This morning was our annual run/hike of the Wapack Trail. 2 buses drive to Windblown ski area and run south and 2 start at Rt. 119 in Mass and run north. Unlike last year, it was overcast and very humid and threatening rain, which, fortunately never came and it was not hot. Kathy and I took the North to South groups while Amie and Rob took the South to North gang. We ran through Windblown and headed up Barrett Mt. and at that point we were already mostly bathed in sweat. A brief stop for a photo op in the green ferns of the glade that resulted from the ice storm several years ago and then on we went.
I never saw the front of the pack after that since there was no stopping, although many pulled over to pick a few ripe blueberries that were abundant on the ridge. Who needs a GU or a cliff bar when you have fresh blueberries to graze on! Apparently the usual stop at the Binney Pond Overlook was too buggy, so on we went. The fast boys group headed north passed us somewhere in that stretch making really good time. A little further back was Rob and a few more of the boys heading up to the ridge. Down at the end of Binney Pond there was a water hazard we had to cross one at a time, although by this time I was so wet from the grass and sweat I considered just running across it. A shaky log, a 2x4 that sank when you stepped on it, a few slippery rocks and we were across. Finally I caught up to the main pack as I had been getting smoked by everyone up to that point. A quick photo of Amie and her group headed north and then on we went, now running on an old logging road.
The girls in this group were having a great time yacking and running while several minutes ahead was Kathy with the front of the pack, led by Julia K. Finally we did the schlep up Mt. Watatic to the top and then right back down, finished off with a sprint to the vans.
Everyone changed and I grossed everyone out wringing the sweat from my singlet. then we loaded up and headed to Kimball's for lunch and ice-cream. Rob and Amie drove in a bit later and the whole camp was back together. Amie outdid herself, succumbing to an ice-cream dare and she almost managed to eat this giant conglomeration of ice-cream and toppings. It was an impressive effort indeed!
Finally, we swam at Lake Dennison after a bit of core exercises. The lake was cooler and more refreshing than a few days ago. A great end to a day of hard efforts. Tonight we talk about psychological preparation for ski racing. Its been a good day.....again!
