15 March 2009

To Hell and Back

My annoyance with the Pullman snow reached a tipping point and my itching for a trail run was gaining unhealthy momentum (no trail run since Sept) so Sadie and I made our first road trip of the season to get a good, snowless trail run in.

There was one small catch: the trail was in Hell and we had to sell our soles to run it.

I love running. And this run in Hells Canyon is why I run. I know I say that often but running has become a part of me over the past couple years and runs like this one are exactly why I do it. The travel, the solitude, the landscape, the mental and physical challenge. And Sadie, of course. This was Sadie's longest run ever: 31 miles. Good girl.

My mind and legs are getting into shape.



Trailhead marker -- our goal was to reach
Sheep Creek and then turn around



Entering Hells Canyon by foot



Sadie's most at home when she's on a trail



Several cliffs with no room for error




VIDEO: The strong gusts of wind made me a
little nervous on a few of the ledges



I think Sadie loves the trail for the same reasons I do



Historic ranches along the way



The trail brought us down by the river
several times for Sadie to take a dip and sip
(which was good because I ended up having
to drink the extra water I carried for her)



Sadie contemplating the meaning of her life near Suicide Point
(legend has it that two forbidden lovers
heaved themselves from this cliff)



A view of Suicide Point's 400 ft vertical drop



Ranch along the river



I wish I were a poet




Turnaround point



Heading back home through golden-yellow meadows



Views like this make me happy to be alive



Keep running!

Scott

20 comments:

  1. Great run! Absolutely beautiful trail. I can't wait to run it with you in a few months...

    Dad

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  2. Wow. Love those pics. Sounds like one helluva trail run!

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  3. Oh boy. Seeing that made me want to go out for a run! Amazing stuff.

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  4. Beautiful Scott! Where is Hell?

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  5. I can't wait to get back to that part of the world. City life is not for me! I just wish I had your endurance--I interval train.

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  6. Amazing trail Scott thanks for sharing the pics!

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  7. Wow what great pictures!

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  8. Duudeee that's one helluva dog! Dang she took on the whole 31 miles with you?!

    Great pics homeslice! ;-)

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  9. Woooo! That's a helluva run!! Glad Sadie was along to protect you and all :-)

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  10. Now that is a beautiful run! Great job to both you and Sadie.

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  11. Wow! It's so beautiful out there! 31 miles?! Awesome.

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  12. what a great run for you! I hear WA state was getting some snow/rain lately. Dnever area a very very dry winter not much moisture. but it has been nice to run over the winter in mild temperatures. keep up the great running!

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  13. What a great looking trail! I'd like to join you for that run sometime.

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  14. wow. 31 miles. great job!!

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  15. Beautiful place, thanks for sharing the photos. Sadie is lovely.
    The last but not least: good job.

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  16. Oh my gosh, Scott. Those pics are great. Sadie is such the trouper. How fun to share this with her. Glad to hear you are running long.

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  17. GREAT POSTING, KEEP HITTING THE HIGH ROADS, SPRING IS HERE!
    My own dog Tess [sheepdog]has also run 31 miles many times over a coastal path trail route here in uk!
    Have to have a dog race!

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  18. I'm so proud of you. You are going to be so awesome at the 100K next month. Can't wait to see you succeed again!

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  19. P.S. Fun play on words. :) You clever boy...

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  20. Suicide Point... your kidding me right? Wind gust near a ledge... you are hardcore and strong.

    So glad that you kicked up some dirt with Saddie.

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