It was quite brisk this morning with the freezing temperatures along with the blustery wind. Once out of the trees around 2400ft trail was a bit icy in sections. We didn’t use spikes or any traction and did just fine, although there was a couple slick patches.      

Some very nice views from the lookout site. The true summit is in the trees. The rime ice on the trees was pretty.

It was a moody but beautiful winter day on Dog Mountain. The forests were lovely and there was some ice and scant snow to be found near the top. The wind was from the west today so I avoided the exposed ridge and took the forested (backside) trail up and down from Puppy Dog Point.

Just a few downed trees across the trail but they were easy to get over them. The last half mile or so had a bit of icy snow crystals on the trail but we didn't use our cleats on the way up but decided to use them on the way down.  It was virtual winter paradise on the summit.  The wind was cold on the approach but mild on the summit.  Spectacular day.

Another Double Dog Loop, as I’m working on getting some elevation in before the end of the year. Pushed it hard for the second loop and managed my best time yet.

Yesterday I completed a “Triple Dog Mountain” - 24 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain. I did three full loops, plus two extra up/downs of the first 3/4 mile stretch, in order to hit 10,000 feet.

I had set out to do a “Double Dog” as I needed some extra elevation to hit a goal by the end of the year, and didn’t intend to try a triple until next spring, but there were many favorable factors that convinced me yesterday was the day - cool temps, minimal precipitation, no need for sunscreen or bug spray. The only downfall was the lack of light. The first two hours going up were in the dark, and the last 2 1/2 coming down were the same.

I’d like to give a shout out to the makers of Advil and Tylenol (😂) and also to my naturopath who has seemingly resolved the majority of my plantar fasciitis issue. Fingers crossed.