*Fact: Did you know cherries are grown and can be picked by the pound
in Leona Valley during the summer?
*
*
...and in the spring, an annual trail run
is held called...
is held called...
* The Leona Divide 50/50 *
...it looks like a really fun trail run
and an ambitious first attempt at a 50k or even
50 miler if all goes well...the sad part
is, is that a large section of where this run
travels was devastated by wild fires this
past summer...they named it the
Powerhouse fire.
*
...so we went for a drive a couple of weeks
back to hike the PCT and to see where
the Powerhouse fire had burned. It burned
just up the canyon from
where the OTH Mountain Bike Races were
being held...during the races it was awful seeing
the huge smoke plumes and knowing what beautiful terrain
could be burning.
*
...I think that's why it took us almost 3 months
to gather the courage up for the drive up the canyon.
*
...to our initial surprise, so many things
we thought would have been burned, were spared.
*
*
The section of PCT we were hoping to hike didn't burn
but was closed...so we opted to hike an opposite section...
From there we could see beautiful Grass Mountain(untouched)
and the surrounding areas...the Leona Divide
Trail Run passes right through here in the early stages...
*
*
...and continues off into the distance where
the furthest range...
*
*
...shows the fire's scaring.
This year's run, more than likely,
will be finding a new route...their website
will surely be giving updates.
***
* Happiness Delivered To The Doorstep *
I was so pleased to have these last 2 internet purchases
arrive on the doorstep as a success this time around!!
*
A beautiful pair of Brooks Trance 12 Running Shoes
and a gray Nathan Vapor Shape Running Vest!!
*
NO FICKLE FEET HERE!
*
*
These shoes fit like a dream!!!
Super plush comfort, with a little spring effect
in the heel...maybe it's my imagination, but it's
springy!!
*
...and I did end up stopping in to the local sporting goods
store to try them on before placing the order...to
make sure they didn't have to go back like the last
pair I wrote about a few blog entries back.
*
I felt really bad and a bit guilty talking to the
salesman while trying on shoes I knew I wasn't
going to buy...but it had to be done in order
to fix my impulse purchase mistake...
I couldn't make the same mistake twice.
*
And looking around, I know the majority of people
must be purchasing their merchandise, like me,
over the internet...the stores are just too
quiet and empty of customers every time I visit.
*
With the running vest, it had to be purchased online.
Regular hydration packs are always available, but
a specialized vest, like the Nathan Vapor Shape,
is nowhere to be found except online.
*
...and I was so excited to find the gray version
of this model...I almost by-passed this purchase
completely, because I thought it was only
available in the bright white. But with a little
research the gray version can be found.
*
Like the shoes, this vest fits like a dream
as well! It's only been taken for a few laps
around the living room...empty of any contents
and with all tags still attached...but I know,
just by the taylored fit, there will be
virtually no movement or problems with this vest.
*
I will give an update of it's true trail
performance post initiation run...!!
