This run wasn’t initially my idea, but at some point, I invited myself along.    In fact, when we first started discussing it, I couldn’t imagine being able to run 14  miles in the mountains.  But after a few years of steady running, I can now go out for a 14 mile run in the mountains anytime and actually enjoy myself.  Isn’t that really the goal anyway?  To be fit enough to do this kind of fun stuff with your friends!

According to Margaret Fuller’s guide book,  Trails Of Eastern Idaho  it would be a 16 mile run into Challis Creek Lakes.  We opted to drive a bit further up the road, making it 12 miles instead.  Even though it was mid-August, the temperature felt more like October.   The Jeep trail we ran to the lake was rocky and fairly steep at times, so we did a fair amount of hiking as well as running.  At one point I noticed how dark it had gotten, then it was hailing and  snowing on us.  Not the pretty, dry little snowflakes, but the soak-you-to-the-bone wet, stick-to-everything kind of snow.  After a quick stop to put on our rain gear we continued, a little slower this time since the rocks were slippery now.

After 5 miles and a climb of almost 2.000 feet, we topped the ridge in a blizzard and there it was – Challis Creek Lake.  Well, it was the first of 3 lakes.   We snapped a few pictures, gathered everyone together and set off to find the next 2 lakes.

That’s when the thunder began.  It was eerie being up there next to the lakes…snow, dark skies and thunder.  We made our way around to lake #2.  Smaller than the first, but absolutely beautiful as well.  There was a mist coming up off the lake that made it look surreal.  “Let’s get going girls” someone yells as it starts to snow even harder.  More thunder, then lightning.  This was a first for me…..snow and lightning, and I can admit it now, I was starting to feel  a bit nervous for our safety.  Prompted by a loud clap of thunder, followed by too-close lightning, we unanimously decided to forget the 3rd lake and run for our lives.  There seem to be certain moments in our lives that stick with us forever.  I knew then this would be one of those moments if we lived through it.  We ran along the shoreline of the lakes.  The wind was blowing so hard we could hardly breathe and the snow hurt our bare calves as it pelted us…..more lightning, more thunder, and it was still way too close.  It seemed to take forever to get around those lakes and off that ridge.

I felt much safer once we were back in the trees on our way down the mountain.  We stopped a few times, but decided we’d better keep moving so we could warm up.  We were wet, cold and starting to feel a little tired from the constant downhill pounding.  Our footing was not great.  Mostly slippery rocks, goey mud good for sliding in, and lots of stream crossings.  At some point during our slippery descent we began laughing so hard we couldn’t run or hardly even stand up.  I don’t recall what it was we were laughing at, but it sure seemed funny at the time.  Perhaps we were a little delirious!  Another memory that will stick with me forever.

The truck was a welcome sight.  We piled in, striped off the wet top layer and cranked up the heater as we shivered and waited for the rest of our group to arrive.  They weren’t far behind us.  They were just as cold, wet and happy to reach the truck.  Even the dog was shivering as he was lovingly covered with a warm fleece jacket for the ride out.  On the ride down, we recalled all the fun and scarey moments, slips and falls, nausea, fleeing for our lives.  Soon enough we were all home.  After a good lunch and a much-appreciated warm shower I felt great.  What a fantastic adventure!  Good friends, great memories, amazingly beautiful country, a great workout, lots of laughter,  and a little bit of danger.  Wouldn’t trade it for anything!!

What’s your best adventure with friends this summer?