Long Run #8: Backroads, beaches

Claudia owns a stunning property on the Lower Cape that she rents out in the summer.  Occasionally she will invite me along on the Saturdays she cleans the house before turning it over to the next guest.

Last week came one such invitation. I told her I'd come help if she'd let me fit in my training run.  This concession was sacrifice for neither of us. Hence, the plan was agreed on, and we sped away from the sunset Friday night to dine with and bunk with some of her friends in Truro.  We would both rise early Saturday morning to attend to our labors.

(With the help of Claudia and our host, I mapped out this route.)

The backroads of the Cape Cod National Seashore on a September Saturday were all one might dream of. No traffic. No people, period ... only the occasional wild turkey. Serious rolling hills for maximum leg burn and challenge. Roads that end in beaches, like this one at the junction of North and South Pamet Roads:

Ballston Beach, 8:38 am

About mile 12, as I ran north on Castle Hill Road, the bells in town began ringing to commemorate the time of the 9/11 attacks ... which I appreciated, because the silent beauty of the morning had until then made me forget the day and the time.

I also appreciated, after nearly 14 miles of hill-running, stumbling upon Savory Pizza Grill and Sweet Escapes and their cranberry walnut muffins and scones.