Sunday's run up Bergen Peak in Elk Meadow Open Space (10 miles) had a few challenges:
- Cold
- Snowing
- 5-6 inches of fresh snow up high.
- Big ol' herd of elk blocking the trail.
Turned out, none of the above were a big deal. In fact, the new snow made the run very enjoyable. A new dump of snow totally changes the feel of a place. All the familiar rocks are covered. The sharp edges are softened by the blanket of white. It's quieter. Plus, the peak was socked in. It was like looking down into a bowl of soup, the cloud cover was so low.
The elk herd that has been hanging around the meadow of late was grazing right on the trail as I was headed home. I couldn't go around them on the left due to the fence that keeps elk off busy Evergreen Parkway, and I didn't feel like slogging through the snow/grass to go all the way around the herd to the west. So, I cautiously and in as non-threatening a manner as possible made my way through the middle of the herd. Thankfully, none of the cows and young bulls were too agitated.
The elk herd that has been hanging around the meadow of late was grazing right on the trail as I was headed home. I couldn't go around them on the left due to the fence that keeps elk off busy Evergreen Parkway, and I didn't feel like slogging through the snow/grass to go all the way around the herd to the west. So, I cautiously and in as non-threatening a manner as possible made my way through the middle of the herd. Thankfully, none of the cows and young bulls were too agitated.
Good times.
