Muir Woods Weekend

Vacationed to California last weekend. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy not living in California—so I can say I’m vacationing there. I can also claim to get respite or delight in respite in the Golden State, though I’ve only taken holiday to Britain once.

Long time coming, Robin and I had signed up for the 25K trail run in Muir Woods, CA two years ago. Then surgeries and injuries forced perjuries and EnvrioSports graciously held our registration fees to a future event, this year.

Road trip to the Bay Area; hook up with friends who heroically handle hotel babysitting Talmage.... As I wound the Subaru through the foggy drizzle down to Stinson Beach on race morning, Robin and I exclaimed, “this is crazy!” --thinking of running 15.5miles in the cold rain with obscured scenery. But after a rousing refrain of “America the Beautiful” some 300 runners launched up the “Steep Ravine Trail” to wander into misty Muir Woods...

There’s something about running through beautiful scenery that thrills my soul. “The woods [were] lovely, dark, and deep...” and the rain quickly became an accent rather than an irritant. I “soaked it up” –all of it. Plus, I was feeling on top of my game and ran well (though definitely walked some stretches too).

Here are some of Robin’s words worth echoing:

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The first 3 miles were an uphill scramble (including up a 10-ft wooden ladder) to aid station number one. Lots of bottle-necking on the uphill, thankfully for me, as it modified the race-pace to a fast walk at many switchbacks. The rain was not so noticeable under the redwood canopy and as I began the gradual downhill descent after mile 3, with runners more spaced out now, lengthened stride pounding on soft pine needles, my grin betrayed my inward joy. It felt so good!!! The rain cleared up eventually. It was a beautiful run. I walked a lot on several other uphill stretches, but .. no matter. I was there for the scenery and the exercise. It was one of the most joyous, challenging races I've been in. Imagine coming out of the woods at mile 11 (or so) to find yourself at the top of a green, wildflower-bestudded (word? sp?) grassy meadow that overlooks the beach down below; the sky is clear-blue now, and the last 4 miles are all downhill. It was stunning. Briton agreed - we'll be back.

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Race over, it was time to enjoy friends and other sites. First priority was pizza-party (gimme calories!) and catch-up with friends; one couple from Palo Alto who also came up for the race, and the other couple with their two kids up a grand distance from LA... they’re our heroes!! It was fun to see them all again.

You’d never have guessed the rainy morning while gazing off the northern high hills with the Golden Gate Bridge in stark red stenciling across the sunbathing San Fran city. Wharf, Alcatraz, Exploratorium, TransAmerica Pyramid, the whole Bay scene in full view. Love it!

We took the longer way home to Oregon, up Hwy101 through all those Redwood Forests. Definitely worth touting in those patriotic hymns. Also found the town Talmage, CA 95481 along the way and did an obligatory stop and photo-shoot with the little guy, who btw was an excellent traveler all things considered.

Seems my annual habit of journeying to the Bay has picked up again. See you next year?