With the many miles of trails around Bob and Larina’s house, on those days that I didn’t feel like venturing out in the car, I was able to hike/trail run several loops right out their front door – Osprey, Talbot, Rainier and Timberton Loops provided 5 – 6 miles of enjoyable, heavily forested terrain.

Venturing further from their house, I headed to the town of Quilcene and hit the Mount Walker trail for a repeat of a hike I did last fall. The hike is a 2,000 ft climb over two miles to the top, averaging close to 20% grade. With a 33 lbs of water and weights loaded in my pack, off I went. A bit of drizzle and rain at the top and no view so turned around and stopped at the local coffee shop to warm up. Tons of Costal Rhododendrons in bloom made the otherwise grey day pop with color.