Dropped off in AF Canyon at the right fork gate. Gate is still closed so ran 1.5 mi up to Timpanooke trailhead--trail #56. I've never run this section of trail and was really excited to connect the dots from the Battlecreek/Grove Creek (GWT) sections around the west side of Timpanogos. It didn't disappoint--what a great run and HUGE meadow on the base of Timp (front side) that you'd never know was there looking at it from the valley. Good amount of snow still on trail in sections. Passed two dudes on mountain bikes coming down with skiis strapped to their backs--skiing the slides on the west side of Timp no doubt. Hit the crest and dove down #56 to Grove Creek spring. Filled up bottles and headed down. I've run up Grove Creek many times but this was my first time down. Amazing how different a trail looks just by changing direction. Obviously a lot of it was familiar and yet some sections I would swear I've never seen before--interesting. Timpanooke to bottom of Grove Creek 13 miles, 4,757 drop.
Best Conversation Overhead on Trail: Scout troop with packs heading up Grove Creek just .5 from parking lot.
Scout Master: "Well, we've gone half a mile!"
Scout: "Half mile left?" [no...3 miles straight up hill left, good luck with that]
I laughed out loud.
Got off the hill and hit the new canal road north (still mostly dirt) taking it most of the way jumping on to the road and back to work (Thanksgiving Point), another 13 miles.
Tough road section today. Groin (I think, top of legs--inside) and stomach muscles are killing me. Slowed me down to an embarrassing ultra death march pace.
Saw first rattlesnake of the year!
Elevation Gain: 2,581 / Elevation Drop: 4,757 (it'd be a brutal run in reverse) | 