Distance today = 52.15 km; Total distance = 11,347.52 km; Location = Midland – 38 07.422′ N, 83 36.042′ W; Start time = 0809, Finish time = 1617

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/220878836

Now, that’s what it’s all about. Beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, and a bit of adventure to spice it all up.

I started the day in cool temps. It was about 20C, but that’s heaven compared to the past few months. I had a quiet road to run on, passing through forests and farmland.

About three-quarters the way through the day, I headed down a road that petered out with a fence across the road. No big deal, as I only wasted 220 metres (which has been subtracted from my Garmin total). So I went a longer way that was suggested by Google Maps. However, this one also ended with a gate on to private property. Now it was a problem, as backtracking this time would mean wasting about 4 km and having to go a much longer way.

So, I decided to risk it and cut across the private property. Carmel had to turn around and go the long way. We agreed to meet in the town of Olympia.

I had to cross a muddy creek first, then crawl under the gate. However, I very quickly found myself in a grassy paddock with no road. The only thing around was an old house. Luckily I had Google Maps, as I was able to see where I was in relation to the nearest road. I headed over the paddock until I intersected with the road, after having to crawl under another gate. From there I ran along a dirt road, and had to crawl through more heavily fortified steel gates (easy by foot, but impossible for a car to traverse). Eventually I reached Olympia, where I met up with Carmel.

I consider myself quite lucky, as the fortifications I encountered were far too over-the-top for simple farmhouse security. In some cases, three different strong steel gates needed to be passed before reaching the properties. Either those who live there are super paranoid, or something illegal is going on. Given Carmel’s recent experience of having a rifle aimed at her, I am sure anyone I met during my short odyssey would have been more than willing to challenge me with a gun. Fortunately I saw no-one.

I continued on through the Daniel Boone National Forest and finished the day feeling as strong as when I started. I think this was partly due to the delicious eye filet with potatoes, beans, and mushrooms that Carmel cooked last night, and partly due to the cooler weather. Let it continue.