~4.6 mi @ ~23 min/mi

"Big Pine or Old Nasty? I know which trail YOU want to take!" says Kanga, who can read Pollyanna's mind after 15+ years and thousands of trail miles together. Fog hangs low as the rising sun glints blindingly off Lake Bernard Frank. A manic fitness group, bedecked with weight vests, gathers on the picnic grounds. Trails teem with dog-walkers and bird-watchers. By sound Kanga identifies a pair of red-shouldered hawks.

"You CANNOT do the 'Wet Crossing' today!" A voice of reason wins the debate over whether to take a short-cut, despite roadside barriers that are male-challenging to clamber over. Trail talk is wide-ranging and therapeutic. Pollyanna "runs" almost two dozen baby-steps, a new comeback record.

(trackfile) - ^z - 2020-09-17