Resting Pulse: Not Recorded
Weight: Not Recorded
Course: Map Vetting
Distance: 6 Miles (Approx.; See Below)
Time: N/A
Other Exercises: None
Weather: Mostly Sunny, mid-40s

Comments: Angie and I went out to St. Edwards State Park this morning to help Jake vet an orienteering course. I'm not the best map reader, so probably wasn't the best choice, but I did the best job that I could. Between hiking over hill and dale, stumbling through the underbrush, and trying to run when I could, I'm giving myself credit for six miles of running.

It turned out to be a good day for birding. I first saw a Bald Eagle while driving to the park. While I was vetting the course, I would spend many long moments concentrating on the map and standing very still. The little birds would forget I was there and start flitting through the bushes around me. I saw Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Black-capped Chickadees, Winter Wrens, a Spotted Towhee, and the ubiquitous Dark-eyed Junco. Later, I first heard, then saw, a Hairy Woodpecker. I didn't bring a camera, of course, which is why the little buggers where often less than three feet away.

When we got home, the power was out. Luckily, we didn't stick around long. We headed over to Angie's co-worker's house for a Christmas party. Not many people came to the party because there was a downed power line across the main road to the house. Angie and I came a back way and missed all the fuss. When we returned home, the power was back on.

I noticed one thing while negotiating intersections where the stoplights had gone out: Some people think no stoplight equals no stopping. It made for some interesting interactions.  ¶ 9:46 PM