Updated: I didn't realize how lucky I was to have been able to run out and take these pictures one last time, just a few weeks before most of this rock collapsed, killing a hiker and injuring another. I added a few pictures at the end of the post showing the progression of the fissure and the after picture.
I can't say enough about how lucky we are to live in this gorgeous place in the world. As many of you know I grew up in the Seattle area -- another amazing place, but with slightly less consistent sun sightings.
Arch Rock is one of my favorite runs. It's about an 8 or 9 mile out-and-back route that starts at the parking lot of Bear Valley National Park near Olema. After a mostly gentle uphill trek along a fire trail to a meadow (with bathrooms!), the trail turns into a single track of pure bliss with rolling hills, a creek, redwoods, and ferns. The landscape abruptly changes to wind-mangled Coast Live Oaks and sandier footing. And then, you see THIS:
I can't say enough about how lucky we are to live in this gorgeous place in the world. As many of you know I grew up in the Seattle area -- another amazing place, but with slightly less consistent sun sightings.
Arch Rock is one of my favorite runs. It's about an 8 or 9 mile out-and-back route that starts at the parking lot of Bear Valley National Park near Olema. After a mostly gentle uphill trek along a fire trail to a meadow (with bathrooms!), the trail turns into a single track of pure bliss with rolling hills, a creek, redwoods, and ferns. The landscape abruptly changes to wind-mangled Coast Live Oaks and sandier footing. And then, you see THIS:
That's my friend Kim running ahead so you can see the true scope of the size and beauty of this "rock."
Some views from the top:
Some views from the top:
And Kim doing a bit of stretching/yoga/praying to the running gods before we head back.
Updated pictures: In this picture you can see where a huge fissure has started. Apparently, the park had caution signs all over the trail.
After the collapse on March 22, 2015. It's hard to get the full impact from this angle, but there is no longer access to the end of the rock. :(
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