Bear Lake Monster Run Two

On Friday night we went over to Bear Lake to help Jared with his second edition of the Bear Lake Monster Run.  We were to assist him in early packet pick-up at Cafe Sabor for the races he was sponsoring the next morning..  All went well for a while, but then it got rather windy and started to rain a bit so we closed up shop for the evening with the intent of finishing our job just before the race on Saturday.  We stayed the night with Reed and Lorraine in their beautiful home high on the hill at Bear Lake West overlooking the lake.  It was a full moon night (in fact a Blue Moon) and though there we still some clouds, the moon reflecting on the lake through the light and scattered clouds was a beautiful sight to behold.  They are treated to similar displays almost every night.  Lucky them. 

The next morning when we woke up it was raining.  I looked out toward the lake and it couldn't even be seen for the clouds.  At first my heart sank as we thought about the run that had been scheduled for the day and all the work that Jared had put into it.  We readied ourselves to go and do what we could.  Before we left we had a prayer that things would turn out for the best.  We've learned to trust in the Lord and his wisdom regardless of what might come.  By the time we got down to Harbor Village where the race was to begin the clouds seemed to be getting a little lighter and the rain was diminishing somewhat.  By the time the check-ins and packet pick-ups were complete it appeared that the sun would soon be breaking through.  Stephen and I went to the second aid station to do what was needed there.  By that time the sun was starting to shine,  the temperature was climbing and a light breeze stirred the air.  Before long the first runner appeared.  He was followed by the many others who had registered for the race.  The rain had settled the dust on the trails, but not much more.  The temperature was just about seventy degrees for most of the race.  That is almost ideal.  The clouds left in the sky just added to the beauty of the setting in the hills above Garden City.  The autumn leaves were just beginning to turn, which added to the scene through which the runners would pass.  There were three different divisions, a 5k, a 10k and a half marathon, something for everybody.  The half marathon course had an elevation gain of about 1100 feet so it was exerting.  All of the runners were thrilled by the change in the weather, thankful for the cool day after such a long hot summer, and impressed by the beauty that surrounded them.  It was fun to see them enjoying some good physical exercise in the great outdoors.  I was glad to be able to help out and to spend some time with Jared and Stephen.  Iris, Kinsey, Mason, Halle, and Candice also contributed to the success of the races along with others.  I think Jared was happy to have family support in his endeavor.

Below are a few pictures of this event.

Bear Lake shortly before the races began,  The sun is starting to break through after early morning showers.

The wild turkeys had to share the road with some human ones for a while during the race.

This is just a typical scene of the runners coming and going from our aid station.

Stephen with some of the runners pausing for a moment at aid station two.

Grandma Iris and Kinsey, our USU freshman Aggie.  It's hard to believe she has grown up so fast.  We got to bring her home after the races.  She is awesome and we love her very much.  She will go far in life and we are very proud of her and all she does.  It is hard to believe she is already  a college student.