Hiked 8 miles on FR181/American Springs Road today in preparation for next week's 12 mile hike with Annette. Started at twin water tanks on West Jemez Road because I wanted to do my jogging intervals on the steep uphill rather than the reverse. Added plus was that there are pools of shade on the downhill coming back. My car lucked out and was in shade provided by a tall Ponderosa! Couldn't have planned it better.
I didn't carry water or a backpack so I cheated somewhat. I won't be able to get away with that on next week's hike but it felt great not to lug them. I tanked up at the beginning and end of the trek and had plenty of liquids at breakfast.
Only homo sapiens that I saw was a woman in an SUV. We both waved.
Saw tiny bird nibbling on Gambel Oak. It looked like its head had a black crest.
Red columbine was rampant above road as it drops down to Water Canyon crossing.
The breezes were welcome and it wasn't hot at all.
Did 4 miles of jogging intervals and then turned around and walked back 4 miles.
On way back, found plastic bag and used it to pick up myrtle spurge (an invasive in CO). Bag handle broke, I dropped bag once, bag developed holes - not sure, but maybe I planted some in new places. I pulled them up last week and shouldn't have let them dry out before I hauled them out. I'll keep watching for new growth next year and pick it before it gets huge.
Big invasive thistles (maybe bull) have hopped road just past the forest service gate and are heading downhill into a tributary of Water Canyon. Thistles with their spines are beyond my scope of expertise. Hope Craig Martin goes out there and pulls them since I notified him.
On drive home, looked like prescribed La Sotella fire near Abiquiu is exploding. Wonder why forest service would hold it in these winds?