February 23rd, 2016

Better to sleep in an uncomfortable bed free, than sleep in a comfortable bed unfree. Kerouac

Morning y'all,

It's another soggy, grey day up top. The high yesterday reached 44 degrees. The overnight low was 35 degrees. It was 36 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received .97 inches of rain yesterday and there is no longer any snow remaining up top. There is a little bit of ice on brief sections of trails, but I was able to navigate around it easily in running shoes yesterday. It looks like it'll be a windy day, get out and enjoy it!

I had a great run down Bullhead & Old Sugarlands yesterday. I didn't see another person on the soggy trails. It was pure exhilaration. I love the freedom, the strength and joy that comes with trail running in the Smokies. I feel most alive when I am processing those rocks and roots, determining my foot placement in a split second and breathing hard with effort. We are made to feel such vibrancy in our bodies, to play in the woods and enjoy the lull of the mind that comes with real exercise. A heavy mist lingered at 4,000 feet yesterday and the humidity was emphasizing the soon to be spring smells. I even flew by a patch of daffodils... it is all happening...