Antoine Peak Conservation Area — Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2020

Jasper pup and I escaped the home office for a short trail run up Antoine Peak from the west trail head. Running with a dog is the perfect way to maintain social distance: Jasper's leash is about 6', and he will happily slobber anyone who comes closer than that. I don't think I've ever seen so many cars at Antoine's parking lot in the late afternoon on a weekday, and we met several others out enjoying the sunshine. The single track trails are all quite muddy and should be avoided at this time, unless visiting early enough in the morning that everything is still frozen. Jasper and I stuck to the double track, where there was also a bit of mud and a few lingering snow & ice patches, but it was doable even without traction devices. Today's running bonus: the first spring beauty (wildflower) I've seen this year.