Labor Day Weekend, Sept 1-3, 2012
Summer is almost upon us, so it's time to start planning for what will no doubt be the best thing you do all year. I can't believe the last time we did this was 5 years ago... time flies. But having done this adventure a couple times in the past, I have to say that we are long overdue for the double pleasure of getting to do what we enjoy (run) and then get to hang and and socialize afterwards. Details for this year are below, but in case you need some additional info, here is a link to the 2007 planning thread: http://www.redlizard...?showtopic=5909 and here are the photos from 2007: http://redlizards.sm...1384734&k=ccTUy
Details:
The Timberline Trail around Mt Hood is about 40 miles (10,000' of elevation gain), but breaking the distance into 3 days makes for a nice distances to cover each day (about a half marathon), in addition to lots of time to relax in camp each day. In addition to the spectacular scenery, the best part of this adventure is the opportunity to hang out with each other after each day's "trail time." And you don't even need to run with anything, since a support crew will have your tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, food, water, beer, firewood, changes of clothes, and all of the other "necessities" for making for a great weekend of running and enjoying each other's company waiting for you. The scenery is breathtaking and to be able to run it without having to carry anything except maybe some water and a camera.
Tentative plan:
- Saturday, Sept 1 – Meet at Timberline Lodge parking lot at 9am. (CAR POOLERS MEET AT 8AM AT MALL 205 MCMENNAMINS). Load personal gear and camping equipment into support crew vehicles. Start running clockwise around to first camp site (camping near Top Spur trailhead). There are usually lots of huckleberries here, so we can pick a couple buckets for our pancakes the next morning!!! Day 1 distance ~16 miles.
For night #1, we will likely use the wide camping area we used in 2007. It's within a mile of the Top Spur Trailhead, so runners can take a left when you get to the road and head downhill to the wide pullout to the left. In 2006 we shuttled all the way down the hill to the official campground, but it worked out nicer just being able to run into camp. This is an undeveloped camp area, so no restroom is available. - Sunday, Sept 2 – Run ~13 miles to Tilly Jane campground
For those who need to drive to the night #2 camp site, we'll be at the Tilly Jane Campground - http://www.portlandh..._Jane_Trailhead. - Monday, Sept 3 – Run the final 13+ miles back to Timberline Lodge. Lunch at the Lodge and head for home.
Cost: $50, covers the cost of food, campsites and gas for support crew. And we always eat and drink well. Besides a whole lot of ice cold beer, we usually plan a menu that includes things like pancakes and coffee for breakfast, and cedar planked salmon with cous cous and asparagus for dinner. And what camping trip would be complete without smores grilled over the fire? You would probably spend $50 on food at home for the long weekend.
NOTE: Each support vehicle or other cars that drive/park at locations other than Timberline parking lot will need NW Forest Pass
Even with stopping to smell the flowers, taking in the views and documenting this adventure with some photos, each day only involves about 4-5 hours of running. Some may choose to take some of the side trails that go up to some of the other ridges or viewpoints. But there will be plenty of time to jump in the river to clean off, EAT!, hang out around the campfire, visit, tell stories, play games, sleep in, drink coffee and eat a big breakfast before hitting the trail again.
Don't miss out on the fun!!! And if you aren't up for all 3 days or have a significant other who isn't up for running, there are options for being "support crew" for some or all of the days. The scenery is still enjoyable, even if you're just driving between camps, doing some short hikes and enjoying the atmosphere around the camp. I'm not sure if there's a finer way to spend a long weekend than running and hanging out with your lizard family.
Who's interested???
Post in this thread if you want to:
Run and camp 1, 2 or all 3 days
Being support crew for Saturday or Sunday
Some other option (camp only?)
Those planning to participate:
1. Torrey
2. Susan
3. Amy (one day)
4. Kelly M
5. Julz
6. Frank
7. Brian H
8. Steves
9. Sam/Kate (switching off btwn run/support)
10. Joanna
11. Eric Collins
12. Elle
13. Suzanne Ray
14. Michele Holcolm
15. Kimberly Naroush
16. Dave Angstrom
17. Amy Angstrom
18. Markiemo
19. Gary/Jeff (switching off)
Support crew:
20,21,22. Jen, Rex, Kim - Hansen van
23. Shannon - Steve's pickup
24. Jeff M/Gary - 4Runner + Brian's trailer
25. David Holcomb (Medford crew) - Prius
26. Kate/Sam - Subaru
27. Angela
