USA Adventure

Llama hike: Rio Grande Gorge, NM

Published May 17, 2014

May’s been a heavy month of activity – literally every weekend’s booked.

May 3^rd Greenland 25k trail race
May 11^th Maine Coast Marathon
May 18^th Santa Fe Century
May 26^th Bolder Boulder 10k
June 1^st Minneapolis Marathon

Headed down to Santa Fe for my first Century (100 mile ride) – 4^th time on the bike. I go BIG – neighborhood ride, 12 miles, 52 miles, & now a Century. Finally getting serious with Ironman training. Just need to find more hours in my day.

6 hour drive to Santa Fe – long time in a car unless…you ride share (thanks Ash & Tom) AND stop for a llama hike in the Rio Grande Gorge (just north of Taos). Yep, I said llamas 🙂

Met up with our guide Stuart of Wild Earth Llama Adventures at a trailhead within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. Stuart introduced us to our llamas – K2, Diego & Rio. I already had laid claim to the white llama. Turns out that was K2 – appropriate (with my passion for high peaks) 🙂

Ash, Tom & I trekked down the mountain path with our llamas, switch-back spiraling to the river-filled gorge below. During our trek Stuart not only educated us on everything llama but also everything flora, fauna & fowl within the gorge.

He pointed out stratum layers of the canyon formed from volcano flows past. We picked fresh watercress & lemon herb, and spotted bark erosion from porcupine feedings.

Parked the llamas & kicked back riverside while Stuart set out a big spread for lunch. Life is good.

Took a short hike to view Native American petroglyphs carved hundreds of years ago (no horses – pre-European). Animals & shaman were centrally depicted (one Great Spirit). Absolutely amazing these drawings exist out in the open – having weathered man & elements for almost a thousand years. WOW!

Hiked UP out of the canyon, tipped our guide, then shot down to Santa Fe — dinner at Cowgirl BBQ.

Llama hiking & Santa Fe Saturday nights — highly recommended!

: gettin’ my llama on – LOVED it!

: switch-backing down the canyon

: K2

: Ash & Rio

: river forged rock

: Chillin’ like a Villain on a comfy rock

: watch where you sit – river spiders!

: lunch feast with wild watercress

: Diego rest stop

: check out those feet

: high desert hike

: cactus babies

: sand art — Native American migration

: mule deer & bighorn sheep

: petroglyph tutorial

: Corn Goddess

: you can lead a llama to water… — er, water fountain

: Santa Fe Saturday night

Posted in Pacific/Desert | Tagged hiking, petroglyphs, wildlife | 2 Comments

Maine Coast Marathon

Published May 11, 2014

Marathon day – another early start.

Up at 4:30am, quick face splash, then off to Biddeford to catch the bus to Kennebunk High School. Maine Coast Marathon was a point-to-point run – from Kennebunk thru Kennebunkport to the University of New England in Biddeford.

Today’s race temps – 70’s & sunshine. Who knew? Back in Colorado folks were experiencing late Spring snow – yep, on Mother’s Day — but far away in the extreme Northeast I was scurrying to locate sunblock. LOL>

As has been the norm with my recent marathon runs, I struggled. Lotta hills – which I knew were coming….but jeez, there were a bunch of them. However, special for today’s run was the salty smell of the Atlantic Ocean. Travelling from a landlocked state, I appreciated the view at miles 7, 10 & 23. Crashing waves against Maine’s rugged coastline — SPECTACULAR!

FINISH #7 – my first in the Northeast. Met a guy from the 50 State Club (which I qualify to join after 3 more state completions) who asked if I finished in 6 hours. Huh? He felt my one a month plan will result in slower finish times. Hmmm.

When a marathoner has completed a valid marathon in 10 different US states the eligibility status will have been met. After submitting an application with proof of completion, it will be verified by the membership committee. Each member shall retain some information to substantiate each event, such as: a finisher’s certificate, published event results (www.marathonguide.com, result card, result book, newspaper, etc.), race bib number AND medal (both required for this option).

Think I’m just gonna chalk this up to increased cycling taking away from weekly long runs. Finding it hard to balance run, swim & bike — in addition to work & personal life (added cycling to the mix in April). IRONMAN.

We’ll see how fast I bounce back. Only 3 weeks ‘til Minneapolis! What a crazy challenge — LOVE seeing the USA!

Maine Coast Marathon

5/11/14 Haga, Kr 457 4:53:29 LOUISVILLE, CO, USA

: check out that ocean view

: Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach & Cape Elizabeth — Maine Marathon weekend

: 7 down, 43 states to go

: Welcome Back! Mother’s Day snow?

Posted in Marathons/Ultras, Northeast | 2 Comments

Mainer holiday – lobstah & lighthouses

Published May 10, 2014

Dropped Ro & Marty at Windstar Kennels – Maine marathon for K*, Jersey holiday for Ash & Tom. Caught an after-work flight on Friday – didn’t arrive in New Hampshire ’til almost 1 a.m. Super late arrival but crazy excited about the upcoming weekend.

Started Saturday with friends – including a pre-Memorial Day cookout in Merrimack. Sun poked out & temps soared in the 70’s. Feasted on grilled bird, corn on the cob & potato salad. SOOOO good! Many months since I’ve been East Coast – far too long. I love my Colorado home but there’s no replacing forever family.

Road tripped across the Maine border, race bib pick-up at UNE-Biddeford, then checked in at the Old Orchard Beach Inn. Maine’s first hotel, built in 1730 AND walking distance from the ocean – literally 3 blocks from sand. EXCELLENT choice!

When I think of Maine, I think lighthouses, lobsters & crazy Mainer accents.

a Mainer will say, “Jesus Mary and Joseph, it’s roastin’ out he’ah. Goin’ to Bah Habah for some Lobstah’ sounds like a good idear. ‘Cause down there, the wind comes at a wicked good clip 🙂

Got my tourist on after marathoning this go-around.

So after a well deserved shower, drove to Cape Elizabeth to see Portland Head Light. Arriving on an unseasonably warm & sunny day, Fort Williams Park was packed. Lotta pale-skinned folks flying kites & sunshine loading.

Stared out into the grey Atlantic & admired the rugged shoreline. Simply beautiful. A perfect day.

Perfect? Yep, ended Sunday with Maine lobster at The Landmark in Old Orchard Beach.

Not that I compare marathon weekends, but gotta say Maine was something special. LOVED it!