Big Bend Ultra 25K

Big Bend Ultra 25

Big Bend National Park, TX

January 20, 2013

The standard picture as we enter a National Park:

Flashback: Kellisa first visited Big Bend National Park in April 2009:

We enjoyed a little sight seeing when we first arrived in the park:

We had to pick up our race packets the night before, so we decided to camp:

We arrived at our site late and it was cold, so we just slept in the back of the giant SUV:

We were visiting Big Bend National Park because we were entered in the Big Bend Ultra 25K. For those that don't know, 25K equals 15.5343 miles. However, this trail was just a little longer and came in at 15.8 miles. It may not sound like a big deal, but I want credit for every step I pushed Kellisa over the rough terrain. Below is a map of the course which followed 4X4 trails in the backcountry:

354 feet of elevation gain isn't mountain climbing, but imagine pushing 100+ pounds up a rocky trail the height of a 35 story building:

Kellisa enjoying the shuttle to the starting line:

Starting line (34F):

I decided to view the 25K as a journey and not a race. I knew we'd make the course cut-off time, so I decided to take our time enjoying the magnificent scenery and to capture as many pictures as possible to remember our amazing trip. 

Kellisa had a seizure in the first 15 minutes of the race, just after my first picture on the course. I asked Kellisa if she was OK to continue and she signed "YES". Always the trooper! I tend to trust Kellisa in these matters and she would save her next seizure until we completed the course.

The finish line (it was now 76F) is the little white spot just to the left of the top of the road. Even though it looks like we were close, it was still almost 2 agonizing miles away. I did not take finish line pictures because there was a course photographer. I will add those pictures as soon as I receive them.

Results:

 106  269          Kain Kellisa   F       Open   05:30:43

107 268  Kain Christopher M   Masters  05:30:43

** we did not finish last **

After the finish line, in the shade of a tent, Kellisa is receiving fluids like everyone else:

Kellisa enjoying the long 4X4 road back to where we had the SUV parked. Right after this picture, Kellisa had her second seizure of the day:

This is what we looked like at the airport for a very short weekend trip:

I would like to thank Lisa for supporting this trip as only a great mother and wife could. Egypt, for understanding as she stayed home this time. A promise to take Egypt to someplace with snow made it a little easier for her. I'd also like to thank Courtney and everyone at Friends of Big Bend National Park for going out of their way to accommodate our trip. Arlene for changing our registration at the last minute. Paul Baltutis (Race Director) for a flawless event and allowing us to complete the race in a way that only we can. We really appreciate the chance! Everyone at Big Bend National Park. A special thank you to Whole Earth Provision Co. for sponsoring our entry. 

Trip stats:

Miles driven: 547 (doesn't count the van shuttles)

Mikes hiked: 15.8

Flights: 5 (Jax-Houston-Midland/ Midland-Dallas-Birmingham-Jax)
Air miles flown: 2,522

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

December 2012

The Research Reserve's 73,000+ acres are within a half hour of our house. We visit the preserve at least once a year as part of the park borders the Atlantic Ocean and is the sight of our yearly Christmas pictures. The upland portion of the park contains many miles of trails. On this beautiful December afternoon (59F and mostly sunny), we would pushike approximately 6.5 miles.

We were pushiking a long loop trail and shortly after the picture below, we passed two men on the trail coming from the other direction. They stopped to warn us that the trail in front of us was impassable and they strongly recommended we turn around. They explained that the trail was flooded and that they had to detour through dense forest to get past the wet areas. I thanked them for the information and we all went on our way. 

I never thought about turning around. Not because we were already 5 miles into our loop hike or the possibility that the men were trying to lure us deeper into the forest for unknown reasons. I pushed ahead because I was hoping to cap the hike off with a little sludge. I was just hoping I would be able to push Kellisa through while keeping her dry and not dropping the camera or Ipod in the water.

The men were correct, the trail was flooded:

The dense foliage would make pushing Kellisa around the obstacle impossible:

Kellisa was giggling the entire way:

The Freedom Push Chair handled the challenge and we didn't even have our "off-road" modified tires:

One pair of boots stayed dry:

Francis and Mary Usina Bridge

Francis and Mary Usina Bridge

St. Johns County, FL

December 2012

The last thing we need is another list, but since this is the first large bridge I've pushed Kellisa across...it's not really a list...yet! Truth be told, I've had the idea of walking across bridges for a few years and today while driving across the Usina bridge, I noticed a safe pedestrian lane and had to pull over.

65 feet above the Tolomato River:

Safety first- the Freedom Push Chair is tethered to my wrist:

Totals: 1.6 miles round trip

BRIDGES

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