Crazy climb to the start that was completely unexpected.
Took the trails a lot again. Somehow my perspective has changed. I used to refuse to take the trails, almost because it seemed I was expected to. Now, it's like... well, like I said, my perspective has changed. It seems one should do what's most efficient. Even with the new perspective, you can see in the
quickroute that I debated 7 a bit as a crossed the trail. Ultimately skipped the trail, but it really was safe to.
4 was the first control where walked right by the control, looking the other way. Then next time that happened was on 8. Wasted a lot more time at 8.
The way to 10 was amusing. Just as I was telling myself that it was ok to be moving at this pace, because one just can't move too fast through all this "stuff", I see Joe whiz by, as if he were running on a trail. Something told me to turn south at just the right time to find 10. So cool.
Got trapped in thorns on the way to 11 (not fun. I feared for my mountain hardware)
Overall, I felt that I took a lot fewer risks than I was used to doing in the past. It paid off in that I never got too far off track. I moved more slowly but probably finished just as quickly. And I feel like I'm learning something!
Two surprises at the finish. First was Charlie, all bloodied up at the first air station, but all smiles and jokes as usual. Then there was the awesome bear hug from JJ!