This weekend 10 runners scoped out the opening desert stretch of the Lost Boys 50 course. Cold rain was predicted for much of the nation including for most of San Diego county. At closer look the Anza-Borrego desert would possibly be the only rain-free spot around. Most of us carpooled from the trail-head along Highway S-2 over to Pinyon Wash, while three runners started directly there at Pinyon Wash.

As we set out the desert sky was “partly cloudy” with occasional piercings of direct sunshine. We could however always see the dark rainclouds that remained active in the mountains to the west. We were favored with a rainbow for much of the first stretch.

Mary Lou and Alisa as we head up Pinyon Wash. Rainbow!

We enjoyed “partly cloudy” skies while most of the nation saw cold rain that day.

You know you are going the correct way in the first 10 miles of the Lost boys 50 course if you are trending uphill! The climbing is sometimes subtle and other times it is very direct. Thank you to Larry for partially marking the open desert stretch for this run!

Tracy D. and Chris Sigel, set out a few minutes before the main group and successfully navigated the first 15 miles using the written turn-by-turn directions found on the website. They said the directions were awesome and extremely helpful! They then retraced their steps back to Pinyon wash covering about 30 that day. We also saw JC out there scoping out the course.

The rest of our group lead the way and also successfully navigated the trickiest sections of the course based on their previous study and the verbal instructions Brian gave before we started.

Nice day for a run!

Brian G., Matt B., Cory S., Alisa F., Jason A., Steve F., Mary Lou L. at the fence crossing of the Lost Boys 50 course.

Near the fence, group shot!

After we exited the open desert floor we entered the canyon to the right with a wash and those dry waterfalls.

The wash that runs on the floor of the canyon has unique scenery and the fun dry waterfalls. Look close for the runner in the shadow on the right.

Shortly after exiting this canyon/wash the course pops up onto the dirt road and quickly comes upon a popular 4-wheel drive spot known as “Pinyon Mountain Drop-Off.” That day we were favored with a small show and we watched a couple trucks “drop-off.”

We had a few minutes of cold rain as we approached the top of our climb. After 10 miles and a few hours of climbing we eventually crested at Pinyon Mountain Divide and started the descent. Larry met us at the aid station spot at Pinyon Pountain.

And we all enjoyed 6-layer dip, chips, cookies, and soda at the end! I’m still looking for the 7th layer (let me know if you find it…).

See you on the trails.

A Few Lost Boys, who knew exactly where they were…