Cotter - Run No 148

Today:
Distance: 30.55 km
Time: 3 hrs 4 mins 39 secs
Rate: 6' 02" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 720 metres
Weather: sunny, temp range 10-17 degrees, humidity 75% down to 55%, wind calm
Week: 55.5 km, Nov: 125.9 km, Year: 3917.55 km

Brilliant morning at the Cotter, almost perfect conditions with company conducive to good running. Surprise at the start when Martin Fryer also arrived to join us. Always good to have him around as you get the updates on what is happening. And there is plenty on the go. Some good advice as usual on how to achieve the next goal.
We did the 18 mile course plus Mt McDonald in reverse as we were unsure about the water level in Vanities Crossing. If that was too high, we could at least turn back and implement plan B.
It was high, well over normal level and similar to that in the photos that have been circulated. Nice temperature, cool but not cold, we waded through leaving shoes on, a good decision as there were a few more crossings to get wet feet.
Martin turned off to do the 21 mile in reverse and we had to power on to keep him behind us, basically we ran scared of getting caught even with a 3.5 km advantage.
Water over the tracks at Padovans, very unusual, but nice. We were having a short break at the top of Jelly legs when Martin came in to sight, so off we went.
He continued on to do Wimps way as we then did Jelly legs and then climbed Mt McDonald gaining great views of the new dam construction work. A fast finish down the road as a group of cyclists were climbing up. Martin had just left, leaving a message with the road gang.
Probably one of the better days at the Cotter in many a year, perfect conditions, finished off with 10 minutes in the fast flowing water from the over flow of the Cotter dam.
Next week we will make a one off trip to the War Memorial for a Bush Capital course run, then back to the Cotter in 2 weeks, hoping for repeat conditions. Thanks to the 3 M's for their company.