Enthused by that first trail run, I planned my next attack.  Now living in Utah, I get July 24th off – Pioneer Day.  I convinced a coworker to join me and we made an attack of Baer Canyon.  Unbeknownst to me, this is a notoriously steep and difficult trail.  They hold a killer race there every year called the Bair Gutsman.  Indeed, it was a steep hike.  Over 4,000 ft. in elevation over a 5 mile climb.  The last face you climb to come out on the Great Western Trail / Francis Peak Road was rough.  Fellow hikers told me that it is called “Death Row.”  By that point I was exhausted and took it slow.  At the top I encountered ANOTHER rattlesnake – 2 for 2 – and snapped a few pictures looking down into Morgan County on the backside.  The trip down was almost worst – tough on the legs and knees.  It was great and felt great to do.  Unfortunately, my out-of-shape body wasn’t prepared.  I honestly struggled walking up and down my stairs for a good week after.  Ouch.

Still Climbing.  Will we ever get to those towers?!

After the Scare with Dehydration on Flag Rock, I picked up a Nathan HPL 020 Hydration Vest.  LOVED IT.  It holds 2 liters of water, doesn’t bounce around at all and has room for snacks.

Panorama looking East into Morgan County from the top.  See the Francis Peak FAA towers on the right (south).

Looking West Down Baer Canyon Towards Fruit Heights, Kaysville, and Farmington

My Kids were Very Concerned about my bloodied knee.  After descending the “death row” steep trail you hit a short section of flat trail that traverses north across a creek bed.  It felt so good to stretch my legs out in a full stride that I just took off….and tripped and did a full superman into the dirt.  Ouch.