Last pic, from the Tanger Outlet Mall -- a wall full of Crocs!
The flowers were amazing! Daisies were everywhere. Foxglove, like the above pic, taller than me! Went to bed early that night, for the next morning was Run Like a Girl 10K!
After picking up my bib and goody bag, and taking it back to the car, I had time to go up on the bridge. Got some pics looking down at the pre-race stuff, plus some pics of the view to Mt. St. Helens.
This is an all-women race, sponsored by Montrail and Portland Running Company. Paula (from PRC) is a wonderful race director -- http://www.runwithpaula.com/ is her website. They had an early start for hikers, and for the main race, there were 11 waves of 100 women started every 90 seconds. Very organized! I was in wave 10, and when our wave got to the start, I got a picture with Paula.
And we're off! This was intended as a fun run, for I knew the first part of the trail (same as the first part of the 50K) and how long we went UP. It was beautiful out there, and with the trees, even though it was hot it was not unbearable for running. I was glad I carried my own water, though, for it was a long way between water stations! :) The trail went up for about 3 miles, then down another trail to join a fire road, then along a short street section to pick up the next trailhead, then UP to where we met the first trail, then a wonderful downhill cruise to the finish. Lots of fun!
Above is the best cheerleader out there! She was the volunteer at mile 5ish, at the top of the last steep hill to where we joined the trail to go back to the finish. She did a super job of calling us up the hill - I bet she had no voice by the end of the morning! 
Reg and I drove up to Beacon Rock State Park, to climb Hamilton Mountain. We've climbed Beacon Rock many times, but this was our first time up past the waterfalls to Hamilton Mountain.
It's basically uphill to the top! 4 miles up, and the wildflowers were amazing. It was super muggy when we were out of the wind, and it never really rained, just heavy mist that felt good with the humidity. Here are some pics:
Here's the first view of Hamilton Mountain, the higher peak in the photo:
Some more flowers, on the way to Hardy Falls:
Hardy Falls have a viewing platform -- it is so green there! And there's a breeze coming that feels great after getting up to the falls. And more flowers and views to see!
Now the uphill really starts -- amazing views, even with all the clouds. And more wildflowers!
This was our lunch view!
The tiger lilies were amazing at the top! And all along the trail. Starting down, we took the north trail. Lots of wet brush at first (it was misting again, but too warm for ponchos or jackets) then the mist raised, and the trail opened up to the saddle area. If it had been clear, we'd have had more mountain views -- so definitely another trip up the mountain is in store!
Going on down, we did a little bit of fire/equestrian road before getting back on single trail. This direction was more shaded (though it was never really sunny that day), and not as steep. It was definitely easier going down this north side than the way we went up!
It felt so good to stand in that waterfall spray! A good day for hiking!
