In spite of the giant Coors plant in the valley, the North Table Loop is a great trail.
For the second time in as many runs on this mountain, I've almost stepped on a rattlesnake. This one curled up and rattled after I ran by it along the trail. Crap. It's been hot lately, and they happen to want to cool off at the same time as I do. Thankfully, their first reaction is a threat display, rather than a bite.
A headlamp was advisable after that encounter, to make sure I didn't step on anything fangy. This spot is also near where I saw a band of coyotes circling and gnawing on a screaming deer at dusk. Which is why I carry the pepper spray (usually stowed away in the pack, unless it's a remote area).
Speaking of which, I get a few comments about that when I run in the mountains, like "Are there bears here?" (seriously? this is Colorado. WTF). Hey, if you want to go solo in the middle of nowhere or in the dark with no defenses whatsoever, it's your life. But I've seen bears, lion, coyotes hunting deer, and animal bones, so I get the hint. And that's just on the Front Range right next to town. Even if you're not from around here, are you telling me you never read/watched any of the following?
- Discovery Channel
- National Geographic
- Nature on PBS
- Books about Colorado
- Books about the mountains
- Books about the forest
- Books about animals
- Books about animals in the forest
- Yogi Bear
- Davy Crockett
- Lone Ranger
- Cowboy movies
Because we know each and every one of these is a valid source of zoological information.
Distance was 8.11 miles, time 1:41 (moving 1:29), elevation gain/loss 1,046 feet, avg. pace 12:34 (moving 11:01), and best pace 7:13.
