Dirt and Trees

I felt the need to run on dirt, and get in a long run.

The girls and I headed toward Riggins today, to run on the Rapid River trail. It's a favorite in early spring and late fall because it's almost always snow free, follows the river for easy access to water, and in gorgeous if you like deep canyon walls, burbling rivers, and a dry climate. We avoid summer, though, because it gets blistering hot, and rattlesnakes claim the right of way.

I ran about seven miles with the girls. I was meeting a friend, Shelly, at noon, back at the trail head and got a late start, so we didn't do the full eight miles I intended to do with the girls. We had a great run, though - cold enough at the start that I needed gloves, but not a hat. A little warm toward the end, just after noon, in the exposed areas. The girls were more than happy to finish the run and jump into the car where a bowl of water appeared. They wished me a hearty "Have fun - without us!" as Shelly, her dog Dylan, and I headed out on a second out-back, another eight miles for me.

There are two bridges crossing the river within the first four miles of trail; the first at mile one, the second at mile four. The second bridge makes a nice turnaround point, although when the snow melts, I often continue on up along the West Fork of the river, through tree stands on north-facing and steep hillsides.

The upper photo, of Shelly and Dylan, shows them on the one mile bridge, on our way back. The middle photo shows them on the four mile bridge, the lower photo is me and Dylan on that same bridge.

For some reason, I never managed to get the river itself in a photo!

It was a gorgeous day. The area is even more gorgeous in April when the grass and shrubs green out, and wildflowers appear.

I ran 15 miles total, overheating toward the end. It was probably only 55F, but that's HOT for me, especially when it was 14F here at the house when I headed out this morning!

It was fun to take photos of another dog and person while out on a trail; as I told Shelly, I already have tons of photos of my girls!