Last minute change of plans this morning, staying closer to home due to the wet weather that was coming in. Combined with forecast high temps and wind, I didn't fancy having to then drive too far. So I decided to head over to Fox Creek and take the Heysen Trail down to Cudlee Creek, a similar 14-15km return to what I had planned.
I brought The Dingo along with me today too, as she loves to get off the lead, have a good run, a sniff, occasionally try to chase a bird or other animal (always without luck...) and seems to good for up to about 15km. I haven't run her further than this yet, but I reckon with reduced pace, a bit more rest and bringing a bit more food along for her, she will be good to go further with a bit more practise, as long as it's not too hot. And with the rain that was constantly falling today, the temps were manageable.
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| We stopped by Grandads Camp to add to the logbook. |
The trail was pretty easy going, being all firetrail/forestry road and some back roads as we got closer to Cuddlee Creek. We passed easily down the trail, passing MTBers, another trail-pup, a hiker, all out enjoying the day, despite the rain. As we left the Forest plot, we passed a few secluded house - one with it's own helicopter out on the back lawn. Don't we all do that? :D
We hit the main road at the CFS station, just a few hundred metres from the Cuddlee Creek Cafe, opposite the Torrens River making it's way down to Adelaide. I had a desire for hot chips from cafe, but the sensible part of me had left the cash at home to prevent such an indulgence!
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| Geraniums in bloom at the CFS. |
After a quick snap, it was time to head back up the hill from whence we came. Retracing our steps, Rosie had her tongue lolling out the side, starting to feel the distance and time on feet, and was grateful for a drink from a cattle trough (even though she can drink from a camelbak/soft bottle, and had already!) just before we headed back in to the forest.
We slowly ground our way back up to the car, the mostly wide, firm tracks meaning that we could keep running - albeit slowly - for the most part. Nearing the top, a Roo stopped mid track, eyeing us off, until Rosie spotted it and tried to race after it. Good luck, dingo!
Wet through from the rain and the effort of the uphill finish, we got to the car for a drink before heading home. A good day, because, rather than in spite, of the weather and some training for 2017's races in the bank.
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| Happy, muddy, wet dingo! |
Today: 14.7km;
Overall: 46.9 of about 1200km.
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/792807949
Labels: adelaide hills, adelhills, heysen, heysen trail, HYSN, running, trailrunning
