Trail Quest - State #50! COLORADO!!!

From the beginning of this trail quest, I had planned on saving Colorado for last - and what a fun grand finale' it proved to be! Running buddies, family, and friends all wanted to join in on the celebration of the completion of the quest. We rendezvoused at brother-in-law Andy's home in Fraser, crossed the street and there was the Fraser River Trail just waiting for us on a spectacularly beautiful Colorado day. Photos by various folks do a marvelous job of capturing the joy of the day.

Just a bit excited as we prepare to head to the mountains. Thankfully, Paul is a good sport!

The gang's all here (at Andy's house in Fraser).

And a few moments later...  Trail ho!!!! 

Yep! The Fraser River Trail!

A gorgeous Colorado day and trail run.

Taz approves of the day's events. He has been along for 23 of the states of this trail quest. This one, with a short drive, lots of friends, and cool crisp Colorado air is mighty fine as far as this pup is concerned.

Speaking of being along for the adventure - brother-in-law, Andy, has been a part of each of my big running adventures. He crewed on the second day of my run to Michigan (while Kendall was still working), he cycled alongside every step of the way of my 60k for my 60th birthday and he was trail guide and host with the mostest for this Trail Quest Grand Finale'. Thank you Andy Miller!

And thank heavens for running buddies - those who drag themselves out of bed at oh-dark-thirty to run at a time that fits my schedule, offer encouragement, and cheer me on every step of the way. I was delighted that Anita, Connie & Randall were able to join me on the Colorado run and am so very thankful for all the other running buddies who have put up with me!

And so there you have it, #50 is in the log!

But there would not have been a number 50 - or 01-49 (plus D.C.) - or a run from Boulder to Petoskey, or a 60k 60th birthday run, or many a run to and through the hinterlands while traveling and training if not for Mister Kendall.  I am so very lucky to have you in my life.

The Mighty Mid-Atlantic

Two weeks after returning from our New England trip, we flew to the Mid-Atlantic with the goal of running Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, and D.C.  I am happy to report: Mission Accomplished! And what a great trip it was! In addition to the running goal, we really wanted to take the time to play tourist - and that we did.

First! Maryland and Delaware

Chesapeake City - with homes from the 1800s

We actually made reservations in advance (a rarity for us) and spent our first night in a wonderful little Bed and Breakfast in the historic town of Chesapeake City, strategically located on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal which happens to have two trails along it: the Ben Cardin Trail in Maryland which runs right into the Michael Castle Trail in Delaware - two states in one - and, better yet, not only efficient but a grand running venue for this water-starved Great Lakes girl. As soon as we finished checking in at our BandB we crossed the bridge to the trailhead and off I went, first on the Maryland trail (State #46) then onto the Delaware trail (State #, yep, 47!).

Heron along the Maryland portion of the canal

More restful waterfowl along the Delaware portion of the canal

The next morning we were treated to a lovely breakfast on the balcony outside our room, overlooking the canal and the trail just across the way.

West Virginia and Harpers Ferry

West Virginia, State #48 (can you believe it?! state 48!!!!), was a trip through history as I ran a trail in Harpers Ferry National Park. The trail started in thick woods, continued along rivers (Harpers Ferry is bounded by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers) and ended in town with many glimpses into Civil War days.

Virginia and Mount Vernon

There is no getting around it - if you travel through the mid-Atlantic states, you will be diving into history - a phenomenon we fully embraced. Thus I chose the Mount Vernon trail for my Virginia run (state #49!). What's better than a run along a magnificent river followed by a visit to the home of our first President? Thanks George!

D.C. - the non-state but required by my eldest
Yes, my eldest, in addition to requesting a postcard from every state, also said that D.C. was a necessary component of this Quest. What an adventure this component presented. The C&O canal had recommended by lots of runner folk so that is where we headed for the D.C. trail. Imagine our surprise when we found out there was no way to get from the road we were driving parallel to the canal onto the actual canal trail! But we found a feeder trail in Georgetown which we thought would do the trick. Ha!

A lovely start to the trail

Observers - not bothered at all by this human intrusion

Flora to go along with the fauna

 Oops! But, hey! It looks like I can get through! On! On!

Uh Oh. Even climbing the hill along the fence line doesn't lead to a successful detour. Ah well. Turn around I must.

How 'bout that! I'm running in a National Park! I had no idea!

 After all the zigging, zagging, to's and fro's, I find my way back to Kendall.

 ...but not without a few souvenirs. (A week later and I've still got mud on these shoes!)

Run done, it's time to play tourist! Which, of course, included a run along the dirt track around the National Mall.

First toward the Washington Monument

Then around and toward the Capitol

We saw many fantastic museums, but my favorite may have been the Newseum.

Errata dots the bathroom walls

Alice Allison Dunnigan sculpture -
she was the first African American female journalist to receive White House Credentials

John and Marcie (my cousin and his wife) hosted us our last few days of the trip. Such a wonderful visit!

Cousins!

The Meditch Murphey Vaughan Miller gang!

 All in all, a magnificent trip leading up to the grand finale' of the Trail Quest!

(Inscription within the Lincoln Memorial)