So I’ve been VERY lazy about keeping up with my blog lately,
and I apologize for that. BUT I have good news: I’ve commandeered my wife’s
computer and now I can upload all the great photos and trips that I’ve taken
over the last few (6!) months.
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| One of the mile markers along the OC&E Trail, an Oregon State Park |
First of all, let me explain how these events have come to
be: I have spent the better part of my free time so far this year working on my
swimming, biking, and running skills for my triathlon races, one of which I’ve
just recently completed, and the second of which will be in August. In addition
to those activities and working full time, I’ve been able to get out with my
family and enjoy the sights around Eugene and the county.
My triathlon race, the Duck Bill Thrill Triathlon, was held
May 20th. This race was an Olympic distance race, meaning I would
have to swim 1500 meters (about one mile), bike 40 kilometers (about 25 miles),
and run six kilometers (about 6 miles). I had a goal to finish within three
hours, and I finished with a time of 2:58:45. Needless to say, I was relieved
to have met my goal and proud of myself for doing so! I have my second and
final tri of the year on August 19th, the Triathlon Eugene, and will
be doing an Olympic distance race then as well. I also convinced my lovely wife
to sign up for her first tri, and she’ll join me that day to race the Sprint
distance. In addition to her and I, many of our friends are going to come out
to race, both individually and as part of a relay team. I look forward to
seeing so many familiar faces on the course.
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| Fall Creek, location of the 2012 Duck Bill Thrill Triathlon |
My wife and I have signed our son (who’s now one year old)
up for a music class. I’ve been fortunate enough so far to be home for most of
the Saturdays when the class is held, and we’ve enjoyed riding our bikes the 12
miles roundtrip to and from the class from our house. Sometimes we stop for ice
cream on the way home, sometimes we go to the Saturday Market, but we try to
ride as often as possible. The point I’m making here, on my OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
blog, is that it’s always possible to incorporate the outdoors into your normal
routine, no matter what’s on your agenda.
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| Anson & I enjoying a pit-stop along our weekly bike ride |
Another adventure I got to have recently was a great night
of single-track trail running in Klamath Falls, my layover town for work. I had
been keeping an eye on a local running club in town, the Linkville Lopers, and
was excited to be in town one Wednesday night when they met for a group run. I
didn’t know what to expect when I first met the group, but they proved to be a
very friendly group and kept a pace that was very comfortable for me to
maintain. We ended up running about 6 miles together as a group of 6 or so then
I cut back to the parking lot with about half the group while the others added
another 4 miles to their night. The views from the run were incredible as we
ran all over a tall hill just west of downtown Klamath Falls. A few pints of
Rolling Rock (hey, they were only $1) made for an excellent end to a great day.
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| The grand view looking North from Moore Park in Klamath Falls |
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| Moore Park looking south toward Mount Shasta |
Finally, this past Memorial Day weekend, we got to go on a
great hike to Trestle Creek Falls, just off of Bryce Creek near Cottage Grove.
The hike was a moderately difficult, 3.5 mile loop that took us past two
waterfalls, Upper and Lower Trestle Creek Falls. The lower falls were actually
up a .3 mile trail spur off the loop, but well worth our detour and time. The
photos below will tell the story better than I can. The dogs enjoyed their three-plus
hours off-leash, running amok in and out of the water as often as possible.
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| Bryce Creek, Trestle Creek Falls Trailhead |
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| Upper Trestle Creek Falls water feature |
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| Anyone seen a plant like this before? |
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| Lower Trestle Creek Falls |
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| Can't resist taking photos of trees growing out of trees |
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| Trestle Creek |
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| Upper Trestle Creek Falls |
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| Lots of flowers along the waterfall-sprayed trail |
My adventures have been more numerous than what I’ve listed,
but I’ve run out of time again. I’ll do my best to post again soon…until then,
Have You Enjoyed the Outdoors Today?
Right out of the gate, Kohl got a break via a mechanical breakdown, so I snapped a few shots while I waited.
Wild lillies blooming in the sunlight
More fields of Bear Grass.
All done for the day!
