Lake Mead Trail Run

 I had to go to Lake Mead for a couple days of meetings and decided to stay at the cheapest hotel in the area, the Hacienda. It is part of a casino, which isn't too appealing to me, but it is also in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and there's a trail right next to it. So when I woke up, I headed down to the trail for an early morning trail run. The trail follows an old railroad bed, so it's perfect for not too difficult a run.

 It has nice views of the marina and Lake Mead.

 I also really enjoyed the different vegetation of the Mojave Desert. These creosote bushes are always so lovely!

 This trail includes some train tunnels, making it extra fun. I remembered three from a previous jaunt, but it turned out that there were five (I guess I didn't go far enough before!).

 Signs and benches have been added since my last trip (several years ago), and they are nice additions.
Previously I had seen other people on the trail, but this time I had it to myself. It's a combo bike/hike trail.

The tunnels have been stabilized in a restoration project. I heard bats in the first one and saw birds fly out of a couple of them.

The rock around there is so different from where I live. I really enjoyed all the shades of brown and tan with hints of orange. One of the signs talked about the families that lived nearby during the construction of the Hoover Dam and how miserable it was for them due to a lack of shade.

Pretty flowers--but I don't know what they were!

After the last tunnel I passed through a gate that was marked as Bureau of Reclamation land. The trail went around some buildings and then headed downhill towards the dam. I had reached my turn around time, but I was so curious about what was next that I decided to go just a little farther.

That's when I saw some desert bighorn sheep! They were enjoying the quiet morning until I spooked them, then they crossed the trail in front of me and went up into the rocks on the other side.

I continued a bit farther, hoping to catch a glimpse of the dam. I saw lots of power lines and even part of the new bridge (on the upper right part of the above photo). The trail was descending quickly and I really had to get back to go to work, so I will have to go back another day to take the trail all the way to the dam.

The run back went quickly, although I couldn't resist stopping a couple times to take more photos.

The temperature was in the high 60s/low 70s, so really comfortable.

Finally I reached the spur trail that had led down to the main trail. At the top I went through a different spot into the Hacienda parking lot and found a sign denoting this as a trail and distances (3 1/4 miles to the dam).

I had managed to forget my running shoes, so these are the shoes I did my run in. They worked out well!

2011 Wild Goose Chase

We were expecting some bad roads on the way to town for the Wild Goose Chase run, and it was a good thing we left early, because they were bad. Lots of blowing snow, drifts coming on to the highway, only one other vehicle in 90 miles of travel. Ninety miles on pavement, on a U.S. highway, and only one other vehicle. It was coming from the other direction, so at least I knew the roads were passable. Although it was 4WD. And after 20 miles I couldn't see it's tracks on the road anymore.

This is what I saw. The road conditions had deteriorated. No plows had been out yet, so we got to break trail with our 4 inches of clearance. Fun times. It got worse than this, but I didn't try taking a photo. And then Desert Boy had to pee. Trips are always an adventure with little kids!

Fortunately we made it in plenty of time to register and were astounded to see so many other crazy fools braving the snow storm for the opportunity to go run and get sore muscles.

They had a 5k and a 10k, and our group of seven from the valley participated in both. Here's Desert Boy at the finish. He said he wanted to run in the race, so I had him run while I warmed up in the parking lot.

Then we were off. I didn't get any starting photos or photos of the route, but fortunately Ben and Breanna got photos of the finishers.

Here's Jeremy, who came in second in the 5k. Actually, his dog came in second, so he came in third.

Christian was the first finisher for the 12 and under group. He ran in jeans, because that's what he always runs in. I'd really like to beat him, but I'm afraid he's going to get faster than I can get faster.

Here I come next to a poor guy who had pulled a muscle.

Chandra managed a big smile on her turn into the finish.

Here's Breanna skirting the puddles. There was still a cold north wind and snow falling most of the time, but it was warm enough to melt some of the ice on the ground. The biggest obstacle was the mud--part of the run was so muddy that I had to repeatedly kick the mud wads off my shoes.

The snow geese made a grand entrance flying overhead.

The kids had fun pushing Desert Girl's stroller around.

Then came the 10k finishers, with Greg checking his time at the finish.

Hector kept taking off layers as he ran. He won his age group for the 10k.

While the race organizers were busy compiling results, on the other side of the road people were gathering for Dunk, Dunk...Goose, a.k.a the Snow Goose Plunge.

For only $10, a person could heave his/her body into the frigid reservoir and get a t-shirt.

The t-shirt said "I got goose bumps at dunk, dunk...Goose."

Desert Boy tested the waters. He really wanted to swim, but I convinced him to wait until later, when we could go to the heated indoor pool.

