The trails weren't as muddy as I thought they'd be, which is a good thing. Bugs were also non-existent. Ran my usual route up to the lake where I stopped to enjoy the views for several minutes. The fallen tree over the water I normally walk out on was wet and slippery, so I didn't chance it. Still was able to spot a green frog and an unidentified hawk of some kind flying over the water way on the other side of the lake.
I ran up the ridge and back down, and on the way back, decided to take an extended route that goes through a bog and past a pond I sometimes fish at. At the edge of the bog, I spooked two deer (both does). Through the brush, I could see they were frozen, waiting for my next move. My attempts at a bleat call yielded nothing, and I moved on and so did they. A few feet later I had a clear view across the bog, and I watched them quickly bound away through the swamp, taking giant leaps over the vegetation.
I reached the fishing pond, and noted the den I had seen a beaver building earlier this summer looked abandoned. I stopped to see if I could see any signs of him, but no such luck. It's a big pond though, perhaps he went else where.
From the pond, it was just about a third of a mile back to my house. Finished the run feeling strong. Very good run overall. Felt effortless and pace was quick for these trails.
Ran 8.0 miles @ 8:26/mile pace.
AHR/MHR - 146/162
Trails, fire roads.
Very hilly.
60 degrees, overcast, damp.
