Yes, those are giant patches of snow you see. There was more snow hanging around that's not visible in this photo - much more than I've ever seen this late in the year.
Yesterday was windy and chilly. At my location the runners/walkers were battling a fierce headwind I estimate to be about 25 mph. You can see the wind making parkas flap in a video I shot showing the majestic view I had looking to the north northeast. Note the lack of guardrails!
I captured another video of George Etzweiler, who at age 99, was trying once again to make it to the top. Sadly he didn't make it this year due to a sprained ankle and feeling a bit under the weather. CLICK or TAP HERE
to read a story I wrote about George and his granddaughter from four years ago.
But let's get to the Pop Tarts.
Late in the event two woman approached me and told me about another woman who was having difficulty below me. She was sitting down about 150 feet away from me. I was about to walk to her, but she got up and started plodding towards me.
"How are you feeling?" I asked once she made it to my truck.
"I'm beat. I don't think I can make it." She replied with tears welling up in her eyes.
"What's your name?"
"Christy"
"Christy, do you think your blood sugar is low? Are you allowed to eat anything with sugar in it?"
"Oh, I'm SO HUNGRY! I would appreciate anything you might have."
I then said, "I've brought along some Pop Tarts for you to have and I want you to realize that after you eat these, it's ALL MENTAL. You've come over six miles and have just one more to go. I KNOW you can do it and your husband and daughter are going to be so proud of you."
The tears dried up as she munched on the snack. I stuffed another one in her parka pocket to get her through the last part of the race.
I always come to the race with Pop Tarts for this reason.
Are they the healthiest food? HECK NO. Do they give the runners/walkers a much needed nutritional and MENTAL boost to finish?
You bet they do. Yes, I know there's better stuff in squeeze packets for the runners, but I don't stock those. Pop Tarts are easier to get at the grocery.
I know Christy finished the race because we have to radio in all those that do drop out. Her bib number was never transmitted on the radio. Congratulations Christy!
Wireless Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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