Training Log Archive: bl

PM DP & BP on Bower loop, start 5:10. Just beginning to crust with the temp drop, wide, fairly smooth SM tracks. The crustometer noted the harder, more useful crust in the open when under the trees it was softer. Sun was low, vivid orange rays on the PL and mackerel sky 30' later. Indeed a nice outing in my own world at the end of the day - a good set up for Saturday eve psychology.

Good day all around: a correct decision not to send a patient to CH by spending sufficient time on the problem; then Peter came to get writing help from Beth, bringing his drywall screw gun (plus other dw stuff), helping me get my new table saw from garage to basement, then helping sufficiently disassemble the 1982 Sears table saw and get it to the curb (with "for free, works, all parts here" sign); then after a decent nap (virtually sleepless night for unclear reason), we assembled the new saw. And to top it off, the roadside saw vanished into the ether!

Noon at Turkey River. Was all set to run, no running shoes. Had ski stuff, so TRT. Found shoes in back of car but still opted for ski. Soft surface, gray sky, white fields, dark green trees, no one there.

Repeat of Sunday's ski but all the way home this time on soft snowmobile surface. Only a few places where I got a bit anxious - no use running into a tree. One biggish hill to climb - not sure I could manage it the other way. Fell once when coming off a small drop-down with too much momentum to avoid sanded Hollow Road. Walked home about 0.4 mi. Prepared for that, carrying running shoes around my neck (tried Beth but she wasn't home). Fun seeing Bow's SM trails.

Skate at turkey River - about 4:45, around 43F. Crust was very nice. Can really feel diff between parts of track in remaining sun vs those that have been shaded for an hour or more.

First noon hour run from work in quite some time. Much appreciated - nice out. Breaks up day. Will do more. Used to be more efficient re this when there 5 days a week & midday run was mandatory. Spring-like. Found HRM about a week ago - missing for months. Need some "dead" reckoning.

Gallery
Asian Garden, c. 1970








a tranquil world unto itself - bought this in '69-'71 period in Hong Kong. For forty years, its static beauty has been admired when eyes rest on it. Virtually nothing has changed..a few leaves fallen's about all.

C • Asian garden 3

Birthday sort of day, home around 4:45 & out to dinner kind of thing. Had thought of Y but why bother. Was getting to late to be serious.

Turkey River trails, about 11:30, 39F, OK surface, had been groomed but was getting soft.

End of day classic on SM trails. Got out door about 4:15, thinking Twist Hill crossing as a SM access/start point - where I'd pondered for years a SM trail departing a field into "mysterious" woods beyond. Didn't see it at first but then a sign & telltale notched roadside snow bank. Parking was nearby. First 0.9 mi was new woods.Track was soft, slushy. Then the PL & Nottingcook map. Stopped at the highest point on the PL - looking back to S. Bow Rd, I could hear then see 2 SMs - they seemed pretty far away but maybe 2' later, they passed in a rush of whining noise. PL trail was on the steep side in a few places - also narrow & surface was concave when narrow...hard for snow plow or other braking. Did some serious pole dragging. On 2 occasions the trail went somewhat steeply right to the road. Met Tareah Gray & her 2 children on Abbey. Saw 6 or 7 deer run right in front of me on Allen on the way to Twist Hill. Beth picked me up at the brush dump entrance & we drove back to my car.

Skate ski pm - tried anyway. Too wet/soft for any fun to the glide. Was 35F or more most of day. All the already-wet snow dropped a few inches in height. Branches laced with "ermine" last night & in the still, still morning - gone by noon.

Best sighting today was a chipmunk evidently living in the house - came out, ran a bit along a 3' snow pile but I could not get 'proof' in form of a photo.
Also noticed a perfectly round 2" hole in the very top of the house - a woodpecker excursion, Beth guesses, perhaps in search of wasps in warm weather.

Classic ski from Rob Road to OJR & walked back on BBR. Beth took us (Z&M) to SM track. Had red wax for c. 35F but, damn, no grip.
Annoying - price of wanting some performance vs waxless & missing - could do some marathon skate but mostly just plod & concentrate on not sliding back. Generally a flat track, soft snow - wide enough for skate but was not expecting that. Lots of snow bombs. Haven't been there in a few years for skiing or running. Walked back juggling dogs on rope, skis & poles & can of coke.

from the (substantial) wooden bridge

Lethargic-type winter snowfall day. On late side, went out in search of SM trails to use w/ waxless. No place in mind then it occurred to me to try BMS. Lot just plowed. Got to dog-walking corner thinking maybe the trails ahead & 2 SMs passed to light the way! - the only 2 in 45 minutes. Followed trail across BCR & started home but wasn't sure enough of the trails & decided against. Passed thru one amazing, snow-clad marsh & a string of fields. Was surprised to see proximity of houses & roads on Gmaps after - seemed a wooded winter wonderland pretty far from people which wasn't the case. Didn't think I'd have anything to write home about...
Still snowing at 5:30.

Route


The owl returned & spent all day apparently looking at the front door of the house! He was still perched on the same branch just before dark.