solitary confinement

Sunday, found me catching a lift w/Chris & Tony heading up the north shore to begin a long run @ the SHT trailhead in Beaver Bay. Conditions were sultry from rains we received during the night but normally of late, humidity hasn't been much of a factor. A breeze would carry it away as the hours of the day passed, however, the powerful rays of the sun were relentless. I was certain a 50 ml CAMELBAK in addition to a bottle would be indispensable for me to sustain life in 89F! This was my first effort beyond two hours all spring or summer and trying to perform it in said weather wasn't going to be easy. So, knowing that ultra-distance is the area of specialty for these two guys I cut them loose after the final of a series of road crossings around 55 minutes. Realizing to have a successful morning, my desire to stay in contact wouldn't benefit me when it was all over. In hindsight, maybe I could have tried to keep stride as I heard their voices up the trail until we agreed to turn back in the window of 1:15-1:20. Once they caught me, it was obvious that my decision came wisely seeing both in passing. Footing on this segment of the trail was very challenging as it provided many ups & downs and surfaces. Routes sometimes will contain talus/scree-like debris but not on this part as everything was quite firm and anchored in the ground. Rocks, roots, mud, and grass would influence the amount of shade offered. I remained calm and enjoyed the amazing views from outcroppings. Cedars below along the river gave a much different angle only a short time later. I would be out of water by the two-hour mark but I must have gotten saturated enough because I made it back to regroup just fine. Slowing up a little on the return was alright by me to stop my watch in 2:37.

Driving home we deemed it essential to soak our banged up bodies in Lake Superior and grab some food @ Rustic Inn. We gave our waitress a workout once we discovered that the raspberry lemonade came w/FREE REFILLS!!!