Haunted Halloween Hundred or H3

Driving to Oroville

We drove to Oroville, Wa thru a blizzard, creating a winter wonderland that made it seem like we were going to Grandma’s house for Christmas.  Kathy and Ras greeted us on the steps and welcomed us to a beautiful, cozy lodge and a fabulous pot of chili, cookies and pumpkin bread.  Wow what a way to start….



Preparing for the run….

Jen sewing a hole in her black tights with brown thread ☺

Ras & Van packing drop bags

After a great night of sleep, snow covered trails beckoned us to massage them with our feet.  The words most often heard the first 20 miles: wow, epic, beautiful, cool, fun…… 

Start line photo, we had no idea about the next 32 hours

The trails are beautiful, lots of larch, pine, sagebrush and microenvironments abound.  I was amazed with the diversity of the Okanogans, the only regret was the fog which blocked many of the views of the valley and mountains surrounding us.  Ras provided history and pointed out many interests along the way. 

Ras, Van and Jen close to the end of snowline

We saw some of the biggest bear prints I have ever seen, much larger than the black bear prints I’m accustomed to.  Wildlife abounded with Snow-shoe hares, cotton tails, deer, elk, Lynx, bears, voles and mountain lion prints everywhere, it was epic. 

Van after the bear got the best of her.  Notice the size of the bear prints compared to her head.

As we ran down into the valley and out of the snowline, there was a beautiful view of the valley, hills and snaking Okanogan River; the fog lifted and there was a little rain.

Kathy had made 3 soups to choose from as well as coffee, snacks and of course Halloween candy. 

Kathy serving up hot soup

Allen joined us for the next 20 miles and we headed back over the mountain to the lodge, to complete our first 40-mile loop.  As we crested the mountain Tonya came running over the top with a huge smile on her face.  She had started her loop after we did and was having a wonderful solo adventure.   We trekked back thru the snow 15 miles to a self-supported aid station to replenish our supplies.  A short 5 miles and we were at the warm lodge to put on dry shoes and place our wet ones by the fire to dry for the next loop. 


Van, Jen and I all headed back out into the snow for our next loop after filling our tummies with warm food and drinks.  This time it was snowing hard and our tracks were already covered, after only 20-30 minutes in the lodge.  Ras had shown us options for forest service roads that parallel the trails in areas that we used, due to the depth of the snow, lack of tracks and nightfall.  This is where you put on the big girl panties and get it done, three tough chicks out on the trail getting it done.  Speaking of tough chicks, we were keeping an eye out for Tonya as she would be near completing her journey but missed her when we were on a road section.   It was never really cold unless we stopped or the pace was too slow to keep our feet warm, it just motivates you to run faster.  Admittedly, the section between the 5-mile aid and the valley aid station seemed long.  As we crested the hill and started down some awesome single track we could hear a cowbell breaking the silence of the night. 

Beautiful single-track trails

Four wonderful people greeted us with smiles, warm soups, coffee and snacks.  This is where Jen completed her 100k.  Quite an accomplishment, she had signed up for the 40 and in the tough conditions she went an extra 24 miles.  She is one tough lady, love me some Jen for keeping us company. 

Angel and Tim Mathis drove over from Seattle planning to start their run the next morning at 5 AM.  Being the ultra studs they are, they smiled and said, “we’re going to run back over with Deby and Van.”  Very welcoming words, the company was great! Having two fresh, positive people to help get us back over the mountain during the toughest part of a 100 (dawn) was tantamount to our success.  They shared great conversations, took photos, enjoyed the sunrise, trudged thru the snow and splashed thru the slush with us on our journey.

Angel, Van and I “charging” up a hill ☺

There were definitely some rough patches during the night when my mental strength was tested and my mind, body and eyes began to get tired of the snow.  It’s probably good it was snowy or I may have taken a nap on the side of the trail.  When the sun came up, the fog was gone and we were treated to some great views.

Beautiful trails at sunrise.  It is evident why the Middle of Nowhere Runners love these trails.

We heard some dogs barking up in front of us and hoped they were on leash and not chasing Tim and Angel.  The dogs actually escorted them back to the cabin and then returned to the forest.  Van and I were very happy to see the warm lodge.  I took off my wet shoes, applied bio-freeze to my swollen ankles and laid down on the couch with a blanket, put my feet up and rested for about 20 minutes.  Many of the runners were getting ready to head back to the West side of the mountains so we took some photos and shared hugs. 

Finishers of H3 2012 Ras, Kathy, Deby, Allen, Toya, Angel, Tim, Jennifer and Van, Shona taking the photo.

Kathy and Shona said they were waiting to join us for part of our out and back.  Words that brought great joy, two fun ladies that run these trails all the time wanted to join us as we slogged thru our last 15 miles.  We donned our sunglasses and headed out to complete the journey; positive conversation, smiles and the sun made the trail glisten.   The sun was melting the snow and the trails were getting slushy and slick, we used our poles carefully.  I heard some breathing behind me; I was pulling up the rear, so I glanced uneasily behind me.  It was the same blonde labs that had escorted Angel and Tim.  They joined us and remained with us until about .5 miles from the end of our run where a rabbit got their attention and looked like more fun.  Kathy and Shona had to drive our self supported AS back home so they left us with smiles, hugs and under 9 miles to go.

The lodge was a most beautiful site as we crested the last hill, hooping and hollering as Kathy and Ras greeting us on the step.  Wow, mission accomplished.  Van and I basked in the glory of course record, masters, women’s and overall winner H3 2012.  As if all that wasn’t enough, Kathy cooked us some wonderful spaghetti, made sure we were comfortably tucked into bed and then probably collapsed from exhaustion. 

The next morning as we headed out, Ras made an awesome mocha for me.  It was the best I’ve ever had, and will visit them to get one that good again, hopefully next year for the 2nd annual H3.