My original plan was to run the Zaleski State Forest Backpack trail. According to the map, it would be just under 29 miles. Perfect! I needed a final long run to finish out my training for Georgia Death Race in four weeks.
We had some pretty severe storms come through on 1 March. You know the saying, "In like a lion..."? Yep, March was coming in hard., lots of rain, wind and even a few tornadoes. Today, I woke up early and everything was going to plan. I was out of the house early (surprising for me recently). I was excited and ready to run a new trail. As I was driving east, I noticed fields were flooded and a few places had high water signs up along the road. I was concerned, but I figured at worst the trails would be muddy. Then I got within about 3 miles of the trailhead and not only was there a sign, but water actually covered the road. When the pick-up behind me (on some serious off-road wheels) turned around, I knew it was bad. After trying to figure out if there was another route with very limited cell coverage, I asked a forest service employee. He stated that the backpack trail was flooded as well and suggested I go elsewhere.
I was thinking about returning to Great Seal as I know I can easily get 20 mies with minimal repeats, but remembered the signs to Tar Hollow. as I drove out to Zaleski. When I finally had a good cell connection, the map showed the park had the 21 mile loop Logan Trail. I was going to be able to turn this into something new after all!
After some missed-turns and tree blocked roads (my car gps was taking me down some strange roads), I found the main park and the trailhead. I decided on heading down the South loop first, to include the Dulen Loop.
The trails were nice, muddy in some places and the creeks were flowing, but clear. Occasionally, near the creeks, the mud would suck my foot down over the ankle, so I decided to head back to the car for a change of socks, prior to starting the North loop. This added a few additional miles. I added the Homestead loop (kinda, that river was not clear and I couldn't see the bottom) to bring the total to 26 miles.
The South loop has portions in common with the Buckeye Trail, so it was pretty easy to follow. However, there were times, that the markers were not obvious, particularly at road crossings.
Although the North loop was closer to the campgrounds, it seems to be less used as there were numerous trees down and the briars were overgrowing the trails in places. It was also a bit more technical and narrower than the South.
All together a good run. At times, it would snow, then the sun would come out, only for the flurries to return. My hands and toes got pretty cold, hence the trip to the car. I even had to break out a handwarmer to get my left hand warm, as the gloves were not working. Unfortunately, I slipped on an climb and slammed my left shoulder into the ground around mile 18. Added to the trauma from a fall on the wood stairs at Caesar's on Monday, it is screaming.
I feel ready for GDR. One more good push week, then start to taper. Feb was a good month: 188 miles, with over 17k elevation gain. I also got a great look at the GDR course. I'm excited to see how the training plays out.
