metolius river trail

The Metolius River is one of Central Oregon's gems - a fly fisherman's paradise and a trail runner's dream. Undulating trails of wide singletrack follow the wild and beautiful river for miles and miles. Running this trail has been on my list for several years, and I finally finagled my chance to run a great section of it.

I took off from the Lower Creek Campground, where I was staying with the family. From there, it is a 2.5 mile section to Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, and then another 5.5 on to Candle Creek Campground. All told, the out and back trip was about 14 miles. My running was less than stellar, but since I have no goals and no aspirations at the moment, I didn't worry too much about it.

Fresh water springs flow right out of the hillside.

A lovely spot on the trail.

Without Julie's backside to photograph, I had to take a picture of myself.

The wildflowers were amazing.

Easy little bridges to cross.

Plenty of wildlife to see. Osprey, geese, squirrels, butterflies, lizards, chipmunks...

Part of the preserve along the river.

So many kinds of butterflies along the trail. Like running through the butterfly habitat at the zoo.

The amazing blue water at the fish hatchery.

Such an amazing trail and run along the river. Even with the heat (it was nearly 90º,  and I ran out of water) I felt like a kid in a candy store. We saw some folks running what looked to be a trial race the next day; if this is the case and there is a race through the Metolius River area, I just might have to sign up.

mi hermosa mazatlan

I have been so very lucky to have been able to travel to Mazatlan. I was in love from the moment I started to discover its secrets - life teeming inside closed courtyards, the warmth of its summer sands, stark contrasts of its riches and its crushing poverty, a rich cultural history one cannot escape.

I did not come close to capturing all that I wished, but here are a few shots to illustrate the beauty of the place. And yes, I did run in the crushing heat and suffocating humidity...but mostly I soaked it all in.

Mazatlan from the top of the faro.

Street vendor selling jicama, cucumber and mango. He is 90.

The faro from a distance. Second highest natural lighthouse in the world.

Mazatlan is a street art lover's dream.

Olas Altas in the distance. Having a little fun with saturation levels.

Another view of Olas Altas and the edge of El Centro.

Beautiful beaches.

Valentino's. A Mazatlan landmark.

Can't wait to return. Hasta pronto, Mazatlan!

franklin ridge

One more time around.

trail therapy

Heavy heart this week. Running, my refuge from the world, assaulted.

I have a good running friend who was there. While my first thought was of her safety, I realize now that a bomb destroys far beyond the physical world. 

We will be healing from these events for a long time to come.

Running is where I find myself. And once again, scrambling over rocks, skipping over streams, I touched that peace that running brings me. I only wish all the world could feel what I feel on the trail.

Some shots from the day:

 

More cliffs. I can't help it.

The top of Oneonta Gorge. So much water.

Oneonta Gorge from above.

Ponytail Falls

Lingering underneath to snap a few photos.

Horsetail Falls

Heading back under Ponytail.