------------------- Hell Awaits -----------------

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What a day! I've been after Linda and Bethany to come to Gorham with me to run the trails. Today Linda had a rare day off from work and was planning to go to Maine Running with Beth. That, coupled with the fact that The Till-I-See-You-in-Hell race is gonna be on those trails, convinced them to come. It seemed everything was combining to make it the perfect day. After a horrible night of weather, we got a beautiful day.

As planned, I showed them my 1.25 mile loop and then a shorter, easier to follow one (.5 miles) that they could do while I got in my miles at my own pace. We said we'd meet back at the car in 1.5 hours if we hadn't hooked back up before that.

The first loop was fun. I could tell that they really appreciated the trails. And they were even made more fun by all the rain from the night before. My stream crossing (that had it's bridge washed out in an earlier storm) where I normally hopped across a couple of logs was now too deep for that. We carefully used a wet log and the sideways bridge to creep over the water. The subsequent laps I just went through the water; it was well over my knees.

The section right after the stream is the hardest to follow, but with some orange flags will be just fine. It wasn't long after that that we saw a pair of pileated woodpeckers. That's right; Linda doesn't see one for her entire life till her last run at Thorncrag and then sees a pair on her next run! I tried to get a picture, but they weren't cooperative.

Then I showed them the shorter loop and headed off on my own run. On my 3rd loop, I heard some giggling; they'd decided to try to follow the trail on their own. I caught up soon after the stream crossing. They were talking to a logger. The logger was scoping out the terrain : ( I know it's probably a good idea with all the downed trees and many widow makers, but also know what it will look like after all the equipment goes through. I hope we get in the race before it starts; it's too wet for them right now. He was concerned for our safety and told us to steer clear of the area if we hear chainsaws.

I left them again for another lap. I heard the woodpeckers, but didn't see them this time. Then a short loop and then I ran back to find Linda and Beth to finish up the run together.

Linda and Beth headed to Sebago Brewing; I followed as soon as Sam was out of class. They'd only time to order drinks before we joined them. The food and beer were delicious. The funny thing was one of the beer specials listed on the wall was "Hell Awaits Imperial Porter"! I took it to be a sign that the event was going to be a success.