Park and Birds

Well I haven't post much lately. I've been pretty busy with a conference in Richmond. Everything went smooth. Sure am glad that it's over.

My daughter and I have had some issues with trust lately so to make it up she suggested that we go hiking early Sunday morning. I had planned to do some trail running but spending time with my daughter is better then any run. I did tell her that she would have to get up early and she agreed. I let her sleep in until 0700 and then went in to wake her up. She got up very well and was raring to go.

Because of the snow and cold weather I decided to keep it short and simple. I didn't want to do the Lake Trail - too easy - but didn't want to do the Forrest Trail - too technical. I decided on the Valley Trail which follows Traverse Creek on the south side for 1.1 miles. It also give a very nice elevated look at the lake.

The temperature was around 20 degrees and there was a light snow falling when we started. She was a real trooper and didn't complain about the cold at all. It was until we saw the two coyotes running around the creek bottom that she broke down. She was scared that the coyotes was going to attack and eat us. I told her that she had nothing to worry about and to be quite and watch them. She was convinced that I was just telling her that and that we would soon be attacked by a pack of howling coyotes. She finally calmed down and together we watched the show. It was interesting to watch them run around looking for breakfast.

Soon after that we got to the overlook of the lake and sit there for about ten minutes enjoying the peace and quite. The snow was falling and we was the only ones around. It was a very special time for me and I hope it was for my Daughter as well.

On our return I decided to cross Traverse Creek and to go back to the parking lot via the Lake Trail. We went down to the creek bottom and walked awhile until we found a good tree to cross over the creek with. My Daughter when first and I reminded her to make sure she straddled the trunk and scooted across. The ice and snow on it make it too slick to try to walk over. She did very well and then I followed her over. The Lake Trail is a very easy trail and used to be a dirt road. We made good time and soon made it back to the van.

I told her to drive because it would give her good experience in the snow. The road through the park was covered and at first she didn't want to drive. I then coached her as she climbed the first hill and explained to her how to drive in snow and ice. She did very good. I'm really glad that she went with me.

After I dropped her off at work and my son finally made it home from his friends house I asked him if he wanted to and buy a parakeet for his mom. She had talked to my daughter a couple of times saying she would like to get a bird. She grew up with pet birds in her house and she like them more then cats and dogs. I called my daughter and ask her what color of bird would her mom like. She said green and begged me to come and get her so she could help pick it out. She received permission from her boss to leave for a little bit to go bird hunting.

We went to Pet Center in Robinson where they had a special going on. Buy a cage and get the bird for free. We looked for awhile and finally picked out two green ones, a fat one for my wife and a skinny active one for me. Because I bought the big cage for $49, I got the two birds for free. I quickly took them home and I've got to admit. I've kinda grown attached to them. The cat really loved them. He actually sleeps beside of the cage. He has never stopped looking for a way to get in. It reminds me of Sylvester and Tweedy. The first thing he used to do when we let him back into the house was to go to the food bowl. Now the first thing he does is check out the bird cage to see if an opening has appeared. Once he finds out that no new way in has developed, he goes to his feed bowl.

When my wife got home we had her close her eyes to surprise her. She was trilled to see the birds. My wife is very hard to buy for and I'm so glad that I managed to find something that she liked and for once she never mentioned taking her gift back. She didn't even say anything about the price. That's very unusual for my wife.

Work and Rain

Today I ran into work for the first time this year. The weather here is unbelievable. This morning it was 54 degrees with some rain. I enjoy running in the rain as long as it isn't cold. The only hurdle to overcome when running in rain is getting wet. Once you are wet then it doesn't matter anymore and you can then concentrate on your run. I dug out my trusted desert camo boonie hat which helped to keep my head dried but everything else was soaked. I covered the 9.5 miles in 1.24 which isn't too bad for me considering the rain and the hills.

I just hope that the rain is done by Sunday morning. I'm planning a long run up at RCSP and parts of it can be real muddy.

New Year

I'm back baby, I'm back. After a two week hiatus due to the Holidays and the remodeling of my basement, I'm back to running and it felt awesome.

I can sum this reinvigorating run up in thirteen words:

• Early Morning
• Six miles
• Trail
• 30 degrees
• Frost
• Shorts
• Full Moon
• Beautiful Sunrise

As a side note, I missed doing 1,000 miles last year by 30 miles. I could have finished them, but just never got around to it.

New Year and New Miles.