TERN colony
2,450 miles from home.
Morning run along Cunningham Inlet followed by a long canyon hike into the interior of Somerset Island. Bird colonies — arctic terns — nest high in towering canyon walls. Colorful mosses appear/soak up solar. Snow drifts continue to retreat, forming seasonal rivers/stunning waterfalls. Yellows & purple… tiny flowers in bloom.
It’s a hard desolate existence top of the World but... life always finds a way. Well, life AND death. On my run, came across a pile of bones. Some sea mammal most likely washed ashore & later, picked clean. Bones bleached white in the high Arctic sun.
Super blessed but bit somber/reflective/quiet today, as the sole American in Camp. Carried a USA flag on my journey. Post-hike planted outside my tent. That’ll do.
Happy 4th — Red White & Blue. Happy Birthday U-S-A 🇺🇸
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- CANYON hike
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- shore REMAINS
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- Happy 4th!
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- BELUGA crew
Independence Day 2022
Rowan O’Roark
Been a tough week to celebrate the annual Holiday of LOVE.
Fever & lack of energy, day after day after day. Hadn’t missed a [non-marathon] day from work in YEARS, but this… can’t seem to shake.
So 2K20… most thankful for those PRESENT in our lives.
Those who show kindness and love when you’re down & need it most.
Many thanks Ash for bringing by food. Thanks to friends texting/for checking-in. And thanks most to my best pal, Ro. BESTEST companion EVER. I love ya buddy 🐾
Happy Valentines Day 2K20 ❤️
“Where there is great love, there are always miracles” ~ Willa Cather (1927)
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- BESTEST pup 🐾
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- BESTEST card
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- BESTEST family
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- BESTEST friends
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- Holiday of LOVE ❤️
Valentines Day FUNNY (niece & her comfort cat)
new Nets cap
Arkansas family, Connecticut family, Colorado family.
FAMILY. It’s the secret glue that makes me tick. It’s the well I go to over & over. The flood of balloons Ash packed for my 50th. Hump Day phone gifs from my Bro. Sis who travelled to Ireland to celebrate (& run) marathon #100. Mom who daily shines a light. Filimin lamp/orange & family’s spiritual warrior.
Folks I TREASURE and draw Mile 22 strength 😊
Manchester – DC – Chicago – Denver
Busy Christmas morning… but it all worked out. Ash & Tom’s home 2:30 COLORADO time.
Comfort food Christmas. LOVE, LOVED. Homemade chicken pie. ‘Gallon-size Ziploc of CHEESE’ mac n’ cheese. AWESOME double/triple helping-size meal. (Diet starts tomorrow.)
Year’s gift giving? Southwest funds & new/improved Garmin for Ash & Tom (future 2020 Seattle/Portland adventures). Pup’s first doggie sweater for Rowan O’Roark. Plush toy for grandpup Marty.
And Dad? Christmas Coupons.
Homemade meals (with all the fixin’s) & 2 airport drop-off/pick-ups. PERFECT for the guy who has everything. They’re right ya know. My life IS full. I want for nothing.
Merry Christmas to the BESTEST family! I HEART y’all ❤️
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- NH – DC – Chicago – Denver
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- COMFORT food – YUM!
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- mac ‘n cheese OVERLOAD
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- grandpup Marty
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- Christmas COUPONS
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- 2020 HIKE adventures
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- Garmin UPGRADE
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- great job, Ash!
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- RUN & be MERRY 🎄
