Started Running - 6:49 a.m.
Steve Schuder and I started in the wilds along the Canadian border in far northern Minnesota. After the first very wet couple of miles, we went uphill for quite a bit to the highest point on the Superior Hiking Trail - a sign on a tree in the middle of the forest - very anti-climactic. With all of the stunning views and rock outcroppings on the SHT, you would think the highest point would be a little more exciting!
All along the way, we followed huge moose tracks on the trail and probably passed 40-50 large piles of moose droppings, along with several huge piles of bear crap. Unfortunately, we didn't see either creature along the trail.
After crossing Jackson Lake Road, we had some great running along a ridge with nice views over Lake Superior all the way to Isle Royale National Park. After coming down to cross the Arrowhead Trail, the next section of trail wasn't too exciting, as we just ran across a large expanse of lower lying forest lands. Coming into Magney State Park was nice as we dropped down along the Brule River and past the raging Devils Kettle.
The water was boiling and rolling as it dropped over falls and cascades on its way to Lake Superior.
All of the running in the first 40 miles was on very rough and rooty trails. I stumbled several times and took two hard falls. I would have to say, the early sections were more difficult than I had anticipated mostly because of the gnarly treadway.
After our crew stop in Magney State Park, Steve and I headed around and back down to the lake where I tweaked my achilles tendon. A slow 1.5 mile walk along the shores of Lake Superior (the only place where the SHT comes right down to the lake) on loose beach rocks and back up to the next crew point where I ended my run.
We had a great run, and our family had a nice weekend of camping, so in all we had a great time. For us all, we had much more fun than if I had continued running, so I consider my decision to stop running a very good one. In a few years when the entire SHT is complete, I may be back.
Andy Holak
Duluth, MN