A Bruising Run on Campbell Mesa

 

It was a magnificent morning run on the Campbell Mesa Loop. 10 NATRA runners ran the outside loop dodging sections of mud and most gliding over the melting glaciers. Neil, fresh from more than a month long layoff, was feeling pretty good heading out with the lead pack. Lost in conversation with Dylan, he broke rule number one....ALWAYS pay attention to the trail. Next thing he knew he was flat on the ice. Ouch. Not too much blood, but the raspberry looks to be a long term bruise. 

 

Along the way, Doug pointed out where the Flagstaff Loop Trail heads north towards Highway 40.  Shortly after that, Bruce pulled a muscle and joined wounded Neil in walking the last 2 miles - Chris and Jennifer kept them company. Afterwards it was off to the coffee shop. Next week's run is Brins Mesa in Sedona. Meet at Fort Tuthill at 8 AM sharp!

A Boynton Canyon Winter Wonderland

Nine runners (plus a later arrival) and two pooches headed south for warmer Sedona and a new to NATRA trail - Boynton Canyon. We took easy paces, with a few even walking. Things sped up for a while after Bode spotted a deer and dragged Dana for about a half-mile! After a turn about a mile from the end, we abruptly entered a winter wonderland that lasted to the box at the terminus. (Now we know where Flagstaff's last predicted snowstorm ended up.) What a treat to see snow colored pink and orange from light reflected off the red rocks! Coffee was at the usual place where we met up once again with several other Flagstaff runners. (Thanks to Bruce Higgins for the post and photos)