Girls Gone Wildwood

 In 2011 we ran the Lithia Loop Marathon, our first trail race, and fell head over heels in love with trail running. We decided that since we were all trained up and our birthdays were both just a few weeks later, we would run the longest trail in Forest Park, Wildwood, from end-to-end to celebrate. An annual tradition was born, one that we both look forward to, no matter the weather. It has become a day to slow down, enjoy the journey, and spend time together reflecting on our closing year of adventures. At the Newberry end, our finish This year, Ann picked the Sunday at the end of the US Thanksgiving holiday. Well she might have a future career as a weather forecaster, because it was perfect: partly sunny, surprisingly warm, and starting with a gorgeous sunrise. Every year we do this, I feel awe at how fortunate I am. I have the health, fitness, and time to spend the day running. I have a best friend I look forward to spending time with, week after week, who shares so many of my type

We haven't been quite as scheduled as pre-pandemic times, but back in July, the week before Cascade Lakes Relay, we drove up to Leavenworth for an epic day-off adventure run. Colchuck Lake selfie I had never been to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and I was in for a treat. We stayed the night at the Snow Lakes Trailhead, and caught an early shuttle to the Colchuck Lake Trailhead.  Enchantments map It's a good 4 miles to Colchuck Lake, getting a feel for the elevation, with the massive payoff of seeing the shockingly bright blue water. We got a little lost at one point, trying to follow the trail over big boulders, but figured it out and made the boulder-hopping journey over to Aasgard Pass. Sunrise morning view from Snow Creek Trailhead Just a note here: I'm so glad I knew absolutely nothing about this trail and Aasgard Pass. When Ann pointed it out across the lake, I thought she was just pointing out a feature; I had no idea that it was the trail. Bridge to... a bunch of boul