And the Wind Whispers... Barbara.....

Okay so maybe that isn't how Jimi Hendrix wrote the song but that was happening to me today.

Of course, it was yet another day I didn't want to get out of bed.  I mean 7 a.m. and it was only 44 degrees and the wind was blowing.  It wasn't a 15+ mph wind this morning but enough to make it chilly.  However, I knew I had to run my 1 hour and 45 minutes according to plan.

I decided I would run up and up and up!  I hadn't been up this particular road since 2012 and it was whispering my name.  Every so softly, enticing me to come to the top and see what I could find...

Ready or not here I come..

It doesn't seem far but after running 2 miles up already, it was making my heart pound

These people are totally connected and have figured it out.

It was was a beautiful day and soon I was sweating and wishing the wind was blowing to cool me down.  I finally made it to the top.  And it was only 3.00 miles from my house.

The arrows show Dun Runnin and our place, DD Ranch.  Not much out here

Behind me is the peak of Mt. Baden Powell - 2nd largest peak in San Gabriels

And then I started running across the ridge when I found these..

Bear?  Doesn't look like a cat (Mountain lion or bobcat) or Big dog??

And they were everywhere.  Pat says it had to be heavy to make those prints

I was completely amazed and excited to find these tracks.  I kept running and felt strong.  It was great now that the climb was over.  I ran across the ridge, went down, back up another ridge and was happy I came out to experience our great playground.  No more prints found but it certainly has interested me into researching or taking up a class regarding animal/tracking footprints.  It would be nice to know if or what could be around me, especially since I train 90% by myself.

No, I don't carry a gun.  I have tried in the past but when it falls off my running belt, it just scares me.  I mean it is a revolver so not like it will go off but still. So I always carry my phone, my mace and now my 5 star response.  Just in case!!

So, my run wasn't as fast as I wanted but I did my 7.4 miles in 1:51 with a total of 780 feet of climbing.   I loved every minute of it.  And with the rain a couple of weeks ago, the DESERT is alive with color.   We don't see that often.

I can't express how much I enjoy being outside either riding or running and even swimming.  I love exploring and the adventure that it brings every time I step outside.  I love being a human BEING... Being in every moment!

And back where I started.  I climbed up the first ridge.

Until the next adventure....