Sunday, December 6, 2009

Damascus snow day

Well, the trip to Jefferson to visit my friend Annette and the Mistletoe Half never transpired this weekend. I was packed and all ready to go, but then about 1:30pm on friday,  I got a message from annette that the weather forecast was getting worse for western NC and she was concerned about us traveling. ( they were supposed to get about 6 inches of snow) I agreed that  it was probably best that we take a rain check and I stay around the house this weekend.
  I was kinda bummed because I had REALLY wanted to race this weekend, but with my friend beth running Hellsgate 100k the following weekend ( dec 12th) it was probably for the best we didn't go race.
HOWEVER, when one door closes another one opens!! beth and I had decided when I called to tell her about the change of plans that we'd get together the following day for some trail running in Damascus, VA on the AT and iron mtn trails.  I woke up that next morning to it pouring the snow and covering EVERYTHING! YAY!!

 I got my gear together and met up with Beth and Lone Wolf at Mojoe's.. JJ Jessee was on his way.. he ran 10 miles from his house to Damascus via the Va creeper trail. I had passed him when I was driving into d-town. :o) JJ arrived at the coffee shop, refueled and warmed up a little.
So away we all four went for 8 miles of pure fun in a winter wonderland!! It was just such an enjoyable run! The snow was a very wet and heavy snow and it stuck to all the trees and branches! So pretty! There was about 3 inches up on the top of the mtns.. VERY NICE!!
after the run, we all went to the Whistle Pig Bistro(formerly Fatties) and were treated to some AMAZING food. We had buffalo wings, fried pickles, freedom fried, hamburgers, homemade chips etc..
It really had to be one of my FAVORITE times trail running in Damascus thus far...

here are some pictures!!







4 comments:

Rick Gray said...

As you said, one door closes and another opens. What fun times the four of you had. Tammy and I hit the mountains Saturday afternoon and spent a couple of hours playing in nearly a half a foot of snow. Truly beautiful. Funny how the first snow of the season just makes you feel so good. Hope you are running Grossman's Over the Top next weekend so that Tammy and I can see you again. It has been too long. Rick

jennifer Nichols said...

hey Rick!! so glad you and tammy got to go run in the snow too!! I am definitely plan on running "over the top" annette is supposed to come too! YAY! and I have 2 friends from blacksburg that grossman was kind enough to let me invite. Eric also said he is making a batch of chili for post run! I can't wait!! see you guys on the 19th and good luck at hellsgate! will be thinking of and praying for you and beth!!

Rick Gray said...

The snow was alot of fun. After we got started, we said we should have worn our YakTrax, but needless to say, they were at home in the garage. We are looking forward to a big batch of chili, so we should have a great appetite worked up by then. I thank you for the well wishes and prayers for Hellgate. I certainly appreciate both and I certainly need both. I can't wait for Beth to experience Hellgate and your turn is quickly approaching!

Frank Lilley said...

I totally love running on days like this! I'm soooo jealous!! The first snow is like a wonderful gift of a runner's playground.

We almost never get snow! I miss living in the mountains.

Frank