel Road, I was out of the fog and snowfall. But not out of the clouds and cold temperatures. Yesterday's warm temperature had softened up the snow on the trail and it was very rutted from other skiers. But those ruts totally solidified overnight and were nasty icy ruts today. I brought my skate skis and wondered if I would survive trying to go to the bridge with the Valley Wanderers. It was really tough skiing across those ruts, but I managed to remain standing, although, I didn't have much speed, especially on the uphill parts. Coming down I was fine, and it had softened up slightly. But I still had to check my speed so I didn't have a bad fall. I made it all the way back with no falls. Bella had a great time racing back and forth. We both got a good workout over the 4 miles out and back. There were interesting cloud banks against the mountains and heavy dark clouds above. When I got back home the small amount of snow that had fallen, was totally gone. I guess Mother Nature was just teasing us and pretending that winter isn't really gone. It has stayed below freezing, so doesn't exactly feel like summer yet.

The KrrBrrr

 I had an interesting morning running The Krrbrrr race (Knik River Break-Up Ramble Run) through the mud and the muck, the stickers, trees, brambles, and the moose and horse poop. It's a crazy trail race that consists of a 5 mile loop through the messy flooded, muddy mass of ATV trails that connect Sullivan Road to the Jim Creek, Knik River drainage. Runners have to contend with ATV's, moose and occasional horses as they forge their way through the currently mostly flooded trail system. Negotiating my way around the gigantic flooded areas required bushwhacking through fallen trees, and hoards of gnarly wild rose bushes with nasty thorns that grab onto everything. I made sure to wear heavy long pants to avoid arriving at the finish a bloody mess. Runners, or in my case, walkers (I'm a chicken) can run as many loops as they want in the 8 hour allotted time. Like the previous 2 years, I was quite satisfied to call it a day after completing one loop still standing and not covered with mud. Heartier runners amazingly accomplished multiple loops. I'm proud of them! It's really a lot of fun and a challenge to find one's way from one pink flag to the next even though there may be a 3 foot deep moat between the 2 flags. I was slow and careful enough to actually arrive back at the start finish line without even getting my feet wet. My studded running shoes were covered with mud though. There was ice beneath many of the muddy sections and those studded shoes were perfect to help keep me from toppling over like some of the faster runners did. I love doing it just to have a little visit with the other runners. They inspire me.

Twin Peaks Trail

 I got a very late start getting out of the house today. But finally decided to drive up to Eklutna Lake and hike part of the Twin peaks Trail. We only went to the overlook at the first bench because we didn't have enough time to go all the way to the second bench. But the first bench overlook has the best view. We did encounter a few sections of ice but it was easy to either walk around it or walk in the softest parts. I had my spikes with me but didn't need to put them on. The bottom was a little muddy but for the most part, the trail was pretty dry. I love this steep little trail to the overlook. It's a good 3.5 mile workout and very beautiful. 

Archangel Road Ski

 It looked like today would be another sunny day. But the morning clouds didn't burn off like they have been doing lately. I skied along Archangel Road practicing my skate skiing. The snow was perfect, but the light was not very good. The farther out we went, the darker and thicker the clouds became. The light was so flat that I was afraid to get any speed going on the downhills. I was disappointed because I had hoped to go past the bridge since the snow conditions were so good. But I was starting to get a little vertigo because of the visibility. So, we turned around at the bridge. Bella enjoyed a good run and enjoyed visiting with other skiers and getting a few friendly pets from all of them.