Oregon Rocks! Family Reunion, week of 7-19 to 7-25

My family reunion happens every 3-4 years, is awesome and is usually attended by 40-60 family members.  This year, we lost both my grandparents before the gathering, but the spirit of our family persevered and we had between 50-60 family members attending this trip.  From all over the country.  Half from the East Coast.  We like our family, in other words!

This reunion, I knew that some of my peeps were into running and I had suggested a family 5k, informal and no frills.  I was surprised at the reaction!  Lots of interest.  My brother Spencer arranged for some award medals, and I ordered race bibs...it was on!

Monday - 8+ - 2015 Crutchley Reunion 5k! - I got out in the morning to map an easy route, as some of the kids (and adults) might be directionally challenged.  I started the race with around 30 participants (30!!!), and ran ahead/doubled back as a nervous race director, making sure that nobody (especially kids!) got lost.  I was able to keep the entire race on bike paths, thanks to the Sunriver layout.  Can't be happier about that!  My cousin Blake won the race in 18:36!

Some of the crew for the inaugural Crutchley Reunion 5k!

Tuesday - 2.6 - Deschutes River trail run w/Eric. - I was gearing up for a run when my 10-year old nephew Eric asked if he could join me?  Absolutely!  That's what the reunions are all about, and we had a blast.  Parked at the trailhead, ran to the Deschutes River and chatted the whole way.  I let him lead on the way back, and we had a great time!  Nothing like showing your family why you love trail running so much :)

Just two dudes out for a run :)

Wednesday, - 12+ - #1 - 7 Miles - Smith Rock w/Nick - I was stoked to be able to run Smith Rock again, as I'd hiked it a couple of reunions ago when I didn't really run, and I'd dreamed about it since.  Got that wish!  My cousin Nick has quickly transformed into a badass runner, and his hilly home base in the mountains of North Carolina gives him the conditioning for these types of runs.  We left early and hit Smith Rock at around 7:30, and it was as dramatic as I'd remembered.  Sheer cliffs, pro rock climbers gathering their gear, and I was chilly and sweaty at the same time.  Nerves?  The descent to the river is fun, but steep and visually dramatic.  The run along the river to the Burma trail was mellow and gorgeous and also chilly, as the walls of the canyon block out the Sun, and we were lulled into a sense of relaxation until the abrupt first climb...

So the Burma trail climbs 3.2 miles at around 1089 feet.  It's a steady climb after the initial switchbacks, and you reach an incredible view:

Great place!

After that, we did a super fun descent on the backside of the rock to the river, where we ran smooth dirt trails along the river back to the car.  I love this place.  It's my favorite trail system now.

     #2 - 5 Miles - Solo Deschutes River run.  A bunch of the crew had already gone with the kids to the waterpark for the afternoon, and I wasn't down for that...so I decided to run to Benham Falls.  Easy trails, very warm day.  I cruised at a good pace and did 5 in 43 minutes.  Fast enough on trails for Paul Gray?  I hope so ;)

I could get used to this view...

Thursday - 0.  Family golf outing and lava cave exploring!

Descent into darkness...

Friday - 6 - Mt. Bachelor ascent w/Nick B. - My Grand Finale for the trip, I was worried I'd be solo until I asked Nick, and he committed without a second thought.  We left at 7, almost hit a deer on the 25-minute drive to the entrance, and parked.  I had panicked initially that my pullover, which I was counting on for the ascent, was in the wash.  I brought a cotton hoodie and was a bit concerned about the weather at the top.  Luckily, my cousin Evan had loaned me an awesome windbreaker the day before, and it was still in the backseat.  Saved my ass!

We set out onto the Mt. Bachelor trail, which zigzags through the forest at the base, above the treeline and up to the top via some very sketchy ridgeline switchbacks.  It took us 1:05 to get to the top, and after a 2600' climb to over 9000', the view was incredible:

Started from here...going up there!

Halfway up...

Snow and volcanic rock!

Almost there!

Howling wind, freezing my ass off, and looking way more burly than I felt, haha :)

(and getting in a plug for the RI6hr race!  You're welcome, Bob!  Ha!)

Worth the climb!

I love descents, so after we summitted I told Nick I was gonna give it a good effort to the bottom.  34 minutes later, I was there!  I can honestly say that I gave it a good effort on the steep, technical and somewhat dangerous trip down, and I'm really happy with my time.  Loved every minute of it!!!

My initial disappointment about missing the USATF Mountain Running championships was tempered by the fact that we ran part of the course.  Damn!  Must have been brutal!

Saturday - 0 - Travel back to the CT.  Great flights, and everything went right :)

Sunday - 2.3 - Muggy Lantern Hill run.  Just enough time to hit some hills, try my downhill segment (3:51, my second best time), and try for the Wintechog Hill climb segment (3:08, 12 seconds off...dammit!  It's within my grasp...and Mike B.!  Don't diss my 2.3 miles, I worked hard for them!!!)

In summary?  Best vacation ever.  I spent time with my family, hosted a 5k, had some great adventures on the trails, climbed a mountain and loved every minute of it.  It never rained, not once.  40-50 degrees in the morning, getting up to 80 in the afternoon with no humidity.  And...beer!  I'll close with the picture I took of part of the beer cooler at the small local supermarket.  They had beer pairing suggestions all over the store!  Produce, cheese, meat departments...this was Oregon after all, the IPA Mecca of the known universe...this was just a sampler:

Holy IPAs, Batman!!!  I'll be back!