Kennesaw Mountain

I spent Saturday afternoon on the trails of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.  A trail system I had only visited once previously while breaking in a new pair of shoes (Minimus MT20) on an overly ambitious 16 mile outing.  This time I had a well worn pair of shoes (MT 110) and plenty of water.  

The trail toward Kolb's Farm began for me riddled with shiny roots and polished rocks.  As I progressed though I turned my attention to the healthy green foliage; a celebration of spring surrounding me.  The trail continued to provide beauty even with the occasional road crossing and sub-division.  The amount of horse manure was also a turn off.  

A snapshot of Spring 

Most of the run ~16 mile went very well.  I had two water bottles which I deemed necessary after discovering there were very few chances to refill along the trail previously.  Also  my two boxes of raisins did a terrific job of keeping me energized.  However an ill fated stream crossing ruined it all.  The crossing resulted in a tweaked left knee and a left shoe full of sand.  Suffice to say I probably could have summited  quicker if I had simply cut my left leg off.  I thoughtfully decided against this option and proceeded to hike most of the way to the summit only running when  my knee and the sandpaper in my shoe allowed it.

The view from the top with Atlanta in the distance

I did successfully get to the top fueled mainly by my hankering for a Willy's burrito, the crown jewel of Atlanta's diverse west coast style burrito restaurants.

This was at the end of the run on the popular trail up and down the mountain.  I originally  thought the third line read  "No Short Shorts".  I obeyed the first part, continuing my fast hiking on the trail but defiantly wearing my short shorts.

To conclude here is the Infamous Stringdusters doing a fantastic bluegrass cover of a 80's hit, something I never thought I'd say. Enjoy!