But there were plenty ready to take the plunge right then. They all charged in.

Most then hurried out of the water.

But a few stayed and played for awhile. It made me so cold just watching them!

We went back to the Pavilion for the raffle prizes and also to hear the results. Our group gathered for a photo. It was really fun knowing other runners in the race.

I'm not sure of the official count, but there were probably more than last year's 150 runners/walkers.

Christian showing off his certificate.

Emma was a good sport, not minding the cold.

Photo shoot for the newspaper. I love the dog sitting behind them.

And photo shoot of our group again. We were delighted that everyone placed in their age group.
Next year we'll have to do it again, and maybe we can even recruit a few more people.

One of the perks was a nice shirt.

So thanks to everyone who helped sponsor the race! It was worth the long drive, crazy weather, and mud. And we did eventually find the Navajo tacos after the race, but we had to huddle in the van to eat because it had started snowing again and was too cold to stay outside. Maybe next year we'll get some warmer weather!

Point Reyes National Seashore

While we were out in California, we decided to go to Point Reyes National Seashore, a place we had never visited before. My husband's sister and her family were our gracious guides.

Our first sightseeing moment was the Golden Gate Bridge. We stopped at the overlook on the north side and learning a few tidbits about the bridge, like it was built in 1937 and painted International Orange.

It was windy and raining, so we didn't stay long. But of course we (meaning compulsive me) had to take a few photos, and we had some willing models.

Our plan was to head up Highway 1 to the National Seashore, but that way was flooded, so we had to take an alternate route. The alternate route took us through a redwood tree grove (ah, those lovely trees!) and was quite scenic. I was really enjoying a total change of scenery, and cousin Lola was in the backseat, keeping Desert Girl and Desert Boy happily entertained.

When we got to the main visitor center, we looked at some of the exhibits, ate our picnic lunch, and then decided to head out to the lighthouse.

This was the view from the parking area at the lighthouse. The storm clouds just added to the dramatic scenery.
We found a short trail that went to a viewpoint, and took it to stretch our legs.

We were glad to have rain gear!

Ruby and her mom.

The ocean was a long way below us, but its effect on the landscape and vegetation was obvious. The vegetation was fairly short, having adapted to a rather harsh climate.

Next up was the trail to the lighthouse.

The direction of the prevailing wind was obvious by the lean of these trees. Ruby looks like she's enjoying a walk in the park!

Some black-tailed deer were munching on the vegetation, not particularly afraid of human visitors.
Then we got to a tiny visitor center and a set of stairs leading to the lighthouse, set on the cliffs below.

Not too many people were braving the weather, so we nearly had it to ourselves, even though it was a weekend. And the sun came out for a few brief moments.

It was about a 300 foot descent to get to the lighthouse, over 300 stairs.

The foghorn and light were automated years ago and are now housed in this little shack. Not nearly as picturesque as a real lighthouse!

Due to the height of the cliffs, they didn't need to build a tall lighthouse. In fact, it was a challenge to get all the materials to this location. In addition, they had no fresh water source except for what fell from the sky, so they built a cistern and collection basin.

It would have been a rather lonely life as a light house keeper, and I think I might have gone slightly mad seeing the ocean but not having an easy way to get down to it.

My brother Ed enjoyed the scenery, too.

After checking out the area, it was time to head back up. I had Emma in the front carrier, so I was ready for a good cardio workout.

And up. They had painted numbers on the steps so you knew how many more you had to go.

On one step I found this neat little snail.

It sure was a strange-looking creature!

We got to see the beach to the north again on the trek back to the parking area, along with the slug-like elephant seals that were on the beach.

A break in the rain meant it was time for some goofing off in the parking lot.

Emma was fascinated with the dog.

After a quick snack, we decided to head to the beach, where dogs were allowed (they weren't allowed on trails in the national seashore).

This was some of the landscape we drove through to get there, green pastures with lots of cows. Ranching was a historical use of this area, and many ranches are still in operation within the national seashore.

Some of the cows were dairy cows, while others were beef cows.

We parked in a huge parking lot and were virtually the only vehicles. Apparently there's a lot more visitation in the summer!

Despite it being December and wearing winter coats, some of us still had to take off our shoes and socks and run through the sand!

Desert Boy and Lola decided to play the wave game, trying to just let their feet get wet.

The shore was a little on the steep side, so it was hard to judge how big the waves would be.

They got some good exercise running back and forth.

Desert Boy was absolutely fascinated with the waves. After all, he doesn't get to spend much time at the ocean.

He was spellbound.

Will my toes get wet?

And to see the action, click on the video below.



Before we left the beach, it was time for a family photo.

Thanks for the good memories!