INTRO

I am Scott aka Scottydog aka Scotty Dogg, runner since 1983, cancer survivor – caught very early, so I actually had a fairly easy time of it - , retired Air Force, employee of University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), friend of dogs, fun-runner, and all-around punster and goofball.  In 2003 I had spinal arthritis flare up and ever since then I’ve done the run/walk method since it hurts my back too much now to run continuously with no walk breaks.  I’m on what I call my “2F Plan” which stands for Fun and Finish.  My only goals for a race these days are finish everything I start, have fun along the way, and finish standing up with no ambulance waiting for me.  At events that I now do for fun I carry my camera, chase “Great Legs” to help motivate my slow old man self to keep moving forward, and take pictures before, during, and after the race. Sometimes I even get a nice post-race sweaty hug from one of the Great Legs ladies.   I then do a pictorial race report of my events.  I also carry dog biscuits with me to treat any dogs I may meet at a run – unless it’s a mean dog; then the biscuit goes in one direction and I go in another.  Hence my nickname “Scottydog.”

Here is yet another of my photo reports.

And a big thanks to runningahead.com for allowing me a “home” for my many many MANY race reports and photos.  Great site, free training log; calendars; running routes; maps; conversation forums for runners; and much more!

I went to Wenatchee, Washington, with my wife from Jul 29 - August 4, for her 40th high school reunion. During that week I did manage to get some running in, including a 5K on July 31,  a 4.2 mile run on August 1, a 3.2 mile run on August 1 in Confluence State Park, and a really wild trail run at Icicle Creek Gorge Trail on August 2.   These runs were quite a change from San Antonio as the morning temps were usually in the low to middle 60s......sweeeet!   .

First off, it was an adventure just getting to this park, lol.  First I had to drive to Leavenworth - not bad at all, about 30 minutes from Wenatchee - and then I had to drive 26 miles down Icicle Road - one of the most WINDING roads I've ever been on - and then SUDDENLY the pavement ended and I was on a very uneven bumpy gravel road - and more winding around, lol.  FINALLY I found the park.   Was the drive worh it?  Oh yeah, baby!  Below are some the photos I took on Icicle Gorge Trail.

This trail is supposed to be an 'easy' trail for all levels - the River Loop Trail is what it is called - and goes for supposedly 4 miles.  4 miles my butt, lol.   More like 4.5 or so cuz  I was running pretty well and knew I was not doing 12-minute miles.  I still had a piece to go when I hit the 4-mile mark.  Even so, I pressed on...and this was a splendid trail I would love to do again someday.  Nice views of the gorge and river; beautiful wooded area in Wenatchee National Forest.  Very popular too, I encountered quite a few people on the trail.

On the drive to the trail....

On the trail at last - that drive getting here was something, lol.

This was the first bridge I crossed.  On this loop I crossed a total of about 5 bridges

Encountered these nice ladies at the trail-head and again on the trail

Another bridge to cross

Creek is a bit quieter up this way...and VRY clear water, not like our San Antonio rivers, lol.

A paved bridge to cross.  This threw me off at first because the trail ended at the road - and me being directionally challenged I thought I'd gotten myself lost one more time again, lol.  But I finally figured out to cross the bridge and the trail loop continued on the other side...duhhhh....

Umm, yeah...the edge of the trail was RIGHT there.  Me and heights don't always do so well, so I was hugging the left side of the trail, lol, and hoping I didn't end up doing a "Dudley Moore" in the movie "10" and go careening down the hill.

Oh yeah, THIS bridge looks safe for a klutz like me, lol.  I managed to make it across without falling off. 

Through these beautiful trees...

...and then I was back to the parking area....safe!  What a beautiful run.  This trail is pretty non-technical; if I can do it, anyone can, lol. There are a few 'edgy spots' along the way, but for the most part, just a great trail, and a beautiful place to run or walk or hike.

Very pretty!

You're making me homesick with all the WA pics, Scotty!!  Did you have any smoke issues from the fire near Yakima?