The hills of Devil's Lake - Day 14

My run with Jason began today at Parfley's Glen. I first met up with support crew Tom Bunk at the Glen and within about 15 minutes Jason arrived from the East on Cr-DL. After a quick calorie chug from a can of Ensure supplied by Tom, Jason topped off his water bottles and we headed North West into the Devils Lake area.

As you can see by the elevation profile (which starts at Parfrey's Glen), there was a bit of climbing in Jason’s final 15 miles today. I was amazed at Jason's stamina and determination as he navigated through the bluffs of Devil's Lake. Good thing someone knew where they were going.


Actual elevation profile from Matt's GPS

The first 2 mile ascent wasn’t too bad, but around mile 7.5 and mile 11 (on the elevation profile ), you can see the near vertical ascent up the West and East bluffs.

After descending from the West bluff, we were at lake level and so were hoards of mayflies. There were 1000’s upon 1000’s of mayflies all over the ground. As we ran by, they’d take to the air and pelt us. It was like Alfred Hitchcock’s “THE BIRDS,” except the birds were much smaller. It was a relief to leave them behind and pull them out of our eyes.

After a liquid top off at the South Parking lot of Devels Lake, we began the ascent of the East bluff and as you can see on the elevation profile (~mile 11), it was steep. This literally was back to back stone steps the entire 500 feet up. Neither of us got a chance to move our feet horizontally until we got to the top. Even after all these 50 mile days, it was difficult for me to keep up with Jason.

Now a bit about the support crew (Tom). We were ready to make our final descent at about mile 12.5 (on the elevation profile) when from behind us, Tom Bunk appeared with replenishing Goo and to top off the water levels. Amazing! Tom had parked at the end of our route and ran the supplies back. We all ran in together to the end.

However, Tom and I stopped at the cars while Jason continued another 200 feet to make it to the exit of the parking lot and run across the road and back. Why? Because he’s planning on starting from the other side of the road tomorrow. He’s literally running every inch without a gap. Kudos’ Jason and to you too Tom! You’re both amazing and it was an honor to come along for a few inches of this amazing feet (pun intended).

Tom and Jason are staying in Baraboo Friday night and will start from the intersection of Cty DL and 113 Saturday morning.

Jason also called in an update to Tom Held earier today. You can visit Tom's Blogand listen to the Audio update.