Apr 01 2008
Highlands Sky Trainer 3-29-08
Saturday morning was sunny and cool, a perfect spring running day. Seven runners showed at Laneville, the start of the Highlands course. After a quick photo and course plan we started out. As we headed out local Woodstock, VA ultra legend Andy Peterson drove in……go ahead I’ll catch up he hollers.
At mile 2.4, the first aid station on the HS course, we were pleased to find the newly relocated Flatrock Trail through the Ebaugh property. This is the route the HS originally took but was rerouted two years ago through Canaan Crossing. It will be nice to return to the actual trail past the horse barn.
As we climbed to Flatrock Plains we encountered remnant patches of snow and ice. At 4700′ the Red Spruce and heath were ice covered. It was great.
The winter blow downs were not too bad until the climb up South Prong Trail. About half way up the mountain the trail was blocked with 5 or 6 huge Black Cherry trees. There will need to be some trail work this spring. It was a good day for all. Kim, Sara and Ron will be running their first Highlands Sky this June. They are ready.
Next time kill two birds with one stone and pass out hand saws at the start for the Annual Highlands Sky Training Run/Trail Maintenance Day.