Fun with Rick and Jean

After a day off yesterday, more because of the heat and humidity than post-40-4-40 issues, Rick and I drove up to the trails of Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, in Turner.  Rick had stopped there on the way home from work on Thursday for a quick three and thought they were worth really checking out.

At first I wasn't too sure I would want to run there again.  The main trail seemed more like a dirt road, one that just went up and up till we were breathing pretty hard and shuffling the feet.  We did see some interesting looking single track stuff going off here and there, but Rick had a route he wanted to check out first.  After cresting the long, fairly steep hill, the trail branched.  We took one that reminded me of the Snowmobile Trail at the Brad.  Soon, I was wishing I hadn't forgotten my now-charged camera.

Around 2 miles in, we decided it was time to try out some of the single track.  We had to slow the pace right down to pay attention to roots and rocks, especially cause we had no idea where each step would take us.  It was great fun!  Soon we came to an intersection and chose the less-traveled looking trail.  I think it must have been brand new.  If it hadn't been lined with orange flags, we'd never have been able to follow it.  I must say that the markers need to go to the Ian Parlin School of Course Flagging.  They seemed to put every flag almost in the middle of the path.  At first I was replanting the ones that were totally out, but there were too many and I was tired.  We just ran.  Rick asked if it reminded me of the O.  Well, except that when I look ahead I see the trail we're gonna be on, not maybe the trail that's two twists away.  Hmmm, not very much further, I felt I spoke too soon.  Let the twisting begin!  Of course, it really wasn't as convoluted at the O.  What is?!

There is lots more exploring to be done, but after Mindy's big event on Saturday, our bodies were more than happy to leave with just under 5 miles.  We've been told the trail goes all the way to Auburn.  That's probably the big, snowmobile trail, but I think the single track stuff may shoot off all along it.  Rick has a good option for getting a run in on weekdays.

Almost forgot...Just when we were leaving, 5 or 6 big ATVs came into the lot and headed out the main trail.  Now, they do have to stick to the wide dirt roads, but the noise could be disturbing to a good run.  I don't get the impression that those folks get out too early, perhaps a good strategy for avoiding them.